Last night, I arrived at Union Chapel in Islington in a foul mood. The rain-soaked streets and the weight of a tiring day had drained me, but as I walked through the grand doors of the chapel at 7:30 PM, everything began to shift. By the end of the evening, I left transformed – uplifted, re-energised, and reminded of the healing power of music. There is something profound about experiencing music live, collectively, in a space charged with shared emotion. It can mend what feels broken, and last night, Colin Blunstone proved it. For the second time in his illustrious career, Colin Blunstone performed his iconic 1971 debut solo album, One Year, in its entirety, alongside other gems from his catalogue. Part of The Zombies’ annual “Begin Here Festival,” the evening felt like a rare gift. Blunstone, joined by a full band and the ethereal Q-Strings quartet, brought the timelessness of One Year to life in Union Chapel’s stunningly evocative setting.
Having witnessed the debut performance of One Year live earlier this month in St Albans, I already knew it would be special. But something about last night – perhaps the chapel’s intimate and otherworldly atmosphere, or the added warmth of Blunstone’s connections to old friends in the audience – elevated the experience to something magical. He recognised faces from his school days, friends he hadn’t seen in over 60 years, and this heartfelt reunion added layers of nostalgia and humanity to the performance. It felt like a homecoming, not just for Blunstone but for everyone present.
The concert opened with favourites from One Year, including the cinematic “Say You Don’t Mind” and the melancholic beauty of “Misty Roses.” Each track was a journey through his artistry, rendered even more powerful by the lush arrangements of the Q-Strings. “Caroline Goodbye,” a poignant farewell to a lost love, resonated with new depths in the live setting. The music wrapped itself around the room like a warm embrace, each note charged with emotion.
Blunstone didn’t stop at his solo work. He treated us to a selection of classics from The Zombies and some well-chosen covers, including Billy Bragg’s “Levi Stubbs’ Tears” and Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes of the Broken-hearted.” His tender, haunting voice – unchanged by time – filled every corner of the venue, reminding us why he remains one of the most cherished voices in rock history. Standout moments included “Old and Wise” from The Alan Parsons Project, which earned a rapturous standing ovation, and “I Don’t Believe in Miracles,” which seemed to transcend time itself.The fans – a dedicated, almost familial group – were part of what made the evening so special. In the first five rows, I recognised many faces from St Albans. These are fans who follow The Zombies like family, and the sentiment is clearly mutual. Blunstone’s emotional connection to his audience was palpable, his gratitude shining through every heartfelt word and note.
Union Chapel proved to be the perfect setting for this remarkable evening. The venue’s ethereal atmosphere enhanced the cinematic quality of the performance, making it feel as though we were part of something eternal. By the time Blunstone’s voice soared through “Tracks Of My Tears”, “Wild Places” and “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted,” the crowd was spellbound, collectively transported by the music.
As someone who has had the privilege of interviewing Colin Blunstone four times and attending five of his performances, this night felt especially poignant. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a moment in rock history, a reminder of the enduring artistry that defines The Zombies’ legacy. Their 1968 masterpiece, Odessey and Oracle, remains one of the greatest albums of all time, and their 2019 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was long overdue. Blunstone’s solo work is equally deserving of celebration, as last night’s performance reaffirmed.
Music, when experienced live, has the power to heal. Last night, in the hallowed halls of Union Chapel, it did just that. I entered the venue weary and weighed down but left feeling lighter, energised, and deeply grateful for the beauty of collective musical experience. As Blunstone’s timeless voice echoed in my mind on the journey home, I was reminded once again: true artistry never fades. And Zombies, it seems, truly never die.
For those eager to catch him live, visit Colin Blunstone’s website and The Zombies’ official site for upcoming tour dates. Don’t miss the chance to witness this legend in action.