The Zombies’ Final Hometown Performance Marked by Bittersweet Tributes

Colin Blunstone, the lead vocalist for The Zombies, expressed gratitude to his bandmate Rod Argent, stating, “for giving me a career in music,” as the group performed its concluding show in its native city. Blunstone remarked that the occasion in St Albans, Hertfordshire, the city where the band originated in 1961, would be “tinged with sadness” due to Argent’s absence from the performance. Blunstone is pursuing a solo career following vocalist and pianist Argent’s stroke earlier this year, an event that led Argent to cease touring. “I think Rod’s one of the greatest keyboard players this country has produced. He’s world class,” Blunstone informed the BBC. The Zombies were formed in 1961 when three students from St Albans School and two from the institution currently known as Verulam School united. Following their victory in a local bands competition, The Zombies achieved transatlantic success, alongside groups like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, with popular songs including She’s Not There. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 and holds the distinction of being the world’s longest-running musical group. “We actually have a certificate to prove it,” Blunstone stated. He recounted, “We first met outside the Blacksmith’s Arms in Peter’s Street.” “We were only about 15 years old when we first got together. I didn’t even know if we’d have a second rehearsal,” he added. “I was stunned when I first heard Rod play keyboards, he could play classical pieces very, very well and I just rocked up with my guitar and three chords. At 15 he was amazing, he’s been the cornerstone of the band,” Blunstone shared. Both new and original members of the band are scheduled to perform at the two-day Begin Here festival in St Albans, honoring Argent. Blunstone commented, “There will be a whole cast of musicians desperate to explain their relationship with Rod and give him thanks for all the inspiration and support he’s given to them over the years.” “I think it will be a wonderful show but will be tinged with sadness. It will be great for people to get up on stage and explain what Rod Argent means to them,” he continued. He mentioned that Argent intends to continue writing and recording, having “much better” since his stroke. When questioned about his message to his friend, he concluded: “Thank you for giving me a career in music. I would never have had that career without Rod.”