Rod Argent, keyboardist of The Zombies, has retired from touring after suffering a stroke. Management duo Chris Tuthill and Cindy da Silva announced the news on Instagram, sharing that Argent had the stroke after celebrating his 52nd wedding anniversary and 79th birthday with his wife in London. Doctors have recommended “several months of rest and recuperation” for Argent, who was already planning to retire from live performances due to previous health scares, the announcement read. Upcoming headline appearances from The Zombies have been cancelled, along with a planned 2024 US tour.
A show in honor of Argent will go ahead at the band’s second annual ‘Begin Here Festival’ in St Albans on November 8-10, replacing The Zombies’ originally scheduled performance. However, the band will not be completely retired as Argent will continue to write. Management said that the songwriter has been back playing his piano and undergoing much-needed “Bach therapy.”
Meanwhile, The Zombies’ frontman Colin Blunstone spoke to NME for its “Does Rock N’ Roll Kill Braincells?!” series. He recounted anecdotes about spending time with Patti LaBelle and prankster Shangri-Las, as well as the danger of leaving the theatre during the band’s tours due to the massive crowds of fans outside.
“Give Him a Great Big Kiss,” a song by the Shangri-Las, featured Weiss kissing Argent on stage, with the keyboardist reportedly enjoying it. Atkinson, the band’s guitarist, also ignored orders to stay inside and was literally swarmed by fans who tore off his shirt and pressed him up against a shop front, until the police intervened.
Despite Argent’s retirement and tour cancellations, The Zombies’ music and legacy is sure to live on, with fans eagerly awaiting updates on the band’s future endeavors.
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