IT'S 40 years since Rod Argent became a professional musician when his band The Zombies signed their first recording contract.

Rod, who plays a gig with former Zombie Colin Blunstone and their band at The Brook on Thursday April 17, can look back at a career that went on to embrace rock, classical, and many other styles of music.

Rod was born in 1945 in St Albans.

After studying piano for a couple of years his interest in music was kick-started by hearing Elvis sing Hound Dog.

His love affair with rock 'n' roll was to lead to the formation of The Zombies three years later.

Within a year the band had a massive hit in the UK and USA with She's Not There, only the second song Rod had written in his life!

The Zombies split up within three years despite enjoying an American number one with Time of The Season.

Rod formed his own band, Argent, who enjoyed world-wide success in the 1970s with singles such as Hold Your Head Up - a top five hit in the UK and USA.

After Argent folded, Rod's versatility as a musician was to stand him in good stead as he played keyboards for artists as diverse as John Dankworth, Andrew Lloyd Webber and old mate Colin Blunstone.

By the late 1970s he had become involved in writing classical music and his own musical, Masquerade.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Rod continued to record with many major artists including Tanita Tikaram and Nanci Griffiths, but also moved into to writing themes and scores for television including two ITV World Cup themes.

Two years ago Rod's love of classical music resulted in the successful album Rod Argent - Classically Speaking.

For tickets and more information, call 023 8055 5366.