The lead singer of The Zombies has thanked his fellow band member Rod Argent "for giving me a career in music" as the band plays a final gig in their home city.
Colin Blunstone said the event in St Albans, Hertfordshire, where the band formed in 1961, would be "tinged with sadness" as they perform without Argent.
Blunstone is continuing with a solo career after vocalist and pianist Argent suffered a stroke earlier this year, after which he gave up touring.
"I think Rod's one of the greatest keyboard players this country has produced. He’s world class," he told the BBC.
In 1961 three schoolboys from St Albans School and two from what is now Verulam School joined forces to create The Zombies.
After winning a local bands contest, The Zombies joined The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who in finding success on both sides of the Atlantic with hits such as She's Not There.
The group entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 and are the world’s longest-running band.
"We actually have a certificate to prove it,” said Blunstone.
"We first met outside the Blacksmith’s Arms in Peter’s Street," he recalled.
"We were only about 15 years old when we first got together. I didn’t even know if we’d have a second rehearsal."
"I was stunned when I first heard Rod play keyboards, he could play classical pieces very, very well and I just rocked up with my guitar and three chords.
"At 15 he was amazing, he’s been the cornerstone of the band."
New and original members of the band will play at the two-day Begin Here festival in St Albans in tribute to Argent.
"There will be a whole cast of musicians desperate to explain their relationship with Rod and give him thanks for all the inspiration and support he’s given to them over the years," said Blunstone.
"I think it will be a wonderful show but will be tinged with sadness. It will be great for people to get up on stage and explain what Rod Argent means to them."
He said Argent was going to keep writing and recording as he had got "much better" since his stroke.
When asked what he would say to his friend, he added: "Thank you for giving me a career in music. I would never have had that career without Rod."
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