06 Nov 2026
The applause would not stop. The emotion could not be contained and for one glorious moment, a packed Cathedral audience became aware one of the most extraordinary moments in music had unfolded before their eyes, writes Julia Bell.
Rod Argent, the founder member of St Albans group The Zombies was back, returning to the stage following a stroke two and a half years ago. Patiently and with hopes, dreams and prayers, fans had waited, yearning for him to be well enough to perform again.
Against the odds, on Saturday Rod joined his lifelong friend and founder member Colin Blunstone in a candlelit Cathedral concert.
Colin’s extraordinarily beautiful ethereal voice filled every corner of the venue with a string quartet adding beauty to enhance the much loved songs.
Acoustic trio Arc began the show, honouring the memory of the late Jim Rodford, his granddaughters’ intimate acoustic performance continuing his multi-generational musical legacy.
Russ Ballard, one of England’s most respected songwriters, Dave Bainbridge and Soren Koch gave the audience more than they could believe possible on one night of music, but when Rod sat down behind the keyboards, a tsunami of emotion erupted.
These local lads and humble octogenarians gave fans more than they had hoped possible.
Our boys were back in town – back in the place where they began in the early ‘60s and where Rod’s musical journey began as a chorister in the Cathedral.
Fans from all over the globe had flown in for this night to remember as part of the annual Begin Here Festival. Now in its third year, the event offered fans a chance to mix, mingle with their homegrown heroes, experience record signings and a fact and heartfelt Q & A and capture a Cathedral concert from Colin and guests.
The new Bishop of St Albans – the Rt Rev Dr Andrew Rumsey, a Zombies fan, and accomplished singer songwriter – opened the concert with a sincere welcome. His recently written song ‘Verulamium ‘ warmed up the eager audience showing with grace how community, music and the Cathedral could align to speak out to the world beyond those ancient walls. History was captured. Miracles were achieved with music, and a return to where it all began for The Zombies. It felt that even the angels were applauding. “I was truly honoured to be part of this memorable and moving night,” said Bishop Andrew.
For Rod it was more than special. “I was really nervous,” he said. “I had not performed publicly for two and a half years and I knew I was ready, but he reaction from the audience on the night took my breath away. I felt honoured this outpouring of love was happening and it meant so much to me.”
Colin enthused: “I always feel emotional when I come back to this area. It is more beautiful than I ever remember. I had my own nervousness. But I got up on stage, stayed focussed and it was such a wonderful reaction.”
Founder Zombies members Hugh Grundy and Chris White, who were in the audience with family, were also blown away. “It was truly sublime,” said Hugh.
Fans from the US, Argentina, Scandinavia, UK and France echoed their appreciation.
“It was the best night ever, another level,” said Nancy from the United States, who had flown in for the festival. “To hear Rod return and perform in the setting of the Cathedral was simply incredible.”
Earlier in the afternoon, during a soundcheck in the nave of the Cathedral, one local fan broke down in tears as he sat listening to the band that he grew up on. “I can hardly speak,” he said. “I love this band. I can’t come tonight as my wife is not well enough. But hearing this soundcheck and talking to Colin means the world to me.”
In addition to the Cathedral concert, fans were treated to an afternoon Q & A hosted by former St Albans Mayor and current Deputy Lieutenant of Herts Annie Brewster.
Beneath the exquisite chandeliers in the Assembly rooms of the Museum – the very space where the St Albans schoolboys had played at the beginning of their career – a remarkable and energetic afternoon unfolded with all four band members, Rod, Colin, Chris and Hugh revealing pockets of memorable moments .
“It was an honour to be in the Cathedral and hear Rod play for the first time following his stroke,” said Annie. “And to hear Colin’s voice soar to the top of the Norman Tower.
“What is remarkable is that The Zombies have lived their life backwards. Most bands peak in their twenties and spend the rest of their lives looking back on their heyday. The Zombies however were only inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 performing live to an audience of 17,000 while in their seventies. Their music is also finding an ever-growing audience in today’s world, featuring in television shows such as Schitt’s Creek and Slow Horses.”
Additional Zombies related events throughout the weekend gave fans the opportunity to be with the band members.
It is hoped Begin Here and these much loved local heroes will return again to St Albans in 2027.
A special thanks to Cindy da Silva, Chris Tuthill and Jackie Bobinski from the Zombies US management team for making the Festival possible and treating fans far and wide to a weekend to remember.
All photos: Payley Photography –www.payleyphotography.co.uk
