Legendary rock musician Rod Argent is retiring from touring after recently suffering a stroke, and his band The Zombies have announced they are canceling their current tour.
Argent, who served as keyboardist and songwriter for the band, was hospitalized last month following his 79th birthday celebration in London, Syracuse.com reported. Although he was released the next day, he was advised that he would need several months of rest and recuperation, the group said in a statement posted on their website.
“Rod has asked us to convey that he has made the very difficult decision to immediately retire from touring in order to protect his health,” the statement added. “What we have to tell fans today is that all upcoming performances by The Zombies will be canceled. ”
A tour across the U.S. had been scheduled for the fall, and was intended to be “a farewell to the country that launched The Zombies’ career in 1964,” they wrote.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers also noted their 2nd annual “Begin Here Festival” in St. Albans, U.K. will remain set for Nov. 8-10, and that they’re currently working on plans to replace the scheduled Zombies performance with a “special show honoring Rod.”
On Monday, Argent thanked his supporters in a heartfelt Instagram post to the band’s account.
“I am absolutely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that has happened in response to the news of my having suffered a stroke three weeks ago. I have read every post, and have to thank you so much,” he wrote.
Argent also said after resting for a couple months, he does intend to return to the studio and continue writing and recording music with his bandmates.
“I feel really hopeful that eventually I will make a full recovery,” he added.