What Year Is This? Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Zombies shine in 2023

On Nov. 10, the highly anticipated Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At The Hollywood Bowl: August 18, 1967 will be released via audio CD and vinyl. The concert recording captured more than 55 years ago features the legendary Jimi Hendrix Experience performance at the Hollywood Bowl where the trio (singer-guitarist Jimi Hendrix, drummer Mitch Mitchel and bassist/backing vocalist Noel Redding) performed just five days before the U.S. release of their groundbreaking debut Are You Experienced.

Indeed, Hendrix was extended an invitation by The Mamas & The Papas to open for them at the fabled Los Angeles venue. The two-track live recording of the nine-song set has never previously been released officially or even via bootleg; additionally, this landmark performance marked one of the last times the Jimi Hendrix Experience performed in front of an audience as relative unknowns.

This writer was provided an opportunity to preview Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At The Hollywood Bowl: August 18, 1967 and the concert recording fully delivers as a showcase for the rock trio's collective powers. The setlist is a mesmerizing mix of amazing originals (notably "Purple Haze," "Foxey Lady" and "Fire") and masterful remakes of tracks from The Beatles ("Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"), Bob Dylan ("Like a Rolling Stone"), The Troggs ("Wild Thing") and others. 

This writer's favorite tracks on the concert recording are a nuanced, lovely version of the Hendrix original "The Wind Cries Mary" and riveting 8-minute version of Muddy Waters' Chicago blues gem "Catfish Blues." Learn more at jimihendrix.com.

The forthcoming release of Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At The Hollywood Bowl: August 18, 1967 marks another high-profile release by a 1960s favorite this year.

The Beatles' 1962-1966 ("The Red Album") will be released Nov. 10, 2023.

The Beatles have also returned to the spotlight via the release of the band's final song "Now And Then," which was released on Nov. 2. That new single was paired with the Fab Four's 1962 debut UK single, "Love Me Do." Acclaimed director Peter Jackson's official music video for "Now And Then" was released on Nov. 3 and has already amassed more than 19 million views on The Beatles' official YouTube channel.

The Beatles' 1967-1970 ("The Blue Album") will be released Nov. 10, 2023.

On Nov. 10, The Beatles' 1962-1966 ("The Red Album") and 1967-1970 ("The Blue Album") collections will be released in expanded 2023 Edition packages by Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe. Since their first incarnations released 50 years ago, these beloved collections have introduced successive generations to The Beatles' incredible music.

Now both titles' trackless have been expanded, with all the songs mixed in stereo and Dolby Atmosphere. Learn more at thebeatles.com.

In October 2023 The Rolling Stones returned with their wonderful studio album Hackney Diamonds. The band's first new album of original material since 2005's A Bigger Bang, the new album is a true masterwork. 

Indeed, the stellar production heard across the album is equaled by the strength and diversity of the song craft as well as the inspired performances of the players. And Jagger sounds outstanding across the title delivering vocals that are strong and stirring.

Hackney Diamonds' lead single "Angry" is among the album's more signature rockers, with Jagger's emotional appeal for forgiveness delivered against an uptempo beat and sharp guitar work from Richards and Wood. 

But it are the album's deep cuts and the diversity of material that make Hackney Diamonds a genuinely magnificent gem. Learn more at rollingstones.com.

Released in late March, The Zombies' eagerly-awaited return Different Game finds the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band continuing to conjure up the magic of the past while embracing the future. The 10-track album's stellar track listing spans from the opening title track (a gorgeous Baroque pop gem that includes a lush instrumental finale), jazzy "Dropped Reeling & Stupid" (the latter bolstered by a particularly sophisticated organ solo from Rod Argent that segues into a marvelous turn showcasing guitarist Tom Toomey), the lovely ballad "You Could Be My Love" featuring Colin Blunstone's amazing tenor vocals and sumptuous rocker "Merry-Go-Round." Other standouts include the shimmering "Love You," the rousing blues-rocker "Got To Move On" and tender closer "The Sun Will Rise Again." Learn more at thezombiesmusic.com.

Robert Kinsler

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/

 

THE ZOMBIES SOCIALS

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New Music: The Zombies, Peter Case, The New Pornographers

The long-awaited return from The Zombies as well as new releases from acclaimed singer-songwriter Peter Case and indie rock heroes The New Pornographers make for an especially strong field of essential new albums released on March 31, 2023.  

