Rod Argent, the keyboardist and primary songwriter for pioneering English rock’n’roll band The Zombies , has announced his retirement from touring after suffering a stroke. The influential band, who were formed by Argent and singer Colin Blunstone in St Albans in 1961, are best known for their 1964 single “She’s Not There” and 1968’s “Time of the Season”. They toured on and off for over six decades and recently completed a final jaunt around the UK.
Argent, 79, is now unable to tour and has canceled plans for a US tour later this year in order to protect his health In a statement, the band’s management say that he plans to continue to write and record with the band. They add that his recovery has been aided by a return to the piano for “Bach therapy”. “Each year, we’d secretly marvel at how this band could possibly be playing at an even higher level than the previous year, instead of diminishing with age,” the managers write.
“That being said, the other aspects of touring can be grueling, and can take their toll on 18-year-olds, never mind a musician approaching 80. As heart-breaking as this is for us, the band, our crew and our team, we are a family and fully support Rod in this decision.” As well as his work with The Zombies, Argent is also known for his eponymous band Argent, whose 1973 single “God Gave Rock and Roll to You” was famously covered by Kiss in 1991.
Last year, Argent and Blunstone spoke to The Independent ’s Chris Harvey f.