The completely jam packed Seneca Events center welcomed the English band The Moody Blues, this past Saturday night. The band, who is celebrating its 45-year anniversary of “Days of Future Passed,” was playing its final date on this run of the tour. The Moody Blues still contains 3 members from this iconic album: drummer Graeme Edge, bassist John Lodge and guitarist Justin Hayward. The band was surrounded by a bevy of capable musicians which included Norda Mullin on keyboards, Gordon Marshall on drums and Julie Ragens, who had a multitude of duties (acoustic guitar, backup vocals, flute and tambourine).
The 1 hour and 45 minute set was beautifully spaced for the people or non aficionados of the band like myself. I recognized a song about every 3rd one played, or so throughout, which kept my interest and made the other ones flow smoothly. The harmonies and vocals between Lodge and Hayward were still crisp and effective. Edge was the highlight of the evening as he came out from behind the kit to address the crowd before “Higher and Higher.” Edge’s playing wasn’t as strong as his partner Marshall, but it didn’t matter. He stated that he was 71-years-old and made some comic relief and came off very endearing. During “Isn’t life Strange,” Lodge played a doubleneck bass/guitar. I never saw anything like that but Lodge played it masterfully. The song was the highlight of the entire set. Throughout most of the performance old photos of the band appeared via psychedelic colors upon the backdrop. Lodge quipped at one point, “We’re going to take you back to the 60’s, welcome back, you made it!” Hayward talked about the late great Jimi Hendrix and dedicated “Peak Hour” to his memory.
After every song, a good portion of the audience was up on their feet applauding and showing their heartfelt appreciation. The band got a better response than any other act I have witnessed at the Seneca Niagara Events Center. This must show that even after 45 years since “Days of Future Passed” was released, that the future continues to not pass by The Moody Blues.
Setlist:
Gemini Dreams
The Voice
Slide Zone
You and Me
Tuesday Afternoon
Peak Hour
I know You’re Out There
Story in Your Eyes
Wildest Dreams
Isn’t Life Strange
Higher and Higher
Are you sitting Comfortably?
Singer in a rock and roll Band
Late Lament
Knights in White Satin
Question
Encore:
Ride my See Saw
We would like to thank Tony Astran from the Seneca Niagara Casino for allowing BackstageAxxess.com to review the show.
