Rod Argent, founding member and keyboardist of the iconic British rock band The Zombies, has announced his retirement from touring after suffering a stroke. The news was confirmed by the group’s managers in a statement released on Monday.
According to the statement, Argent’s stroke occurred in early 2020 and has left him with some physical limitations that make it difficult for him to continue touring. However, the 76-year-old musician is determined to continue pursuing his passion for writing and recording music.
“Rod still firmly intends to continue his other creative joy of writing and recording with the Zombies,” the statement read.
The Zombies, known for their hits such as “Time of the Season” and “She’s Not There,” formed in 1961 and rose to fame during the British Invasion of the 1960s. Argent, along with singer Colin Blunstone, bassist Chris White, drummer Hugh Grundy, and guitarist Paul Atkinson, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
The band had been scheduled to embark on a tour in 2020 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their album “Odyssey and Oracle,” but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement did not mention if the tour will be rescheduled without Argent’s participation.
Fans of The Zombies took to social media to express their support and well wishes for Argent. Many also shared memories of seeing the band perform live and the impact their music has had on their lives.
Argent’s retirement from touring marks the end of an era for The Zombies, but the band’s legacy and music will continue to live on. We wish Rod Argent a speedy recovery and look forward to hearing more of his musical contributions in the future.