Artist: The Zombies

Title: Different Game (Cooking Vinyl)

You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, Colin Blunstone, Rod Argent

Tell me more: The Zombies have returned with the magnificent Different Game, the groundbreaking British band's first new studio album since 2015's Still Got That Hunger. Delayed by the arrival of the global pandemic — the band members had decided from the beginning of the process in 2019 after their well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that they would record the songs together to capture the energy of their legendary live performances — Different Game continues to find the quintet conjuring up the magic of their past performances while embracing the future. The 10-track album's stellar track listing spans from the opening title track (a gorgeous Baroque pop gem that includes a lush instrumental finale), jazzy "Dropped Reeling & Stupid" (the latter bolstered by a particularly sophisticated organ solo from Rod Argent that segues into a marvelous turn showcasing guitarist Tom Toomey), the lovely ballad "You Could Be My Love" featuring Colin Blunstone's amazing tenor vocals and sumptuous rocker "Merry-Go-Round." Other standouts include the shimmering "Love You," the rousing blues-rocker "Got To Move On" and tender closer "The Sun Will Rise Again." The work of the Q Strings quartet (Laura Stanford, Ellie Stanford, Amy Stanford and Jess Cox) adds magic across the marvelous disc, notably on the aforementioned title track and "I Want To Fly," the latter where they provide the full accompaniment for Blunstone. Information: thezombiesmusic.com.

Artist: Peter Case

Title: Doctor Moan (Sunset Blvd. Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Warren Zevon, The Waterboys, Dr. John

Tell me more: Peter Case is back. The legendary singer-songwriter's 16th solo album Doctor Moan finds the top-tier artist tackling original material anchored by his piano playing — this is a departure from Case fronting modern rock favorites The Plimsouls in the late 1970s and '80s and subsequent solo career marked by more guitar-focused material. To be sure the 11-track Doctor Moan is a rich tapestry that serves the New York native's literate and compelling songcraft fully at every turn. Standouts abound on the 11-track disc; the uptempo jazz-tinged "Downtown Nowhere's Blues," absolutely beautiful "Eyes of Love," Dr. John-flavored "The Flying Crow" and reflective "Girl In Love With A Shadow"; "Wandering Days" is the lone guitar-anchored track and the breezy cut is another highlight on the album. In addition to his outstanding piano and acoustic guitar work, Case utilizes harmonica (in spades on the bluesy "Give Me Five Minutes More") and mellotron; the album also features the talents of Jonny Flaugher on electric and acoustic base, and Chris Joyner on B-3 organ. Information: PeterCase.com.

Artist: The New Pornographers

Title: Continue as a Guest (Merge Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Neko Case, Kathryn Calder, Beck, Gorillaz

Tell me more: The New Pornographers have returned with another batch of far-flung and stellar songs, proving ambition and evolution works wonders for the Canadian collective. Bandleader A.C. Newman along with Neko Case, Kathryn Calder, Todd Fancy, John Collins and Joe Seiders are exploring new sonic territory across their ninth studio album, having added a bit of rawness to their well-known melodic pop sheen (just listen to the urgent "Pontius Pilate's Home Movies"). The challenges of recording during the pandemic may have elevated the magic here; just listen to the soaring "Bottle Episodes," probing experimental-tinged title track, sweeping "Really Really Light," opulent "Marie And The Undersea" and genre-defying "Cat And Mouse With The Light." Information: TheNewPornographers.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Zombies reveal new single and video 'Dropped Reeling & Stupid'

Exciting news! The Zombies are back with a new single, and the legendary band plans to release the studio album "Different Game" on March 31, 2023. Listen to the great new jazz-rock track "Dropped Reeling & Stupid" and get more details on the upcoming album below...Robert Kinsler

THE ZOMBIES REVEAL NEW SINGLE & VIDEO “DROPPED REELING & STUPID” FULL ALBUM ‘DIFFERENT GAME’ RELEASING WORLDWIDE MARCH 31st, 2023 ON COOKING VINYL RECORDS NEW TOUR DATES & SXSW APPEARANCE ANNOUNCED

Album pre-order link: https://thezombies.lnk.to/differentgamePR 

“Dropped Reeling & Stupid” streaming link: https://thezombies.lnk.to/DRASPR 

Animated lyric video link: https://thezombies.lnk.to/DRASPR/youtube 

Media release 

January 12, 2023 - Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The Zombies have released a brand new track and animated lyric video, “Dropped Reeling & Stupid”, on streaming services ahead of a full album CD, vinyl and digital release March 31st worldwide on UK indie label Cooking Vinyl Records. 

