Rod Argent, the legendary founder, keyboardist, and primary songwriter of The Zombies, has announced his immediate retirement from touring following a stroke. The news was shared by the band’s management, Chris Tuthill and Cindy da Silva, who have been managing The Zombies for over a decade. Argent, who recently celebrated his 79th birthday and 52nd wedding anniversary with his wife Cathy, suffered the stroke shortly after returning from a successful UK tour.
Doctors have advised Argent to take several months of rest and recuperation. This health scare has led him to make the difficult decision to retire from touring to protect his health. Argent had already been considering winding down his live performance schedule after experiencing health issues on recent tours. A Fall 2024 USA tour was in the works, intended to be his final overseas tour and a farewell to the country that launched The Zombies’ career in 1964. However, the stroke served as an unmistakable warning sign that the risks were too great.
Despite his retirement from touring, Argent remains committed to his other creative passion: writing and recording music with The Zombies. He has already returned to his piano for what he calls “Bach therapy,” finding solace and joy in music during his recovery.
The Zombies’ management team expressed their heartfelt support for Argent’s decision. They have witnessed firsthand how Argent transforms into an 18-year-old on stage, feeding off the energy of the audience and his bandmates. The current lineup, including original singer Colin Blunstone, drummer Steve Rodford, guitarist Tom Toomey, and bassist Søren Koch, has consistently delivered high-energy performances that defy their age. However, the grueling aspects of touring can take a toll, especially on a musician approaching 80.
Argent’s retirement marks the end of an era for The Zombies, a band that has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence over the past 25 years. After initially retiring from touring in 1975 to focus on his family and other musical endeavors, Argent was coaxed back into performing by Blunstone in 1999. What was supposed to be a six-show stint turned into 25 years of touring and recording, culminating in their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
The Zombies have had a storied career, with unforgettable performances at festivals like Glastonbury, StageCoach, and KAABOO, and iconic venues like Central Park Summerstage, Santa Monica Pier, and the London Palladium. They have shared stages with legends like Tom Petty and Brian Wilson and made memorable TV appearances on shows hosted by Jimmy Fallon and Jools Holland.
The recent UK tour added two more highlights to their illustrious career: a sold-out show at London’s Barbican Centre with special guests like Paul Weller and a rapturous performance at the Eden Festival in Scotland, despite the rain and mud.
With Argent’s retirement, all upcoming performances by The Zombies have been canceled. However, the band’s second annual “Begin Here Festival” in St Albans, UK, scheduled for November 8-10, 2024, will continue. The festival, which celebrates The Zombies and the vibrant city where they formed, will now feature a special show honoring Argent. Fans are encouraged to hold onto their tickets as new plans are announced.
Colin Blunstone’s upcoming November performances of his seminal 1971 solo album “One Year” at the Begin Here Festival and other UK cities will also proceed as planned. The band and their management expressed their deep gratitude to the fans for their continued support and love.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to “The True Story of the Fake Zombies,” an 8-episode true-crime podcast detailing the 1969 story of an imposter version of the band, available on iHeart Radio. Additionally, the official Zombies documentary, “Hung Up On A Dream,” directed by Robert Schwartzman, is slated for theatrical and streaming release later this year.
The management team concluded their announcement with a poignant message: if a classic artist whose music you love is performing nearby, don’t miss the opportunity to see them. The communal experience of a live performance by a veteran artist is a singular and joyous moment. These artists are treasures who have stood the test of time and are giving their all, but they are fragile human beings like all of us. Don’t miss out.
Source: The Zombies’ Management, PEOPLE, NME
