The Zombies Acquire Rights To 1960's Recordings Including "She's Not There" and "Time of the Season"

The Zombies' incredible story keeps defying the odds more than 60 years after the beloved group's formation. Here is the latest news about the groundbreaking British band...Robert Kinsler

The Zombies (from left) bassist Chris White, keyboardist Rod Argent, the late
guitarist Paul Atkinson, singer Colin Blunstone and drummer Hugh Grundy.
Photo courtesy of The Zombies

“British Invasion” pioneers, The Zombies,

acquire rights to their classic 1960’s recordings, including

“She’s Not There” and “Time of the Season”

 

***For immediate release***

 

 

Psychedelic-Pop icons, and 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, The Zombies, have acquired the rights to their 1960’s recording catalogue.  The deal includes their timeless hit singles “She’s Not There”, “Tell Her No”, and “Time of the Season”, as well as the ground-breaking 1968 album Odessey & Oracle, a regular entry in “Best Albums of All Time” lists in publications like Rolling Stone and Mojo Magazine. 

 

Via a newly-formed Partnership entity between the four surviving original members, lead singer Colin Blunstone, keyboardist Rod Argent, bassist Chris White, and drummer Hugh Grundy, along with Helen Atkinson, the widow and Estate Trustee of late guitarist Paul Atkinson, the band secured their catalogue rights from Marquis Enterprises Ltd., the independent UK production company they originally signed with as teenagers in 1964.  “Zombies Partners LLP” will house the band’s shared interests in their recordings, merchandise and life-rights, and will be overseen by Chris Tuthill and Cindy da Silva of The Rocks Management in New Jersey, the group’s managers for the past 10 years.

 

The original incarnation of The Zombies only had a short period of recorded output before splitting in late 1967, due to a perceived lack of success.  Despite this, interest in their moody jazz-inflected and harmony-laden recordings slowly compounded over subsequent decades, boosted by prominent film, television and advertising placements, including a global Chanel campaign starring Keira Knightly (“She’s Not There”), Disney’s blockbuster movie “Cruella” (“Time of the Season”), and the closing scene of the beloved “Shitt’s Creek” series finale (“This Will Be Our Year”).  Today, The Zombies boast well over 3 Million monthly listeners on Spotify - more than 3.5 Million people have opened their Shazam app to identify “Time of the Season” alone - while their physical re-issues regularly appear on vinyl sales charts. This catalogue announcement comes on the heels of the film festival premiere of Hung Up On A Dream this March at SXSW in Austin TX. The new Zombies documentary, slated for public release later this year, chronicles the band’s unusual 6-decade journey to becoming part of the 2019 Class of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside Janet Jackson and Radiohead, and is directed by musician and filmmaker Robert Schwartzman, and co-produced by Schwartzman’s Utopia Films, The Ranch Productions, and Tom Hanks’ Playtone.  At the same time, Blunstone and Argent’s current touring and recording lineup of The Zombies debuted their latest album Different Game (Cooking Vinyl Records) at SXSW, followed by a 5-week UK tour in the Spring, with a North American run on-sale for October. Keyboardist Argent reflects, “I know we’d all like to thank [Marquis Enterprises Director] Carole [Broughton] for a fantastic stewardship.  I particularly feel that in those early years, soon after the original version of the band broke up, she did a brilliant job, spreading the word abroad by tirelessly licensing and relicensing our songs  - to the point where now, all these years later, our entire catalogue is streamed and enjoyed by an audience of several millions every month, all over the world - an audience still continually growing by the addition of many new young fans.  It is so gratifying to feel that 60 years later our music still has relevance, and we are now in the position to own our own recordings.”

 

An “indie band” decades before the term existed, The Zombies innocently avoided the path of many of their peers during the dawn of Rock ‘n’ Roll, whose recordings eventually became the property of major entertainment corporations.  Formed in 1961 by Argent after scouting nascent musicians at local schools in St. Albans, a small and historic city North of London, The Zombies developed a strong regional following in the South of England before entering The Herts Beat Competition in the Spring of 1964, a battle sponsored by the London Evening News to find the best “Beat” band in Hertfordshire County.   Winning the final round with their unusual cover of Gershwin’s “Summertime”, The Zombies brought home the £250 grand prize and an offer to record a single for Decca Records.  Rather than immediately signing a contract with the prestigious record label, the band sought the advice of a family friend, producer Ken Jones, who together with his partner, publisher and “song-man” Joe Roncoroni, ran Marquis Enterprises.  Jones proposed that he would produce their first recording session, and that Marquis would negotiate terms to license the single to Decca.  Jones also suggested the band try writing original songs for the session, rather than recording the (mostly American R&B) covers they performed live.  Argent and White both took his advice, and each brought a song to the studio the next week.  Argent’s “She’s Not There” was chosen as the A-side, and mere months later, The Zombies found themselves at the forefront of the “British Invasion”, becoming the 2nd UK band after The Beatles to reach #1 in the American charts with a self-written single. 