In support of the release, and a forthcoming feature documentary, the band will resume their “Life Is A Merry-Go-Round” Tour in 2023 with appearances at Austin’s famed music & film festival, South by SouthWest (SXSW), new concerts announced in Texas and New Orleans, followed by a full UK run in the Spring, and more extensive touring planned throughout the year. The Zombies began work on the album, titled Different Game, after their 2019 induction into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a USA tour with Beach Boys auteur Brian Wilson. 

The band, which features founding keyboardist Rod Argent and lead singer Colin Blunstone, along with drummer Steve Rodford, guitarist Tom Toomey and bassist Søren Koch, hoped to finish writing and recording the follow-up to their Billboard-charting 2015 album Still Got That Hunger during a busy 2020 touring schedule, but COVID-19 had other plans for them. 

As primary songwriter and producer Rod Argent relates, the band was not content to record remotely: “Making this album has been a joy from start to finish. Post-lockdown, we were absolutely determined to come together and record in as “live” a way as we could - to capture that magical, fleeting quality of energy and immediacy of performance.….“Dropped Reeling & Stupid” is our first streamed release …… Can’t wait for you to hear it!” 

Despite the Pandemic, The Zombies made the past three years productive, finishing the album, and giving fans previews of their new songs with a live-streamed concert from Abbey Road Studios London in 2021, and 65 concerts across North America and Europe in 2022 for the launch of their “Life Is A Merry-Go-Round” Tour. Along with rockers like “Dropped Reeling & Stupid”, Different Game will also feature tender acoustic ballads with classical string arrangements, and is produced by Rod Argent together with the band’s longtime live audio engineer Dale Hanson. The album cover for Different Game exemplifies the independent and hard-working spirit of a band that refuses to rest on the laurels of a 6-decade career, and comes from a photo taken by Rod Argent during a touring misadventure in the Arizona desert this past Summer. 

Singer Colin Blunstone explains: “We were traveling from Southern California to Tucson, when our tour van’s engine suddenly caught fire! We spent about 5 hours stranded in the remote Arizona desert, but thanks to our intrepid team and crew, we were rescued and made it to our next show! It was a harrowing experience, but also beautiful and surreal.” The animated lyric video for “Dropped Reeling & Stupid”, produced by Animind Studio, is inspired by the band’s desert mishap. The album is being released in advance of a new feature documentary entitled Hung Up On A Dream, directed by musician and filmmaker Robert Schwartzman, and co-produced by Schwartzman’s Utopia Films, The Ranch Productions, and Tom Hanks’ Playtone, slated for release later in 2023. 

Different Game track listing: 

Different Game 

Dropped Reeling & Stupid 

Rediscover 

Runaway 

You Could Be My Love 

Merry-Go-Round 

Love You While I Can 

I Want to Fly 

Got to Move On 

The Sun Will Rise Again 

Tour dates are listed below, with more shows to be announced for 2023.

USA Shows:
Jan 28-Feb 2, 2023 - Caribbean Sea - On The Blue Cruise
March 11-17, 2023 - Austin, TX - SXSW Film & Music Festival
March 18, 2023 - San Antonio, TX - Aztec Theatre
March 21, 2023 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
March 22, 2023 - Houston, TX - House of Blues
March 24, 2023 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
March 26-30, 2023 - Caribbean Sea - Flower Power Cruise

UK Shows:
April 05, 2023 - Wimborne Minster, UK - Tivoli Theatre
April 06, 2023 - Exmouth, UK - Exmouth Pavilion
April 07, 2023 - Fletching, UK - Trading Boundaries
April 08, 2023 - Fletching, UK - Trading Boundaries
April 09, 2023 - Fletching, UK - Trading Boundaries
April 12, 2023 - Pontardawe, UK - Pontardawe Arts Centre
April 13, 2023 - Bristol, UK - The Fleece - SOLD OUT
April 14, 2023 - London, UK - Islington Assembly Hall
April 15, 2023 - Bury St. Edmunds, UK - The Apex
April 18, 2023 - Norwich, UK - Epic Studios
April 19, 2023 - Felixstowe, UK - Spa Pavilion
April 20, 2023 - Harpenden, UK - Eric Morecambe Centre
April 21, 2023 - Harpenden, UK - Eric Morecambe Centre
April 23, 2023 - Kinross, UK - Backstage at The Green Hotel - SOLD OUT
April 24, 2023 - Kinross, UK - Backstage at The Green Hotel
April 26, 2023 - Glasgow, UK - Òran Mór - SOLD OUT
April 27, 2023 - Holmfirth, UK - Picturedrome
April 29, 2023 - Taunton, UK - Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre
April 30, 2023 - Bury, UK - The Met
May 03, 2023 - Stockton-on-Tees, UK - ARC
May 04, 2023 - Carlisle, UK - Old Fire Station
May 05, 2023 - New Brighton, UK - Floral Pavilion
May 06, 2023 - Milton Keynes, UK - The Stables - SOLD OUT

