FIVE DECADES WITH THE MOODY BLUES | #4M #MusicMonday

51 Comments#4M, #MusicMonday, Blogfests, Music, Rockchick Ramblings

NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN | #AtoZChallenge

The Moody Blues | #4M #MusicMonday


Welcome to the “Monday’s Music Moves Me” blog hop, aka #4m, hosted by
X-Mas Dolly, with co-hosts Jamerican Spice, Stacy Uncorked and Curious as a Cathy. 

 

I’m on a concert high once again, having attended
The Moody Blues DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED 50th Anniversary concert on July 7th.

This band is timeless, and sounds as good now, as in the past.  It was a magical night!

The Moody Blues first formed in 1964 and their second single became a hit:

In 1966, Justin Hayward and John Lodge joined the band and took it in a new direction,
pioneering what was to become known as “art rock” and “prog (progressive) rock”.

The aforementioned 1967 album, “Days of Future Passed”, combined orchestral
sounds with haunting melodies and stands the test of time.

Their signature song, “Nights in White Satin” (and my favourite!),
did not catch on with the public initially but was re-released
and became a huge hit in 1972 and again in 1979:

Over the years, they produced 16 studio albums, 17 compilation albums and 26 singles.

DISCOGRAPHY

Their live shows are masterpieces of musicianship and artistic lighting.

My review of The Moody Blues “50th Anniversary of Days of Future Passed” concert
@ Sony Centre, Toronto on July 7, 2017:

