Zombies Inducted Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Zombies took their place in rock immortality during a ceremony tonight at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The timing and locale of their entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame couldn't have been more appropriate.
"It was honor enough," keyboardist Rod Argent said, "to have been nominated four times in the last five years. To have finally [made it] this time? Fantastic. There's a wonderful coincidence to all of us standing here in Brooklyn, the site of our very first concert in America. ... It's also 50 years ago to this very day, the 29th of March 1969, that 'Time of the Season' reached the No. 1 position in America."
The Zombies opened their set with that signature song, following an introductory speech by Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles. They also played "This Will Be Our Year" from 1968's Odessey and Oracle, the Top 10 1964 single "Tell Her No," and their debut No. 1 U.S. single "She's Not There."
Frontman Colin Blunstone earlier called this honor a "career-defining” and “life-defining moment." It's the latest achievement in a long and fascinating career.
After initially forming in 1961, the Zombies found breakthrough success with hit “She’s Not There” in 1964. They toured throughout the U.S., earning subsequent success with the follow-up single, “Tell Her No.” However, the following years would be tough on the group as they struggled to meet expectations. Their singles were no longer charting in on either side of the pond, so the Zombies broke up in 1967.
Then, Odessey & Oracle, released after the Zombies split, suddenly had legs. Listeners slowly became entranced with the release, especially the hit “Time of the Season.” More than a year after the song’s initial release, it zoomed up to the top of the U.S. chart. Odessey & Oracle went on to be regarded as one of the best rock albums ever made.
Blunstone noted tonight that the Zombies had "been through many ups, and many downs" over their long history. "But being here with you all tonight on this wonderful occasion is an absolutely joy," he added, "and makes it all very, very worthwhile."
Once the Zombies are done basking in this Hall of Fame glow, they will turn their attention to touring. The group has several performances lined up, including a stop at the 50th anniversary Woodstock festival later this summer.
The 2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will air April 27 on HBO.