Zombies founder Rod Argent retires from touring after suffering a stroke.

Rod Argent, the primary songwriter, keyboardist, and founder of the 1960s rock group the Zombies, will retire from touring following a stroke. The announcement, made by Argent and the Zombies’ team at Rocks Management, stated the stroke occurred after he returned home to London from a tour. He was hospitalized overnight, and doctors advised several months of rest and recuperation.

Chris Tuthill and Cindy da Silva conveyed Argent’s difficult decision to retire to protect his health. He had been preparing to wind down his live performance schedule due to recent health scares, but the stroke was a clear warning. Despite retiring from touring, Argent plans to continue writing and recording with the Zombies and has already resumed playing the piano.

Argent formed the Zombies in St Albans, England, in 1961 with vocalist Colin Blunstone. The band achieved success in the American charts with hits like “She’s Not There,” “Tell Her No,” and “Time of the Season,” solidifying their status in the British Invasion. Argent first retired from touring with the Zombies in 1975 but returned in 1999 at Blunstone's request, leading to 25 more years of touring and recording.