The Zombies bring magic to a global audience via performance from Abbey Road Studios

The Zombies

Where: Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios in London

When: Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021

Learn more: www.thezombiesmusic.com

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Jules Annan

The Zombies took advantage of every single moment of their only public performance of the year on Sept. 18, 2021 to celebrate a 60-year legacy that continues to grow and thrill fans across the globe.

The Zombies, from left, are keyboardist Rod Argent, bassist Søren Koch,
singer Colin Blunstone, drummer Steve Rodford and guitarist Tom Toomey.

It is hard to believe that the British band — whose inception dates back to a jam held in St. Albans, England in 1961 — continues to be among today's most exciting rock groups. The growing parade of the band's admirers includes everyone from Paul Weller and the late Tom Petty to Paramore singer Hayley Williams, Arcade Fire and Susanna Hoffs (the famed Bangles singer-guitarist famously inducted the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019). At the worldwide livestream staged in Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios on Sept. 18, the quintet thrilled with a mix of enduring classics, artful covers, deep cuts as well as the live premiere of new songs set to be included on an as-of-yet untitled album likely to be released in 2022.

Colin Blunstone at Abbey Road Studios on Sept. 18.

Led by founding members Rod Argent (keyboards, vocals) and Colin Blunstone (lead vocals), the group also includes guitarist-backing vocalist Tom Toomey, drummer Steve Rodford and bassist-backing vocalist Søren Koch. The five members have a strong chemistry and together displayed top-tier musicianship and resplendent harmonies to bring the Zombies signature masterful style blending classic rock, baroque pop, jazz and blues to life throughout their 90-minute livestream. Blunstone's vocals defy time, and his soaring tenor remains a true wonder.

Rod Argent performing on Sept. 18, 2021.

Opening with a luminous version of "Moving On," the band's performance was equaled by the fantastic high-resolution visuals and great sound provided via the livestream. The band's 1965 single "I Want You Back Again" followed, this rendition a nod to the version covered by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers featured on their The Live Anthology released in 2009. Argent's wistful keyboard solo and Blunstone's soaring tenor bolstered the classic.

The jazzy "Edge of the Rainbow," driving "I Love You" and rocking cover of Denny Laine's "Say You Don't Mind" were other early standouts. 

From left, Søren Koch and Tom Toomey.

The Zombies then premiered several new songs, bringing the Q Strings quartet to the stage to further boost the new selections. The first of the songs, a beautiful chamber pop gem titled "Different Game," featured Argent playing a Mellotron; the song ended with the strings sans the rest of the group in a beautiful instrumental section. The lovely "You Could Be My Love" followed, bolstered by the strings and Argent's playing on a grand piano. A version of "I Want To Fly" also benefitted from the work of the quartet (sisters Laura, Ellie and Amy Stanford, and Jess Cox).

Throughout the event, Argent and Blunstone often shared interesting insights into the background of the creation or recording of their songs. For example, Blunstone noted that while in the studio recording "Tell Her No" around Christmas in 1964 they learned that they had just scored their first number 1 hit in America ("She's Not There"). 

They then performed a four-song set of tracks from their 1968 album Odessey and Oracle, noting that when they entered Abbey Road Studios to begin work on the LP in June 1967 they literally were there right after The Beatles completed work on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The Zombies were able to use some of the same instruments used by the Fab Four on their sessions.

A divine "Care of Cell 44," joyful "This Will Be Our Year" and melodic "I Want Her She Wants Me" were performed first, with the band's beloved "Time of the Season" expanded with an extended solo by Argent. 

From left, Rod Argent, Søren Koch and Tom Toomey.

The winning rock original "Merry Go Round" and debut performance of the reflective "Run Away (For All My Life)" followed.

A marathon-length version of Argent's "Hold Your Head Up" was dedicated to Jim Rodford (the long-time bassist of the Zombies and former member of Argent and the Kinks died in January 2018). 

