Justin Hayward

Justin Hayward is a singer who fronted a band called The Moody Blues, accompanying himself on the guitar and writing all the music. Hayward’s CV is definitely a long one as he has been playing in bands since the young age of 13. His professional career started in 1964 when he joined Marty Wilde in the Wilde Three. Eventually, he signed a publishing contract with the skiffle artists and record producer Lonnie Donegan, which was unfortunately not a good move for Hayward as the songs that he wrote up until 1974 were forever owned by Donegan’s Tyler Music. Fortunately, he went on to write music with The Moody Blues, where he sold 2 million units.

Nowadays, it is all about his solo material, and I had the chance to go and see what this legend was all about when he performs live. There is no doubt that this singer-songwriter is a storyteller who can have the audience hanging on his every word that he sings. He proves it fantastically in “Nights In White Satin”, on his twelve string acoustic guitar accompanied by another acoustic guitar and a keyboard. Three-part harmonies galore.

The show was a combination of Moodies hits, deep album cuts as well as a selection of Justin's solo music. The addition of the flute to his solo concerts is very positive especially in that the sound was authentic to the original music. Memorable moments included Justin asking if the audience minded if he repeated again Voices in the Sky as the first time it wasn't quite perfect and the show was being filmed for possible future release. Of course no one would have minded if he repeated it five more times. Also as the first encore song Blue Guitar began and he became lost in his playing the opening on the Gibson 335 he wound up not in front of the microphone at the right time and though he tried to recover after singing the first few words he threw up both hands in disgust with his mistake and started the whole thing over as the audience laughed and cheered. It was just endearing and we left just loving him more!

My wife and I love the Moody Blues. Justin Hayward is the heart and soul of the Moody Blues. Our son is named Justin because to us it is a majestic name. In 1972 I saw the Moody Blues at the San Diego Sports Arena and I snuck a little Sony tape player into the Arena. 50 years later I listen to that concert and have tears in my eyes. Mike Pinder's mellotron was amazing live in concert. We love you Justin! Will be there to see you in Solana in May.

It was a magical night...
We've been a fan of the Moody Blues since early seventies and listen to On the Threshold of a Dream every night.
Justin played all of our favorite songs and they sounded just like the old vinyl record.
He's song are poetry of love and you don't hear that in today's song.
He is truly a gifted artist and hope he will be around for ever.
Roland and Elaine

A absolute joy to hear Moodies play.....Veteran Cosmic Rockers.

Their music is as timeless as our own imaginations. Really feel sorry for younger generations who now only have electronic composers whose depth of composition and material sounds and feels so empty at times.

Listen to "Gypsy" and be transformed ;-)

Justin Hayward is a "gem". His very heart is in his songs. I love how he is very professional and gives his "all" to the audience. I have seen his solo concerts and they have inspired me greatly. I put him up there with "Bono" of U2 who also gives his 100%. Thanks Justin for the music!!!

Go see this guy whether he’s solo,or with the Moody Blues ! You won’t be disappointed for sure...his soulful ballads and expert guitar virtuosity drives your spirit soaring,and his lyrics and musical mastery makes for an eventful experience and rewarding time!

We have seen his solo show twice and are seeing him both in Tucson at the Fox Theater and at Talking Stick. This man is highly underrated. His songs are, as he says, "from the heart." Go see him, you won't be disappointed.

Enjoy the shows because he also talks about his music and compositions before his beautiful renditions of them with talented Julie Ragins on vocals and Mike Dawes young guitarist accompanying him.