entertainment — music

"The Moody Blues found one track particularly challenging, taking approximately seven weeks to complete; they describe the experience as mind-boggling."

British band The Moody Blues transitioned from R&B music, adopting vintage attire, psychedelic drugs, and heavy usage of the Mellotron, thereby pioneering progressive rock.

, and Administrator

2025 September 12 . 7:51 AM

2 min read

"The Moody Blues considered their most challenging single to be a seven-week project; they found... — "The Moody Blues considered their most challenging single to be a seven-week project; they found the process to be extraordinary." (about their best and worst albums, reference to Charles Manson, and the mind-altering power of Nights In White Satin)

"The Moody Blues found one track particularly challenging, taking approximately seven weeks to complete; they describe the experience as mind-boggling."

The Moody Blues, a British rock band formed in 1964, have made a significant impact on the music industry, particularly in the late 60s. Their music, with its evocative mixture of symphonic rock, orchestral arrangements, and spoken word, was well-suited for free concerts or love-ins, becoming popular among the flowerpower generation in America.

The band's debut album, The Magnificent Moodies, did not set the chart alight. However, their fortunes changed with the release of Days Of Future Passed in 1967. This pioneering work of baroque pop provided a template for future Moodies releases and allowed the band to produce music on their own terms.

The success of Days Of Future Passed caught the attention of Sir Edward Lewis, Decca chairman, who had previously turned down The Beatles. Impressed by the Moody Blues' orchestral project, he supported their vision, paving the way for further success.

Peter Knight, an orchestral conductor, was an ally in the Moody Blues' orchestral project. After attending one of their concerts, he shelved the Dvorák project he was working on, demonstrating the impact the band was having on the music scene.

The Moody Blues reformed in 1977 and recorded Octave, an unexpected success that led to a period of instability within the group. Despite this, the band continued to release successful albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

In recent years, the band has seen a new wave of success, becoming one of the highest-grossing live acts. This is partly due to the remastered and expanded SACD versions of five of their most successful albums, released in 2006. Each restoration includes a bounty of out-takes and live tracks, offering fans a deeper insight into the band's history.

The Moody Blues' song "Nights In White Satin" has been covered numerous times and has appeared in films such as Easy Rider, A Bronx Tale, and Casino. John Lodge, the band's bassist, is currently taking a break between tours, while Justin Hayward, vocalist/guitarist, has been busy appearing in Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds.

In October, their UK tour culminated with three sold-out dates at The Royal Albert Hall. Despite their numerous achievements, the Moody Blues are yet to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, their enduring popularity and influential music ensure they remain a significant part of rock history.

Interestingly, Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme, an infamous Manson disciple, was a big Moodies follower. This unexpected fan base underscores the band's wide-ranging appeal and the enduring power of their music.