Justin Hayward on Tour
While a Moody Blues concert is an epic event, a Justin Hayward solo show — which might contain some of the same songs — offers fans a more intimate experience, one that's equally entrancing in its own way. Hayward wrote and sang the bulk of The Moody Blues' biggest hits, from "Nights in White Satin" to "The Story in Your Eyes" and "Your Wildest Dreams." And he's usually happy to bust out some of his Moodies tunes in his solo shows. But he's also maintained a solo recording career ever since the 1970s, full of melodic gems that you won't get to hear at a Moody Blues concert. And it's the combination of those two elements that really makes a Hayward show a special occurrence unto itself. When you're hearing Hayward deliver his material in a more direct manner, sometimes telling the stories behind the songs, it makes for a unique connection with this rock legend.
Justin Hayward in Concert
The world knows singer, songwriter, and guitarist Justin Hayward best as the driving force behind The Moody Blues, one of the most innovative bands of the classic-rock era. With Hayward at the helm, the Moodies moved from an R&B-inflected style in the mid-1960s to a more psychedelic sound later in the decade, making history with their marriage of classical music and rock on the 1967 milestone Days of Future Passed and prefiguring progressive rock in the process. And though he led the band through multiple comebacks and evolutionary phases in the subsequent decades, Hayward also created an artistic space all his own outside of The Moody Blues. He released his first solo album, the appropriately titled Songwriter, in 1977. And ever since then, though he's had long periods where he concentrated on being a bandleader, he's never closed the door on his solo career. Whenever he's ready for a more personal statement, Hayward steps away from the Moodies to resume his path with his own music.
Encore
Encore
This was a spectacular show! It was simple and direct. The musicianship was flawless. The sound was set perfectly. I wish that i could afford to sit closer and they could have played all night!
Ah, for a paper ticket... Don't have a smartphone, so I brought my iPad. Had a photo of the ticket page, but they said I needed a barcode. So I needed to access the theater's wi-fi, log in to Ticketmaster and view my tickets. No barcode. The usher said to click on my seat and the barcode would appear. It didn't. Next it was the long line at will call. Even though I had come a half-hour early, by the time I got to the head of the line the concert had started. The one guy working the will call counter saw my receipt and wanted to send a text to my phone. It was an internet link and my phone doesn't go on the internet. Considering the average age of attendees to this show was 60+, it shouldn't be surprising that not everyone has a smartphone. Finally, at a loss, he tore off a piece of an envelope and wrote my seat numbers on it and the word "authorized". Yay! A paper ticket!
Justin Hayward brought his mastery of musicianship and performance to the beautiful venue the Palace of Fine Arts, and his backing band, who are superb musicians in their own right, filled the space with their ethereal rock. Of special note is opening act guitarist Mike Dawes, who dazzled the audience with his innovative arrangements. He also adds so much to the ensemble as a whole, embellishing Justin's material with his distinctive style. Justin powered through with his incredible voice, so recognizable and remarkable after all these years, and his guitar skills never fail to amaze and impress. What a wonderful experience--I will never forget it.
loved this concert. I wish I could have resold 2 extra tickets that I had because of the reschedule
I grew up with the Moody Blues and so many of their songs have strong emotional connections for me. I saw them in Hawaii in the 80s and all these years later, Justin Hayward can still make that emotional connection for his audience. He played all the songs we came to hear and it was like sitting down with an old friend. Lovely show.
Being a fan of the Moody Blues for many years, I was happy to hear the songs in person, again. I took a plane from Phoenix to San Francisco for the concert, September 15th, which was a rescheduled concert from May 20th. It was the last night of the current tour, we were told. I could tell they were tired, but being the professional he is, Justin Hayward, and the other band members, gave a full concert. I think if a concert is not promoted by local radio stations, etc., people don't know about it. I think there could have been a lot more people there, with promotion. It may be that kind of a schedule is too much for Justin. They had gone from the East Coast to the West Coast, and finished in San Francisco, after a cruise at the end of August. A grueling schedule indeed.
Justin Hayward continues to impress after decades of successful songwriting and performing. This whole band, including guitarist Mike Dawes, are passionate, fun, excellent musicians, and have a demanding stage presence. You can see the endearment and respect they have for Justin and one another. For long time Moody Blues fans or casual listeners who mainly know their hits, Justin has a set list for everyone. He’s got solo work as well as work from the The Moody Blues, and is also a phenomenal and funny storyteller. Great venue, great set list, great band, great crowd!
Justin still has a remarkable voice. The musicians he has playing with him are world class. The Pantages Theater is beautiful, the seats have great leg room and beverage holders. My wife and I loved the performance.
Really magical to see and hear Justin in a small setting. Good music, soft and energetic songs, good stories, good band!
I was a Moody Blues fan primarily because of Justin‘s music and have been since 1992. I attended 2 nights of his first solo in 1996, at the House of Blues in LA and another night in San Juan Capistrano. He never disappoints. His voice is always amazing and his “new work” connects, and transports as much as his Moody contributions. Mike Dawes is a fabulous musician and great “ opening act” and Carmen’s flute mastery continues to amaze. Julie Reagan’s always is a solid back up with incredible musicality. I “splurged “on second row seats and will do it again.
