Review and photography by Craig Hunter Ross
It was 1967 when an R&B band from Birmingham, England , decided their second album would be nothing like their first. With new members Justin Hayward and John Lodge charting their course and having enlisted the London Festival Orchestra, The Moody Blues began a journey into new territory; Territory that would result in the completion of an album entitled, Days of Future Passed, an album that would not only provide some of their biggest hits. The legendary song would also cement them as cornerstones in the foundation of the progressive and symphonic rock genre.
Now in 2012, The Moody Blues are celebrating the continuation of that journey with a tour across North America and the world. This stop on “Highway 45” brings them to the historic DAR Constitution Hall, a venue that has seen every president attend at least one event within her walls, dating back to Calvin Coolidge.
The band is now comprised of original member and drummer Graeme Edge, along with the aforementioned Justin Hayward on his trademark red Gibson ES-335 guitar and John Lodge on bass. Rounding the group out are long time second drummer Gordon Marshall, Norda Mullen on flute as well as guitar, and Julie Ragins and Alan Hewitt sharing keyboard duties.The Moodies would get the evening off to a high energy start with two hits from their 1981 album, Long Distance Voyager, as Lodge opened with the familiar bass line opening to “Gemini Dream” getting the near capacity crowd up to their feet, and then quickly following up with “The Voice”.
One couldn’t help but think they had stepped back in time as smoke rolled over the stage floor into the front rows, while hits like “Stepping in a Slide Zone” and “You and Me” echoed through the hall.
Hayward and Lodge were both at the top of their game as the set approached some of the more vocal concentrated pieces like mega-hit “Tuesday Afternoon”, “Nervous” and ‘Say it with Love”. Amazingly, the entire audience joined in for every extended note of “Tuesday Afternoon’ as if a well rehearsed choir, much to the delight of those on stage.
Lodge invited everyone to join him in “a little madness” on a trip to the time of the festivals as the band launched into the hard driving psychedelic “Peak Hour” before ending the first set with their 1988 hit “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” and “The Story In Your Eyes” from 1971, through which Mullen and Ragins provided hauntingly beautiful backing vocals.
Following a twenty minute intermission, the all too distinctive synthesizer pads known to fans of The Moody Blues would evolve into “Your Wildest Dreams”, with Hayward, Lodge, Mullen and Ragins hitting the vocal harmonies with perfection. Hayward and Lodge would trade lead vocals on “Isn’t Life Strange” before Edge would emerge from behind his kit and exclaim that he had just turned 71 years old to a standing ovation. Feeding off that energy, Edge would lead the band in a rousing rendition of his 1969 song “Higher and Higher” which he explained was inspired by the moon landing. The LED screen was awash in lunar landing era imagery as Edge danced and pranced up and down the entirety of the stage with the energy of a twenty year old; much to the crowd’s delight.
As the set drew closer to it’s conclusion the audience were again on their feet in totality for “I’m Just a Singer In a Rock and Roll Band” as Edge would emerge sans drum kit once again, this time to a lone microphone at the top of the stage, the LED screen and stage completely engulfed by graphics of a star field, he would recite “Late Lament” which, of course, segued into “Nights in White Satin”, resulting in a standing ovation lasting several minutes as the band ended with the classic “Question”. The group returned for an encore of “Ride My See-Saw”, which seemed incredibly upbeat and at a slightly faster tempo than the original recording. A powerful ending to a powerful evening.
So if these titans of rock find themselves in a city near you on their journey down “Highway 45”, it would be in your best interest to make plans to join them. There are very few bands that can approach the incredible musical history of The Moody Blues. And when you stop, think about it, you have to have to say… it’s true.
Wil Hale (12 years ago)
The first music played in any car I buy is ALWAYS something by MB. I know there are not many more concerts left so it is great that event chronicallers get the opportunity to tell us about them. Even better when they have the skill to SHOW us in great detail. Thanks for the wonderful write up of this fantastic group of musicians.
Craig Hunter Ross (12 years ago)
Thanks Wil ! Really appreciate yoru kind words! Keep reading Guitar International!
CHR
guitarist (12 years ago)
Justin Hayward is an English musician, best known as singer, songwriter and guitarist in the rock band The Moody Blues. He is one of the best welknown blues guitar player. Aside guitar he usually plays piano vocals, mandolin, sitar and so on….
Blanche (12 years ago)
First saw the Moodies play in London in 1967 … amazing year, exceptional musicians with a glorious sound. Nothing has changed save the oeuvre has blissfully expanded and evolved. The chords still transport. With eyes shut, I’m 21 again. Hope the journey continues for several more tours. Lovely to be at DAR. Thanks for the nice review, Craig.
Craig Hunter Ross (12 years ago)
Thanks Blanche, the pleasure is mine. Keep reading Guitar International! We’ve got a lot of concerts in store this summer!
CHR
Ginger Vork (12 years ago)
I first saw the MBs at an old stone church in Grand Rapids Michigan back in the late 60s. Fabulous sound! I have recently seen them at a small venue in Interlochen Michigan Music Camp which is an outdoor theater. I only wish I could see them perform with a full orchestra for a much different experience. And I also cannot imagine why this group has not been inducted into the Hall of Fame??? They are clearly one of the best bands of rock and rolls history.
Jeanne Boyer (12 years ago)
We just saw the Moodies last Monday, April 2, here in Pittsburgh. Your review and what we experienced was exactly the same. The concert was more than we expected and loved every moment of it. The audience here was out of their seats most of the show. As a reviewer wrote for our newspaper, “the band didn’t sound much different at the Benedum than it did at the Arena in the ’70s”. The highlight of my evening was when Justin’s 12 string was brought onto the stage, cause that only means one song, “Question”, my favorite!!!
I appreciate your review and how you ended it. Very well put!
Ed Webb (12 years ago)
I enjoyed the article as well as the photos. The difficulty I have is that I am not 17 again and listening to these guys! I have a supply of analgesics for the next concert….
Cate (12 years ago)
I was at this show! I’m 25 and never had a chance to see them live before, but the Moody Blues have been my favorite band since I was 5.
Dana (12 years ago)
I have seats for the Niagara Falls final performance and I got chills just from reading the review ! I can’t wait
Bob Lewis (12 years ago)
Great commentary, it even fit the 1 set show we saw at the Seneca Niagara Casino. They always limit the artists to an hour and a half show. Ok, cause most folks in the audience have to go the restroom or bed after that much excitement LOL. Much the same highlights. A disappointment was the first few moments of “Story in your Eyes” was chopped off. Love that opening, but still like the song without it. It just felt like sex without foreplay. Every Moody Blues show should begin with Gemini Dream. My 4th Moody Blues concert and one of the best.