The Zombies returned to St Albans last week to launch their Begin Here festival in celebration the band's roots in the city.

A Q&A session and acoustic set took place at the St Albans Museum + Gallery on Friday night (November 10), which saw three members of the band share stories of their success throughout the years.

Guitarist Paul sadly passed away in 2004, while Rod was taken ill during the band's recent tour of America.

Herts Advertiser: Colin Blunstone performing at St Albans Museum & Gallery.Colin Blunstone performing at St Albans Museum & Gallery. (Image: Payley Photography)

This meant that Colin Blunstone, Chris White and Hugh Grundy led the show.

The Zombies' Begin Here festival, which shares a name with the band's debut album, has been in the making for eight years and was previously postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Herts Advertiser: The Q&A event at St Albans Museum & Gallery.The Q&A event at St Albans Museum & Gallery. (Image: Pearce Bates)

The festival began with a fan meet-up at 5pm at The Blacksmiths Arms. The band originally formed outside The Blacksmiths Arms in 1961, when the members were too young to go inside the pub.

Having arranged to meet, Colin had taken part in a rugby match the day before and broken his nose. The band remarked that he "looked like a zombie" from their first meeting.

Following the fan meet-up, the Q&A session took place, which saw fans from both England and abroad speak with their idols. 

Herts Advertiser: A short acoustic set took place on the night.A short acoustic set took place on the night. (Image: Pearce Bates)

The band recounted their first rehearsals at The Pioneer Club, and their successful shows at The Old Verulamium Rugby Club.

A short but atmospheric acoustic set followed the Q&A, in which hits such as 'She's Not There' delighted fans.

The gig marked the second time that The Zombies had performed at the Museum + Gallery's assembly rooms, having once opened for The Crestas.

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Their 30-minute set on that occasion was recalled as "an absolute bl**dy disaster" by the band.

The group suffered a broken guitar string early into the show, which took around 20 minutes to fix.

Lead singer Colin Blunstone said: “It's always especially exciting to be playing with The Zombies back where it all began in the beautiful city of St Albans!

Herts Advertiser: The Zombies, during the Q&A session.The Zombies, during the Q&A session. (Image: Payley Photography)

“To have The Zombies memorabilia displayed in St Albans Museum + Gallery and to be invited to perform at the venue is beyond my wildest dreams.

“This opening ceremony heralded the beginning of the first annual Zombies “Begin Here” festival in which all things “Zombies" and in particular, The Zombies unique connection with St Albans were celebrated.

Herts Advertiser: “It's always especially exciting to be playing with The Zombies back where it all began.“It's always especially exciting to be playing with The Zombies back where it all began. (Image: Payley Photography)

"People came from all over the world, it was a magical time and I can’t wait to come back and do it all again next year!”

A screening of The Zombies' documentary followed the event, at the Odyssey cinema, along with a number of events across the weekend.

Herts Advertiser: A Zombies exhibition showcased memorabilia at St Albans Museum & Gallery.A Zombies exhibition showcased memorabilia at St Albans Museum & Gallery. (Image: Pearce Bates)

These included a chance to take a picture with Colin Blunstone, beneath the tree in Verulamium Park that was used on the cover of The Ghost of You and Me.