STAGE PASS

It all started well over four decades ago. Five guys got together and formed a band. They called it the ” The Moody Blues”. All born in England, the band was composed of Mike Pinder, Graeme Edge, Ray Thomas, Clint Warwick and Denny Laine. In 1964 Laine left the Diplomats and formed the Moody Blues. He soon left the Moodies and eventually joined up with Paul McCartney and Wings. Justin Hayward replaced Laine. Warwick, one of the best bass guitarists in the area, played with a group called The Rainbows before joining The Moody Blues. Warwick was later replaced by John Lodge. Pinder was lead singer and keyboardist for The Crew Cats. A band well received in Germany. Thomas played with a group called El Riot and the Rebels.

Forty years later and some band member changes, The Moody Blues are still touring in which Indianapolis was again included. They like it here and we like them here as well. The only three original members this time around are Graeme Edge, who recently celebrated his 69th B-day and mentioned that meant he visited the 60′s twice, Justin Hayward and John Lodge. They were backed by four other mates including a female flutist who took over the reins for Ray Thomas this time around.

This Wednesday night’s performance at The Lawn, White River State Park, was no exception as how well this band still looks and plays. The show started about 7:40 pm and kicked off with “The Voice” and was followed up with “The Day We Meet Again”.

This Classical rock band hit on pretty much of all their albums and concentrated on a lot of Days of the Future Passed and brought back some memories of just how much a classical album that is. They also included songs from Octave, Seventh Sojourn and a Question of Balance which gave birth to the hit song, “Question”. The climax of the show, “Nights in White Satin”, was superbly performed and earned them a full fledged standing ovation from the packed lawn. The rocker of the night was again a famed oldie “I’m Just a Singer in a Rock-n-Roll Band”.

The backing band members, one on drums (to compete with Graeme) and two keyboardists, one a female as well as a female flutist, were in perfect timing for a memorable night under the stars. The band left the stage for thirty seconds and returned for their one and only encore, “Ride My See Saw” and the show was over at 10pm. They again thanked Indy for supporting them over the years and left the stage leaving the crowd fully satisfied and pleased The Moody Blues had chosen Indianapolis to be part or their tour. We all thanked The Lawn for their $9.50 beers. Apparently the recession ends at the concession stand…

Hustlin Bob Higgins