The main set ended with a sweeping take on "She's Not There" complete with Argent and Toomey dueling on their instruments before Steve Rodford and Koch were featured in a rhythm section break-out.  Before leaving the studio, a tender version of "The Way I Feel Inside" focusing on Blunstone's vocals and Argent's skillful work on the grand piano provided the perfect close to the latest chapter in the Zombies' singular journey.  

The Zombies' setlist at Abbey Road Studios on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021

Drummer Steve Rodford of The Zombies.

Moving On

I Want You Back Again

Edge of the Rainbow

I Love You

Say You Don't Mind (Denny Laine cover)

Different Game (live debut, with string quartet)

You Could Be My Love (live debut with string quartet)

I Want To Fly (with string quartet)

Tell Her No

Care of Cell 44

This Will Be Our Year

I Want Her She Wants Me

Time of the Season

Merry Go Round

Run Away (For All My Life) — (live debut)

Hold Your Head Up (Argent cover)

She's Not There

The Way I Feel Inside

Zombies bassist Jim Rodford Remembered

The Zombies in the closing moments of their amazing concert in front of a capacity crowd at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA, on September 3, 2016. From left, Rod Argent, Jim Rodford, Colin Blunstone, Steve Rodford and Tom Toomey. Photo: Robert Kinsler

I just learned that Jim Rodford, bassist of The Zombies and a former member of The Kinks and Argent, has passed away. Here are several statements posted on The Zombies' Facebook page; first are thoughts from Rod Argent, followed by a statement from Colin Blunstone...Robert Kinsler

Jim Rodford / Photo by Maggie Clarke

It is with deep sadness that I learned this morning that my dear cousin and lifelong friend, Jim Rodford, died this morning after a fall on the stairs. More details are not yet known about the exact cause of death.

Jim was not only a magnificent bass player, but also from the first inextricably bound to the story of The Zombies. An enormous enabler for us. He was actually the first person ever to be asked to join the band, way back in 1961. Because he was in the top St.Albans band of the time (The Bluetones), he turned us down at first, but from day one helped us chart our course. He loaned us The Bluestones' state of the art gear for our very first rehearsal, arranged the rehearsal space, and even showed Hugh the first kick and snare drum pattern our original drummer ever learned. He was responsible for the first song I ever wrote (for The Bluetones - which they recorded); the person who organised most of our early gigs, and the very first person outside the group ever to hear - and pass judgement on - our first record, "She's Not There"(he loved it). Years later, he became founder member, with me, of Argent; and then, for eighteen years, throughout a hugely successful American period for them, was bass player for The Kinks.
Jim, always a hugely sought after musician, had also had long stints as bass player with both The Mike Cotton Sound and the Lonnie Donegan band.

When Colin and I put together our second incarnation in late 1999, our first phone call was to Jim. He gave us absolutely unflagging commitment, loyalty and unbelievable energy for eighteen years, and our gratitude is beyond measure.

To the end, Jim's life was dedicated to music. He was unfailingly committed to local music - an ever present member of the local scene in St.Albans, where he had spent his whole life. Often, Colin and I would compare notes a couple of days immediately after a U.S. tour and discuss how long it would take us to recover from an intense, fantastic but exhausting couple of months - only to find out and marvel that Jim had already been out playing with local bands (often, but not always, with "The Rodford Files", made up of talented family members) or giving charity shows or lectures on the St.Albans music scene.

His dedication was rewarded with Doctorate Of Music, granted to him last year by the University Of Hertfordshire.

Jim was a wonderful person, loved by everybody. When Colin and I, shocked and hardly able to talk, shared the news this morning, Colin said " I've never heard anyone say a bad word about him..."

