The Blacksmith’s Arms in St. Albans, part of the Stonegate Pub Company estate, has unveiled a special blue plaque to commemorate world famous 60s band, the Zombies. The band, who were responsible for hits such as “She’s not there”, “Tell her no” and “Time of the season” originally outside the pub over half a century ago.
Around 200 people turned up for the at the unveiling including four of the band’s original members; Gary Cowles, Operations Director from the Stonegate Pub Company who funded the plaque and Zombies fan, Tony Dawson-Hill who was the driving force behind the plaque.
Tony Dawson-Hill said: “I’ve been a fan of the Zombies since I first saw them play in the Sixties. Rod Argent, one of the original members of the band always tells the story of how the five original members first met outside the Blacksmith’s Arms, so my wife and I thought it would be a great way to celebrate and commemorate the Zombies. I contacted Ian Payne, Chairman of the Stonegate Pub Company to see if they would be willing to fund the plaque and he very kindly agreed. We’re delighted that this fantastic band, who have bought me and many others some great memories and moments through their music, have been honoured in this way.”
– ends –Issued: 18/05/12
Photography:-
Please find attached a photography of the unveiling of the blue plaque to commemorate the Zombies (from left to right) Colin Blunstone, Jim Rodford, Rod Argent, Gill Dawson-Hill, Tony Dawson-Hill, Hugh Grundy, Chris White and Steve Rodford.
Please credit Andrew Longhurst for the photo.
For further information please contact:-
Emma Currin
Leisure PR & Communications on behalf of Stonegate Pub Company
(M) 07753 838 490
Email: emmacurrin@leisurepr.co.uk
Notes to editors:
The Stonegate Pub Company is the largest privately held managed pub operator in the UK with revenues approaching half a billion pounds and employs over 10,000 people. The company has 560 pubs which are split into the following segments; Classic Inns, Local Pubs, Great Traditional Pubs, Slug and Lettuce, Scream, Yates, Bars & Venues and Missoula.
For more information about Stonegate Pub Company please visit their website www.stonegatepubs.com