JOHN LODGE, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues and Rock
and Roll Hall of Famer, has announced that he will be releasing his version of the iconic album
‘Days of Future Passed’, entitled ‘Days of Future Passed – My Sojourn’, to accompany his
upcoming tour of the same name.
The album is to be released on CD as special fan club only release, and will be available at the
upcoming shows starting July 18 th , and through John’s website https://shop.johnlodge.com
The album was recorded over the last year, and has grown from John’s current live show as he,
and his 10,000 Light Years Band, lovingly recreate this classic album. The album also features a
special recording by the late Graeme Edge and performances by Jon Davison of YES. It is being
released as part of John’s celebration of the album ‘that changed his life’, and with the hope that it
will continue to introduce fans to the original iconic recording. The album’s orchestration is by
John’s long-term collaborator, and great friend, Alan Hewitt.
“November 2023 will be the 56th anniversary of 'Days of Future Passed’. 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 I began rehearsals in 2021/2022 to bring this celebration
to life on stage. What was important to me was to make this concert another milestone in the
history of ‘Days of Future Passed’, and so I asked Graeme if he would record his poetry, ‘Morning
Glory’ and ‘Late Lament’, to include in my concert. Graeme gave me his blessing and said, ‘John,
Keep the Moody Blues music alive’. We had a fantastic time putting the show together, with Alan,
Duffy, Billy and Jason, and Jon Davison, giving me so much support and helping bring my vision
to life. After the final rehearsals for the concert, I realised I should capture this new moment in
time, although a reflection of the past, forever, by going into the studio and recording the album,
‘Days of Future Passed – My Sojourn’. I am hoping that this will bring a new generation of
listeners to the album, that they then may rediscover the original recording, and the beautiful
vocals of Mike Pinder, Justin Hayward, Ray Thomas and myself. I dedicate this album to
Graeme, Justin, Mike and Ray, to Tony Clarke, and to all the fans that are with me on this sojourn,
no matter when you joined…” John Lodge July 2023
The CD in Digipak will be available starting July 18 th at John’s first show in Rockford, IL, and a
vinyl album is due to follow in the Fall. The album will also be available to stream and download
from July 14 th . The cover features a poignant photograph of John and his wife, Kirsten, taken by
his daughter-in-law, Inga Wilson, for John, this was an image that perfectly encapsulated the idea
of past and future and what this album means to him.
Go here to stream and download, https://slinky.to/DaysOfFuturePassed
The original album, released in 1967, came about when Decca were exploring stereo and full
frequency sound and wanted the band to put the melodies of Dvorak’s New World Symphony to
lyrics to make a ‘sampler’ album. The band decided to follow their own path, and the rest is
history… but in a reflection of this, John wanted to also explore how modern fidelity will impact the
album today. He is therefore also working on a Dolby Atmos version that will be available for
streaming later this year.
Joining JOHN on the album is his 10,000 Light Years Band, comprised of longterm collaborator
Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards, plus Orchestration) and Billy Ashbaugh (Drums)
from the Moody Blues touring band, together with Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau
(Cello). Jon Davison of YES will also be joining him for his special renditions of “Nights in White
Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon” plus the magical voice of Graeme Edge will be seen and heard
via a special video and recording.
The tour kicks off on July 18 th at the Coronado PAC in Rockford, IL, and then continues through
the Mid-West and onto the West of the USA. The show will also feature a first half set of Moody
Blues’ classics, including all of John’s hits, “Ride My See-Saw”, “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and
Roll Band)”, “Isn’t Life Strange”, to name just a few of these classic and time-enduring hits.
For tickets and VIP packages - which include a great seat and exclusive merchandise - please
visit: https://johnlodge.com/tour.
The On the Blue Cruise is back for another journey in 2024! It will be an exciting one, featuring the return of your cruise host, Justin Hayward, the Voice of the Moody Blues, as well as an amazing lineup including The Zombies, Alan Parsons, Starship featuringMickey Thomas, Little River Band, Al Stewart, Uriah Heap, Vanilla Fudge, Glenn Hughes performing Deep Purple Live, Rare Earth, John Ford Coley, Leonid and Friends celebrating the music of Chicago and many more!Sailing from Miami April 5-10, 2024, aboard the Norwegian Pearl, the On The Blue Cruise will visit Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and the incredible new port of Nassau, Bahamas, reborn with a $300 million makeover! In addition to these great new ports, guests will enjoy TWO music filled days at sea, allowing fans time to hang with fellow cruisers and artists without feeling rushed to get it all in!
