Iconic St Albans band The Zombies are set to make their return to the city, 62 years after they were formed.

The St Albans Museum + Gallery event on Friday (November 10) has two parts – ‘In Conversation’ followed by ‘live acoustic set’ which will be with two members.

Kicking off at 8pm, the event will launch the band's Begin Here Festival - a weekend of gigs, screenings, and events to celebrate their career.

The Zombies have recently been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and released a new album named 'Different Game'.

Next Friday, Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone, Chris White and Hugh Grundy will speak with journalist Jo Kendall about their St Albans background and how the group rose to stardom.

The acoustic set will feature songs from 'Different Game' and a selection of the band's timeless hits.

A display of memorabilia will also be installed outside the assembly rooms, and will remain until May 2024.

Speaking of how the band formed, Rod said: “We met outside a pub. We were too young to walk in the pub.”

Blunstone added: “I was literally in a corner singing to myself, doing a Ricky Nelson song, and Rod came over and said, ‘That’s really good. I’ll tell you what. If you’ll be the lead singer, I’ll play keyboards."

He continued: "St Albans means memories of a solid and sound education under the keen eye of Mr. Bradshaw at St Albans County Grammar School for Boys, and once I left school at eighteen my social life was very firmly centred on the bright lights of St Albans!

"Then later, playing at Old Verulamian’s and of course the beginnings of a 60-year career in the music business with The Zombies first ever rehearsal in The Pioneer Club."

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Farhana Begum - arts, tourism, heritage and culture manager at St Albans City and District Council and head of St Albans Museums - added: "The Zombies are one of the most influential bands of the last 60 years and it’s an honour to welcome them back home to St Albans.

"Many locals will remember seeing the band in their early days, so this intimate and revealing event is exceptionally poignant."

Tickets cost £50 and are available via the www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk