Zombie Colin Blunstone, 77: ‘I’ll Quit When My Voice Fades’

In Part 1 and Part 2 of this exclusive interview series with The Zombies’ lead singer Colin Blunstone, we covered a lot of ground, including what it’s like following Tom Jones at a live concert in Jones’ native country of Wales (hint: it’s brutal), when Blunstone learned that he could really sing, his musical inspirations - past and present - his relationship with keyboard player Rod Argent, screaming girls and the band’s first trip to America in 1964, lip-sync’ing versus playing live and what makes Zombies’ harmonies so unique. Here, in Part 3, we discuss Blunstone’s reaction when he first heard his record on the radio, his early appearances on television, what song he enjoys playing most now, a funny anecdote about recording in a commercial studio and when he feels it’s time to call it quits. Again, following are edited excerpts from a longer phone conversation.

Jim Clash: Last time, you gave us a funny anecdote about The Zombies playing live. Anything funny from the recording studio?

Colin Blunstone: When we recorded “She’s Not There,” we did it in the evening. In those days, working at night was the thing to do. We started about 7 p.m., with a producer and really good engineer. Unfortunately, the engineer had been at a wedding all day, and was very, very drunk, really aggressive. He was screaming through the headphones. Now remember, this was our first time in a commercial studio. I was just thinking, ‘If this is the music business, it’s not for me [laughs]’. But then we had a bit of luck. The engineer passed out cold on the floor, and we carried him down two flights of stairs, one Zombie on one arm, and one Zombie on the other. We put him in a black London taxi, and never saw him again. When you start your recording career like that, it’s not a good omen. In the end, though, things worked out okay.

Clash: Of all the songs you’ve recorded over the years, which is your favorite to play live now?

Blunstone: “She’s Not There” will always be special because it was our first record, and it changed our lives. Plus it’s a great song. We’ve expanded it a bit on stage, so it’s really good fun to play. All of the guys take a solo. Our interpretation of it over the years has changed, too, and the arrangement we have now has a lot going on.

Clash: You’ve been doing this music gig for almost 60 years. You’re 77. How will you know when it’s time to call it quits?

Blunstone: When your voice is fading, it’s definitely time. Rod and I have discussed this many times. We sing all of the songs in their original keys, and those are quite high. In the original, it’s 19- and 20-year-old boys singing. In theory, I will start to lose my range. That’s the time to bring things to a close. But providing I keep my voice and Rod is able to play [keyboards], we’ll slowly but surely slow things down. Our shows will be shorter, with fewer tours. I think Rod and I both feel it’s time to spend more time at home, enjoy that part of our lives. I’ve had a good inning, I’ve been singing professionally since I was 19. I’m grateful to all of those who have helped me along the way. Not many people have such long careers in the music business.

Clash: What was it like when you heard one of your songs on the radio for the first time? I’m guessing it was “She’s Not There,” as it was your first hit.

Blunstone: Yeah, it was that one. I remember the feeling, but I’m not sure I can recall the specific situation. I was just 19, and to hear one of our songs on the radio was as exciting as it gets. I never dreamt in a million years that could happen. If you come from a small country town like me, the thought that you could be a professional musician was far-fetched. We had won a big rock-and-roll contest, which led to the recording contract with Decca Records. That deal was the first time I seriously dared to think that there could be a way ahead for us as a professional band. I suddenly thought, ‘Maybe this isn’t just a dream. Maybe it could happen.’

Clash: You were on a number of television shows, both in America and in Great Britain. Any of those performances stand out?

Blunstone: Our second television appearance was on “Ready Steady Go!” I believe. We sang “She’s Not There” and “Summertime.” I was already a little nervous being on TV. But then they got me to sit on top of a really tall ladder, too. I don’t know why. The audience was all wandering around below me, so the ladder was wobbling a bit [laughs]. I don’t really like heights. That was a very interesting experience.