The Zombies founding member, keyboardist, and songwriter Rod Argent revealed that he is recovering from a recent stroke and will retire from touring. All upcoming performances by the Zombies have been canceled.
“We are saddened to report that Rod Argent, founder, keyboardist, and primary songwriter of The Zombies, has suffered a stroke,” read a statement from the band’s managers Chris Tuthill and Cindy da Silva, provided to American Songwriter. “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. He was hospitalized overnight and released the next day. Doctors have advised that Rod will need several months of rest and recuperation.”
The statement revealed that Argent has made the “difficult decision” to retire from touring for his health. In 2023, Argent was forced to pull out of the Zombies’ U.S. tour supporting their seventh album Different Game, due to health reasons. “Lack of sleep, and a very heavy work schedule, jet lag [etc.],” shared Argent of his condition at the time. “I experienced symptoms of visual migraine which were seriously worrying to all who were witness to the two episodes – followed by debilitating fatigue, exhaustion really. I just have to rest for some time.”
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Argent was already preparing to wind down his live performance schedule after the health scares prior to his stroke.
“The stroke was an unmistakable warning sign that the risks are too great,” continued the statement. “Rod still firmly intends to continue his other creative joy of writing and recording with The Zombies, and has already been back at his piano for some much-needed Bach therapy.”
In 1975, Argent first returned from touring after spending his late teens through 20s entirely on the road with The Zombies and his band Argent. In 1999, Zombies vocalist Colin Blunstone convinced Argent to rejoin the band for six shows after their keyboardist parted ways with the band. What was intended to be “only six shows” turned into another 25 years with the band he co-founded in 1961.
Though the band’s upcoming shows have been canceled, the second annual Begin Here Festival in the Zombies’ hometown of St Albans, England, will still take place. The band’s scheduled performance will likely be replaced by a tribute to Argent. Blunstone’s upcoming November performances commemorating his 1971 solo album One Year will continue as planned.
Later in 2024 the Zombies’ documentary, Hung Up On A Dream, directed by Robert Schwartzman and chronicling the band’s 60-plus year history, will also have its theatrical release and be available for streaming.
“If a classic artist that has made music you love is performing nearby, don’t miss the opportunity to see them,” concluded the statement by the Zombies’ management. “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.”
Photos: Alex Lake / Courtesy of The Bloom Effect
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