Why legendary Dayton funk band

Roger Troutman was shot multiple times by his older brother, Larry, behind their studio in west Dayton in 1999. That tragic murder-suicide could have been the sad final chapter for the band Zapp, but surviving brothers Lester and Terry “Zapp” Troutman refused to stop.

“After Roger and Larry died in 1999, from April 25 to New Year’s, I had a total of 10 bookings,” Lester Troutman said. “It was hard. It was rough. It was almost impossible to play but we’re brothers. We’re family, and blood is thicker than any and all of it, so you have to keep going.”

The funk group, which continues to tour steadily, presents a hometown show at Victoria Theatre in Dayton on Saturday, Oct.1.

Lester Troutman recently submitted to a brief Q&A.

“Don’t make me sweat, Don. Look, I was doing good but you’re making me as nervous Dayton funk group Zapp, (left to right) Thomas Troutman, G Anthony Arrington, performs at Victoria Theatre in Dayton o as a tick on a dog. (He laughs). But seriously, I don’t know who would’ve done it. I don’t know anybody else who could’ve done it. I guess God wanted it to happen because, trust me, I had no idea. I had no credentials or knowledge of what I’m doing. I never dreamt it would continue on for 17 years past my brother’s death but it’s still going on. There’s still a connection there and the fan base continues to grow.”

“We’re so excited. We haven’t played Dayton in a while so we’re looking forward to performing at Victoria Theatre. It has been a