aaamusic | On 22, Apr 2012

Superfan Tony Dawson-Hill has spent the past year campaigning for a blue plaque to be erected in St Alban’s, “I am a huge fan of The Zombies and have been ever since I first saw them live in ’63 / ’64 at the Ballito Stocking Factory in St Albans. The idea for the Blue Plaque came about because Rod Argent always tells the story of how all five original members of the band first met outside the Blacksmith’s Arms pub in St Albans and my wife Gill suggested it would be a good idea to commemorate this momentous occasion with a blue plaque.”

The Zombies, original members Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone, Paul Atkinson, Hugh Grundy and Paul Arnold, formed in 1961 in St Alban’s as school boys. Performing in and around the city The Zombies built a loyal following and in 1963 entered a local band contest competing to win a record deal with Decca Records. With the support of their local fans the band went on to win the deal and began recording and went on to release their first single ‘She’s Not There’, which became a worldwide smash.

The band also go on a UK tour in May and their new highly acclaimed album ‘Breathe Out, Breathe In’ released last year to celebrate their 50th Anniversary is out now. More info at www.thezombies.net