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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.
The venue was not pleasant. it was hot and uncomfortable...and we weren't even in the middle of any heat wave. AC didn't work properly and many were using paper to fan themselves. Other than that...always enjoy Justin's music
Don't hesitate to buy tickets if you are lucky enough to be in an area where Justin is performing. He does some new songs from his solo CD as well as some of the greatest Moodies hits - which sound amazing when he performs them acoustically.
What's not to like about a solo show by Justin Hayward? Justin's virtuosity as a master songwriter was showcased beautifully with the help of some very able back-up musicians and singers: Mike Dawes on guitar, Alan Hewitt on keyboards and vocals, and Julie Ragins on percussion and vocals. The setlist spanned over forty years of Justin's career and included songs from solo albums as well as hits he has written for the Moody Blues. The highlight of the evening for me was his performance of "Forever Autumn" from Jeff Wayne's rock opus "War of the Worlds" - a song not penned by Hayward but one which he has definitely made his own. Hayward delighted fans with stories about his songs and with gentle humour throughout the evening. He's a totally different character at his solo shows than he is with the Moodies. My only criticism is that he does not do more solo shows. Poor planning on my part that I am only seeing one of his solo shows this tour. One show was definitely not enough!!
Justin Hayward and his fellow musicians for this tour: Mike Dawes on guitar, Julie Ragins on keyboard, percussion and backup vocals, and Alan Hewitt on keyboards and backup vocals gave a wonderful performance Saturday evening. The set list included some of his most famous songs which he regularly performs with The Moody Blues as well as five songs from his new CD titled Spirits of the Western Sky. Justin also gave us some insight into the inspirations for songs, and some great historical info on his own life and his life as it continues with The Moody Blues. Great concert, sold out, as usual.
I have seen the Moody Blues many times but I had never had a chance to see Mr. Hayward solo before and I was looking forward to the chance to do so and I was not disappointed. The show started with Justin coming out to introduce ,Mike Dawes, one of his band mates on this tour to do a solo set - He is one of the more original guitar players I have ever seen - up and down the frets and using the body of the guitar as a percussion instrument he was quite amazing. Then Justin comes out with him and two other keyboard/vocalist to do a very complete mix of solo and Moodies songs including many that are seldom if ever done by the band while in between songs he told stories and gave background to the music he's made that fit the intimate setting more then it would in an electric concert format. If you're a fan go - if you're not go anyway - you'll be one before you leave.
Awesome show- really enjoyed the entire event. The guy is a just a class act from beginning to end. Particularly enjoyed the acoustic version of the Moody's songs, combined with his solo work. The introduction to the songs was nice to hear and the setting was very calm.
the ultimate professional. we saw justin and band in annapolis the week before. we just had to do it again in the great NYC. as a fan punctuated, "justin, you are just awwwesome!! we all were fortunate to see this legend in a small venue. almost 2 hours in annapolis and over 90 minutes in NYC. we see many concerts, , probably 15-25 per year, 100s over the years, and this is in the top 5 of all time.
great show featuring new music and old classics--some rarely played. his voice was great and venue perfect
Excellent concert with Justin showcasing he talent on multiple acoustic guitars. His vocals are as strong now as they were 4o years ago. Excellent songs selection and his backup band added nicely to the mix. Would strongly recommend the show to anyone who appreciates good music and a truly lovely person. I hope he adds some more solo shows so I am able to see him again. I only hope he will change up the setlist a little bit and play some different material especially more solo material in the future. He has such a wealth of amazing material to draw from.
A rare and intimate evening with Justin Hayward and with his amazing guest, Mike Dawes! Justin proves again and again that he can still write the loveliest of songs and then deliver them with a voice that is so honest and emotive and as smooth and elegant as liquid silver! It was a magical evening. One that I wish I could re-live again and again! Mike Dawes is accompanying Justin on this tour, as well as performing an opening show. Simply, an incredibly gifted young guitarist - and delightfully entertaining and funny, as well! Thank you for introducing Mike to us, Justin, and thanks to you all (including Julie and Alan) for a wonderful evening I will long remember!
