The Zombies Were World Famous... So Why Was Colin Blunstone Broke?

The Zombies Were World Famous... So Why Was Colin Blunstone Broke?

Author: Sandy Kaye September 2, 2026 Duration: 52:00

Few voices are as instantly recognisable as Colin Blunstone's.

As the lead singer of The Zombies, he helped define the sound of the British Invasion with timeless classics including She's Not There, Tell Her No, Time of the Season and the landmark album Odessey and Oracle.

More than six decades later, Colin continues to tour the world, record new music and perform with the same unmistakable voice that first captivated audiences in the 1960s.

In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Colin shares the extraordinary story behind one of rock's most influential bands.

He explains how The Zombies came together through little more than chance, why Rod Argent almost remained the band's lead singer, and how She's Not There became a worldwide hit despite a chaotic recording session.

Colin reflects on the realities of life during the British Invasion, revealing why hit records didn't necessarily mean financial success and how the original band ultimately dissolved while still enjoying international acclaim.

The conversation also explores Colin's remarkable solo career, including his brief period recording as Neil MacArthur, the success of Say You Don't Mind, his years with Elton John's Rocket Records, working alongside Alan Parsons and Dave Stewart, and the unexpected legal battle that temporarily stalled his career.

Colin opens up about returning to live performance after more than twenty years away, the reunion with Rod Argent that led to the rebirth of The Zombies, and the band's emotional induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Along the way, Colin discusses maintaining his voice into his eighties, the discipline required to continue performing at the highest level, overcoming self-doubt despite decades of success, and why he still believes nobody in the music industry truly knows what tomorrow will bring.

If you love classic rock, the British Invasion, timeless songwriting and honest conversations with legendary artists, this episode offers a rare opportunity to hear the remarkable story behind one of music's most distinctive voices.

And ... if you're in any of these cities make sure you go see The Zombies live!

Sep 2 Somerville TheatreSomerville (Boston), MA The Fixx, Colin Blunstone, and Peter Asher

Sep 4 Count Basie Center for the ArtsRed Bank, NJ

Sep 5The ParamountHuntington (Long Island), NY

Sep 6 United TheatreWesterly, RI

Sep 8 Tupelo Music Hall Derry, NHT

Sep 10 Adler Hall New York Society for Ethical Culture New York

Sep 11 Keswick Theatre Glenside (Philadelphia), PA

Sep 12 Warner TheatreWashington, DC

Sep 13 he Kent StageKent, OH

Sep 15 Uptown TheaterMinneapolis, MN

Sep 17 Genesee Theatre Waukegan (Chicago), IL

Sep 18 The Ludlow GarageCincinnati, OH

Sep 19 Barrymore Theatre Madison, WI

Sep 21 DeVos Performance HallGrand Rapids, MI

Sep 23 Brown County Music Center Nashville

Sep 26 College Street Music Hall New Haven, CT

Sep 27 Santander Performing Arts Center Reading, PA

Sep 29 RIT Performing Arts CenterRochester, NYT

Sep 30 Troy Savings Bank Music HallTroy, NY



There's a certain magic to the music that defined the '60s, '70s, and '80s, and it often lives in the stories behind the songs. In A BREATH OF FRESH AIR, host Sandy Kaye sits down for warm and candid conversations with the very artists who created those classic rock anthems and timeless hits. This multi award-winning podcast is built on in-depth interviews that feel more like a chat between old friends than a formal interrogation. You'll hear the personal anecdotes, the creative struggles, and the unexpected inspirations that fueled the soundtracks of entire generations. Sandy has a knack for drawing out those rare, behind-the-scenes moments, offering an intimate look at the lives of music legends beyond the stage and studio. Each episode invites you to relive the eras not just through the music, but through the memories of the people who made it. It's a chance to understand the human journey behind the iconic chords and lyrics. For anyone who wants to connect more deeply with the artists they've loved for decades, this podcast provides exactly that-a genuine and engaging portrait of musical history, told by the legends themselves.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 50

'60s '70s '80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock Interviews with Music Legends - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
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