CityLife

Just a few corrections first. You intimate  that Edge sang Higher and Higher and NIWS, not quite right. Justin Hayward sang, Graeme Edge did the poetry. And a fine dance/jig he did too :)

The hired hands you mention are NOT. Gordon Marshall on drums is an amazing multi talented musician and so is Paul Bliss on Keyboards. I am sure if you attended you would have seen that for yourself!

A friend and I were there, neither of us has seen the band in many years and we were both very open minded about this band. To my surprise, the Moody Blues put on a very clean, tight and professional peformance. At least you can hear what they sing unlike many of the older bands and some of the newer ones. Yes, Justin Hayward didn't warm up until near the end of the first half, time, so what?  John Lodge was doing what he does by getting the audience to participate and personally, Musically they couldn't be faulted. They don't go over the top with effects, they just come on and sang a good assortment of new/old songs, and that's what fans want to hear. Norda Mullen, the young flautist also had fun as did Gordon Marshall and for me, that's what made the whole thing not just a concert but a fun evening. Not only was it amazing to hear how good they all sounded, especially Justin Hayward, but to see a band who looked liked they were enjoying themselves.  I went to be entertained and I was. The band have just continue to tour, doing their own thing and by the audience turn out I'd say they still have a very strong following of all age groups. At least they make no pretence regarding their age, greying hair and dressed appropriately, so I have to disagree with your review. The Moody Blues still have it and I for one am glad I made the trip to see them. I had a blast!!! 

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This concert had too little involvement from the band ( at times Hayward especially looked like he was on autopilot ) who seemed to be playing by numbers without any real enthusiasm for the most part. Even The Voice seemed muted but was the first time the crowd really responded.

An honourable exception was Mr Edge who did Higher and Higher proud

What was best about the evening was Norda Mullen who shared centre stage with Lodge and Hayward - as the main flautist/acoustic guitar/vocalist  she should be listed as a full member of the band by now

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