The Zombies & The Yardbirds
Liverpool Royal Philharmonic Hall
18 June 2008
Right from the start with the opener, ‘I Love You’ there could be no doubt that Colin Blunstone still had it. The voice was strong and confident and song after song he proved that his voice was in great shape. One of the greatest voices I’ve heard in a long time. Clarity and sweetness on ‘A Rose for Emily’ was followed by soulfulness, passion and dynamics on ‘This Will Be Our Year’. A soaring ‘Say You Don’t Mind’ ended with Blunstone hitting that last high note powerfully and without hesitation. Keyboardist Rod Argent came into his own with energetic and haunting Hammond solo’s in ‘Time of The Season’ and ‘Hold Your Head Up’. Omni-present Jim Rodford provided a great sound on bass and backing vocals – the experience shows. Indeed the harmonies of Blunstone, Argent and Rodford were outstanding. Rodford’s son, Steve, was a slick and impressive juggler on the drums throughout and Keith Airey filled the obligatory role of guitar hero. ‘She’s Not There’ was met with a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd which brought the band back for ‘God Gave Rock & Roll To You’ – a hit for both Argent and Kiss. In the words of Rod Argent, “We did it first!”
Set List:
I Love you
Mystified
What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted
A Rose For Emily
This Will Be Our Year
Time Of The Season
I Do Believe
Any Other Way
Hold Your Head Up
When I’m Old & Wise
Say You Don’t Mind
Don’t Believe In Miracles
She’s Not There
God Gave Rock & Roll To You
Support was provided by The Yardbirds who suffered an inferior sound to that of the Zombies. Original rhythm guitarist, Chris Deja looked uncomfortable and microphone shy. But this was more than made up by the outstanding “Detroit” John Idan on bass and lead vocals. Idan bore an uncanny likeness and vocal similarity to former Yardbird frontman, Keith Relf. The harp work was provided by former Strutts, Billy-Boy Miskimmin. His stage antics were reminiscent of the late great Frank ‘The Puzzler’ Goshin which made him all the more enjoyable to watch and his impressive solo gained just applause. Show highlights included ‘Heart Full of Soul’, ‘Shapes of Things’ and ‘For Your Love’. The line-up also featured original Yardbird and Liverpudlian, Jim McCarty on drums and a very promising 24 year old Ben King on lead guitar.