 

The relationship with Marquis continued, although with Argent and White eventually taking over the producers’ role from Jones for their Odessey & Oracle album.  Licensed to CBS Records for release in 1968, the album initially flopped, until the final single “Time of the Season” became a surprise world-wide hit in 1969, over a year after The Zombies had disbanded.  Marquis Enterprises reclaimed control of The Zombies’ catalogue after the Decca and CBS agreements expired, and remained independent during the intervening decades.  Carole Broughton, Director of Marquis Ent., was an employee when The Zombies first signed to the company in 1964, and since acquiring Marquis in 1977, has personally overseen the licensing of the catalogue for re-issues, placements and digital distribution. "Now 60 years on I still have the same passion for the Zombies music as when I first heard and worked on “She's Not There” with Joe and Ken in 1964. I have absolutely loved working on The Zombies amazing catalogue and dealing with such a lovely bunch of guys, so it is a bittersweet moment for me to be handing the catalogue back but I wouldn't have wanted it to be in the hands of anyone other than The Zombies themselves. I personally will continue to enjoy their music for many years to come and am excited to see what the future holds for them. It has been an absolute pleasure working with them and I know the catalogue will continue to thrive and be enjoyed by their many fans."

Zombies co-manager Tuthill adds, “Together with Monika Tashman and the amazing legal team at Manatt, it’s been an absolute privilege to help bring this precious and influential catalogue into the hands of its creators.  Everyone at The Rocks Management is excited to continue building a team of champions around the band, and are thrilled to be part of sharing The Zombies’ body of work to countless future generations!” 

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CHECK THE ZOMBIES WEBSITE

https://www.thezombiesmusic.com/

 

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The Zombies to unearth three legendary LPs on vinyl this summer

Any day I can share news related to one of my all-time favorite bands is a reason to celebrate...Robert Kinsler

Fall in love with The Zombies three times again via vinyl reissues releasing July 31, 2020

Classic albums 'The Zombies,' 'I Love You' and 'R.I.P.' available for pre-order now

Los Angeles, CA (June 8, 2020)—It’s time to take a deeper dive into one of most influential bands of the ‘60s, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees,​ The Zombies​. That’s why the iconic group is proud to announce reissues of their classic albums, ​The Zombies​, ​I Love You​ and R.I.P​ on vinyl. With a slated release date of July 31, the vinyl collection will be available for casual fans and dedicated followers alike to add to their collection.

The Zombies​ is the classic debut album from the rock icons including smashes “She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No”. ​I Love You​ is best known to Zombies fanatics as the crucial compilation, originally released as an introduction to the American public, featuring the top 5 hit “She’s Not There.” The reissue of ​I Love You​ will be the record’s first wide re-release in the United States.

Originally scrapped in 1969,​ R.I.P​ has gone down in musical lore as the legendary group’s “lost” album. Assembled in the wake of the success of “Time of the Season” the album contains the band’s last recordings and other assorted unreleased numbers including, “Imagine the Swan” and “If It Don’t Work Out.”

Pre-order the vinyl reissues​ ​here​, exclusive bundles available at the Craft Recordings store.

The first wave of the 60’s British Invasion saw a diverse influx of sounds and styles infiltrating the soundwaves. At one end of the scale were the students of American R&B, whose music emphasized inspirations drawn from jazz and blues of a bygone era. On the other end lived the sophisticated, intricately arranged atmospherics of ​The Zombies​. There was no other band whose sound filled space as gorgeously and completely as The Zombies: the jazz-inflected electric piano of ​Rod Argent​, the choirboy vocals of him and his St. Albans schoolmates, bassist ​Chris White​ and lead singer ​Colin Blunstone​. Other schoolmates, ​Paul Atkinson​ on guitar and vocals, and drummer ​Hugh Grundy​, rounded out the classic original lineup, which endeared itself overnight to the most loyal and dedicated army of fans, to which any rock band can lay claim.

