
The Zombies
Fremont Theater
San Luis Obispo, CA
September 13, 2018
By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating: [The Breakdown]




Being able to see the legends that released some of my most-loved classic hits from the 1960s was a huge pinch-me moment. Even though only two of the original-founding members are still touring as The Zombies, Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone, they still managed to make it feel like it was the original group.
It was the fourth song in, “I Love You”, where Blunstone blew us away with hitting those high notes. He did say he had to wear tight pants to do it, but it was still a feat that the entire crowd was impressed by.
The band mixed up their setlist by playing some of their newer material first and throwing in the fan favorites in between. Blunstone and Argent would tell us an anecdote prior to starting a song. The best one had to be right before jumping into “Care of Cell 44”, Argent told us about how they had heard from an interview that this song changed Dave Grohl’s life. I can’t say that I’m surprised.
Throughout their seventeen-song set, Colin’s shimmy and shakes kept the crowd alive and singing along to some of their all time popular hits. The full setlist in playing order included: “Road Runner”, “The Look of Love”, “I Want You Back Again”, “I Love You”, “Sanctuary”, “Moving On”, “Edge of the Rainbow, “Tell Her No”, “Really Got a Hold”, “Chasing The Past”, “Care of Cell 44”, “This Will Be Our Year”, “I Want Her, She Wants Me”, “Time of the Season”, “Hold Your Head Up” (originally by Argent), “She’s Not There”, and “God Gave Rock and Roll” (originally by Argent).
Overall, the show was a fun time that reminded many of their adolescence and gave others the chance to experience some of the greats they thought could only be seen in the past. I had missed a few earlier chances at seeing them live, but now I can say if you get the chance to see The Zombies, don’t let it pass you by.