Check out the band's upcoming tour dates via The Zombies' website HERE.

About The Zombies: 

The second UK band following The Beatles to score a #1 hit in America, The Zombies infiltrated the airwaves with the sophisticated melodies, breathy vocals, choral back-up harmonies and jazzy keyboard riffs of their 1960’s hit singles “She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No.” Ironically, the original lineup disbanded just prior to achieving their greatest success – the worldwide chart-topping single “Time of the Season,” from their swan-song album Odessey and Oracle, ranked in the Top 100 of Rolling Stone’s ‘500 Greatest Albums of All Time.’ To this day, generations of new bands have cited The Zombies’ work as pop touchstones, and the band continues to be embraced by new generations of fans. Following the break-up of the original band, Blunstone went on to develop an acclaimed solo career, while Argent rocked arenas in the 1970’s with his eponymous band ARGENT, but the legend of The Zombies continued to take on a life of its own. By the start of the new Millennium, Blunstone and Argent were inspired to resurrect The Zombies, which has led to several critically-acclaimed new albums and 2 decades of worldwide concert performances. 

For More Information On The Zombies: 

https://www.thezombiesmusic.com/

About Cooking Vinyl Records: 

Cooking Vinyl, established in 1986, is home to an eclectic mix of artists including The Darkness, Professor Green, Ladytron, Dave Rowntree, Don Letts, Passenger, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Billy Bragg, The Fratellis, Del Amitri, BABYMETAL, The Waterboys, Ron Sexsmith, The Jordan and many more. Recent successes include: Shortlisted for the 3rd year running for the Music Week Awards - Best Label/Artist Services Company. Nina Nesbitt surpassing over 1 billion career streams and gaining 278 New Music Fridays across her most recent album campaign. Passenger securing #2 UK Album, #2 Swiss Album, #3 German Album, #6 Australian Album, Del Amitri #5 UK Album and highest German chart position of their career and BABYMETAL securing #2 Current Albums, #1 Rock & Indie and #13 Billboard Top 200 in the US. Cooking Vinyl has consistently been at the forefront of the digital revolution and evolution. In 2005 the label set up its own online distribution company, Uploader, which was sold to the Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA). Subsequently Cooking Vinyl then set up the independent distribution company Essential Music which was bought by Sony Red in 2016 and soon after became The Orchard UK.

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Colin Blunstone celebrates The Zombies' enduring power ahead of Pappy and Harriet's concert

Who: The Zombies, Rooney

Where: Pappy and Harriet's, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown, CA

When: July 21, 2022 (doors open at 6 p.m.; show at 8 p.m.)

Information: pappyandharriets.com

Colin Blunstone performing with The Zombies at Abbey Road
Studios in London on Sept. 18, 2021.
Photo: Jules Annan

Ahead of The Zombies' forthcoming headlining performance at Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown on July 21, lead singer Colin Blunstone discussed the enduring power of the pioneering English rock troupe. Blunstone — who celebrated his 77th birthday on June 24 — remains one of rock music's greatest vocalists and is as passionate about making music today as he was when the Zombies were formed more than 60 years ago.

When the Zombies perform in the California high desert on July 21, they will perform their beloved 1960s material as well as top-tier songs from recent albums and their not-yet-titled ninth studio album.

"It’s finished, actually – it was finished about 8-10 weeks ago," Blunstone said of the group's forthcoming album in a recent interview. 

"We’ve already been to America once this year – mostly on the East Coast. Just before we landed for that first tour (of 2022) — we flew on the 26^th of March and the album was finished in that week before we left. So it’s completely finished. I don’t have a release date and I don’t even have a title. I do know the album is finished and it’s interesting because we realized that we like to record with everyone in the studio at the same time... It just gives you that extra energy that we’re playing off one another’s performances." 

