Spirit of '75 Brings 50 Years of Rock Legacy to Carteret

In 1975, rock music wasn’t just popular—it was a revolution. That year gave us Born to Run, Physical Graffiti, and A Night at the Opera, while debut albums from emerging bands quietly rewrote what live music could be.

Three of those bands—Zebra, Angel, and Starz—may not have had the mainstream chart domination of some peers, but they built a legacy that outlasted fads and fashion.

On June 27, 2025, they return to the spotlight for the Spirit of ’75 Tour, a one-night-only event at the Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, New Jersey.

More than a reunion, this show is a celebration of staying power—and of the fans who kept these bands alive through the decades.

What to Expect from the Spirit of ’75 Show

Zebra continues to tour with their original power trio. You’ll hear staples like “Tell Me What You Want,” the whimsical “Bears,” and the ethereal “Who's Behind the Door”—a song that helped their 1983 debut become the fastest-selling album in Atlantic Records history.

Angel brings the flash. Recently reissued by Deko Entertainment, their debut album is finding a new audience, and songs like “Feelin’ Right” and “The Tower” remain fan favorites.

Starz supplies the the down-and-dirty rock'n roll spirit. Expect go-for-the-throat renditions of “Detroit Girls,” “Cherry Baby,” and other cult classics from Violation and Coliseum Rock—albums produced by the legendary Jack Douglas.

Each band has its own flavor: Angel with theatrical glam, Zebra with tight musicianship and prog flourishes, and Starz with Jersey-tough swagger. Visuals will be part of the experience—from fog machines to spotlight solos and synchronized lighting.

As one fan put it on YouTube:

“Still tight. Still powerful. They don’t sound like a band from the ’70s. They sound like a band built to last.” — @classicrock72, commenting on Angel’s 2024 M3 Rock Fest set

A Look at the Spirit of ’75 Bands

Zebra originated in New Orleans but became a staple in the New York club circuit. Their signature blend of hard rock and progressive structure gave rise to their tracks. The band has teased a new album for 2025. Keep tabs on their plans at thedoor.com.

Angel was famously discovered by Gene Simmons and signed to Casablanca Records. With their white costumes and epic stage shows, they turned every concert into a rock fantasy.

Original members Punky Meadows and Frank DiMino continue to lead the band with the support of a tremendous supporting cast.

Starz never hit arena-headliner status, but they inspired those who did—Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, and Cinderella have all cited Starz as a key influence. Their discography at starzcentral.com still sounds relevant.

Admit it - great classic rock never goes out of style! More on this later!

Must-See Spirit of ’75 Moments for Fans

Zebra Debuting New Music

Fans are hoping Carteret will be the live debut of a new Zebra track—their first since Zebra IV in 2003. Rumor has it the sound will blend their signature acoustic-to-electric dynamics with modern production polish.

Punky Meadows Shredding Live

Punky Meadows remains one of the most expressive guitarists of the era. From the soaring melodies of “The Tower” to the razor edges of “On the Rocks,” his solos are events unto themselves.

Starz Closing Strong

Their anthem “Cherry Baby” and the relentless “Detroit Girls” usually close out their set—and for good reason. These are songs you shout along to, not just sing. They’re the final punch of adrenaline in a show full of them.

Angel’s Visual Spectacle

Expect fog, lights, and synchronized theatrics that transform the stage into a scene from a rock opera. DiMino’s vocals and Meadows’ guitar heroics are only half the story—the visuals are equally unforgettable.

Possible Superjam?

Fan chatter hints at a surprise encore featuring all three bands. Could we hear a group jam on a Zeppelin or KISS cover? If so, it could be the emotional peak of the night—one of those “I was there” moments fans talk about for years.

Spirit of ’75 Details

🗓️ Date: Friday, June 27, 2025

📍 Venue: Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center – Carteret, NJ

⏰ Time: 7:00 PM

🎟️ Tickets: carteretpac.com/events

This is billed as a one-night event, but forums suggest it may be a test balloon for more shows. With its proximity to the New York and New Jersey scenes that raised these bands, Carteret is the perfect place to start.

Tips for the Night

Parking: Arrive by 6:00 PM to grab a spot and check out the merch table. Parking is free but limited.

Food & Drink:

Pre-show eats? Check out the many restaurants near the venue.

What to Wear:

From vintage tour tees to glam vests, fans treat this like part costume party, part rock family reunion. Expect denim, leather, and a few full Angel-inspired costumes from the diehards.

Classic Rock Never Dies or Fades Away

What makes classic rock endure?

It’s more than nostalgia—it’s the power of authenticity. These are songs built on heart, soul, and the raw electricity of live performance.

Unlike heavily polished modern productions, classic rock was often recorded in live takes (sometimes one take with editing), capturing unfiltered moments of musical chemistry. That human element still resonates across generations.

There’s also a timelessness in the themes—freedom, rebellion, heartbreak, resilience.

Whether it’s the cry of a guitar solo or the punch of a perfectly timed snare hit or drum fill, classic rock speaks to life’s highs and lows in a way that transcends trends.

The music has muscle, but also melody; it’s both larger-than-life and deeply personal.

Classic rock’s resurgence on platforms like TikTok and YouTube proves its reach isn’t limited to those who lived through the ’70s and ’80s.

Gen Z is discovering the Zeppelin riffs, Queen harmonies, and Van Halen shredding that reshaped modern music.

Bands like Zebra, Angel, and Starz—who never chased the spotlight but helped build the stage—are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

It’s not about just reliving the past. It’s about connecting with a sound that still hits you in the gut and stays with you long after the final chord fades.

Spirit of ’75 Final Thoughts

The Spirit of ’75 Tour isn’t about looking back—it’s about plugging in, turning up, and showing that real rock still thrives.

Zebra, Angel, and Starz don’t just represent a time gone by a long time ago. They’ve carried it forward.

If you believe rock isn’t a trend—it’s a tradition—this night is for you.