Rod Argent Returns to Stage After Stroke at St Albans Cathedral
The Zombies’ founding keyboardist made his first live appearance in two‑and‑a‑half years, greeted by a standing ovation.
“Very emotional” summed up the atmosphere as Rod Argent stepped onto the stage of St Albans Cathedral alongside fellow Zombies vocalist Colin Blunstone.
The 81‑year‑old keyboardist, a founding member of the 1962 Hertfordshire band, marked his first live performance in two and a half years after a stroke in July 2024. Argent admitted he felt “really nervous” before the show, which was part of the band’s annual Begin Here Festival.
After each song the audience rose to give a standing ovation, prompting Argent to say, “I felt people were all trying to make me feel at home in the best possible way, and then after each song they all stood up and cheered… It was very emotional.”
Blunstone echoed the sentiment, calling the reaction “wonderful” and describing the crowd as “a wonderful audience… they lifted us… it was very moving.”
Initially, Argent thought he had suffered a transient ischaemic attack, but hospital tests confirmed a stroke. He noted that while his thoughts remain fluent, speaking sometimes causes him to lose his thread, though he added that “it is getting better.”
Argent also paid tribute to his wife, who, despite her own health issues, was by his side during his recovery. He said, “Over the last two years she’s been wonderful because she’s got a few health issues herself, but she was with me when I had the stroke.”
Despite the triumphant return, Argent stated he does not intend to resume touring.