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

In addition to Blunstone and original keyboardist-vocalist Rod Argent, the Zombies lineup includes drummer Steve Rodford, guitarist Tom Toomey and bassist Søren Koch. Because the Zombies record in the studio together, the pandemic impacted the process of completing their latest album.

"Because of the pandemic it wasn’t really that easy," Blunstone said of the effort to complete a follow-up to the acclaimed 2015 album Still Got That Hunger. "None of us live close to one another in the U.K. And our bass player Søren Koch actually lives in Denmark. There were only specific times we could get together because a lot of the times in those first two years it was very difficult. You weren’t really allowed to mix (together) in a studio situation. So one way or another, we managed to get an album done. We’re really excited about it."

The Zombies previewed several of the new songs in their only appearance of 2021, a global livestream of their concert live from Abbey Road Studios. That concert event was filmed and is now available as a CD+DVD release titled "The Zombies Live From Studio Two"; the title is available for sale exclusively at the band's concert dates.

The upcoming date in Pioneertown will mark the Zombies' first-ever appearance at legendary Pappy and Harriet's.

"I have heard of the reputation of this place and how unusual it is. I’m very much looking forward to going there," Blunstone said.

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

The Zombies' original run lasted from their formation in 1961 until they completed the recording of their 1968 masterwork Odessey and Oracle (the album was ranked number 100 on Rolling Stones' 2012 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time). Incredibly, the group returned in 1999 and has now soared to new heights that included their well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. Blunstone admits he is amazed at the band's celebrated second act.

"I’ve learned in the music business that you never know what’s gonna happen. And literally, anything can happen anytime. You’re quite right. The Zombies first got together in ’61 and we finished in ’67. So I think it was about (another) year before ‘Time Of The Season’ was a hit in the States. Kind of strange that it was a hit a year after the band ceased to exist. 

"With this band what happened really was I had a solo band and my keyboard player – a lovely bloke, a great player – he had an Achilles Heel in that if anybody asked him to play a concert of his songs he would just go off and just forget about all these other obligations. So I kept showing up to concerts and not having a keyboard player. I had six dates left on a tour and I thought, I’ll just take a chance and see if Rod (Argent) would do these six dates. He was very much involved as a producer at that time. He was having a lot of success and I had no idea if the thought of playing live again would appeal to him and I think he had mixed feelings but he said to me ‘I’ll do those six dates but I think that will probably be enough for me.’ And he really enjoyed it. Who would know from a chance phone call that we would be touring again for the next twentysomething years – 23 years."

Colin Blunstone at the Greek
Theatre in September 2018.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The Zombies continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans with their luxurious and signature style of psychedelic rock that is fused with jazz and baroque pop elements. Indeed, the band was invited to open for Arcade Fire at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in September 2018 (read a review of that concert HERE).

"One of the things that really excites us is the new songs get the same sort of reaction as the classic hits, and – also – we can see the people are singing the words to the new songs and that really lifts us when we realize that," Blunstone noted. 

"I think from my point of view the most exciting time for me in the Zombies has been seeing this band grow just through touring and playing live – because we haven’t been particularly active in the charts – just word of mouth through our live performances seeing this band grow from a band playing in rooms in the back of pubs to playing really big venues. It has been definitely the most exciting and fulfilling part of my life to see this band – the second incarnation of The Zombies – to see them grow in the way they have." 

For more information on The Zombies, visit the band's official website at TheZombiesMusic.com.

The Zombies kick off Merry-Go-Round Tour

Read the information below; an official update from The Zombies...Robert Kinsler

BRITISH PSYCHEDELIC POP LEGENDS ANNOUNCE “LIFE IS A MERRY-GO-ROUND TOUR”

ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES RELEASE “LIVE FROM STUDIO TWO”

RECORDED LIVE AT LONDON’S ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS

SPECIAL CD/DVD PACKAGE AVAILABLE AT SHOWS ONLY!

Despite a busy tour schedule this year, The Zombies have also been recording the follow-up to their 2015 Billboard-charting album, Still Got That Hunger (release date TBD), and will be performing several new songs on this tour, along with fan favorites. Led by founding members, vocalist Colin Blunstone and keyboardist Rod Argent, The Zombies’ 21st-Century line-up features Steve Rodford on drums, renowned session guitarist Tom Toomey, and the newest member, Søren Koch, who joined the band following the untimely passing of their beloved bassist Jim Rodford (formerly of ARGENT and The Kinks) in early 2018.

