A Special Performance at the California Center for the Arts Escondido
Legendary singer Colin Blunstone, best known for his many hits with iconic 1960’s era UK hitmakers, The Zombies, makes his first-ever solo appearance in San Diego on February 25 at the California Center for the Arts Escondido, alongside equally legendary singer-songwriter, Al Stewart.
Blunstone recently released a new EP, Less is More, with the tour’s set list covering the entirety of his career, including hits such as “Say You Don’t Mind” and several of The Zombies‘ best-known tunes. Blunstone has visited San Diego with The Zombies numerous times in the last few decades, most recently on October 7, 2023, at The Belly Up Tavern.
What Inspired This Tour?
“Lots of changes,” Blunstone said. “Rod (Argent) doesn’t want to tour anymore but still wants to write and record. That’s fine and I’m sure we’ll reactivate that side of our careers. But in the meantime, I’d like to keep touring. Over the years I’ve done some solo tours. Last year we put a band together in the town we come from. I’m going to bring that band to the States and we’re going to do one of those big rock cruises next month out of Miami (the headliner is Alice Cooper). After the cruise, we come to California and play a run of shows with Al Stewart.”
Although Blunstone recently played his classic album, One Year, live in its entirety, this road trip will feature a broader range of material.
“That album was part of a special tour in the U.K,” Blunstone noted. “It was really challenging to take on the road as we’d need a string session to make things sound just right.”
He considers the time limits of playing a double headliner tour such as this one.
“In California playing a 75-minute set means it will be a different show. I’m going to introduce some Zombies tunes into the set, such as “Time of the Season,” “Tell Her No,” and “This Will be Our Year.” Plus, lots of solo songs that are better known in the UK.”
For this road trip, Blunstone will be joined by:
- Soren Koch (lead and acoustic guitars)
- Dave Bainbridge (keyboards)
- Chas Cronk (bass)
- Steve Rodford (drums)
Notably, Koch and Soren are also members of The Zombies, while Bainbridge and Cronk are members of UK favorites, The Strawbs.
The Legacy of “This Will Be Our Year”
While “This Will Be Our Year” wasn’t a hit when first released as a single back in 1968, it has gone on to become a standard, a particular favorite at weddings.
“I’m absolutely thrilled (that happened),” Blunstone said. “The Zombies’s career is full of mystery. We never promoted or marketed that album or song, but it’s doing well now. I’m grateful that a resurrection of the Zombies catalog happened. There was a lot of word of mouth from artists – Tom Petty in the US and Paul Weller in the UK for example.”
He also points out that The Zombies toured consistently for the last 26 years.
“I like to think that that has helped,” Blunstone said. “The Zombies finished in ’67, because of not getting a response from the media or the public. Shortly after we got noticed and it gradually built over a long period of time.”
What’s Next for Colin Blunstone and The Zombies?
Will there be additional solo recordings to follow up on the release of Less is More?
“Never Get Over You” was played for my management company and they liked it. Then they listened to others and said, “I think people should hear these tracks.” I would like to take it up to 10-12 tracks and have an album of acoustic songs available.”
Is there anything in the works for The Zombies?
“Nothing in the can,” said Blunstone. “However, Rod has one new song which he was working on when he had his stroke and we’re working towards finishing it, we’ve been adding to it. We still get together and sit around a piano to work music out. We will get together when I’m back from the States. Realistically, it will likely take a year to get something finished, it takes as long as it takes. But say, the next 18 months or so, it should be done.”
Colin Blunstone’s Influences and Vocal Preservation
Considered one of the finest singers to emerge from the 1960s, Blunstone’s vocal influences are the:
- Greats of rock and roll – Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Elvis Presley
- Second wave artists – Ricky Nelson and Buddy Holly
- The Beatles – “They were a huge influence.”
“Once we recorded our original material though, we weren’t particularly influenced. We worked on vocals and talked about interpretation and phrasing. I like to think we have a unique sound – never follow trends. We have a system that’s always worked in the studio. Select the best songs we have and record to the best of our ability.”
What does Blunstone do to preserve his famous voice?
“Two or three things actually,” he said. “I did study with a vocal coach quite late in life… he taught me about singing techniques and introduced me to a set of singing exercises, which I religiously do twice a day. Of course, the other thing, which is more important as you get older, is to look after yourself, stay hydrated, eat well, and get plenty of sleep.”
Favorite Songs to Perform Live
Does he have a favorite of all his session work?
“Old and Wise,” (recorded with The Alan Parsons Project in 1982) “for sure. I’m really pleased that I could record that, it’s a big favorite when we play live.”
He also considers “She’s Not There” to be a live favorite.
“It still sounds as fresh as when we first recorded it,” he said.
What’s Blunstone Looking Forward to Most?
“The music,” he said. “It’s going to be 75 minutes of excitement and fulfillment. We have become friends with the audience and people we travel with. So, I’m looking forward to meeting up with old friends,” he said.
🔗 For more information, visit: www.colinblunstone.net
Don’t miss out! Discover the full magazine of this issue#9!
Don’t miss out! Discover the full magazine of this issue#9!