This 5-night vacation is an immersive music experience full of incredible concerts, interactive artist events, photo opportunities, Q&As and more…the action never stops!
BOOK YOUR CABIN TODAY!
JOHN LODGE, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, has announced that he will be bringing his incredible new show “Days of Future Passed” to the Mid-West and West Coast of the USA in July. JOHN, together with his 10,000 Light Years Band, will perform The Moody Blues’ groundbreaking album, Days of Future Passed, in its entirety with a special recording by the late Graeme Edge and performances by Jon Davison of YES. The show will also feature a first half set of Moody Blues’ classics, including all of John’s hits, “Ride My See-Saw”, “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)”, “Isn’t Life Strange”, to name just a few, plus tributes to all his band mates, as he continues in his quest to ‘keep all the Moody Blues music alive’. The tour starts July 12 in Edwardsville, IL, and ends on July 29 in Thousand Oaks, and includes Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Las Vegas and many other cities that John has never before toured with his solo band.
The July dates are a continuation of John’s phenomenally successful Feb/March 2023 run that saw almost every show sold out. John is delighted to be able to continue bringing this show, the soundtrack of his life, to fans across America, and the electrifying show promises to be a truly spectacular evening.
“In the Moodies I always wanted to bring our ‘Days of Future Passed’ show to the fans across America, and in February and March of this year, I brought the show to the North East and Florida. I’m both delighted and humbled at how the fans embraced the show, and really happy to now announce that I will be bringing the show to the Mid-West and West Coast. It’s so very special to me to have Graeme’s voice on stage with me, and I’m grateful to Jon Davison who does such an incredible job on ‘Nights’ and ‘Tuesday Afternoon’. To me the Moodies were always about the different writers and vocalists, and I’m so proud to be able to continue to do this with Jon and my 10,000 Light Years Band. As I said at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this album changed our lives forever, but it’s the fans that matter and I am so glad that we can continue to keep the Moody Blues music alive for them”
For tickets and VIP packages - which include a great seat and exclusive merchandise - please visit: https://johnlodge.com/tour.
Days of Future Passed celebrated its 55th Anniversary in November 2022, and JOHN wanted to do something special to celebrate the album. Very sadly, Graeme Edge had passed away in 2021, but shortly before his passing, John and Graeme met and spent some special time together, and Graeme told John how he hoped John would continue on with the Moody Blues, and keep their music alive. Graeme had already recorded a special version of “Late Lament” for John, and John’s great friend (and son-in-law) Jon Davison (of YES) had recorded “Nights in White Satin”, and so the stage was set; John went into the studio and began work with his Musical Director, Alan Hewitt on the new show. John’s hope being that he could honor his lost friends Ray Thomas and Graeme Edge, and his other bandmates Justin Hayward and Mike Pinder, but also reimagine it for today.
The show, based around the simple tale of “a day in the life of an everyday man,” will highlight all that made Days of Future Passed the ground-breaking album that it was - arguably the start of Progressive Rock with its fusion of rock and symphonic sound. The show retains the core emotion of the original album and recreates its incredible orchestration, but at the same time it also brings in a modern feel thanks to the great strides in fidelity, and the maturity that comes with the passing of the years. Listen to “Nights in White Satin,” “Tuesday Afternoon,” “Peak Hour,” and more fill the room, and you’ll be taken back to 1967, but at the same time, you’ll hear what John has brought to this new version in his vocals, bass and harmonies, and how he sees the album 55 years later. In its own way, it can also be said to be a reflection of John’s own life.
The electrifying show will also feature a selection of JOHN’s classic self-written hits, including the above-mentioned “Ride My See-Saw,” “Isn’t Life Strange,” and “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band).” The latter two were hit singles on the Moody Blues' album Seventh Sojourn which spent 5 weeks at Number 1 on Billboard and is currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
Joining JOHN on stage is his 10,000 Light Years Band, long term collaborator Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards) and Billy Ashbaugh (Drums) from the Moody Blues touring band, together with Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello). Jon Davison of YES will also be joining them for his special renditions of “Nights in White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon” plus the magical voice of Graeme Edge will be heard via a special recording.
