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The Zombies come alive and head for The Sage Gateshead
Despite breaks-ups and reformations, The Zombies are still going strong five decades on. MARISSA CARRUTHERS finds out more about the iconic band.
There are not many bands out there who can boast influencing a string of modern musicians, but The Zombies can.
The Arctic Monkeys, Paul Weller, Fleet Foxes, Super Furry Animals, Billy Joel and Courtney Love are among the ever-growing number of stars who have cited the group as their influences.
And now original members Rod Argent and Colin Bluntstone are hitting the road once again as they embark on a tour of the UK.
Last year they proved they are still as popular as ever when they sold out three dates at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire in March.
Fans flocked from far and wide to see four original band members, Bluntstone and Argent plus bassist Chris White and drummer Hugh Grundy, play the whole of their landmark album Odessey and Oracle (misspelt by the record company) for the first time in the band's history, as they parted ways before it was originally released in 1967.
The reaction was so great that the reunited band hit the road to play the album in Bristol, Glasgow, London and Manchester.
Despite almost being ignored on its release, the album is now lauded by both the public and the music industry, scooping a classic album award at the 2009 Mojo Honours List.
Keyboard player Rod said: "I'm thrilled we've received this award.
"It's so gratifying that 42 years after we made the album it should still seem so relevant to so many contemporary artists.
"Just at the ceremony, Paul Weller commented that Odessey and Oracle was his favourite album, and the Fleet Foxes said to us how inspirational they had found it."
Also proving how influential they are in the music world is the volume of bands and artists who have covered tracks such as She's Not There, Tell Her No and Time of the Season, all top 10 hits in the U.S., where the band enjoyed most of their success.
Among those artists are Crowded House, The Foo Fighters, Santana, The Beautiful South and Gym Class Heroes.
Joining original members Colin and Rod for their tour will be Jim Rodford, Keith Airey and Steve Rodford.
You can catch them at The Sage Gateshead on Thursday, October 22, at 8pm. Tickets cost 19.50 and 16.50 and can be bought by phoning 443 4661.
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