The Zombies, iconic figures of the British Invasion, are set to host their second annual Begin Here Festival in their home-town of St. Albans near London this November. The festival will take place at the The Eric Morecambe Centre on Friday, 8th November 2024, promising an immersive experience that celebrates the band’s legendary music and storied history.
The Zombies – Photography by ALEX LAKE insta @twoshortdays WWW.TWOSHORTDAYS.COM
Headlining the event is Colin Blunstone, the band’s frontman, who will perform his acclaimed 1971 debut solo album, One Year, in its entirety for the first time ever. The performance will feature beloved tracks such as “Say You Don’t Mind,” “Misty Roses,” and “Caroline Goodbye,” along with a selection of songs from Blunstone’s extensive career. He will be joined on stage by a full band and the Q-Strings quartet, creating an unforgettable musical experience for fans.
In addition to the festival, Blunstone will also perform at the Union Chapel, London on 25th November 2024, further celebrating the enduring legacy of The Zombies.
This will mark my fourth interview with Colin Blunstone, a journey that has deepened my appreciation for the band. Having attended numerous Zombies concerts before Rod Argent stepped back from live touring entirely, I’ve gained valuable insights into their music and artistry. Their influence and story will feature prominently in my upcoming book, Rock Rebels, which I am currently writing.
The Zombies, who gained fame in the 1960s with hits like “She’s Not There,” “Tell Her No,” and “Time of the Season,” achieved a significant milestone in 2019 with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their album Odessey and Oracle, released in 1967, has since been recognised as one of the greatest albums of all time, influencing generations of musicians and resonating with fans worldwide.
As anticipation builds for the Begin Here Festival, Blunstone reflects on the band’s remarkable journey and the ongoing passion for their music. The festival promises to be a celebration not only of The Zombies’ illustrious past but also of their continued relevance in the music world today.
For more information about the festival and ticket details, visit thezombiesmusic.com / www.thezombiesmusic.com/beginherefestival2024 .
Monica Costa: How are you, Colin? Last time we spoke it was just before Christmas, and so much has happened since then, hasn’t it?
Colin Blunstone: Yes, a lot has happened. And of course, with The Zombies, you know Rod had a stroke, but he’s recovering really well. I think he just gets a bit tired. It’s still early days, but I’m hopeful and quietly confident he’ll be back to his old self soon. He just needs a couple of months to sort himself out.
But Rod’s decided he doesn’t want to tour any more, so The Zombies have played their last gig.
Monica Costa: I’m glad I was there for the Barbican gig – it was very special. And I think I also caught a previous show at the Islington Assembly Hall. Both were wonderful. It must feel strange for you, with 60 years of performing together, to know there won’t be another tour. How has Rod’s decision affected you and the future of The Zombies?
Colin Blunstone: Well, I don’t think The Zombies will play live any more. But there are plans for us to keep recording; Rod absolutely wants to keep writing and recording, just not touring. We’ll have to see how it all works out.
Meanwhile, I’ve always had a solo band, even between Zombies tours. I enjoy it, so I’m going to reactivate the solo band. We’re kicking off with the Begin Here festival in St. Albans at the beginning of November.
Monica Costa: Yes, I know.
Colin Blunstone: On the Begin Here festival ’s first night – 8th November 2024 – my solo band will be playing, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Monica Costa: Yes, I have it in my diary – it’s on 8th November.
Colin Blunstone: Yes, it’s the opening night of the festival, at the Eric Morecambe Centre in Harpenden, just up the road from St. Albans. Then, on the 9th, The Zombies are doing a special concert to celebrate Rod’s incredible 60-year career. Although he won’t be there, we’ll have special guests like Tanita Tikaram—Rod produced her first two albums – and Russ Ballard, who was in the original lineup of Argent. Chris White from the original Zombies lineup will also join us. I think it’ll be a magical night.
Monica Costa: It sounds like a beautiful celebration. This Begin Here festival seems like a lovely way for the community to come together and honour The Zombies’ legacy, especially Rod’s contributions. Do you think Rod will attend as a guest?
Colin Blunstone: I don’t think so. Besides his recovery from the stroke, he has to undergo a procedure for an eye issue he’s had for years, and it’s scheduled for that weekend. I was hoping he’d make it, but it looks unlikely right now.
Colin Blunstone: Going back to last year’s Begin Here festival, I performed a few acoustic songs on the first night and then spent the rest of the weekend as a fan, just enjoying the shows. Everything was in the centre of St. Albans, so you could walk to all the events. This year, the two main concerts will be about four miles away, but they’re arranging buses, and it’s a short taxi ride if needed. Other than that, everything else will still be walkable in the centre.
Colin Blunstone: Last year, I learnt a lot about The Zombies that I didn’t even know! The festival dives into fascinating topics, like rock and roll in the ’60s and in St. Albans, which is itself a beautiful city with a rich history dating back to Roman times. There are lovely restaurants, old pubs, and bars – a great place to spend a few days.
Monica Costa: That sounds perfect! If someone only has one day to attend, which day do you recommend?
Colin Blunstone: I’m probably biased because I’m playing on the first day, but honestly, more is happening on Saturday or even Sunday. The Zombies’ concert on Saturday night will be quite special, with activities happening all day. So, Saturday might be the best choice.
Monica Costa: If people can come for two days, they should attend both the 8th and the 9th, right?
Colin Blunstone: Yes. I’m performing on the 8th, and it’ll be a fascinating concert. We’re trying to recapture the essence of my 1971 album One Year. In the second half, we’ll perform the whole album, and in the first half, we’ll play songs I’m known for. I have a great band, and I think it’s going to be wonderful.
Monica Costa: I’ve seen you guys on stage many times over the past decade. The Zombies are one of the few bands that still deliver authentic rock and roll – pure, energetic, and at times, it feels beautifully improvised. Rod’s ability to play a song for 10 minutes and make it feel fresh is remarkable. Each performance feels like a new experience.
The Zombies – Photography by ALEX LAKE insta @twoshortdays WWW.TWOSHORTDAYS.COM
Colin Blunstone: Rod truly is an extraordinary keyboard player, one of the best in the world, I think. It’s a shame he won’t be touring any more, but we had an incredible 25-year “autumn” to our career from 1999, when we thought we’d only play six concerts. That turned into 25 years touring worldwide – from Japan and the Philippines to Canada, the U.S., all over Europe. We weren’t expecting that, so it was a wonderful surprise.
Monica Costa: Looking back, The Zombies broke new ground, especially with Odyssey and Oracle, which had a very experimental approach. Was that intentional?
Colin Blunstone: The Zombies’ approach was always natural and organic. We focused on selecting the best songs available and recording them to the best of our abilities. There wasn’t a grand plan or intention to be groundbreaking. Odyssey and Oracle was recorded under tight constraints. We only had 12 days of studio time, so we didn’t have the luxury of endless takes. But it ended up having that unique quality people still connect with today.
Monica Costa: It’s remarkable how timeless that album feels, even now. It stands out as one of those records you can return to over and over.
Colin Blunstone: Yes, and I think a lot of that magic is down to Rod’s arrangements. They’re so layered, intricate, and melodic, which helped create that enduring sound. It’s humbling to see how people continue to discover and love it, even decades later.
Monica Costa: Do you think you’ll be introducing any new material at the festival, perhaps something from the new Zombies record?
Colin Blunstone: Absolutely! We’re planning to share a few new songs, alongside those beloved classics. It’s going to be a nice mix.
Monica Costa: I can’t wait to hear it! Thank you so much for sharing these insights with me today.
Colin Blunstone: It’s been a pleasure, Monica. I hope to see you at the festival!
