By Randy Patterson, Boomerocity.com
The Moody Blues. An awesome band a) who has been in existence for almost 60 years; b) whose career has spanned seven decades; and c) whose remaining band members, John Lodge and Justin Hayward, are still performing and recording great, new, relevant music.
For music loving baby boomers (as well as succeeding generations who love the music of the baby boomer era), The Moody Blues has provided music that firmly embedded itself into the soundtrack of our youth and is still enjoyed today. Songs like “Tuesday Afternoon,” “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),” and, of course, “Nights in White Satin” are still instantly recognizable – not only musically, but with their “universal themes of love, compassion, and peace.”
In 2017, The Moody Blues’ monumental album, Days of Future Passed (which came out an astonishing 55 years ago last year), was marked by 50th anniversary tours and special appearances. And in 2018, the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
This year, band co-founder and bassist John Lodge has released (via his website, JohnLodge.com) his own version of the iconic Days of Future Passed album entitled Days of Future Passed – My Sojourn. The album was recorded during live shows with his 10,000 Light Years Band and is amazing in its musicianship and performance. The album includes a special recording by late band member, drummer Graeme Edge, and amazing performances by Jon Davison of the band Yes, who continues with the band on tour.
From his home in England, John spoke with me about the new live album and his continuing tour.
“November 2023 will be the 56th anniversary of Days of Future Passed,” said John. “It’s incredible to look back on this album that changed my life and that still has so much impact today on so many, and I felt that it deserved celebrating.
“And so, on the album, I’ll put in there, if you love this album, perhaps it may take you back to the original album, hearing the vocals and Mike (Pinder) and Ray (Thomas) and Justin (Hayward) and myself on the original album. So, I was really linking the new album to the older album and linking it so the audience will. Some people will come along and have no idea what Days of Future Passed is. Nobody – I could see it on their faces. But they’ve come and they’re still there at the end of the night. And that’s the most important thing. The reaction, I have to say, has been phenomenal. And I thank the fans, and the audience goes on – not saying they’re all fans coming to see the show – but an audience, and I really thank them for their enthusiasm. And it’s fantastic I have to say.”
During our chat, I also asked him if he’s seeing a much younger crowd on the tour or if the shows are full of baby boomers.
“There are a lot of new listeners that come to the concerts because, you know, it is a rock and roll show after all. You know, that’s what I’m trying to do – but a rock and roll ala The Moody Blues. So, it’s not heavy metal, it’s The Moody Blues. But it’s still got the energy and excitement. And that’s what I’m trying to do with the concerts – put the energies together and the excitement.
“My band is totally into my and The Moody Blues music. They are totally committed, and it’s beautiful.
They want to be pitch perfect and play the music so they’re really excited about what they’ve done. I congratulate them every night, and we’ve got a great camaraderie.”
As for what is on John’s radar in the coming months, he shared, “The reception and the reaction from the audience and the fans has been more than I could ever have hoped for. I’m planning to come to America in February and March next year on another tour. So, I’m planning that at the moment but also trying to see if there’s a space somewhere to do more concerts in December.”
He then said with a wry smile, “Have bass, will travel.”
There is a lot more to this conversation, including Luciano Pavarotti’s advice that John has taken to heart and what a studio cat may have added to the original Moody Blues album. You can watch or listen to the interview in its entirety by visiting Boomerocity.com, YouTube @boomerocity, or the audio on any of the major podcast platforms. You can also order Days of Future Passed – My Sojourn by visiting Shop.JohnLodge.com.