Bob Henrit #34 - Argent - The Zombies - Rod Argent
100 drummers I’ve seen and heard in my lifetime
#34 Bob Henrit (age 78)
I attended a couple events at a Central Florida venue, which doubled as a horse track. I heard Cactus, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Papa John Creach and Freddy King at multiple events.
I also saw Argent with drummer Bob Henrit. Bob Henrit is an English drummer with a notable resume. In 1968, Henrit joined the group Argent, with Rod Argent on keyboards.
Argent’s biggest hit was the Rod Argent and Chris White composition “Hold Your Head Up” with lead vocals by Russ Ballard.
It reached No. 5 in the US and sold over one million copies.
The band I heard that night was tight and full. The drumtrack to that tune has a solid groove at an unusual tempo, for pop music. The drum groove is similar to a march - cadence. With this tune, it’s all about the tempo, (aka) bpm. I’ve seen various renditions ruined because the tempo is not replicated like the original. (Always to fast)
Rod Argent came from one of my favorite bands, The Zombies. I still listen to those classic tunes, She’s Not There, Tell Her No and Time Of The Season. The Zombies, with Rod Argent are still touring and performing gigs.
There are several Youtube videos of Bob Henrit playing solos, very impressive. (A bit jazzy sounding for Rock & roll – you could swing in those days-don’t get me started)
For me, that drum sound and the drums from those days (60s-70s) are so much better. Bob played a brand called Hayman, from England for a period of time. I bought a Hayman set in the mid 70s. Wish I still owned, they were great sounding drums.
Bob Henrit has great stories about his travels and playing music. He’s authored several books including Banging On, his autobiography. Another book is based on the history of Hayman drums. Bob Henrit has also performed with The Kinks, replacing Mick Avory. He continues to fulfill his very distinguished music career. Badaboom