Colin Blunstone of The Zombies Discusses New Documentary and Album

Colin Blunstone, the lead vocalist of the iconic band The Zombies, recently shared insights about their new documentary, “Hung Up on a Dream,” and the re-release of their classic album, “Odessey and Oracle.” During an engaging conversation in New York City, Blunstone reflected on the band’s enduring legacy and their connection with fans across generations.

New Documentary Offers a Glimpse into The Zombies’ History

The documentary “Hung Up on a Dream,” directed by Robert Schwartzman, delves into the story of The Zombies during the 1960s. Blunstone expressed his admiration for Schwartzman’s work, noting, “I think it’s really good… a lot of it is about the band in the ’60s.” He highlighted the rarity of archival footage from that era, stating, “He found pieces of film that I didn’t even know existed.”

Recently, Blunstone participated in a screening of the documentary at the Gramercy Theatre in New York, which included a Q&A session and an unplugged performance with Schwartzman’s band, Rooney. “That is always great fun,” he remarked, adding that the event allowed attendees to engage deeply with both the documentary and The Zombies’ legacy.

Remastered Classic: “Odessey and Oracle” Returns

On September 26, 2023, The Zombies will reissue their seminal 1968 album, “Odessey and Oracle,” featuring a newly remastered mono mix. This marks the first time the original mono version has been available on LP since its initial release. Blunstone explained, “This is how the album was supposed to have been heard.” He noted that the original album was altered under pressure to fit the emerging stereo format, which diluted its intended sound.

Fans can expect to experience the music as it was originally meant to resonate, with Blunstone emphasizing, “This is the first time that people will hear the album as we hoped the sound would be heard.”

Throughout his career, Blunstone has attributed the band’s longevity to a mix of talent, luck, and resilience. He shared, “It’s an interesting thought. I think you need a degree of talent, a degree of luck, as well as tenacity and stamina.”

Blunstone’s favorite song to perform live remains “She’s Not There.” He described it as a pivotal moment for the band, stating, “That was the first song we ever recorded and it changed our lives forever.”

In discussing his musical influences, Blunstone acknowledged the impact of legendary artists like Little Richard, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles. He noted that the latter opened doors for British musicians, saying, “Before The Beatles, there wasn’t much interest in British bands.”

As an artist navigating the complexities of the digital age, Blunstone admitted, “It’s very interesting but I can’t claim to understand it.” He expressed a desire for musicians to perceive their careers as long-term journeys rather than fleeting successes.

Blunstone reflected on the current chapter of his life, describing it as “the autumn of my career.” He feels that The Zombies are entering a new phase where they can enjoy their work without the pressures of earlier years. “We love writing and performing music, and we can just enjoy it,” he stated.

In 2019, The Zombies were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honor Blunstone described as one of the highlights of his career. He recalled the excitement of performing at the induction ceremony, stating, “We played in front of 17,000 people that night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and that was a magical evening.”

Blunstone’s heartfelt message to fans is one of gratitude: “Thank you for being with me on this journey. It is never taken for granted and it is really appreciated.”

As The Zombies prepare for their album re-release and continue to engage with fans through various projects, Blunstone remains focused on creating music that resonates. He concluded, “If the songs and music that I’ve written and recorded put appreciation on people’s faces, then that’s success and fulfillment for me.”

For those interested, “Odessey and Oracle (Mono Remastered)” is available for pre-order, and fans can stay connected with The Zombies through their official website and social media platforms.