The Zombies’ Rod Argent pronounces retirement from touring as a consequence of stroke restoration
The Zombies‘ Rod Argent has introduced his fast retirement from touring following a stroke he suffered.
The information of the keyboardist’s retirement was introduced by the band’s managers Chris Tuthill and Cindy da Silva as we speak (July 11) on Instagram.
They shared that Argent had a stroke shortly after spending a weekend in London along with his spouse Cathy to have fun their 52nd wedding ceremony anniversary in addition to his 79th birthday, saying docs suggested him to take “a number of months of relaxation and recuperation”.
“He was already making ready to wind down his stay efficiency schedule after well being scares on current excursions,” the announcement learn. “Nevertheless, the stroke was an unmistakable warning signal that the dangers are too nice.”
As such, all upcoming headline appearances from The Zombies have been cancelled, in addition to a 2024 US tour that was additionally within the works. Nevertheless, the band’s second annual ‘Start Right here Competition’ in St Albans on November 8-10 will proceed, with a particular present honouring Argent set to exchange The Zombies’ initially scheduled efficiency.
Nevertheless, Argent won’t retire from writing; in response to their managers, the songwriter has “already been again at his piano for some much-needed ’Bach remedy’.” Learn their full assertion under:
NME spoke to frontman Colin Blunstone for our collection of Does Rock N’ Roll Kill Braincells?!, the place we quiz an artist on their very own profession to see how a lot they’ll keep in mind.
Within the interview, Blunstone reminisced about hanging out with bands: “We spent numerous time with Patti LaBelle – who pranked us by having one of many Bluebells feign going by way of some bizarre fainting match and passing out within the dressing room. They saved it up for a short time – as we’re operating round like headless chickens uncertain what to do – earlier than all of them burst out laughing.
“The Shangri-Las did ‘Chief of the Pack’ and Hugh Grundy obtained to drive their bike on stage with lead singer Mary Weiss on the again seat,” he continued. “They’d one other tune referred to as ‘Give Him a Nice Massive Kiss’ which she’d begin by giving Rod a kiss on stage, so he loved that! We weren’t allowed to exit through the day as a result of there have been so many followers outdoors the theatre. Our guitarist Paul Atkinson ignored this as soon as and was besieged by followers speeding in direction of him. They tore his shirt off and had him pressed up in opposition to a shopfront. At that time, the police ordered everybody to remain inside!”