The True Story of the Fake Zombies

Allie Iverson
July 10, 2024
7:19 am

The True Story of the Fake Zombies

A Rock 'n' Roll Con

In the late 1960s, the music scene was teeming with innovation, and British Invasion bands were sweeping the United States. Among these bands was The Zombies, a British psychedelic rock group that had captured American hearts with hits like “She’s Not There” and “Time of the Season.” However, an audacious deception was about to unfold that would leave a unique mark on rock history. This is the story of the fake Zombies, a tale of four young musicians from Texas who toured North America, masquerading as their British counterparts.

The Beginning of the Hoax

In the summer of 1969, the real Zombies disbanded after their final album, “Odessey and Oracle.” However, their music continued to gain popularity in the United States. Sensing an opportunity, two ambitious managers from Bay City, Michigan, decided to capitalize on the band’s rising fame. They concocted a plan to create a fake version of The Zombies and tour North America.

These managers assembled a group of talented young musicians from Texas to play the roles of the British band. The lineup included Frank Beard and Dusty Hill, who would later gain fame as members of ZZ Top, one of rock’s most iconic bands. Joining them were Richard Harris and Mark Ramsey, who completed the impostor band.

The Fake Zombies Tour

With little regard for the potential consequences, the fake Zombies embarked on their tour across North America. The deception was egregious, but the musicians were skilled, and their performances were convincing. Audiences, unaware of the switch, flocked to their concerts, eager to hear the hits they loved.

“55 years ago, four guys from Texas toured North America pretending to be the British Psychedelic rock band The Zombies. Two of those incredibly talented young men ended up in ZZ Top. Eight years ago, I wrote a story that uncovered the names and faces behind the Texas Zombies. I am incredibly excited to take the story further.”

Unraveling the Deception

The fake Zombies managed to sustain the ruse for a while, but cracks began to appear. Some fans and journalists started to notice discrepancies. The impostors’ accents and mannerisms didn’t quite match those of the original Zombies, and their setlists sometimes included songs that the real band never performed live. Despite these inconsistencies, the fake band continued to draw crowds.

The truth finally began to emerge when local historians, legendary music writers, and musical heroes joined forces to investigate the impostors. Their efforts culminated in a revealing story that uncovered the origins of the Texas Zombies and their bold managers. The investigation traced the fake band’s roots back to Bay City, Michigan, where the entire scheme was hatched.

Legacy and Impact

The story of the fake Zombies might have been just a footnote in rock history if not for the remarkable careers of Frank Beard and Dusty Hill. After their stint as impostors, they went on to form ZZ Top with Billy Gibbons. ZZ Top became one of the most successful and enduring rock bands, known for their distinctive sound and larger-than-life personas.

Conclusion

The story of the fake Zombies is a fascinating episode in the annals of rock ‘n’ roll. It highlights the lengths to which some will go to capitalize on fame and the incredible resilience of true talent. While the impostors may have deceived audiences for a time, the real Zombies’ legacy remained untarnished, and the talents of Frank Beard and Dusty Hill eventually found their true calling in ZZ Top.

This tale of audacity, deception, and ultimate redemption is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the music industry and the indomitable spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. As the investigation into this story continues, we can expect more revelations and insights into one of rock’s most peculiar and captivating cons.

On July 11, Talkhouse will debut its latest podcast, The True Story of the Fake Zombies, where host Daniel Ralston unveils an expertly researched and astounding music industry scam that remained hidden for decades.