“Hold Your Head Up” in honor of Jim Rodford, bassist for Argent, The Kinks and The Zombies

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

In the wake of his recent passing, take a look back at one of bassist Jim Rodford’s last trips through town with The Zombies. He was also a co-founder of Argent (with cousin and fellow Zombie Rod Argent) and a longtime member of The Kinks.

Once a band reaches a few decades, let alone more than five, it’s fairly common practice to simply go through the motions of turning on the time machine and cranking up the jukebox. Although The Zombies have a lot to celebrate from its 1960s heyday and always make sure to perform what was popular, the British Invasion act led by Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent (accompanied by guitarist Tom Toomey, bassist Jim Rodford and drummer Steve Rodford) have released no less than three spectacular records throughout the last decade alone, while refusing to limit themselves to any one era in concert.

Even with sturdy solo careers, the magic really happens whenever they reconvene The Zombies, who can proudly boast the hunger to create and collaborate is as alive in 2016 as it was in the center of the ‘60s.

Those who packed the beautifully restored Arcada Theatre in St. Charles for the final date of the group’s American tour were treated to not only a suite from 1968’s landmark “Odessey And Oracle,” but an equal amount of tunes from last year’s unofficial bookend album “Still Got That Hunger.” In fact, new tunes “Moving On,” “Edge Of The Rainbow,” “Maybe Tomorrow” and “New York” were so in step with The Zombies’ blend of sophisticated psychedelic pop and vintage R&B that they were received almost as attentively as golden era recollections “I Love You” and “I Want You Back Again.”

Naturally, “Time Of The Season,” “Tell Her No” and “She’s Not There” netted the most applause, though instead of being pumped out on autopilot, each was presented with the liveliness and effectiveness that’s attracted famous fans such as The Jam’s Paul Weller, Tom Petty and Dave Grohl. The Zombies also put a Brit rock twist on longtime soul influences, including Little Anthony & The Imperials’ “Goin’ Out Of My Head,” plus a clever mash-up of The Miracles’ “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me” and Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me.”

Beyond the band, Blunstone and Argent are accomplished artists in their own right, as demonstrated in the former’s blue-eyed soul treatment of “I Don’t Believe In Miracles” or “Caroline Goodbye,” plus the latter’s aggressive “Hold Your Head Up” and “God Gave Rock And Roll To You.” Even with sturdy solo careers, the magic really happens whenever they reconvene The Zombies, who can proudly boast the hunger to create and collaborate is as alive in 2016 as it was in the center of the ‘60s.