Zombies - Ferry, Glasgow, 19/11/2011

  by Andy Cassidy

published: 26 / 11 / 2011

intro

Andy Cassidy watches 60's veterans the Zombies, who are currently on their fiftieth anniversary tour, strike an excellent balance between nostalgia and their more contemporary and recent material at a show at the Ferry in Glasgow

It is hard to believe based on physical appearance, but the Zombies are currently touring in commemoration of their fiftieth anniversary. To watch them perform at Glasgow’s the Ferry on a Saturday night, one would have been forgiven for thinking that one was watching a band of thirty year olds. They may be in their mid to late sixties, but these guys are still rocking. The Ferry is moored on the side of the River Clyde, and has a terrific reputation as one of Glasgow’s best, and more unusual, venues. We opted to have dinner aboard, thereby ensuring that we had a table from which to watch the gig. The venue is split over two levels – an upstairs level overlooking the stage where food is served and a lower level where the majority of the audience are standing. Throughout the venue, there are numerous closed circuit TV screens in order that one can watch the band even if one’s view is blocked. The Zombies came on-stage around 8.30 p.m. to an incredible reception from an enthusiastic crowd made up of baby-boomers and younger fans in equal number. Musically the show was exceptional – the band is one of the tightest that I have ever seen and they simply ooze professionalism. Unlike so many of his peers, Colin Blunstone’s voice is as powerful today as it was on the records of the 1960s. The first half of the gig finished with a selection of tracks from 1968’s seminal 'Odessey and Oracle', ending with an exceptional performance of 'Time of the Season'. After a short break the rocking resumes, the band mixing tracks from their new album, 'Breathe Out, Breathe In' with such classics as 'She’s Not There' and 'Tell Her No'. The highlight for me came towards the end of the show with a blistering version of 'God Gave Rock and Roll to You'. By the end of the show, the entire audience was on its feet and singing along with the seemingly endless stream of classics. After the gig, founder members Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent mingled and chatted with fans and signed merchandise. Unlike many other acts, the Zombies treat their audience with what seems like genuine affection and generosity. Blunstone and Argent are utterly charming and one can tell that both men clearly adore what they are doing. The gig had something for everyone. Musically it was superbly executed and the balance between nostalgia and more contemporary material was spot-on. The Ferry is an exceptional venue and one that I hope to visit again very soon. As for the Zombies, the Colin Blunstone Band is touring in February 2012 and I for one can’t wait.

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