He will be unbelievably missed. Goodnight and God Bless dear friend. - Rod Argent

I am so desperately sorry to hear that Jim passed away last night! I’m still in shock and find it hard to believe what has happened. Jim was such a wonderful character, loved by all who knew him. He was a great bass player and vocalist a real musicians musician who loved music especially playing live and seemed to know every band we ever played with. They would come to our dressing room and usually walk straight past Rod and I simply asking “is Jim around?”. On the rare occasions The Zombies got into a musical tangle he had the authority and skill to always pull us back together again and we are really going to miss his playing and his beautiful spirit, he was an inspiration and a good friend. I am so proud to say I played with Jim Rodford!! - Colin Blunstone

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

The Zombies thrill and inspire at the Coach House

The Zombies in the closing moments of their amazing concert in front of a capacity crowd at The Coach House on Saturday night, September 3, 2016 Photo: Robert Kinsler

It may have been the Who that released "Long Live Rock" back in the early 1970s, but leave it to a band dubbed the Zombies to best personify the song's mantra "Be It Dead or Alive!" Because of all the British bands formed at the dawn of the 1960s, the Zombies remain the most "alive" in terms of artistry, exceptional music making and the supernatural ability to create new songs that rival the groundbreaking material recorded during their infancy.

The English quintet (which features founding keyboardist/vocalist Rod Argent and lead singer Colin Blunstone, as well as long-time bassist Jim Rodford, drummer Steve Rodford and guitarist Tom Toomey) performed a set lasting just under 100 minutes at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016. Had that fast-moving set been twice as long, it would likely have felt just as brief.

From left, Jim Rodford, Colin Blunstone and
Steve Rodford. Photo: Kim Kinsler

On the second night of their brief West Coast Tour, the Zombies were able to effortlessly blend top-tier material from their 1965 album Begin Here and their 1968 masterwork Odessey and Oracle, as well as their outstanding 2015 disc Still Got That Hunger with spoken introductions providing the enthusiastic audience with behind-the-scenes glimpses of the the group's lengthy career. When Argent or Blunstone sprinkled in the names of Tom Petty, Paul Weller , Dave Grohl or Paul McCartney, it was to enhance understanding the creation of specific songs or the growing influence of the Zombies.

Whether performing their own songs, or reworking classics by greats such as Solomon Burke or Smokey Robinson, the Zombies effortlessly fused rock, soul, pop and jazz together into a sound that thrilled; heck, at times blues and psychedelia were key ingredients of the songs. The icing on the cake were the group's incredible harmonies and Blunstone's time-defying tenor that remains the dazzling wonder it was 50 years ago.

While the crowd packed into the legendary Coach House cheered in delight when the Zombies unleashed their best-known songs (including "Time of the Season" and "Tell Her No"), the performances were so uniformly strong that ultimately this was a night that was not just about any single song, but really about the Zombies overall artistic stamp and enduring legacy.

Here are just a few of the things that stood out for me during the incredible concert:

• The group opened with "I Love You," with Blunstone having to reach incredibly high notes acapella, bringing cheers from the crowd and palpable power to the concert's earliest moments. 
• When the Zombies performed a cover of Solomon Burke's "Can't Nobody Love You," the track retained its soulful roots, but was layered with the Zombies' distinctive vocal harmonies.
• "I Want You Back Again" really showcased how musical drummer Steve Rodford's approach is behind the kit, extending from the way he exacts rhythm and drum fills with a master's touch. And then, there was Argent's incredible jazzy solo on the keyboards.
• The four-song run of songs from the band's Odessey and Oracle added up to an obvious highlight, and the songs were each delivered with perfection. The baroque pop of "Care of Cell 44" was buoyant and enchanting. "Time of the Season" retained its magical psychedelia sweep known from the iconic 1968 recording, but was bolstered by live dynamics that added to the concert version.
• "Sticks and Stones," a Ray Charles song covered by the Zombies on their 1965 debut, featured an extended keyboard solo where Toomey put aside his guitar and added some interesting percussion to help propel Argent's work on the keys.
• "She's Not There" is one of the Zombies' most beloved gems, and the song's performance at the Coach House retained the luster of the studio version with an prolonged keyboard solo and blazing guitar solo showcasing the power of a timeless classic.
• The Zombies closed the night with an inspired take on the Argent classic "God Gave Rock and Roll to You," which had the grandeur of a Queen classic, with the audience on their feet and singing along on a night this writer will long cherish. Forget about the overwrought early '90s KISS remake of the song and check out the Zombie's anthemic live track somewhere on YouTube.