As I have been an ardent fan of the Moody Blues, I particularly have always had a fondness for the music of Justin Hayward. His concert at the Somerville Theatre proved the man can still perform with utmost flawlessness. He sang a collection of Moody's songs as well as several wonderful songs from his new album. His voice was clear and commanding. The band consisted of Justin and three other talented musicians. The music intertwined amazingly. The venue was small, which enabled the concert to have a relaxed and truly enjoyable feel. I am hoping Justin will continue his solo tour, so I may have the opportunity to witness this incredible man and his superb performance again.
I am pre-disposed to love the MB's and therefore Justin, but it was a rare event to hear him play his soul instruments, the various acoustic guitars. His voice is stronger and more angelic than ever; that he told us a bit about his journey brought warmth as if he was playing in my living room. Somerville Theater was most wonderful; a little tight for the old knees in the balcony. Didn't see handicapped access, you must have had it; good that i chose not to bring the 87 year old mother-in-law who loves Justin/MB's as much as the rest of us.
Great concert. The venue was fantastic. All of the performers were very personable. Simply an unbelievable venue to see a rock icon
Great concert. Good mix of Moody Blues tunes and his independent work. Great accompaniment players. Still has a great voice. Great mix of songs. All in all a super concert Fantastic, phenominal opening act. Mike Dawes is a truly gifted artist.
We knew it would be a good concert because Justin Hayward is a multi-talented man but he blew us away with this show. With an array of old favorites and new singles his songwriting was beautiful and his voice is still co clear and pure. Everyone at this concert was so entertained that you could not just clap and remain seated-you had to stand and cheer! This show really showcased Justin's individual talents and not just as a lead vocalist in The Moody Blues. Can't wait to see him again!
I have been a fan of Justin Hayward and the Moody Blues for many years, but this was my first opportunity to see him perform in a live event, and it was a wonderful evening. He mixed old favorites with a number of newer songs which were not as familiar, and it was a good combination. This is a very special artist whose musical style does not easily fit into most of the categories for popular music: The melodies are gentle and captivating, and the lyrics are truly poetic; I also greatly appreciate the fact that, unlike so many popular musicians, Justin Hayward does not need to blast our ears with overly loud music. I also enjoyed his comments between songs, for example, explaining the events or circumstances which prompted him to write certain songs. This made those songs all that much more meaningful to me. Thank you so much, Justin Hayward!
Justin put on a delightfully intimate acoustic show, no bass or drums, just two guitars and two keyboardists. In addition to his latest solo album he was promoting the other guitarist, whose name I've unfortunately forgotten. The kid's opening set was fantastic; he's a phenomenal player who doesn't sing.
We saw Justin Hayward at the Somerville Theater in Somerville, MA. The intimate setting was perfect. Justin was very relaxed and truly enjoying himself. The interaction with the audience was great. We have seen the Moody Blues many times but we enjoyed this much more. He played songs from the Moody Blues as well as some of his solo songs. I never realized that Justin had such as sense of humor. He always seems so serious and sometimes mad when he's playing with the Mody Blues. We all loved every minute of it.
The sound in the balcony could have been a little louder when they talked but the theatre is beautiful perfect size for an intimate music experience and Justin Haward and band were awesome
I've been listening to, and going to see, Justin since 1971, but always with the Moody Blues. It was a great pleasure to see him doing his own thing in a more intimate venue. Less was definitely more in this case. "Your Wildest Dreams" was the best I ever heard it. The other songs were lovely in the scaled down, more acoustic show. There were electronic keyboards but they didn't overpower. The songs from Justin's newest "Spirits of the Western Sky" are better live. Justin brought them alive with his own spirit and I have a better appreciation for the songs. Justin seems more open and relaxed in this type of setting.The guitar work was stellar, and highlighted the show. Which brings me to the happiest surprise of the evening: Justin's collaboration with Mike Dawes, a simply brilliant young guitarist - the best I personally have ever seen. In my mind he stole the show. I've never seen anything like him. I was awestruck! All in all it was the most enjoyable concert I've seen in years!