“I’m sorry that the Moodies are no longer touring, and I miss my friends Ray and Graeme deeply (RIP), but as I looked back to the past, I realised that I also wanted to look forwards to the Future. My hope is that in this show, and album, you will get to revisit 1967, but at the same time, see how this album has grown with me, and with you. Thank to you the 10,000 Light Years Band, Jon Davison and, of course, Graeme, for their belief in this project and helping bring my vision to life. And thank you to all the fans for Keeping the Faith.”
Here are the tour dates for JOHN LODGE’s “Performs Days of Future Passed”:
12 July - Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville, Illinois
14 July - Adler Theatre, Davenport, Iowa
15 July - Copernicus Center, Chicago, Illinois
16 July - Peoria Civic Center Theatre, Peoria, Illinois
18 July - Coronado PAC, Rockford, Illinois
19 July - Pabst Theater, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
21 July - Royal Oak Music Theatre, Detroit, Michigan
23 July - Paramount Theatre, Denver, Colorado
25 July - Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona
26 July - Fox Theater, Tucson, Arizona
28 July - Smith Center, LasVegas, Nevada
29 July - Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks, California
]]>Moody Blues December Giveaway]]>
The On the Blue Cruise is back for another journey in 2023! It will be an exciting one, featuring the return of your cruise host, Justin Hayward as well as an incredible lineup including The Zombies, Dave Mason, Alan Parsons, Little River Band, Starship with Mickey Thomas, Al Stewart, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Ambrosia, Renaissance, Lighthouse, The Baby's and many more! Sailing from Miami January 28-February 2, 2023, aboard the Norwegian Pearl, the On The Blue Cruise will visit Belize and Cost Maya, Mexico! In addition to these great new ports, guests will enjoy TWO music filled days at sea, allowing fans time to hang with fellow cruisers and artists without feeling rushed to get it all in!
This 5-night vacation is an immersive music experience full of incredible concerts, interactive artist events, photo opportunities, Q&As and more…the action never stops!
Limited Cabins Available..don’t miss the boat!Book your cabin now at www.OnTheBlueCruise.com
Moody Blues "Rocktober" Giveaway]]>
Justin Hayward is delighted to announce to release a brand new single through BMG, entitled ‘Living For Love’. This is his first release for over two years and comes ahead of his ten-date tour of the UK in September.
He said of the release, “I’m one of a generation that as teenagers, if we were lucky, were living just for love; with the most wonderful music, freedom and optimism. We didn’t really understand at the time but I have to celebrate those days now, while we are still here, and we remember.”
‘Living For Love’ was recorded in Italy early this year, but the release was held until now while Justin featured in ‘The War Of The Worlds’ tour and completed his rescheduled live solo gigs in the USA so that the song could be released ahead of his UK tour. Justin and his recording partner Alberto Parodi are the only musicians who feature on the record. Justin plays his 1961 Gibson J200 and his 1963 Red Gibson ES 335, and Alberto and Justin, between them, play all keyboards.
Stream or Download HERE.
The On the Blue Cruiseis back for another journey in 2023! It will be an exciting one, featuring the return of your cruise host, Justin Hayward, the Voice of the Moody Blues, as well as an incredible lineup including The Zombies, Dave Mason, Alan Parsons, Little River Band and many more! Sailing from Miami January 28-February 2, 2023, aboard the Norwegian Pearl, the On the Blue Cruise will visit Belize and Cost Maya, Mexico! In addition to these great new ports, guests will enjoy TWO music filled days at sea, allowing fans time to hang with fellow cruisers and artists without feeling rushed to get it all in!
This 5-night vacation is an immersive music experience full of incredible concerts, interactive artist events, photo opportunities, Q&As and more…the action never stops!
Featuring the original 1978 version PLUS two new recordings of the song! A new duet with Justin & Anna-Marie Wayne and also a brand new solo version by Justin!
