When your party is called the Zombies, sure, you’re having a great time in the afterlife. Still riding a wave of renewed popularity, the survivors of the British invasion (and 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees) hit the web on Saturday with an “overnight world tour” at one of their favorite old haunts, Abbey Road Studios in London. .
“We like to think of ourselves as an emerging rock band,” frontman Colin Blunstone said from London this week. “Because at our age, it’s the reincarnation of Zombies and we had to start from the beginning. We didn’t have a hit single and we had to recreate a fan base. Originally, Rod (keyboardist and co-founder Rod Argent) and I got together to play six gig dates – that was in 1999 and here we are, 22 years later.
The band spent a lot of time at Abbey Road. For one, their 1968 album “Odessey & Oracle” was made there, with sessions beginning shortly after the Beatles finished “Sgt. Pepper.” A flop when first released, “Odessey” has since been enshrined as a psychedelic pop landmark.
“It certainly intrigues me because there’s such a mystery surrounding that album. It wasn’t a commercial success and to a large extent that’s why the band ended up. By the time ‘Time of the Season” became a hit, it was impossible to get us back together. I know it’s (British rock figure) Paul Weller’s favorite album, and I’ve been told he gives out copies to people who hadn’t heard it. So it’s been quite a strange journey that the album has been on.
The next album they made was Blunstone’s debut solo album, “One Year”, which also featured Argent. Less celebrated but just as good, this album is about to get a 50-year-old reissue – featuring live shows in New York, as well as a longer tour that could hit Boston.
“We’re adding some demo tapes that no one knew existed. It was very strange to hear them, because I don’t remember the sessions at all. It’s definitely my voice, but it’s almost like hearing someone else. My writing was still in its infancy then, so people can hear how far I’ve come.
The Zombies are currently working on their fourth reunion album – and that’s saying something, as they only made two before their initial breakup in 1969.
“You may or may not like zombies, but I will say that we are unique. We were inspired by rhythm and blues as well as classical music and jazz, and modern pop is there. This has always been one of our strengths and weaknesses. I could never tell people what kind of band we are, other than a keyboard-based band that always uses vocal harmonies.
Paul Weller and other guests are scheduled to make an appearance on Saturday’s webcast, which will stream live worldwide (it begins at 3 p.m. Boston time; tickets are available at thezombies.veeps.com). It will be the band’s first concert in nearly two years, with only a few dozen people allowed in the live audience.
“As a singer, this year has been difficult. I try to do my vocal exercises every day, but it’s not the same as playing live. So our adrenaline for this weekend is already building. We’ll do the hits, some deep cuts and five new songs; three of which will feature a string quartet. So it’s a lot to take on, especially since we haven’t seen each other for so long. I suggested that the band all put up name stickers so we all recognize each other.
Comments are closed.