The Zombies founder Rod Argent retires from touring after suffering stroke
Rod Argent, one of the founding members of the British rock band The Zombies, has announced his retirement from the band’s ongoing touring commitments after suffering a stroke. He and co-founding vocalist Colin Blunstone currently lead a line-up also including Steve Rodford, Tom Toomey, and Søren Koch.
The statement of Argent’s retirement from the road was announced on July 11th. “Rod had recently returned home from a triumphant Zombies tour of the UK and spent a weekend in London with his beloved wife Cathy, celebrating his 79th birthday and their 52nd wedding anniversary, before the stroke occurred,” the statement read.
According to the message, the keyboardist behind such classics as ‘She’s Not There’ and ‘Time of the Season’ was hospitalised overnight. Although he was released the following day, “doctors have advised that Rod will need several months of rest and recuperation.”
Touring with a rock band is a taxing endeavour, but as a labour of love, such decisions don’t come lightly. “Rod has asked us to convey that he has made the very difficult decision to immediately retire from touring in order to protect his health,” the statement added. “He was already preparing to wind down his live performance schedule after health scares on recent tours.”
The Zombies wrapped up their 60 Years On Tape tour across the UK last month. Their performance at London’s Barbican was a standout event, featuring appearances by Paul Weller, former bassist Chris White, and Hoosiers’ lead singer Irwin Sparkes.
The band, which formed in 1961 before achieving a crucial number two hit in the US with ‘She’s Not There’ in 1964, was due to undertake a touring leg in the US in the autumn. However, with Argent’s retirement, the dates will now be cancelled. “The stroke was an unmistakable warning sign that the risks are too great,” the band’s statement continued.
Though this may well be the end of Argent’s touring days, he hopes to remain an active member of The Zombies and “intends to continue his other creative joy of writing and recording”. According to the announcement, he “has already been back at his piano for some much-needed ‘Bach therapy.'”
In light of the news, The Zombies’ management has revealed that all upcoming festival appearances for the summer have been cancelled. However, the band will make a return to the stage at the second annual Begin Here Festival in St Albans this coming November.
Earlier this year, Far Out caught up with Colin Blunstone for an exclusive interview. The iconic singer discussed the belated appreciation of The Zombies’ 1968 masterpiece Odessey and Oracle, his musical tastes and the modern music industry. Read the full interview here.
After thanking Argent for his work over the years, they powerfully concluded by saying, “Our last message is that if a classic artist that has made music you love is performing nearby, don’t miss the opportunity to see them. You can sit on the couch and binge Netflix another day. 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.”
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.