 

The band is also releasing “Live From Studio Two,” a CD/DVD special package, recorded live at London’s Abbey Road Studios and available at the shows only.

Special Preview of Two Videos

Edge Of The Rainbow

https://youtu.be/ng_syrDWrqA

This Will Be Our Year

https://youtu.be/efGaF0o5y5A

 

The band’s live performances, described by Rolling Stone as “absolutely triumphant”, take fans on a journey through time, from their early hits…their 1968 masterpiece 'Odessey & Oracle'…post-Zombies solo favorites…right to today with 'Still Got That Hunger'.

 

The second U.K. band following the Beatles to score a #1 hit in America, The Zombies infiltrated the airwaves with the sophisticated melodies, breathy vocals, choral back-up harmonies and jazzy keyboard riffs of their 1960’s hit singles “She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No.” Ironically, the group broke-up just prior to achieving their greatest success – the worldwide chart-topping single “Time of the Season,” from their swan-song album Odessey & Oracle, ranked #100 in Rolling Stone’s ‘500 Greatest Albums of All Time'.  To this day, generations of new bands have cited The Zombies’ work as pop touchstones, and the band continues to be embraced by new generations of fans.

 

Following the break-up of the original band, lead vocalist Colin Blunstone went on to develop an acclaimed solo career (with hits including "Say You Don't Mind," "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted", and “Old & Wise” with Alan Parsons Project) and keyboardist/songwriter Rod Argent rocked ‘70’s arenas with his eponymous band ARGENT (“Hold Your Head Up,” “God Gave Rock ‘n’ Roll To You”), but the legend of The Zombies continued to take on a life of its own.  By the start of the new Millennium, Blunstone and Argent were inspired to resurrect The Zombies.

 

The explosive release of 'Still Got That Hunger' proved that Zombies fever is stronger than ever, with premieres at Rolling Stone, Mojo, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian  Speakeasy, and Spin, alongside special broadcast performances, including Later…With Jools Holland, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, CBS Saturday Morning and AOL Sessions. Moreover, it marked a historical moment on the Billboard charts, as The Zombies’ critically acclaimed album 'Odessey And Oracle' re-entered the Billboard 100 forty-eight years later at the same time as 'Still Got That Hunger'!   

 

On March 29, 2019 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, The Zombies joined Stevie Nicks, Radiohead, The Cure, Def Leppard, Janet Jackson, and Roxy Music as the 2019 Class of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Fittingly, the Induction Ceremony took place exactly 50 years to-the-day after The Zombies’ classic “Time of the Season” first hit #1 on the charts in America.

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Tour Dates

April  1 - The Plaza Live - Orlando, FL

April  2 - Sunrise Theatre, Fort Pierce, FL

April  3 - The Parker Playhouse, Fort Lauderdale, FL

April  5 - Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater, FL

April  6 - Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

April  7 - Center Stage Theater, Atlanta, GA

April  9 - Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge, LA

April 10 - Iron City, Birmingham, AL

April 13 - Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN

April 14 - Bijou Theatre, Knoxville, TN

April 16 - Webster Hall, New York, NY

April 18 - The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA

April 19 - Maryland Hall, Annapolis, MD

April 20 - The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA

April 22 - Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY

April 23 - The Music Box at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, NJ

April 24 - The Suffolk Theater, Riverhead, NY

April 26 - Academy of Music Theatre, Northampton, MA

April 27 - Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord, NH

April 29 - Cabot Street Cinema Theatre, Beverly, MA

April 30 - Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT

May  1 - Narrows Center For The Arts, Fall River, MA 

June 21 - Empire Theatre, Belleville, ON

June 22 - Living Arts Centre - Hammerson Hall, Mississauga, ON

June 24 - Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe, PA

June 25 - Point of the Bluff Vineyard, Hammondsport, NY

June 26 - Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, Munhall, PA

June 28 - The Kent Stage, Kent, OH

June 30 - Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati, OH

July  1 - Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, IL

July  2 - Codfish Hollow Barnstormers, Maquoketa, IA

July  3 - Barrymore Theatre, Madison, WI

July  5 - First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN

July  7 - Club Regent Event Centre, Winnipeg, MB

July  9 - Deerfoot Inn & Casino, Calgary, AB

July 13 - Alix Goolden Performance Hall, Victoria, BC

July 14 - Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC

July 15 - Historic Everett Theatre, Everett, WA

TICKETS: THEZOMBIESMUSIC.COM/LIVE