Rod Argent, a founding member of the rock band The Zombies, has returned to the stage for his first live performance in over two years after suffering a stroke. The 81-year-old keyboardist joined bandmate Colin Blunstone at St Albans Cathedral for the band's annual Begin Here Festival.
Argent described feeling “really nervous” before the performance. He was met with a standing ovation from the audience, who rose to their feet and cheered after each song, an experience Argent called “very emotional.” Blunstone echoed the sentiment, stating, "It was very emotional and I think the crowd felt it and we certainly felt it on stage... It was a wonderful reaction to him."
The Zombies, founded in St Albans in 1962, became active again in 2004. The band paused activity after Argent's stroke in July 2024. Argent has indicated that he does not plan to return to touring, expressing a desire to spend more time with his wife.