Over years, the Moody Blues, part of the first British Invasion of the 1960s, has been virtually ignored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, the Kinks and the Yardbirds — all from that same era — all got the nod, but the Moody Blues remained in the shadows until someone finally realized their innovative brand of symphonic rock was worthy enough for recognition. The band, founded in 1964, is finally part of the class of 2018, which also includes Bon Jovi, Dire Straits, the Cars and Nina Simone. Although the Moody Blues enjoyed their first taste of success with their early hit “Go Now,” it wasn’t until they dropped their 1967 album Days Of Future Passed on an unsuspecting public that the progressive ambitions of their music took root. In the wake of their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, it only seems fitting that a live performance of the album, celebrating its 50th anniversary, would be rolled out on DVD and Blu-ray with the handy title of Days Of Future Passed Live.
Capturing their performance at the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts in Toronto, Days Of Future Passed Live is the Moody Blues in all their glory, with key members Justin Hayward, John Lodge, and Graeme Edge leading the way, backed by their four-piece support band and a full orchestra, With this combination, there are fully realized, magnificent renditions of “Nights In White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon).” Performing Days Of Future Passed in its entirety, the ensemble is joined via video on the backdrop screen by actor Jeremy Irons reading the spoken-word stanzas from “Morning Glory” and “Late Lament.” Numerous other rock bands have incorporated orchestration into their live performances with mixed results; it’s a natural fit for the Moody Blues and the concept album they recorded in 1967, which was originally intended to demonstrate the magic of stereo recording utilizing rock and orchestral instrumentation.
Along with Days OF Future Passed, the set list includes staples that have helped sustained the Moody Blues’ popularity for over a half century — “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band),” “The Voice,” “Your Wildest Dreams,” “Isn’t Life Strange,” “Question” and “Ride My See-Saw.” Originally airing on PBS, the Days Of Future Passed Live DVD and Blu-ray Disc are rounded out by “Remembering Days Of Future Passed,” a series of interviews with Justin Hayward, John Lodge, and Graeme Edge, who reminisce about making the album and its impact on their career. All it takes is one viewing of Days Of Future Passed Live to truly appreciate the significance of the Moody Blues being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In this instance, the Hall is recognizing historical musical innovation instead of trends and fashion plate. All I can say is It’s about time.
~ Shawn Perry
