Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The British Invasion of the 1960s introduced many brilliant bands to America, but few have endured to the six-decade degree of The Zombies, who despite no longer being active, continue to influence multiple generations of power pop and indie rock acts.

One such acclaimed group throughout the 2000s is Rooney, who’s leader Robert Schwartzman is also the filmmaker and fan behind a new documentary, “Hung Up On A Dream.”

Not only does it feature fresh interviews with the surviving members, but mounds of archival footage, plus admirer cameos as widespread as Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), Post Malone and Finneas (Billie Eilish).

Multiple generations filled much of Thalia Hall for an exclusive local screening and Q&A, which traced the definitive story of the rarely chronicled childhood friends turned late-blooming “Odessey And Oracle” legends and eventual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

Viewers were treated to insight surrounding everyone’s humble R&B origins, grand baroque experiments, proto-prog pioneering and premature breakup shortly after a brief yet bountiful chart run, then rekindling the magic with various reunions and just as revered latter day recordings.

However, there was nothing like actually hearing their fascinating creations in person from lead singer Colin Blunstone, who was backed by members of Rooney, fresh off the farewell tour of Jeff Lynne’s ELO.

Following a few melodic gems courtesy of Schwartzman and company, they cracked open The Zombies’ crypt with the 80-year-old co-founder, turning in thrilling versions of “Tell Her No,” “She’s Not There” and “This Will Be Our Year.”

A celebrated solo artist in his own right, especially overseas, Blunstone dusted of the soulful “Caroline Goodbye,” then returned to the primary program for the ever so appropriate “Hung Up On A Dream.”

If ever there was a “Time Of The Season” to celebrate The Zombies, it’s to mark this milestone movie, and though that very track wound up marking musical finale of this intimate evening, at least its essence is likely to live forever.

For additional information on The Zombies, Colin Blunstone and Rooney, visit TheZombiesMusic.com, ColinBlunstone.net and RooneyMusic.com.

Upcoming shows at Thalia Hall include Murder By Death (Jul. 16-17); The Fly Honey Show (Jul. 18-19 and 24-25); Girli And Deadlands (Jul. 20); Kim Deal (Jul. 23); Pelican (Jul. 26); The Rock And Roll Playhouse (Jul. 27); Of Montreal (Jul. 29); Royel Otis (Jul. 30); Amaarae (Jul. 31); Role Model (Aug. 1); Wave To Earth (Aug. 2); Bôa (Aug. 3); Kokoroko (Aug. 5); Club 1BD (Aug. 8); Bronco (Aug. 9); The Rock & Roll Playhouse (Aug. 10); Plague Of Carcosa and Dead Feathers (Aug. 12); Silverada (Aug. 13); Dessa And The 29:11 South African Ensemble (Aug. 14); House Calls (Aug. 16); Thalia Hall Free For All (Aug. 23); Alexander Nate (Aug. 24) and Pile (Aug. 27). For additional details, visit ThaliaHallChicago.com.

Related Articles

The Zombies come alive, stay hungry on final American stop of spring tour “Hold Your Head Up” in honor of Jim Rodford, bassist for Argent, The Kinks and The Zombies British Invasion tastemakers The Zombies dig up pure psychedelic pop at standing room only City Winery Colin Hay: “Fierce Mercy” Tour at Thalia Hall Roger Daltrey expertly delivers Ravinia The Who’s heavyweights and rarities, solos and covers The Zombies: “Still Got That Hunger” Tour at Arcada Theatre Men At Work’s Colin Hay gets comedic, confessional on album release day Slayer, Sublime and Something Corporate reunite during ferocious Riot Fest finale