The Zombies Share Teaser Trailer From Documentary, ‘Hung Up On a Dream’
by Best Classic Bands Staff
The Zombies’ Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone with filmmaker Robert Schwartzman
The Zombies are the subject of a feature-length documentary, Hung Up On a Dream, that charts the British Invasion band’s multiple arcs of their 60-year career. The film, authorized by the group, comes from director Robert Schwartzman (The Argument, Dreamland, The Unicorn) via distribution company Utopia, and makes its world premiere at 2023’s South By Southwest on March 12. (Schwartzman is co-founder of Utopia as well as a founding member and songwriter of the rock band Rooney.) Portions of the film were shot in an unique fashion – while Rooney was on tour with the Zombies, opening for them as they performed across the U.S. Watch the teaser trailer below.
From the original July 26, 2022, announcement: Hung Up On a Dream will chart the improbable story behind one of the leading British Invasion bands, starting with their formation by Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone, Chris White, Paul Atkinson and Hugh Grundy in the 1960s with such hits as “She’s Not There” and “Time of the Season.” The film will cover the unusual circumstances of their masterpiece album, Odessey and Oracle, which ultimately earned them significant acclaim stateside even though the band had called it quits.
Related: Our interview with the Zombies about their masterpiece
It also will span the members’ various solo careers, before reuniting as a touring and recording band, and eventual induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame decades after first being eligible.
Related: Our recap of the Zombies’ Rock Hall induction
The film will include exclusive interviews and never-before-seen archival footage, and the enduring impact of their music on generations of musicians and songwriters, including the filmmaker himself.
In the announcement, Schwartzman said: “Odessey and Oracle inspired me to start writing songs and chase the dream of being in a band. Flash forward, now I get to tell these stories on the screen, bringing together my passion for music and film, all set to the backdrop of one of my favorite recording artists! Their story has to be told, the music is too good to not give fans and audiences a better perspective of their career.”
Watch the Zombies introduce themselves in 1965
The film is being made available for pre-order here, well in advance of its summer 2023 release. Fans will have the opportunity for early access to watch a VIP exclusive, and special extended edition of the film, with commentary from founding members Argent and Blunstone. The Zombies also have a new studio album, Different Game.
See the Zombies on their “Life Is a Merry-Go-Round” tour. Tickets are available here and here.
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2 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationHopefully there is video of Rod and Hugh doing the re-record of the mono drum lick for the Decca Stereo Anthology of 20 years ago.
The Zombies made two LPs in the 1960s. I must have a dozen of them, never mind the Zombie Box.
I can’t wait to see the movie about The Zombies forming