Zombies’ Founder Rod Argent Retires From Touring Following Stroke

Rod Argent, a founder and long-standing keyboardist for the British Invasion band the Zombies, has announced his retirement from touring after experiencing a stroke.

The band’s management released a statement: “We are saddened to report that Rod Argent, founder, keyboardist, and primary songwriter of the Zombies, has suffered a stroke. Rod had recently returned home from a triumphant Zombies tour of the U.K. 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. Rod has asked us to convey that he has made the very difficult decision to immediately retire from touring in order to protect his health. He was already preparing to wind down his live performance schedule after health scares on recent tours.”

In January 2022, the Zombies postponed tour dates to 2023 after an unnamed member required an “urgent but non-life-threatening” medical procedure.

The band has been active in recent years, especially after their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. Their seventh album, Different Game, was released last year.

Argent and the Zombies had their first hit in 1964 with “She’s Not There.” The Hertfordshire, England-formed band, featuring singer Colin Blunstone, achieved three Top 10 singles by the end of the decade, including “Time of the Season” from their iconic 1968 album Odessey and Oracle, their last until a reunion album in 1991.

During the band’s break, Argent led the band Argent, which found success with a Top 5 hit in 1972 with “Hold Your Head Up.”

Argent and Blunstone, along with original bassist Chris White and original drummer Hugh Grundy, reunited for a 50th anniversary tour of Odessey and Oracle in 2017, despite original guitarist Paul Atkinson’s passing in 2004. They have since toured with other current members.

The statement concluded, “We don’t know what the future holds. What we have to tell fans today is that all upcoming performances by the Zombies will be canceled.”

Source: Various sources