Listen here: TheWarOfTheWorlds.lnk.to/ForeverAutumnEP
Thank you for all the support and excitement around the release of ‘The Royal Affair and After’ album! As most of us already know there is a world-wide supply chain issue affecting almost every business including the music industry that is not immune to this problem. We are very sorry to say our distributor has just informed us that, despite their best efforts in trying to move mountains, there has been a production delay with John’s new release and the CDs will not be ready in time for the anticipated December 3rd release. The revised release date for digital and CD is now January 14th with the limited edition blue vinyl still on track for January 29th. John and all his team are very upset by this news and hate to let you all down, especially those of you hoping Santa would leave it under your tree on Christmas. In the meantime we hope you are enjoying ‘Ride My See-Saw’ and ‘Gemini Dream’, both available digitally, to download/stream and on YouTube! Thank you in advance for your understanding we can’t wait to share the album with you! |
It’s a very sad day. Graeme’s sound and personality is present in everything we did together and thankfully that will live on.
When Graeme told me he was retiring I knew that without him it couldn’t be the Moody Blues anymore. And that’s what happened. It’s true to say that he kept the group together throughout all the years, because he loved it.
In the late 1960’s we became the group that Graeme always wanted it to be, and he was called upon to be a poet as well as a drummer. He delivered that beautifully and brilliantly, while creating an atmosphere and setting that the music would never have achieved without his words. I asked Jeremy Irons to recreate them for our last tours together and it was absolutely magical.
Graeme, and his parents, were very kind to me when I first joined the group, and for the first two years, he and I either lived together, or next door to each other - and despite us having almost nothing in common, we had fun and laughs all the way, as well as making what was probably the best music of our lives.
Graeme was one of the great characters of the music business and there will never be his like again.
My sincerest condolences to his family.
Justin Hayward
“When the White Eagle of the North is flying overhead” …sadly Graeme left us today. To me he was the White Eagle of the North with his beautiful poetry, his friendship, his love of life and his “unique” style of drumming that was the engine room of the Moody Blues…I will miss you Graeme….John Lodge
Think you know what Moody Blues song reigns supreme? Fill out the Official Moody Madness bracket for a chance to win a merchandise prize package of your wildest dreams!
One Grand Prize Winner Will Receive:
• (1) Lost Chord Sweatshirt
• (1) Question of Balance Tee
• (1) Vintage Logo Apron
• (1) Nights Face Mask
Brackets are due Sunday, March 21 at 11:59p ET.
Voting Begins Monday, March 22.
Join John Lodge of the Moody Blues on the Grooviest Trip at Sea! Fans will enjoy over 50 LIVE performances by John Lodge of the Moody Blues, The Hollies, The Zombies, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, Procol Harum, The Guess Who, The Yardbirds, The Association, Mark Lindsay (former Lead Singer of Paul Revere & The Raiders), The Family Stone, Cruise Host Peter Asher, Canned Heat, The Cowsills, The Box Tops, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, The Outsiders, The Music of Cream, Kiss the Sky The Re-Experience: World’s Greatest Tribute to Jimi Hendrix, Magic Bus Band, Lisa Polizzi’s Janis Joplin Experience, and many more!
You’ll sail on the newly renovated Celebrity Summit from Miami to the beautiful ports of Puerto Plata, San Juan and Labadee while grooving to the hits of your favorite artists of the Love Generation. Get up close and personal with these stars as you enjoy over 25 celebrity interactive events including artist Q&As, panel discussions, wine tasting, trivia and more!
March 28, 2022 through April 4, 2022
Enjoy this special package, just for John Lodge of the Moody Blues fans:
“The song is basically about what I was feeling at the time and how I reacted to the pandemic and the isolation and wondering what I was going to do. The opening lyric talks about me sitting there in isolation but I am not just thinking about myself, because in the second line I am saying we’re all in this situation. So, let’s make something of it, let’s be creative, let’s all try and do something in our own little worlds. And you can share it with the world, or just do it for yourself: what you can share is something within yourself, you can make something special for yourself,” said John Lodge
]]>Justin Hayward will release the digital-only EP One Summer Day / My Juliette. This two-track release is available via all digital service providers.
Whether performing solo or with The Moody Blues, Justin Hayward’s songwriting is known for its thought-provoking lyrics and inventive melodies. These qualities are fully displayed in the new tracks “One Summer Day” and “My Juliette.”
“One Summer Day” is written in a conversational style, telling the story of unexpected events taking place one day in the summer. According to Justin, the song came about in an organic manner. “
“My Juliette,” which references Danny Williams’ early 60s recording of “Moon River”, was inspired by Justin’s childhood fascination with the theater. His mother played piano for a repertory theater group during a summer in his childhood. He played guitar for the company, and was drawn into the artistry of the stage, from Shakespeare to pantomime. “I was entranced and I still treasure every moment of that theatre life,” Hayward continues. “I had the song for years before I was sure I wanted to actually finish or record it because I enjoyed just playing around with it.”
