The Zombies’ last concert ‘tinged with sadness’
3 min read
The Zombies (Photo by Alex Lake)
The Zombies’ final concert in their hometown of St Albans, Hertfordshire, was an emotional and bittersweet occasion for lead singer Colin Blunstone. As the band took the stage for what would be their last performance together, Blunstone paid heartfelt tribute to his longtime bandmate, Rod Argent, thanking him “for giving me a career in music.”
The gig, held in the band’s hometown where they first formed in 1961, was particularly poignant as it marked a performance without Argent, who has been forced to step back from touring after suffering a stroke earlier this year. Blunstone expressed the sorrow he felt at playing without the iconic keyboardist, acknowledging that the event would be “tinged with sadness.” Despite the emotional tone, Blunstone celebrated the enduring legacy of The Zombies, reflecting on their decades-long success and the profound impact Argent had on the band’s music and direction.
Blunstone, who has continued to pursue a solo career, spoke of his admiration for Argent’s musical talent, calling him “one of the greatest keyboard players this country has produced” and a “world-class” musician. The band’s journey began in the early 1960s when three schoolboys from St Albans School and two from Verulam School came together to form The Zombies. Their breakthrough came with their local success and eventual chart-topping hits like “She’s Not There,” which helped propel them to international fame alongside other legendary acts such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.
The Zombies’ contributions to the world of music were officially recognized in 2019 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This achievement cemented their place in music history, with the band now regarded as one of the longest-running groups in the world. “We actually have a certificate to prove it,” Blunstone joked, underscoring the band’s remarkable longevity.
Blunstone reminisced about the early days of The Zombies, recalling how he and Argent first met outside the Blacksmith’s Arms pub in Peter’s Street when they were just 15 years old. “I didn’t even know if we’d have a second rehearsal,” he admitted, highlighting how uncertain their future seemed at the time. Despite this, Blunstone was immediately struck by Argent’s musical talent. “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,” he said, reflecting on how they combined their differing musical backgrounds. At the time, Argent’s classical training stood in stark contrast to Blunstone’s more rudimentary guitar playing, but the two formed an inseparable partnership that would become the foundation of The Zombies.
Throughout the years, Argent’s musical prowess remained the cornerstone of The Zombies’ sound, and Blunstone credited him with much of the band’s success. As the band prepares for the Begin Here festival, a two-day tribute event in St Albans, Blunstone noted that new and original members of The Zombies would gather to celebrate Argent’s contributions to music. “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,” Blunstone said. While the tribute concert is sure to be a joyous occasion, Blunstone acknowledged that the absence of Argent would cast a shadow over the event. “I think it will be a wonderful show but will be tinged with sadness,” he added.
Despite his health setbacks, Argent has shown considerable improvement since his stroke and continues to write and record music. Blunstone expressed optimism about his bandmate’s recovery and offered words of encouragement, saying, “He’s much better now. He’s going to keep writing and recording, which is fantastic.” Reflecting on their long friendship and musical journey, Blunstone shared a personal message for Argent: “Thank you for giving me a career in music. I would never have had that career without Rod.”
The final concert, filled with nostalgia and emotion, marks a significant chapter in the history of The Zombies. While it may be the last time they perform as a complete band, the legacy of their music—shaped by the unforgettable collaboration between Blunstone and Argent—will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.
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