Opening the concert was singer-songwriter Bruce Sudano, who impressed with his acoustic-flavored blend of blues, folk and lyrical realism, all of it strengthened by the work of lead guitarist Randy Mitchell. Standouts included the gritty realism of his opener "These Shoes," a folk blues reworking of "Bad Girls" (a hit for his wife Donna Summer that the couple co-wrote), aptly-dubbed "Common Sense" and the beautiful "With Angels on a Carousel."


The Zombies' setlist at the Coach House (Saturday, September 3, 2016)
1. I Love you
2. Can't Nobody Love You (Solomon Burke cover)
3. I Want You Back Again
4. Goin' Out of My Head (a cover of Little Anthony & the Imperials' 1964 hit)
5. Moving On
6. Edge of the Rainbow
7. I Don't Believe in Miracles (Colin Blunstone song)
8. Care of Cell 44
9. This Will Be Our Year
10. I Want Her She Wants Me
11. Time of the Season
12. Sticks and Stones (Ray Charles cover)
13. Tell Her No
14. You've Really Got a Hold On Me (Smokey Robinson cover) / Bring It On Home to Me (Sam Cooke cover) - medley of the two songs
15. Caroline Goodbye (a hit off Colin Blunstone's 1971 Chris White-produced debut album)
16. Chasing the Past
17. Hold Your Head Up (Argent cover)
18. She's Not There
19. God Gave Rock and Roll to You (Argent cover)


Review 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

The Zombies rise again for younger crowd at the Observatory

My review originally ran on The Orange County Register site on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013. A special "Thank You" to Kelly A. Swift for the use of her great photos!


Bolstered by retro-fresh opening acts like L.A.'s Allah-Las, the enduring British band’s sparkling Santa Ana show attracted fewer old fans than new ones.

Perhaps it was because the Zombies capped a bill featuring three openers all informed and inspired by their distinctive blend of psychedelic rock and baroque pop, or maybe it was simply that they were playing the wonderful Observatory, which tends to attract a younger crowd than, say, the Coach House. Regardless the reason, the legendary English outfit's concert Tuesday night (Sept. 10, 2013) had the feel of a showcase for a buzz-worthy band making a big splash rather than a British Invasion original formed more than 50 years ago.

Set list: The Zombies at the Observatory

Main set: I Love You / Can't Nobody Love You (Solomon Burke cover) / Breathe Out, Breathe In / I Want You Back Again / What Becomes of the Brokenhearted (Jimmy Ruffin cover) / Tell Her No / I Don't Believe in Miracles / Show Me the Way / Any Other Way / A Rose for Emily / Care of Cell 44 / This Will Be Our Year / I Want Her She Wants Me / Time of the Season / A Moment in Time / You Really Got a Hold On Me (Smokey Robinson and The Miracles cover, with a bit of Bring It on Home to Me) / Old and Wise (The Alan Parsons Project cover) / Hold Your Head Up (Argent cover) / She's Not There

Encore: Just Out of Reach / Summertime (George Gershwin cover)

Next at the venue: Walter Trout, Friday (main stage), $15; Matt Wertz, Friday (Constellation Room), $15; Soulja Boy, Saturday (main stage), $20; Mickey Avalon, Saturday (Constellation), $18; the Adicts, Sunday, $25; FIDLAR, Sept. 19, $13

Call: 714-957-0600

Online: observatoryoc.com, ticketweb.com

This Santa Ana set came in sharp contrast to the group’s winning October 2011 appearance in San Juan Capistrano, where the quintet performed just as masterfully but in a more reserved setting, with fans mostly confined to their seats. At the former Galaxy Theatre, however, brave baby boomers were scattered among a majority of 20-somethings who packed the pit and most everywhere else.