One Summer Day / My Juliette is available for streaming and download here.
]]>I’m very sorry to say that the promoter of the ‘On The Blue’ cruise contacted me to inform me that our trip has been postponed. He said that they are looking to reschedule later in the year or early 2021.
Regarding my own US tour: it’s clear that the April and May USA gigs will be postponed as well. As soon as we know rescheduled dates I will share them. I do look forward to that, and I hope everyone is safe and sound..
I am desperately sorry for those individuals and families that are seriously impacted by the current situation and my heart goes out to them.
My love, and every good wish.
Justin
]]>EXPERIENCE 1970 invite you to
come and celebrate the 50th Anniversary .......of
This will be Landmark Event.
The 1970 ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL at the LEGENDARY ORIGINAL FESTIVAL SITE
East Afton Farm, Freshwater
FIFTY years after the Isle of Wight made history
with the biggest rock festival ever staged in the UK,
Experience 1970 is returning to the iconic original Island site
to mark the anniversary with a celebratory weekend fest. John Lodge and his band will be performing.
Get Tickets HERE.
We hope to see you on the Flower Power Cruise 2021! This cruise sells out every year, and our fans are invited to book early during the online presale on April 8th. To book early, you must register for this presale with code JOHNLODGEPRESALE, so follow the link below where you’ll find all the important instructions - remember to mention the special code JOHNLODGEPRESALE when prompted. This code will get you special savings, a $100 onboard credit per cabin PLUS a private event with us onboard. Can’t wait to see you all on the grooviest trip in 2021! https://flowerpowercruise.com/2021-presale-registration
]]>Justin Hayward is back in 2020 with a new tour, "Nights." Some dates have been announced for his April/May 2020 US Tour and more dates will be announced soon. VIP packages are available across all tour dates and include a great ticket, an autographed poster, an exclusive t-shirt and more. Be sure to check out the tour schedule to find a tour date near you!
]]>THE MOODY BLUES’ ‘LIVE AT THE BBC: 1967-1970’ MAKES VINYL DEBUT
WITH DELUXE, LIMITED EDITION 3LP COLOR VINYL SET
Los Angeles – March 6, 2019 – The Moody Blues’ Live At The BBC: 1967–1970 will make its global vinyl debut with a limited, individually numbered 3LP color vinyl edition to be released April 26 by Polydor/UMe. Across its three 180-gram vinyl LPs, the deluxe special edition features 41 live performances from several BBC radio and television appearances the band made between 1967 and 1970. Preorder The Moody Blues’ Live At The BBC: 1967-1970: https://UMe.lnk.to/MoodyBluesBBCPR Originally released in 2007 as a double CD and digital collection, Live At The BBC: 1967–1970 features many of the band’s performances for popular BBC radio and TV programs, including “Top Gear” (“Ride My See-Saw,” “The Best Way To Travel,” “Voices In The Sky,” “Dr. Livingstone, I Presume,” “Lovely To See You,” Never Comes The Day,” “Send Me No Wine,” and “To Share Our Love”); “Afternoon Pop Show” (“Peak Hour,” “Ride My See-Saw,” and “Tuesday Afternoon); “The Tony Brandon Show” (“So Deep Within You” and “Lovely To See You”); “Colour Me Pop” (Ride My See-Saw,” “Dr. Livingstone, I Presume,” “House Of Four Doors,” “Voices In The Sky,” “The Best Way To Travel,” “Visions Of Paradise,” and “The Actor”); “The Lulu Show” (“Question”); and more. An eight-song performance for “BBC Live In Concert” is also included, featuring live versions of tracks spanning three Moody Blues albums: In Search Of The Lost Chord, Days Of Future Passed, and To Our Children’s Children’s Children. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, The Moody Blues have been at the forefront of the UK’s classic rock music scene for fifty years and have continued to be a mainstay of concert stages, recording studios and the airwaves to the present day. During their immensely successful career, they have sold, according to the band’s files, more than 70 million albums worldwide and have been the recipients of numerous prestigious awards. The Moody Blues: Live At The BBC: 1967-1970 LP1 (light blue vinyl) Side A