At the end of the day, it always comes back home to the triad of career-defining hits by The Zombies that beg the question: Where were you the first time you heard “She’s Not There” or “Tell Her No” or “Time of the Season?” Their second and final album ​Odessey and Oracle​ has earned its reputation (and its spot inside the Top 100 on ​Rolling Stone​’s list of the ​500 Greatest Albums of All Time​) alongside such masterworks as The Beatles’ ​White Album​ and The Beach Boys’ ​Pet Sounds​. Rod Argent’s eponymous band gave majesty and definition to the ’70s, but The Zombies, which he and Colin Blunstone have been helming on records and tours for the past decade, are truly a rock band for all seasons.

About Craft Recordings:

Craft Recordings is home to one of the largest and most prestigious collections of master recordings and compositions in the world. Its rich and storied repertoire includes legendary artists such as Joan Baez, Ray Charles, John Coltrane, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Vince Guaraldi, John Lee Hooker, Little Richard, Nine Inch Nails, Thelonious Monk, Otis Redding, R.E.M. and Traveling Wilburys, to name just a few. Renowned imprints with catalogs issued under the Craft banner include Concord Records, Fania, Fantasy, Fearless, Milestone, Musart, Nitro, Prestige, Riverside, Rounder, Specialty, Stax, Sugar Hill, Vanguard, Vee-Jay and Victory, among many others. Craft creates thoughtfully curated packages, with a meticulous devotion to quality and a commitment to preservation—ensuring that these recordings endure for new generations to discover.
Craft Recordings is the catalog label team for Concord Recorded Music. For more info, visit CraftRecordings.com​  and follow  on ​Facebook​, ​Twitter​, ​Instagram,​ ​YouTube​, and  ​Spotify​.

THE ZOMBIES
WEBSITE​ ​|​ ​FACEBOOK​ ​|​ ​TWITTER​ ​|​ ​​INSTAGRAM

Colin Blunstone reflects on The Zombies enduring legacy

Colin Blunstone, seen second from right in this 1960s photo, is
with (from left) Chris White, Rod Argent, the late Paul Atkinson
and Hugh Grundy. Photo courtesy of The Zombies

Groundbreaking British Invasion troupe the Zombies are coming to Southern California to perform a string of dates this month including two headlining slots at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles on Sept. 10 and 11, an appearance at the KAABOO Festival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Sept. 14, an opening slot for Arcade Fire at the Greek Theatre on Sept. 20, and an intimate acoustic performance at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs on Sept. 21, 2018.

Formed in England in 1961, the Zombies scored some of the most beloved and original hits of the 1960s including "She's Not There," "Tell Her No" and "Time of the Season."

The band's final album of that decade – 1968's brilliant Odessey and Oracle – is ranked 100 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time published in 2012. The Zombies' run appeared to be over when quintet dissolved following the release of Odyssey and Oracle if not for a small series of reunion shows staged in 1999.

"We enjoyed it so much that we just kept going," said lead singer Colin Blunstone in a recent telephone interview. "And here we are; originally six concerts and it's nearly 20 years that we have been playing. It amazes me how much in life is just chance. We got together for those six concerts really by chance and it has led to a 20-year adventure on the road. And so what more could you ask for. You go off around the world touring with your pals and playing the music you love. That wouldn't have happened without those six dates."

The Zombies in 2018, from left, Colin Blunstone,
Rod Argent, Steve Rodford, Tom Toomey and
Søren Koch.  Photo courtesy of The Zombies

In addition to Blunstone (lead vocals) and Rod Argent (keyboards, backing vocals), the Zombies' line-up also includes long-time members Steve Rodford (drums), Tom Toomey (lead guitar) along with newcomer Søren Koch on bass guitar (who replaced bassist Jim Rodford, who died in a tragic fall in January 2018).

Since reforming in 1999, the Zombies have released a trio of wonderful new albums – including this decade's Breathe Out, Breathe In (2011) and the Billboard-charting release Still Got That Hunger (2015). The good news for fans is there are early plans to record and release a seventh studio album of new material.

"We're just talking about songs now. We're touring now pretty solidly through Christmas, so there's not going to be a lot of chance to record (in 2018)," Blunstone explained. "But what we can do on the road is to is rehearse new tunes and set arrangements and keys and things like that for new songs. So I would hope early next year we will start recording. But for us, because we are a touring band it's quite difficult to get everyone into the studio to record. As soon as there is a gap, I'm sure we'll be back in the studio."

