Mark your calendars for The Zombies’ much anticipated two concerts in the country: on July 10 at the Araneta Coliseum and on July 12 at the grand ballroom of Solaire Resort & Casino. Guest performer is the Rockin’ 60s Band.
The Zombies, featuring Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent, is currently on its 2015 world tour while finishing their new studio album, which they plan to release within the year. The new album will be the focus of a PledgeMusic Campaign (www.pledgemusic.com/thezombies), giving fans the first-time opportunity to see behind-the-scenes activities as the band writes and records.
The UK Government is also sponsoring The Zombies as part of their Great Britain Campaign, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the British Invasion, and the band will serve as ambassadors for Music Unites, an organization that empowers inner-city youth through music.
The Zombies distinguished themselves as the second UK group who scored a No. 2 hit in America. The first group who achieved that feat was The Beatles. The Zombies became known in the 60s for their sophisticated melodies, breathy vocals, choral back-up harmonies and jazzy keyboard riffs as evidenced by their hit singles, among them “She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No.”
Ironically, the group broke up in 1968 just before achieving their greatest success – the chart-topping single “Time of the Season” from their swan-song album “Odessey & Oracle” which recently ranked #100 in the Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Times. Lead singer Blunstone went on a solo career and keyboardist/songwriter Argent rocked the 70s arenas with his eponymous band Argent.
Decades later, Blunstone and Argent resurrected The Zombies, recruiting bassist Jim Rodford (formerly of Argent and The Kinks), Rodford’s son Steve on drums, and renowned session guitarist Tom Toomey. Their latest album is entitled Breathe Out, Breathe In and it features 10 impeccably crafted songs, described by music critics as “inspired,” “classy” and “a gloriously uplifting record.”
The Zombies’ Manila Concert is presented by Solaire Resort & Casino and Steve O’Neal Productions.