The psychedelic rock legends The Zombies are bringing their remarkable story to Detroit’s Majestic Theatre on July 16, where the documentary “Hung Up On A Dream” will screen alongside a special appearance by original vocalist Colin Blunstone and filmmaker Robert Schwartzman. The evening promises an intimate look at the band’s 60-year journey, complete with a post-film conversation and an unplugged performance featuring Schwartzman’s band Rooney.
What makes The Zombies’ story so compelling isn’t just their mega-hits like “Time of the Season” and “She’s Not There,” but the almost accidental way they came together in 1961. Fifteen-year-old Rod Argent simply walked around his St. Albans school, handpicking musicians based on their individual talents – a guitarist from a folk club, a side drummer from army corps, a friend making a bass in woodwork class.
The band’s brief but brilliant recording career from 1964 to 1967 produced just two albums, yet their final work, “Odessey and Oracle,” would later be named one of the top 100 albums of all time by Rolling Stone. Ironically, the album was nearly forgotten entirely – American label CBS was ready to pass on it until producer Al Kooper fought tirelessly for its release. Even then, it took multiple single releases before “Time of the Season” finally climbed to number one on Cashbox, proving that sometimes the greatest art needs the right champion at the right moment.
After breaking up in December 1967, The Zombies existed only in name for nearly two decades, with members pursuing separate careers while dealing with the bizarre phenomenon of imposter bands performing under their name. The real reunion came by chance in 1999 when Blunstone, frustrated with unreliable solo band members, called Argent for help with six dates. Reflecting on this unexpected second chapter, Blunstone notes, “We had a twenty-five-year career with the second incarnation of The Zombies that we did not expect to happen. It was fantastic. I think that’s the highlight of my career, reestablishing The Zombies because we had to start right at the bottom.”
Detroit audiences will witness not just a documentary screening, but a celebration of musical perseverance and friendship that has endured for 65 years. The evening at The Majestic Theatre offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from Blunstone about the band’s journey from teenage schoolmates to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Tickets for this special screening and performance are available through The Majestic Theatre box office, with details available at the venue’s website. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience The Zombies’ story firsthand – and be sure to pick up the next issue of 519 Magazine, which will feature the complete interview with Colin Blunstone, offering even deeper insights into the band’s remarkable legacy.