Colin Blunstone performing at The Observatory in Santa Ana, CA
in September 2013. Photo courtesy of Kelly A. Swift

Anyone who has heard the Zombies or seen the band live knows how special Blunstone's voice is; armed with a distinctive and high-reaching tenor, it is as powerful as ever. The collective power of Blunstone and his bandmates makes the band's performances unforgettable.

The Zombies influence has continued to grow with the late Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Beck, Paul Weller, Belle and Sebastian, a collaboration between Daryl Hall and Company of Thieves (on an episode of "Live from Daryl's House"), Jason Falkner and Santana having all covered the band's songs in the studio or on the concert stage. 

The performance of tracks from Odessey and Oracle is always a highlight at the Zombies' concerts.

"To me, I've got to be honest, there is an air of mystery about it because I can't equate the fact that it was fairly ignored when it was released (in April 1968)," Blunstone said of the band's 12-track masterwork. 

Rod Argent performing at The Observatory in Santa Ana,
CA in September 2013. Photo courtesy of Kelly A. Swift

"I can't quite work out how it can be so revered now when it was so ignored at the time. It's a strange concept, so it is a bit of a mystery. But it's a wonderful mystery. And its been really, really exciting that its been acknowledged after all this time as a fine piece of work. Of course it's fantastic that it is held in such high esteem now. It just intrigues me how it slipped through the net when it first came out. I'm not saying that in any bitter sense; I'm just saying I just don't understand it but it's fantastic that it has the acknowledgement that it has now." 

The Zombies' wealth of masterful songs and their top-tier talents as singers and virtuoso players are only a part of what make their concerts so special. 

"I think we play because we love to play, and the thrill is definitely still there playing live. We love it. I think where it does get a bit more challenging is in the traveling. It's tough for anyone to travel in the way a band travels, the distances you know. But as you get older it gets more challenging really. So that side of it can be a bit tough; but we go on remote control, automatic pilot and get that side sorted."

The Zombies' will wrap up their upcoming U.S. tour with a special acoustic performance in Palm Springs. 

"It's just Rod and I doing an acoustic show," Blunstone said of that final date in the Coachella Valley. "We might talk more when there is two of us ...(it's) more intimate and they'll be more stories, and slightly different songs as well." 

The Zombies' acoustic performance at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club will feature an intimate performance featuring Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent, as well as an interview with Joe Wong of The Trap Set podcast.

The event will be held at 8 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2018 at the Ace Hotel, 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. 


For more information on any of The Zombies' upcoming concert dates, visit: www.TheZombiesMusic.com/tour-dates.

The Zombies focus of new display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Any excuse to celebrate The Zombies is a good one! I'm thrilled to see The Zombies getting some well-deserved recognition by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame...

CLEVELAND – The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will spotlight the influential career and music of iconic British Invasion group the Zombies in a new display.

Surviving members of the original lineup, Hugh Grundy, Chris White, Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent, will dedicate the display on Wednesday, July 12 at 5 p.m.

Among the items included in the display are:

• Items from the group’s first major hit “She’s Not There,” including Rod Argent’s Hohner electric pianet and sheet music
• Chris White’s bass guitar
• Paul Atkinson’s acoustic guitar used on the recording of “Tell Her No”
• Hugh Grundy’s Ludwig snare drum used on all of the Zombies’ 1960s recordings
• The artwork for the band’s critically acclaimed Odessey and Oracle album by Terry Quirk
• And more

Bassist-singer Chris White, left, and Colin Blunstone
performing in October 2015. Photo: Robert Kinsler

In this exhibit, fans and visitors will discover how the band handled their success and enthusiastic fans, how ZZ Top’s Frank Beard and Dusty Hill capitalized on the Zombies’ popularity, and their continued influence on popular music with artists like Dave Grohl, Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys, the Shins and more.

Think you know your British rock and roll history? Stop by our Rock Hall trivia show and prove it!  The Zombies will serve as special guest participants of this trivia show, which will include behind-the-scenes highlights of the new exhibit.  This show runs from 6pm-6:15pm and is open to the public with paid admission and free to Rock Hall members.  Prizes will be awarded to winners.

