Legendary band The Zombies honoured by blue plaque

David Courtney, the manager of Musicroom Portsmouth, recently visited St Albans to witness the unveiling of a historical blue plaque commemorating the famous 60s band The Zombies.
Best known for their hits She’s Not There and Time of the Season, the surviving members of the band’s original line-up returned to the Blacksmith’s Arms pub to mark the event, the site where the group first met 51 years ago.
David spoke to the Musicroom blog about his “labour of love” trip to St Albans to witness the occasion.
“The four original surviving members; Colin Blunstone, Rod Argent, Chris White and Hugh Grundy unveiled a historic blue plaque of honour of the influential legendary band. I attended, met all 4 Zombies, shook hands, obtained autographs and took photos.”
Sadly, the band’s fifth and original member, guitarist Paul Atkinson, died in 2004. Paul famously signed ABBA in his later role as A&R man.”

Today, The Zombies are back on the road, featuring Colin and Rod, along with Jim Rodford on bass (formerly of The Kinks) and Jim’s son Steven on drums.
David is a fan of The Zombies’ modern iteration, “in essence the two key elements are there with Colin’s breathy vocals and Rod’s abstract jazz tinged keyboard work.
“I recommend seeing them perform,” he added, “I just want the world to rediscover The Zombies. They’re brilliant! I’ll be seeing them perform again on May 31 in Brighton.”
Check out this video of the band in action performing their hit She’s Not There in 1964.
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For more information on The Zombies current UK tour, visit their gig listings page on ents24.com and check Colin Blunstone’s account of the special day on his personal website.