The Zombies News

A bittersweet reunion by iconic '60s pop group the Zombies—playing together in the USA for the first time since 1965—and a performance by Brian Wilson highlighted a heavily-attended industry tribute and benefit concert for Paul Atkinson in Los Angeles Tuesday (January 27) night.

Once the guitarist for the Zombies—best known for their '60s hits "Time Of The Season," "She's Not There" and "Tell Her No"—and later a much-respected A&R executive at several record labels, the already ailing Atkinson was recently diagnosed with cancer. Held at the House Of Blues on the Sunset Strip, the event was organized to help defray medical expenses for the Atkinson family.

Among those also performing at the concert were artists with whom Atkinson had worked while at the CBS, MCA and RCA record labels, including Bruce Hornsby, Michael Penn, Patty Smyth, Richard Page of Mr. Mister (all Atkinson signings) and Mickey Thomas of Jefferson Starship.

The evening's warmest reception was predictably accorded to the Zombies, Atkinson's much-loved former band, whom he joined onstage for performances of "Time Of The Season" and "She's Not There." It was a reunion that few in the audience had ever expected to see. "We were talking yesterday," keyboardist Rod Argent noted from the stage, "and we realized that in the last 37 years, we've only all been in the same room at the same time three times—and one was yesterday when we rehearsed."

Much of the night's music was exceedingly familiar and drawn from the past, with most artists performing their best known songs—Hornsby's "The Way It Is," Smyth's "Goodbye To You," Page's "Broken Wings," Thomas's "We Built This City"—and Wilson providing a veritable mini-concert of hits, including "Good Vibrations," "God Only Knows," "California Girls" and much more.

Hosted by radio personality Shadoe Stevens, the benefit also featured several video tributes to Atkinson from former workmates including record executives Walter Yetnikoff, Rupert Perry, and Ron Alexenburg as well as David Letterman keyboardist Paul Schaeffer. Additionally, Atkinson was presented with the Recording Academy President’s Merit Award by NARAS President Neil Portnow.

A silent auction at the event included items donated and autographed by the night's performers, as well as BB King, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Tom Hanks, and Matchbox 20, among others.

All proceeds for the event went to the Atkinson Family Trust as wells as the Gift Of Life Foundation and The United Network For Organ Sharing. Further contribution may be sent directly to The Atkinson Family Trust in care of Klein & Company, 11726 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 420, Los Angeles, Ca 90049.

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