The Zombies just completed a 26-date North American tour celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the recording of their 1968 masterpiece Odessey and Oracle, and the release of the coffee table book The Odessey: The Zombies in Words and Images.

Drummer Hugh Grundy in 2015.

About the Zombies:

One of the consummate joys of the first wave of the British Invasion was the startling variety of sounds and styles that emerged month after month in that heady halcyon era.

At one end of the scale were the raw, blues-drenched disciples of American blues and R&B (Rolling Stones, Animals, Yardbirds), and at the other end were the more studied, sophisticated, intricately arranged atmospherics of the Zombies. There was no other band whose sound filled space as gorgeously and completely as the Zombies: the jazz-inflected electric piano of Rod Argent, the choirboy vocals of him and his St. Albans schoolmates, bassist Chris White and lead singer Colin Blunstone. Other schoolmates, Paul Atkinson on guitar and vocals, and drummer Hugh Grundy rounded out the classic original lineup, which endeared itself overnight to the most loyal and dedicated army of fans to which any rock band can lay claim.

Rod Argent performing at the Saban Theatre in
Beverly Hills, CA in October 2015. 

At the end of the day, it always comes back home to the triad of career defining hits by the Zombies that beg the question: Where were you the first time you heard “She’s Not There” or “Tell Her No” or “Time Of the Season?” Their second and final album Odessey And Oracle has earned its reputation (and its spot inside the Top 100 on Rolling Stone’s list of the "500 Greatest Albums Of All Time") alongside such masterworks as the Beatles’ White Album and the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds. Rod Argent’s eponymous band gave majesty and definition to the ’70s, but the Zombies, which he and Colin Blunstone have been helming on records and tours for the past decade, are truly a rock band for all seasons.

More about the Zombies at thezombiesmusic.com.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:

Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through exhibits, innovative programs and concerts. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or Facebook, Twitter and Instagram(@rockhall). Long Live Rock!

The Zombies celebrate 'Odessey & Oracle' at The Theatre at Ace Hotel

The Zombies 2017 touring lineup as seen on April 28 includes (from left) keyboardist-singer Rod Argent, drummer Hugh Grundy, bassist-singer Chris White, drummer Steve Rodford, singer Colin Blunstone, singer Vivienne M. Boucherat, singer-bassist Jim Rodford and guitarist Tom Toomey.

Every time I catch The Zombies in concert, I come away even more firmly convinced the British band is one of rock music's greatest treasures.

On Saturday, April 29, The Zombies' Odessey and Oracle 50th Anniversary Finale Tour came to The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles for a high profile stop that displayed yet again the power of The Zombies as singers, songwriters and musicians able to convey the power of their groundbreaking sound and sterling songs in a live setting. This marked my fifth time being captivated by The Zombies since I first caught them at The Coach House on October 2, 2011, and I continue to be blown away by the group's concerts. 

This was a particularly moving event, with all four surviving members of the original group (lead singer Colin Blunstone, keyboardist-singer Rod Argent, bassist-singer Chris White and drummer Hugh Grundy) on hand to perform Odessey and Oracle in celebration of the beloved album's 50th anniversary. Those four legendary artists (sadly, original guitarist Paul Atkinson died in April 2004) have previously announced this will be the final tour featuring the surviving members of the group performing Odessey and Oracle. 

From left, keyboardist Rod Argent, bassist Jim Rodford, guitarist
Tom Toomey and drummer Steve Rodford. Photo: Robert Kinsler

The concert was broken into two parts, with things kicking off with Blunstone and Argent joined by bassist-backing vocalist Jim Rodford (a long-time member of The Kinks and founding member of Argent), drummer Steve Rodford and lead guitarist Tom Toomey for a tour of the group's songbook outside of Odessey and Oracle. Opening with "I Love You," the crowd cheered when Blunstone's tenor soared to the same high mark that helped define the band's sound when the track was first recorded in 1965. The next song, "I Want You Back Again," was a single the band also recorded in 1965 - and as Argent recalled in his introduction - was promptly ignored at the time. However, it ultimately benefited from renewed interest thanks to Tom Petty being a huge fan of The Zombies and frequently covering that song at select concerts. The Zombies' version of the song played in Los Angeles was jazzy with Argent performing a virtuoso keyboard solo that was pure magic. 

