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Biography
The group was first formed in 1964 by Ray Thomas and Michael Pinder, but as the Krew Cats. They didn’t fare well, so they were joined by guitarist/vocalist Denny Laine, band manager-turned-drummer Graeme Edge and bassist Clint Warwick and became The Moody Blues. They performed their first gig in 1964 and eventually became the resident group at the Carlton Ballroom. The band obtained a London-based management company and signed a recording contract with Decca Records in 1964, but it wasn’t until their second released single, “Go Now” that helped them reach success.
In 1965 the group released a self-titled EP, which featured both of their first two singles. They released their debut full-length album entitled “The Magnificent Moodies” in 1965 as well. Despite being in high demand for live gigs, the group didn’t have much commercial success as they’d have liked with their next few releases. In 1966 Warkick retired and the group took a short hiatus until they re-formed in November of that year. After financial misfortune and an audience heckling, the band soon realized that their style of American blues covers and novelty tunes did not work for them and they decided that they would only perform their own material.
With a second album not materializing and their contract with Decca set to expire, they owed the label several thousand pounds in advances. However, they had the support of an important Decca member and they were offered a deal to make a rock and roll version of Antonín Dvořák's New World Symphony that would promote the company's new Deramic Stereo Sound (DSS) audio format. Although they never finished the project, they did release a concept album entitled “Days of Future Passed” in 1967. The album reached gold status and reached No. 27 on the British LP chart and No. 3 on the US/Billboard charts a few years after.
They followed up with this success with the release of “In Search of The Lost Chord,” and a year later with “On The Threshold Of A Dream. They continued with a string of successful albums and in 1974 they went on hiatus. While on hiatus, some members worked on different projects, reunited in 1977. The Moody Blues then released “Octave” in 1978, followed by extensive touring; additionally, keyboard player Patrick Moraz joined them. In 1986 they enjoyed renewed success with their album “The Other Side of Life,” and the renewed interest in the band ensured a younger audience.
The band released “Keys of The Kingdom” in 1991 and continued to tour extensively, but from 1991 to 1998, the group took a hiatus from recording and spent time trying to perfect the art of performing live with an orchestra. This hiatus only lasted until 1999 when they released “Strange Times,” and in 2000 released a live album. Despite Ray Thomas retiring from the group, they did continue to perform live, and in 2013 released a compilation album and appeared on the Moody Blues Cruise.
Live reviews
The Moody Blues were always a band with a unique vision. They have accomplished the fusion of classical music with rock music and were one of the first bands to make a concept album. Seeing them live is like going on an epic musical journey filled with layers of orchestrated music and their mind blowing take on progressive rock. The Moody Blues plays with a very diverse sound. At one moment they will be playing highly energetic rock and roll music and the next moment they will be playing a soft orchestrated ballad. Although they only have three members in the main core of their group, who play the guitar, drums, and bass, they are able to create a large sound by touring with an orchestra, which helps them attain that symphonic-rock vibe that they are so renowned for making. The orchestra also contributes in making their sound like it has much force behind it. The deep resonance of the cellos and the light sweeping sound of the violins give The Moody Blues an epic quality to them, which enhances the visions of their ornate concepts.
The lead guitarist, Justin Hayward, often plays his guitar by running it through a chorus effect, which allows it to exhibit a shimmering sound. The Moody Blues also incorporate flutes and synthesizers into their music to create a more ethereal quality to their music. Just as their name suggests, The Moody Blues are trying to invoke deep emotions in their audience and trying to depict a certain mood for them. They not only accomplish this by playing their mesmerizing music, but they shine atmospheric blue lights on the stage that enhance the elegance and fantastical qualities of the performance.
The Moody Blues are sure to impress the audience with their highly intricate style of playing and their beautiful, lush orchestration, which they incorporate into their performance. Audiences are sure to love their setlist with them playing most of their hits including “Nights and Whit Satin”.
wjmcc
This was our fourth time seeing the Moody Blues in concert, and I can honestly say it was THE most incredible experience of them all! My love for the band goes back to the album they are celebrating the 50th anniversary of: 1967's "Days of Future Passed". For the first half, they played some of their old hits, including a few that were not in their usual performance lineup, so that was a treat, right there. The "moody blue" psychedelic graphics were a nice touch, also. Imagine our delight to find a full orchestra on the stage when we returned from the short intermission! The "note for note, cut for cut" full album recreation was spectacular, including some breathtaking graphics on screen and a video of esteemed actor, Jeremy Irons, performing the poems, "Morning Glory" and "Late Lament". Justin Hayward and John Lodge are still in fine voice, and drummer Graeme has retained his "Edge". The rest of the band is stellar as well. In almost 50 years of attending concerts, this one is an absolute standout!
SETLIST:
Set 1:
I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)
The Voice
Steppin' in a Slide Zone
Say It With Love
Nervous
Your Wildest Dreams
Isn't Life Strange
I Know You're Out There Somewhere
The Story in Your Eyes
Set 2 (Days of Future Passed):
The Day Begins
(with Jeremy Irons) (performed live by the orchestra)
Dawn Is a Feeling
Another Morning
Peak Hour
Tuesday Afternoon
(listed as "Forever Afternoon (… more )
(Evening) Time to Get Away
The Sunset
Twilight Time
Late Lament
(with Jeremy Irons)
Nights in White Satin
Encore:
Question
Ride My See-Saw
Note: Filmed for a future broadcast. Set 2 and the Encore featured a 67 piece orchestra conducted by Elliot Davis.
