Zombies and Yardbirds head for the Liverpool Philharmonic

May 29 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

SEMINAL 60s outfits The Zombies and The Yardbirds are going on tour together, appearing at the Philharmonic Hall on June 18.

"Make no mistake, these are not just heritage acts – far from it," their publicity blurb makes clear. Both have regrouped and forged ahead with new line-ups and material, alongside the classics they are known for.

The Zombies were hailed as part of the 1960s British invasion of America. Their subtle chord structures built on rock ’n’ roll influences, coupled with the keyboard skills of Rod Argent and the distinctive voice of Colin Blunstone, set them apart.

Their final album, Odessey And Oracle, has been an acknowledged influence on acts such as Super Furry Animals, Paul Weller, REM and The Thrills to name but a few. She’s Not There, Tell Her No and Time Of The Season are some of their classics, after which successful solo careers followed.

The Yardbirds laid much of the groundwork for rock guitar as we know it.

Through their hallowed ranks passed Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and, more recently, Gypie Mayo. Together with rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja and drummer Jim McCarthy they created driving rock out of standard 12 bar blues and experimented with feedback, sustain and fuzztone.

Their hits such as For Your Love, Heart Full Of Soul, Over Under Sideways Down and Shapes Of Things bridged the gap between early 60s white R&B and the psychedelic power chords that marked out the end of that decade and much of the 70s.

In 1992, the band were inducted into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and three years later reformed with Detroit- born John Idan replacing lead singer Keith Relph who electrocuted himself in 1976.

Their inspiration to younger musicians has not gone unnoticed either, with bands such as the White Stripes covering some of their songs in live shows.