Zebra returns with first new album in 23 years

Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame inductee Zebra is back with its first new album in 23 years.

The legendary rock band will release its fifth studio album, “Zebra V,” next month. It will be the hard rock/progressive rock group’s first full-length release since 2003 and second LP since 1986.

“We’ve been promising it for 20 years,” singer-guitarist Randy Jackson said of the new music in an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock.

“We’ve been touring for the last three years more than we have in decades and the shows have been going good,” added Jackson, of South Setauket. “It just showed us that we still have a lot of fans out there that want to come to the shows, which is pretty incredible at this point. I mean, it’s been [over] 50 years now.”

Jackson formed Zebra in 1975 with bassist Felix Hanemann, of Wantagh, and drummer Guy Gelso , of Louisiana, who still make up the band’s lineup. “Zebra V” features 11 new songs, including a studio version of longtime live favorite “Direction” and collaborations with Paul Stanley (KISS) on “Walk With You” and Skid Row ’s Dave “Snake” Sabo and Rachel Bolan on “I’ll Be There Beside You.”

The album also features production by Jack Douglas , who worked on Zebra’s 1983 debut and 1984’s “No Tellin’ Lies.”

“It was great working with Jack Douglas again after 40 years,” Jackson said in a statement. “‘Walk With You’ is a song I wrote years ago with Paul Stanley . Jack listened to the demo and loved the song. His magic brought the song to life and I’m really proud of the way it came out. I think Zebra fans are going to love it.”

“Zebra V,” currently available for preorder, will be out Nov. 13 on CD, limited-edition cassette, and all major streaming platforms. Two limited-edition vinyl versions, including a black-and-white zebra striped record and a 50th anniversary gold edition, will be available Dec. 4 .

Zebra is also touring in celebration of the new album, including concerts in New York , New Jersey , Texas , Florida and Louisiana . Fans can find tickets on Vivid Seats and StubHub .

“Our fans are loyal and they still love the music and I guess, that’s what it all comes down to, you know, is the music itself — and they’ve really supported us along the way,” Jackson told UCR. “I think this new album, they’re gonna really love it. We’ve been doing a lot of it and it’s been going over well.”