Zal Cleminson (May 4, 1949)

Today marks the 77th birthday of Scottish guitarist Alistair Macdonald "Zal" Cleminson.

Name: Alistair Macdonald “Zal” Cleminson

Born: May 4, 1949

Instrument: Guitar

Known For: The Sensational Alex Harvey Band (SAHB), Nazareth, /sin’dogs/

The electrifying Scottish guitarist whose harlequin-painted face and explosive playing became one of the most distinctive images of 1970s theatrical rock.

THE STORY

Zal Cleminson is best known as the flamboyant lead guitarist of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band (1972–1978), where his striking white mime makeup, energetic stage presence, and powerful playing became a defining visual and sonic element of the group. He later joined Nazareth (1979–1982) and continued an eclectic career spanning rock, session work, and new projects into the 21st century.

FULL BIOGRAPHY

Born on May 4, 1949, in Glasgow, Scotland, Cleminson is a self-taught guitarist influenced by Wes Montgomery and Chuck Berry. He began his career in the mid-1960s with local band The Bo-Weavels before joining Glasgow prog-rockers Tear Gas. When Alex Harvey joined Tear Gas in 1972, the band evolved into The Sensational Alex Harvey Band (SAHB) — one of the most explosive and theatrical live acts of the 1970s.

With SAHB, Cleminson became famous for his mime-inspired white face paint and colourful stage costumes. The band released several acclaimed albums (Framed, Next, The Impossible Dream, Live) and scored UK hits including “Delilah”. Known for their wild energy and theatricality, SAHB toured extensively with acts like The Who, Slade, and Jethro Tull.

After SAHB disbanded in 1978, Cleminson briefly formed The Zal Band, then joined Nazareth, recording two albums with them (No Mean City and Malice in Wonderland). Throughout the 1980s he worked as a session guitarist, notably with Elkie Brooks, Midge Ure, and Bonnie Tyler.

In later years he played with various projects including The Party Boys, reformed versions of SAHB, Ze Suicide, Oskura, and /sin'dogs/ (which he co-founded in 2017). He also collaborated on the album Ellipsis with Orphans Of The Ash in 2022.

KEY FACTS

• Born: May 4, 1949, Glasgow, Scotland

• Instruments: Guitar (notably his self-built “Red Special”-style guitar in early years)

• Notable Bands: Tear Gas, Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Nazareth, /sin'dogs/

• Signature Look: Iconic white mime makeup during SAHB era

• Style: Energetic rock with progressive, blues, and theatrical elements

LEGACY Zal Cleminson remains one of the most visually and musically distinctive guitarists to emerge from the 1970s British rock scene. His work with SAHB continues to influence theatrical rock acts, and he is still cited by guitarists (including Guthrie Govan) as a major inspiration.

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