Bang on 8 o’clock the imposing Union Chapel organ burst into life, making the most of the grand acoustics in this most characterful venue. To audience cheers, Rod Argent calmly walked around the screen when he was finished, sat at his piano and started to play a rarity, ‘Rejoice’ the b-side of Argent's 'Tragedy'. Colin Blunstone joined his longtime partner on main vocals as they eased into the night with title track of their last album ‘Breathe Out Breathe In’.
Rod and Colin have been working together on and off for over 50 years. The first Zombies album was released in 1964 and the last in 2013, there have been many break-ups and line-ups but their union remains strong and indeed a new album is currently in production. This familiarity and friendship is evident this evening as they combine musically, vocally and colloquially.
Tonight is an acoustic journey through the sounds of The Zombies. Early classic singles ‘Tell Her No’ and ‘Time Of The Season’ are met with spontaneous applause with the combined harmonies delivering much more than the sum of their parts. Colin, all in black wearing jeans, t-shirt and jacket, has an anecdote for every song, and instils an air of joyful tranquillity to a most pleasurable evening.
Their easy repartee takes us through the years with Colin’s ‘Misty Rose’ a highlight supported by a string quartet and double bass, followed by the moving 'Her Song' and 'Say You Don't Mind'.
Bathed in blue light the second half started with a solo Rod performing 'Fiesta' soon to be joined again by Colin for a cover of Jimmy Ruffin's classic 'What Become's Of The Broken Hearted'. A sublime version of "Going Out Of My Head' originally recorded by Little Anthony and The Imperials followed. 'She's Not There' brought the night to a crescendo with thier reworking of George Gershwin's 'Summertime' closing the evenings entertainment.
Enduring talent is on show tonight, and whilst the music industry is gripped by an age of disposable pop this is the real thing. A hugely underrated homegrown musical partnership, whose timeless songs continue to enthrall, The Zombies are a true British gem.
Check out the Music-News.com exclusive interview with The Zombies below.