While many bands forged in the early 1960s would have simply followed the nostalgia route and stick with playing older material, The Zombies moved against the grain by moving forward 50 years to feature several songs from their outstanding 2015 release Still Got That Hunger. "Edge of the Rainbow" was a song that combined a magical brew of harmonies-rich rock and jazz that is the troupe's own; Argent and Toomey traded solos - all the more special because Argent's jazzy stylings and Toomey's rock-flavored work flowed so wonderfully together. "Edge of the Rainbow" transported the group into blues territory, Blunstone's amazing voice thrilling the crowd.

The first half of the concert flew by, with The Zombies going on to perform rousing and flawless versions of their own 1965 breakout hit "Tell Her No," a joyful R&B version of Smokey Robinson's "You've Really Got a Hold On Me" complete with buoyant harmonies, and a fiery take on Bo Diddley's "Road Runner" where Toomey cut loose with some of his most flashy lead guitar work of the night. The tuneful "Just Out of Reach" and baroque rocker "Chasing the Past" provided other highlights during that first half. That set ended with an extended and rousing take of the 1972 Argent hit "Hold Your Head Up," followed by a propulsive take on the timeless rocker "She's Not There" and tender version of "The Way I Feel Inside" with Blunstone and Argent sharing the stage together sans the rest of the group. 

Chris White performing on April 29, 2017.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

After a short intermission, the entire cast of musicians joined forces to deliver a potent and enchanted performance of Odessey & Oracle, the band's masterwork recorded during a three-month period from June to August 1967 and subsequently released in April 1968. Opening with the melodic chamber pop of "Care of Cell 44," that and every song that followed was performed with precision and depth. Blunstone's voice remains an obvious wonder, but songs featuring Argent and White on lead vocals were equally breathtaking, with those performances supported by masterful musicianship, shimmering harmonies and an obvious love and profound connection with the adoring audience.

Every Zombies fan and lover of Odessey & Oracle likely had favorite moments during Saturday's fast-moving performance. I consider myself blessed that I believe that every moment on the album indispensable; I will admit to having been swept away during "Beechwood Park" (love those a Capella harmonies at the end), the tender piano pop ballad "Brief Candles" with Argent, Blunstone and White taking turns with lead vocals, the wistful "Hung Up on a Dream" and unsettling Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)." The disc's final epic offering, the psychedelia rock epic "Time of the Season," was performed with dreamlike grace.

The night didn't come to an end until the full ensemble performed an extended take on "She's Not There," this longer version providing room for Argent and Toomey, as well as both drummers to delve into their playbooks for some inspiring solos. 

The Zombies setlist at The Theatre at Ace Hotel
1. I Love You
2. I Want You Back Again
3. Moving On
4. Edge of the Rainbow
5. Tell Her No
6. You've Really Got a Hold On Me (Smokey Robinson cover)
7. Road Runner (Bo Diddley)
8. Just Out of Reach
9. Chasing the Past
10. Hold Your Head Up (Argent track)
11. She's Not There
12. The Way I Feel Inside

Odessey & Oracle / Encore
13. Care of Cell 44
14. A Rose For Emily
15. Maybe After He's Gone
16. Beechwood Park
17. Brief Candles
18. Hung Up on a Dream
19. Changes
20. I Want Her, She Wants Me
21. This Will Be Our Year
22. Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)
23. Friends of Mine
24. Time of the Season
25. She's Not There (alternative, extended version)


Review and photos by Robert Kinsler

Two sides of The Zombies shine at Saban Theatre

The 2015 version of The Zombies, from left: keyboardist Rod
Argent, bassist Jim Rodford, drummer Steve Rodford,
singer Colin Blunstone and guitarist Tom Toomey.

Formed in early 1961, the Zombies remain one of the best and clearly most enduring artists of the British Invasion. So it comes as no surprise that the band is still conquering American audiences in 2015.

Led by singer Colin Blunstone and keyboardist Rod Argent (who both turned 70 this past June), the Zombies performed for more than two hours at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA, on Oct. 24, the night divided into a first half where the modern-day lineup featured gems off the newly-released Still Got That Hunger as well as from across their 50+ year run, while the second half saw the complete original lineup (sans guitarist Paul Atkinson, who passed away in 2004) perform the 1968 masterwork Odessey & Oracle in its entirety.

Colin Blunstone on Oct. 24, 2015.

Whether performing hits from the 1960s or contemporary favorites, the Zombies proved that their distinctive sound that blends rock, baroque pop, jazz, blues and psychedelic stylings is as intoxicating today as it was a half century ago.

