On July 11, it was announced that founding Zombies keyboardist and songwriter Rod Argent was recovering from a stroke and was immediately retiring from touring. Now, Argent has issued a statement thanking fans for their well-wishes and sharing an update on his health.
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“I am absolutely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that has happened in response to the news of my having suffered a stroke three weeks ago,” the 79-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer wrote in a note posted on The Zombies’ social media pages. “I have read every post, and have to thank you so much.”
[RELATED: The Zombies’ Founding Member Rod Argent Suffers Stroke, Retires From Touring]
Argent continued, “I do feel so lucky that physically I’ve escaped the worst possible effects, and while I’m still frustrated by not finding all my words easily, I feel really hopeful that eventually I will make a full recovery.”
He added, “It is with a heavy heart that I can’t carry on with the live playing that I love so much, but want to emphasise that, after a couple of months, do mean to carry on in the studio with writing and recording unabated, and with superb contributions from [fellow Zombies members] Colin [Blunstone], Steve [Rodford], Tom [Toomey] and Søren [Koch].”
What the Original Statement Revealed
The July 11 statement, which was issued by longtime Zombies managers Chris Tuthill and Cindy da Silva, explained, “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 also noted that Argent already was preparing to wind down his live-performance schedule following previous health scares he experienced before his stroke.
“The stroke was an unmistakable warning sign that the risks are too great,” the message noted. “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.”
Argent Experienced Health Issues During The Zombies’ 2023 Tour
During The Zombies’ 2023 U.S. tour supporting their latest album, Different Game, the band canceled several shows because Argent was experiencing health issues. “Lack of sleep, and a very heavy work schedule, jet lag [etc.],” he shared about 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.”
About The Zombies’ Canceled 2024 Shows and Other Plans
The Zombies had been scheduled to play a pair of U.K festivals in late July, as well as a one-off show in Woodstock, New York, on September 21. Those concerts have been canceled.
Meanwhile, the band’s second annual Begin Here Festival, scheduled for November 8-10 in The Zombies’ hometown of St Albans, England, will still take place. The group’s planned performance likely will be replaced by a tribute to Argent.
Lead singer Blunstone’s scheduled U.K. solo concerts in November commemorating his 1971 album One Year also will go on as planned.
More About Argent
Argent co-founded The Zombies in 1961, and his keyboard was the band’s lead instrument. He also was the group’s main backing vocalist, and sang lead on select songs. In addition, he and bassist Chris White were the band’s principal songwriters. Argent composed The Zombies’ three biggest hits—“She’s Not There,” “Tell Her No,” and “Time of the Season.”
When The Zombies re-formed in 2001 without White, the band was co-led by Argent and Blunstone, with Rod serving as the group’s main songwriter.
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