July 11th 2024.
Rod Argent, the founder and keyboard player of the iconic rock band, the Zombies, recently had a health scare. The 79-year-old musician was hospitalized after suffering a stroke, which has forced him to retire from touring. It's a difficult decision for Rod, but one that he had to make in order to prioritize his health.
According to his management team, Rod had just returned from a successful tour in the UK and was celebrating his 79th birthday and 52nd wedding anniversary with his wife Cathy in London when the stroke occurred. He was hospitalized overnight and released the next day, but doctors have advised him to take several months off to rest and recover.
In a statement released through Variety, Rod's team shared, "Rod has made the very difficult decision to immediately retire from touring in order to protect his health. He was already planning to slow down his live performances after previous health scares, but this stroke was a clear sign that the risks were too great."
Despite retiring from touring, Rod still plans to continue writing and recording music with the Zombies. In fact, he has already returned to his piano for some much-needed "Bach therapy." While it's heartbreaking for the band, their crew, and their team, everyone fully supports Rod's decision and wishes him a speedy recovery.
The Zombies were founded in 1961 and Rod has been with the band since the very beginning. Their music has stood the test of time and in 2019, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside other legendary artists like Radiohead, Stevie Nicks, and Janet Jackson.
Their upcoming US tour, which was supposed to be Rod's final overseas performances, has been cancelled due to his health. However, their appearance at the Begin Here Festival in St Albans in November will still go on, with a possible special show to honor Rod in the future. Fans have been asked to hold onto their tickets for now while further plans are being finalized.
The Zombies' journey began in St Albans in 1961 when Rod, along with Colin Blunstone, Paul Atkinson, Hugh Grundy, and Paul Arnold, formed the band. Their first single, "She's Not There," was released in 1964 and became a hit in the UK and the US. They went on to release their debut album in 1965 and their second album, Odessey and Oracle, in 1968, which featured their number one single "Time of the Season." The album has been ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Their most recent album, Different Game, was released in 2013. Despite retiring from touring, the Zombies' music will continue to be celebrated for years to come. And as a final message, Rod's team urges fans to not miss the opportunity to see veteran artists perform live. They may be fragile, but their talent and music are treasures that should not be missed.
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