Opening with "I Love You," the characteristic sound of the Zombies shone as Blunstone sang gloriously and nailed the high notes, while Argent performed impressively on his keyboard (with piano during the vocal sections, and then adding a virtuoso organ solo for good measure) on the 1965 classic. The next offering, a gospel-tinged reworking of the Solomon Burke cover "Can't Nobody Love You," further displayed a freewheeling but textured arrangement expertly woven where top-tier vocals and harmonies were mixed with splendid dynamics including a strong blues solo from guitarist Tom Toomey to finish it.

"We're celebrating two albums tonight," said Blunstone in remarks after the second song, adding the new album had just landed on the Billboard charts, the first Zombies disc since June 1969 to appear there. He then noted the night was also a celebration of Odessey & Oracle, the celebrated 1968 second studio album from the Zombies widely considered one of the best and most significant rock albums of all time. "This is a 48 and a half year celebration." 

From left, bassist Chris White, singer Vivienne Boucherat
and lead singer Colin Blunstone on Oct. 24, 2015.

With Tom Petty among those in the capacity audience, the Zombies revisited 1965's "I Want You Back Again" with a reworked version that they acknowledged was inspired by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers' late '90s version of the early Rod Argent-written single. Here it was more powerful than the 1965 version, in part because of the extended jazz voicings and virtuoso keyboards from Argent.

What wasn't to love in the first half? The new song "Moving On" (which is the opening salvo on Still Got That Hunger) proved to be as fiery live as it is on disc, with Toomey dazzling on guitar while the father-son rhythm section of bassist Jim Rodford and drummer Steve Rodford showcased their strong talents in bringing a modern-day rock edge to the Zombies' sonic brew. The ambitious song involved melodic verses, convincing keyboard and lead guitar work, artful harmonies - all bolstered by the Zombies' quickly-distinguishable sound. As far as fan favorites, the band's faithful performance of the iconic 1964 hits "Tell Her No" and first half ending "She's Not There" had many cheering and digging every note. 

Rod Argent performing during second half of the
concert in Beverly Hills on Oct. 24, 2015.

As for the second half of the concert, the lineup included Argent and Blunstone joined by original members Chris White (bass) and Hugh Grundy (percussion), with Toomey playing guitar, and Darian Sahanaja (of Brian Wilson's band and the Wondermints fame) adding keyboards and singer Vivienne Boucherat adding backing vocals. 

One standout moment after another played out over the hour-long second half which marked the first-time ever complete performance of the Odessey & Oracle by the Zombies in Southern California. The melancholy-drenched "Brief Candles" with the evocative

Hugh Grundy in action.

keyboards and shared lead vocals from Argent, White and Blunstone moved right into the prog rock-meets-musical jewel "Hung Up on a Dream." The buoyant "I Want Her She Wants Me" featured Argent's lead vocals with the rest of the ensemble adding a dazzling polyphonic array of voices as the song soared to a finale. 

After the Zombies performed a stirring "Time of the Season," the last song on Odessey & Oracle, an encore version of "She's Not There" included all of the night's performers extending the classic with additional solos and firepower, including an impressive section where Grundy (impressive throughout his appearance) and Steve Rodford offered up the ultimate one-two punch drum solo.

A long and heartfelt standing ovation marked a fitting end for a special event that will be long remembered by the capacity crowd that filled the Saban.

The Zombies performing selection from 'Odessey & Oracle'
at the Saban Theatre in Southern California on Oct. 24, 2015.

The Zombies - Setlist at Saban Theatre on October 24, 2015
I Love You / Can't Nobody Love You (Solomon Burke cover) / I Want You Back Again / Moving On / Edge of the Rainbow / Tell Her No / You've Really Got a Hold On Me - Bring It On Home to Me medley / Maybe Tomorrow / New York / Caroline Goodbye (Colin Blunstone song) / Chasing the Past / Hold Your Head Up (Argent cover) / She's Not There

The Zombies - Setlist 2 ("Odessey and Oracle" album in it entirety)
Care of Cell 44 / A Rose for Emily / Maybe After He's Gone / Beechwood Park / Brief Candles / Hung Up on a Dream / Changes / I Want Her She Wants Me / This Will Be Our Year / Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914) / Friends of Mine / Time of the Season 

The Zombies - Encore (featuring both original and touring bands lineups)
She's Not There



Review and photos by Robert Kinsler