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” 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 was 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.

~~~~~~~~

Personal video:

Are you a Moody Blues fan?

Looking forward to your comments!

Debbie

The Moody Blues on Amazon
[affiliate link]

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51 thoughts on “FIVE DECADES WITH THE MOODY BLUES | #4M #MusicMonday

  1. Hi Debbie – wonderful memories for you of the concerts and your following of the band, while good for us to have your post here … loved and still do ‘Nights in White Satin’ … thanks for reminding us and giving us some excellent titles to listen to – cheers Hilary

  2. Oh yeah, you’ve rocked the house today my friend and if anyone knows about Moody Blues I surely do because I married Dave Moody!!! hahahahaha (just a coincidence… hahaha I wish)!!! But he loves their music!!! Thanks for playin’ along with us today and sharing the MOODY BLUES!!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

  3. Once again, you’ve made me pleasantly jealous! I have Days of Future Passed and To Our Children’s Children’s Children out in the car, and a pleasant memory of listening to the top 40 when (according to my memory, which by research proves slightly off), that Stepping In A Slide Zone debuted the same week as two other big UK groups- the Kinks with Rock N Roll Fantasy, and the Stones with Miss You…

  4. Love, love, love The Moody Blues! I would have so enjoyed seeing them again because this is real music as opposed to the claptrap that is produced today. Love to hear Jeremy Irons read out these great poems (Impassioned lovers wrestle as one, lonely man cries for love and has none). For my wedding (I would have been married 20 years July 5th…totally forgot about it until the next day-hahahaaa), the first song we danced to was “For My Lady” by the Moody Blues. Glad you showcased them here today and that you loved the concert

    1. Hi Birgit; I’m sorry you didn’t get a chance to go to the concert. There may be a TV special or DVD in future, as the entire show was being filmed. I thought Jeremy Irons was perfect for the poems, as well! 🙂 Nice choice for a wedding song…

  5. A Moody Blues fan? But of course, starting with Go Now. May I admit I envied you for being able to experience this concert? But reading your post was the next best thing.

    1. Another thing we have in common, Alana. 🙂 I know The Moodies were touring in New York state as well. I’m sorry you didn’t get a chance to see them, but am glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for checking it out!

  6. Oh man! What an incredible concert experience that obviously was! I mean, The Moody Blues alone is spectacular and then add to that a 67-piece orchestra? WOW!!
    Your video has fantastic quality.
    Thanks for posting that 1964 performance of Go Now. I love that song! Hard to believe that it’s been 53 years since that appearance.
    I’d be hard-pressed to choose a favorite MB song: I like so many of them. And you’re absolutely right: the Moody Blues music is timeless.
    Seeing them in concert is most definitely on my Bucket List!
    Listening to and watching the videos you posted is a perfect send-off as I head to bed…(I said to someone that I was going to bed back at 4am and that was 7 hours ago). Their psychedelia sound will surely lull me off to sleep…

    Have a great week Debbie. Thanks for sharing your concert with us!

    Michele at Angels Bark

    1. I hope you get the chance to see them live, Michele. They always put on a great show, but this was the best one yet! ♥ The orchestra was a surprise that hadn’t been publicized. Lucky us! Toronto was only one of two venues doing that. The whole concert was filmed, so there will likely be either a TV special or a DVD in future. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Hope you got some sleep! Thanks for coming over, tired as you were.

  7. Debbie,

    The Moody Blues is one of the old groups I was introduced to again a few years ago that I totally forgot about or I didn’t know who they were, to begin with, but recognized some of their hits. “Nights in White Satin” probably is my favorite song by the band, too. I think I’d like to look into getting a greatest hits compilation by them. It amazes me when I go back to listen to the 60s and 70s groups at all the talent and wonderful mewsic they put together. I’m so happy you decided to join the 4M gals today, dearie! Have a songtastic week!

    1. Hi Cathy; The Moody Blues have a huge catalogue spanning more than 50 years, so a compilation of hits is a good idea. 🙂 There’s a bunch of different ones on Amazon. I remember taking part in this blogfest a few years ago, combined with another called #MusicMonday. That one seems to have disappeared, but I’m glad Marie and the three of you are still doing the 4M’s. Seven years is a long time in the Blogosphere, so, congratulations!

  8. So glad you enjoyed their concert, Debbie. Loved your video you made. Jeremy Irons was brilliant as always and the graphics stunning. You filmed it so well. I must admit that I know of Moody Blues but have never been that familiar with all their music. Loved the orchestral pieces. Just beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Hi Cathy; I’m glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂 This is something I’ve only started doing recently and need more practice. The Moody Blues have a lot of classical musical influences. That particular album was recorded with The London Symphony Orchestra. They usually don’t bring one to their concerts (computer tracks are used), so this was a real treat! Thanks for reading my post. Have a good week!

    1. One of my favourite bands of all time, Joyce. ♥ I didn’t really get to know them until 1968, when they released “Nights in White Satin” for the first time. That’s STILL my number favourite song. Their live shows are amazing, even 50 years on. Thanks for dropping by and also for leaving that voice mail. I sent a reply. 🙂

  9. Hi Debbie,

    Sounds like you had a fabulous time having attended the concert of The Moody Blues 🙂 Never heard of ’em before.

    You know I’m a newbie to oldies. After listening, I liked the “Nights in White Satin” very much. Especially the tune. Gotta check out other Moody Blues songs I can find.

    Thanks for exposing us to wonderful taste of your music, Debbie 🙂

    Have a musical weekend ahead dear!

    Cheers…

    1. HI Mayura; Glad you enjoyed “Nights in White Satin”. 🙂 It’s my favourite song of all time! The Moody Blues make beautiful, moody music. Thanks for dropping by and have a great weekend.

  10. When I was in junior high school, on the day we took a final exam in our science class, our teacher played the “Days of Future Passed” album, all the way through. I never forgot the music, or the teacher… This is one of the few music acts that I dearly love, but have not seen in concert. Maybe this time around…

  11. It’s ironic because I actually have had a Music Mondays link on my blog for a year now. I just can’t keep up with the flow of posts to get stories over there. But, great reminder to hopefully rectify that here and there! Debbie, Nights in White Satin ranks WAY up there on my all time LOVE lists of music. It’s a song I love to listen to at night when I’m driving home, or on a road trip or any other wistfully-in-thought time. It always takes me back to my childhood and reminiscing. Thank you! 🙂

    1. Hi Mike; I don’t participate regularly either; just when the mood strikes and it always does when I’m on a concert high. 😀 You should hear “Nights in White Satin” live. I actually have a short video snippet of it that I’ll share to your Facebook page (not sure how to add it here). It’s my favourite song of all time, by any artist. I still have the original 45 from 1968. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the post. Cheers!

  12. Hi Debbie,
    Like you, my favorite Moody Blues hit was Nights in White Satin, although I liked it even when it was first released. 😉 Another of my favorites is “Isn’t Life Strange?” The original video, which I can no longer find, was so ironically close to my life and that of the person who introduced the song to me. I’m so glad the two of you were able to go their concert. I’m more than just a wee bit jealous. I never realized that “Go Now” was by the Moody Blues. Good to know–it’s going on my play list today.

    1. I loved Nights in White Satin when it was first released too Mary and got the single right away. I still have it, too. 🙂 They sang |Isn’t Life Strange at the concert; still sounds great! Go Now was the band’s first hit, but that was before the two pivotal members joined and changed their sound. Thanks for visiting.

  13. Am I a Moody Blues Fan? AM I A MOODY BLUES FAN??? Are ya kiddin’ me? I only married Dave Moody himself!!!! ~snicker-snicker~ Yes, I did marry Dave Moody, but he doesn’t have anything to do with the Moody Blues although he does know how to play their tunes & is a musician himself, and is a fan of the Moody Blues, and his last name happens to be Moody. hehehehehehe Great collection here my friend. Thanks for sharing, and joining us today on this rockin’ Monday Music Moves Me!!!! Have a musicality week!!!!!!

    1. So your Moody plays the Blues, eh? 😉 Glad you enjoyed the tunes Marie. We had a fantastic time at the concert. Thanks for visiting.

    1. We had a fantastic time Michele and it’s true. The Moody Blues ALWAYS put on a great show! 🙂 This was our third time seeing them and I loved the smaller venue as we were so close to the stage. A memorable night, for sure.

  14. This brings back the memories 🙂 One of the most unique bands of their time, and one of my favorites. So glad you were able to attend the concert, and I hope the sounds were similar to what your memories hold. Sometimes that’s not the case with the (ahem) elder bands who are doing their farewell or “we’re back” tours.

    Thanks for the blast from the past!

    1. Hi Sammy; I’ve been to many concerts over the last few years, most of them involving my favourite old bands and not ONE has been a disappointment. The Moody Blues sound just as great as ever, and so did Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Rod Stewart, Eric Burdon, Heart, Def Leppard, Deep Purple, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Neil Young, Steppenwolf, Scorpions, and Bob Seger. 🙂 What experiences have you had with older bands that were less than memorable? What amazes me is the energy these musicians still have at their advanced ages. I’m not nearly as fit as they are.

    1. Glad you enjoyed the post, Steve. 🙂 The Moody Blues are as good as they ever were and this was our third time seeing them live. The Light show was also spectacular! Thanks for visiting and have a great week, yourself.

  15. Hi Debbie!

    I love their music. I remember my mom and uncles would listen to their music, that’s how I remember it, especially Tuesday Afternoon! Then when I grew up they came out with In Your Wildest Dream.

    Thanks for sharing the tidbits with us. I didn’t know Night’s In White Satin was released twice.

    Have a great new week!

    1. Hi Corina; They make such beautiful music! ♥ “Nights in White Satin” was actually released 3 times, the first time in 1968 and that’s when I fell in love with The Moody Blues. Amazing that they’re still going strong after 50 years! Thanks for visiting and have a great week.