The Zombies – Hung Up On A Dream Documentary
This Saturday, 4th November, see’s the UK Premiere, at the the Doc N’ Roll Film Festival, of Robert Schwarzman’s Hung Up On A Dream – The Zombies Documentary. Ben Adlam has a chat with Colin Blunstone.
In an exclusive feature documentary, The Zombies, a band that took the music industry by storm nearly sixty years ago, chronicles their extraordinary journey from British teenagers before the British Invasion music scene to becoming Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. This legendary band unveils their remarkable tale of resilience, creativity, and friendship, as they navigated the tumultuous waves of the music industry and crafted one of the most influential albums of all time, Odessey and Oracle.
Back in the 1960s, She’s Not There propelled The Zombies to stardom, securing their place in history as the first British band to follow in the footsteps of The Beatles, reaching the pinnacle of the US charts at #1. Their early years were filled with trials and tribulations, but it was their unwavering determination that set them on the path to greatness.
This gripping documentary delves into The Zombies’ extraordinary history, where true friendship and creative synergy fuelled their ascent to the pinnacle of the music industry. The band’s legacy is not only defined by chart-topping hits but also by their timeless music that has captivated audiences for decades.
The Zombies‘ journey is a testament to the power of music and the enduring bond of friendship. As they look back on their incredible odyssey, they have earned their rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, being inducted 50 years, to the day, of Time Of The Season reaching #1 in the US, cementing their status as true icons in the world of music.
This feature documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at The Zombies‘ incredible story, revealing the challenges they faced and the triumphs they achieved. From their first chart-topping success with She’s Not There to their later global sensation Time of the Season.
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to gain insight into The Zombies‘ unparalleled legacy, as they share their unique journey through the music industry in a documentary that is sure to captivate music enthusiasts and inspire new generations.
Hung Up on a Dream – The Zombies + Q&A
04/11 | 5:30 PM | Barbican Cinema 1
Q&A with Colin Blunstone
Shindig!: How did the idea for Hung Up On A Dream: The Zombies come about?
Colin Blunstone: In the first place, I think our management company “The Rocks” were very keen that we should define our Legacy as we travelled into the Autumn of our careers. This coincided with the wonderful film director Robert Schwartzman showing an interest in creating a documentary on The Zombies.
Shindig!: Were there stories that you felt needed to be told that hadn’t been told before?
CB: I think it was more a matter of telling our stories in some kind of order… of giving a complete picture of the many peaks and troughs of The Zombies‘ mysterious career.
Shindig!: Were there things that you only remembered whilst working on Hung Up On A Dream?
CB: I’m always intrigued when I hear the other members of The Zombies‘ recollections of long ago and far away, as we all remember everything so differently. Invariably, they will remind me of episodes I had forgotten long ago, and sometimes they even remind me of adventures I’m fairly sure never happened in the first place!!!
Shindig!: Do you think The Zombies were underappreciated in Britain?
CB: We were certainly appreciated far more in other countries around the world.
Shindig!: How was working with Robert Schwartzman?
CB: Working with Robert was inspirational!! He’s quietly professional, setting everyone at ease while encouraging them to explore deep into their memories for details and feelings of another world when we were young and felt everything was possible. Personally, I felt completely relaxed and never doubted for a moment that he would produce a fascinating and compelling account of our journey through the “wonders” of a lifetime’s career in the music industry!!
Shindig!: Why is now the right time to tell The Zombies story?
CB: I’m afraid to say we’re rather getting into “Now or Never Territory”!!!
Shindig!: Do you think The Zombies were treated unfairly in the music press at the time of Odessey & Oracle?
CB: Apart from a wonderful review by Penny Valentine in Disc magazine and incredible support from the unique and brilliant DJ Kenny Everett, the music press seemed to completely ignore Odessey and Oracle.
Shindig!: What is your favourite moment from the film?
CB: Watching the band’s career over so many years was quite an emotional experience. I was completely surprised by the amount of old film Robert was able to source. It was very interesting on so many levels to watch five young boys looking to find a way ahead in the madness of the ’60s and then realizing those five young boys were us.
Shindig!: What do you feel is the crowning moment for The Zombies? Was there a particular time where you thought things couldn’t get any better for the band?
CB: I think the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a particularly magical moment. Seventeen thousand people filling The Barclay Centre in Brooklyn, the brilliant induction speech by Susanna Hoffs, the rapturous reaction to our 4-song set, and joining everyone on stage at the end of the ceremony for a rousing rendition of All The Young Dudes. It doesn’t get much better than that!!!!!!
Shindig!: Was there a eureka moment in the studio where, upon hearing playback of a song, you knew that you’d made something spectacular?
CB: I think when we first heard the finished version of She’s Not There in 1964 we knew we’d created something special!!
The Zombies – from the archives
What was your experience like working with director Robert Schwartzman on the documentary? Regards, Telkom University