All of them fed off the Zombies’ infectious rock during a relaxed, freewheeling performance that covered nearly two dozen highlights from throughout the band's seemingly short-lived but actually extensive musical journey in a swift 95 minutes.

As they proved two years ago in Capo, when I first saw founding members Colin Blunstone (vocals) and Rod Argent (keys, vocals) – still sharply backed by bassist Jim Rodford (veteran of the Kinks’ ’80s lineup), his noted son Steve on drums, plus guitarist Tom Toomey – the Zombies are no mere nostalgia act. The group attracts a wide-ranging crowd in part because of how it reworks classics alongside newer material, especially from 2011's outstanding return, Breathe Out, Breathe In.

Not only does that recent material stack up well against old favorites, but their artistic powers – particularly those of Blunstone and Argent, both 68 – have not dimmed.

In the opening round, fired off just before 10:30 p.m., the obsessive B-side "I Love You" (one of a few played here that were penned by original bassist Chris White) found Argent unleashing the first of countless blazing organ solos. Blunstone's matchless tenor likewise soared to age-defying heights, often amid lush harmonies provided by the rest.

Jim Rodford

Whether performing early staples, gems from their ignored-then-celebrated 1968 masterpiece Odessey and Oracle (now widely acknowledged as one of the best albums of that decade) or their new stuff, the Zombies appeared to have a blast – as did the audience.

Among the more interesting aspects of the night was noticing younger fans, those who clamor for the new wave of garage-rock promoted by the likes of Fullerton’s Burger Records (sponsor of this gig). They came perhaps curious about a cult influence with a name cooler now than five decades ago and wound up dancing and singing along to the band's versions of soul standards like "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" and “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” and its own joys, like the clever love song "Care Of Cell 44" and their biggest smash, "Time of the Season."

The Zombies also frequently demonstrated how they continue to stretch. Toomey applied a Latin rock feel to the newer song "Show Me the Way," while a nuanced handling of the beautifully grave piece "A Rose for Emily,” the first of five in a row from O&O, illuminated the group’s still-sparkling vocal magic. Likewise, "I Want Her She Wants Me" featured Argent’s grittier tone while Blunstone’s smoother shine added perfect counterpoint.

Rod Argent

All night long Argent impressed on keyboards, adding moods to "She's Not There," blasting through "Hold Your Head Up” and letting his fingers dance on a sparse rendition of the Gershwins' "Summertime," which ended at about midnight. Rock fans young and old who have yet to see the Zombies live should make a point of doing so next time – which may be sooner than later, as they’re well underway on a new album.

The Observatory also offered an ideal trio of young opening acts this night. Up first were Mystic Braves, a quintet whose driving psychedelic rock recalls '80s greats the Three O'Clock. With guitars drenched in a surf-rock reverb bellow, the group impressed on the driving "Trippin' Like I Do" and the flute-anchored "Cloud 9."

England's Et Tu Brucé came next, evoking many groundbreaking power-pop outfits from the ’60s and ’70s while ensuring that its finer songs – the blazing "This City" and harmonies-rich "Dress Me Up In Bruises," from new disc Suburban Sunshine – boasted enough modern-day touches to keep a distance from influential ancestors.

And throughout a crowd-elating 30-minute set, Los Angeles' Allah-Las conjured up early garage-rock heroes like the Troggs with forceful songs that found young admirers immersed in their effective retro vibe. Haunting set-opener "Don't You Forget It," Smiths-minded instrumental "Sacred Sands" and the rousing "Catamaran" were all standouts.

Photos: Kelly A. Swift