Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 17th 2010.

Back in the late sixties the musicians that made up the Moody Blues could never have dreamed that their combined efforts would produce some of the most loved songs of the latter half of the twentieth century.

It has been a while since they last played Liverpool and despite the early autumn chill that was in the air, it seemed as though there were still plenty of fans throughout the area who would come and see them play. With no room inside to park a mellotron, the scene was set within the Philharmonic Hall for a night of music that would never have been thought about when the band produced one of the defining moments of musical history, the inspired Days of Future Passed.

The guys came on stage to deafening shouts of appreciation from a lively crowd and proceeded to give one of the finest concerts held in Liverpool. Opening the first part of the evening with the splendid The Voice the band weaved their way through a set list that included the wonderful Peak Hour and Never Comes the Day.

After a short break the band continued to give a virtuoso performance with songs such as Driftwood, I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band) and the song that kicked started the band’s rise Nights in White Satin.

It’s very rare for a band to get a standing ovation before the end of a gig; however when it’s the Moody Blues such conventions go out of the window and guys lapped up the applause, knowing full well they had earned it. The fact that they give equal and deserved praise to their backing band sets the guys apart from some of the more modern bands that are plying their trade today. Much praise must be put at the feet of flautist Norda Mullen who charmed the band and audience alike with her subtle and incredible reading of the music.

Before it got too embarrassing for them, they cracked into the final song of the main set and gave a stunning rendition of the number two hit Question. With some audience members seen crying at what they had witnessed it is fair to say that there are some bands whose music will always touch a nerve in even the stoniest heart.

Justin Hayward, Graeme Edge and John Lodge should feel justifiably proud of their achievements over the years and how much they have brought to the world of music.

An evening of pure, unrestricted music and beautiful lyrics, this was tempered only by the fact that it could be a long while before the Moody Blues come back to Liverpool again.

Ian D. Hall