The Zombies Documentary ‘Hung Up on a Dream’ Brings the Band’s Untold Story to Theaters
via James Maharaj / YouTube
A Band Whose Sound Changed Music
Over 60 years after they first made waves in music, The Zombies are finally the focus of a full-length documentary. Hung Up on a Dream: The Zombies Documentary is directed by Robert Schwartzman and brings the story of the legendary band to the big screen. The Zombies created a style that blended rock, rhythm & blues, pop, and psychedelic sounds. Their work earned critical praise and lasting influence. This is the first time the group’s full story has been told in a feature film.
Schwartzman explained why this project mattered so much to him: “I can’t express how much I love The Zombies. After hearing their music as a teenager, I felt like I understood them musically, melodically and emotionally. Their clever arrangements and sophisticated songwriting gave me a musical foundation that helped me launch my own band, Rooney.” He added, “To get the chance to make a film about their 60+ year journey is a dream-like moment and truly an honor.”
From St Albans to the Charts
The film begins with the band’s early days in St Albans, England. It follows the formation of the group—Rod Argent, Paul Atkinson, Hugh Grundy, Colin Blunstone, and Chris White—and their sudden rise after the release of “She’s Not There” in 1964. That song became an international hit, but in the years after, The Zombies struggled to repeat its success.
In 1965, they released Begin Here, but the pressure of the industry and lack of more big hits left the band disheartened. This led to the making of Odyssey and Oracle, their second album. The group split up before it was even released in 1968. However, years later, the album gained new attention and became one of their most celebrated records.
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Legacy and New Generations
Though they had disbanded, the band’s music continued to grow in popularity. Odyssey and Oracle featured timeless songs like “Time of the Season,” “Care of Cell 44,” and “This Will Be Our Year.” These tracks earned a lasting place in music history. The Zombies later reunited and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.
The documentary includes interviews with several of the band members and many artists they influenced. Some of those featured are Dave Grohl, Hayley Williams, Finneas, Portugal. The Man, Paul Weller, Harry Styles, and Haim. Each one shares how The Zombies helped shape their own music.
Production and Special Screenings
Hung Up on a Dream was produced by Robert Schwartzman and Russell Wayne Groves. Executive producers include Tom Hanks, Rick Krim, Hugh Grundy, Helen Atkinson, Natalia Nastaskin, Larry Mestel, Cliff Burnstein, Gary Goetzman, Peter Mensch, and members of the band (excluding Atkinson, who died in 2004). The film was released by Utopia in May and is now playing in theaters across North America and the UK.
Tomorrow, fans in St Albans will be treated to a special event. Colin Blunstone and Robert Schwartzman will appear for a Q&A and acoustic performance following a screening of the film in their hometown. It’s a rare opportunity to reflect on a band whose music continues to inspire.