Debbie-D
This was our fourth time seeing the Moody Blues in concert, and I can honestly say it was THE most incredible experience of them all! My love for the band goes back to the album they are celebrating the 50th anniversary of: 1967's "Days of Future Passed". For the first half, they played some of their old hits, including a few that were not in their usual performance lineup, so that was a treat, right there.The "moody blue" psychedelic graphics were a nice touch, also. Imagine our delight to find a full orchestra on the stage when we returned from the short intermission! The "note for note, cut for cut" full album recreation was spectacular, including some breathtaking graphics on screen and a video of esteemed actor, Jeremy Irons, performing the poems, "Morning Glory" and "Late Lament". Justin Hayward and John Lodge are still in fine voice, and drummer Graeme has retained his "Edge". The rest of the band is stellar as well. In almost 50 years of attending concerts, this one is an absolute standout!
SETLIST:
Set 1:
I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)
The Voice
Steppin' in a Slide Zone
Say It With Love
Nervous
Your Wildest Dreams
Isn't Life Strange
I Know You're Out There Somewhere
The Story in Your Eyes
Set 2 (Days of Future Passed):
The Day Begins
(with Jeremy Irons) (performed live by the orchestra)
Dawn Is a Feeling
Another Morning
Peak Hour
Tuesday Afternoon
(listed as "Forever Afternoon (… more )
(Evening) Time to Get Away
The Sunset
Twilight Time
Late Lament
(with Jeremy Irons)
Nights in White Satin
Encore:
Question
Ride My See-Saw
Note: Filmed for a future broadcast. Set 2 and the Encore featured a 67 piece orchestra conducted by Elliot Davis.
Debbie-D
Birmingham rockers The Moody Blues formed half a century ago and within that time have earned a reputation as one of the most hard working live bands of all time. They have performed nearly 2000 times in the States alone and although only drummer Graeme Edge remains as a founding member, guitarist and bassist John Lodge and Justin Hayward have been there from the near beginnings so the trio have great rapport onstage.
Their fans are a devoted bunch and from looking around the venue there appears to be some attendees who may have brought the band's very first album. There is range though with younger fans who would have discovered Moody Blues at a later date due to their huge influence on countless modern contemporaries.
For a trio of 70 year olds, the group has fantastic stage presence and still enjoying delighting crowds with their symphonic rock. The musical ability is incomparable as after 50 years practice they are simply in a league of their own. Playing classics such as 'I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)' and 'Nights in White Satin' is a reminder of the timeless quality of this band's music and you understand why they toured so much, there was clearly such a high demand to hear their classic music.
sean-ward
The two shows in Toronto were the highlight of my 45 years following the band. The first set being one greatest hit after another really got the place rockin. After a brief intermission we were treated to the Toronto Symphony opening the whole of Days of Future Passed. The sound of the orchestra in the Sony Center was so rich, full and lush it gave us chills. To hear the Moodies sing the entire album was amazing. Dawn is a Feeling, Sunset, Twilight Time and ofcourse Nights in White Satin were particular favorites for me. Looking forward to getting the DVD that was recorded both nights. The show ended with Question and Ride My Seesaw and an audience full of appreciation and wonder.
LastNightsDreamer
Best Show Ever!!
I was able to sit in first row almost center stage. Each band member acknowledged my presence several times during the show. The Moody Blues haven't gotten older they have gotten better. Just a thrill to be so close. Their music was powerful. Some newer tunes and many of the their classics. I am so grateful I had this opportunity. Graham told all of us how happy he was to be here. He said, "I'm really glad to be here. I'm 75 and I had a stroke." He was rockin on that stage.
Thank you Moody Blues for a fantastic show and a life time experience.
~ Vicki ~
vicki-seiler
The group had a good selection for the first 50 minutes. They can’t play them all, but I missed a few of my favorites. Part2 was the 50th year for On a Threshold of a Dream. The instrumental sections of the album was steamed to the audience and occasionally they would sing/play along.
We all found some of the background videos to be distracting. Sometimes they were beautiful but....
Vocals of course along with guitar work excellent!
New flutist was amazing!
All in all they rocked the house!! Left us all wanting more!!
ken-girardin
ONE OF THE GREATEST BANDS OF ALL TIME I SAY. I HAVE SEEN THEM AT LEAST 20 TIMES OR MORE. GOT UP TO THE 3RD ROW ON OCCASION FLIRTING WITH JOHN LODGE ....I NEED TO KNOW IF THEY WILL TOUR IN SAN DIEGO AGAIN. SOMEONE SAID SINCE GRAHM RETIRED THEYVE GONE SOLO? SAY IT ISN'T SO MAN....ANYBODY OUT THERE KNOW WHAT'S UP...COVID BLOWS I UNDERSTAND THAT. BUT WE'RE SEEING THE EAGLES IN OCT. AND JUST WONDERING IF MOODY BLUES HAVE ANY PLANS?????
THANK YOU, DEBI IN SAN DIEGO
debisnyd3
We've been going to see this group for decades, and we really only have one complaint: the setlist NEVER changes. Give or take one or two songs per show, it's always the same! Don't get me wrong; the show itself was virtually impeccable but, with their vast repertoire, you'd think they might mix it up here and there. As it is now, I can rattle off the songs before they even start 'em! Hopefully, they'll see this and at least give it some consideration?
joe-harrington-1
When I was teenager their were a lot of bands that I wanted to see I got to see Stxy and I amost got see Three Dog Night failled twice but you there always a third write But when I went the see Them in Scottsdale Az I about flip I was so. Excited it was a cold night but they made it work .It was the best night of my life now I cant wait to go on cruise in Feburday oh wow to see them all I can't
Its hard for me to say . Joan are really big fan
lovemoody
