Zombies bass player Jim Rodford died unexpectedly Saturday morning when he fell down a staircase. He was 76.
Keyboardist and principal songwriter Rod Argent -- who was also Rodford's cousin -- posted the news in a heartfelt letter on Facebook.
Argent called him "not only a magnificent bass player, but... an enormous enabler for us... The very first person outside the group ever to hear -- and pass judgement on -- our first record, 'She's Not There' .. he loved it. Years later, he became [a co-founder] with me, of Argent; and then, for 18 years... was bass player for The Kinks."
Argent recalled that when he and Colin Blunstone formed the current version of the Zombies in 1999, "Our first phone call was to Jim. He gave us absolutely unflagging commitment, loyalty and unbelievable energy for eighteen years, and our gratitude is beyond measure."
"Jim was a wonderful person, loved by everybody. When Colin and I, shocked and hardly able to talk, shared the news this morning, Colin said 'I've never heard anyone say a bad word about him.' He will be unbelievably missed. Goodnight and God Bless dear friend."
Dave Davies of The Kinks also expressed his shock and sadness in a tweet: "I’m too broken up to put words together it’s such a shock i always thought Jim would live forever in true rock and roll fashion - strange - great friend great musician great man - he was an integral part of the Kinks later years RIP #JimRodford