Justin Hayward Is Against Tribute, Fake Bands, Wont Tour as Moody Blues

[@davidschecter5247]

Justin is a class act all the way, not to mention one of the best melodic songwriters of the last 50 years, and a brilliant singer and songwriter. He and John Lodge were so fortunate to have found each other -- both amazing musicians!

[@undertalefanyay5728]

To Justin and John, thank you! The Moody blues had their own sound. No one else could reproduce.

[@senamartinec7328]

Great interview! We have tickets to see Justin this week (in Massachusetts) for all 3 of his shows. I just love his solo concerts- his band is amazing, his voice is outstanding and I really enjoy hearing the songs that the Moody Blues rarely did at their concerts. Plus Justin has so many beautiful songs from his solo albums that he performs. It’s such a treat hearing those songs done live at his concerts. I’m glad Justin hasn’t done any of John’s iconic songs such as Ride My See Saw etc. I’m honestly a bit conflicted when John’s son in law Jon Davison sings NIWS or Tuesday Afternoon at John’s concerts. Jon’s voice is quite nice but no one can come close to Justin singing those songs. Either way, I love the Moody Blues and Justin and John and am very thankful that they’re still touring for their fans! 💙💙

[@thomaskowalcky4553]

I agree that NO ONE should sing NIWS except Justin. Jon Davison's presentation is dreadful. John would have been better served to have a video of Justin to accompany his DOFP show. BTW, I was at Justin's Worcester, Massachusetts show. Drove an hour and a half from central Connecticut. Not thrilled that the double bill caused Justin's set to be cut to sixty minutes. Was able to chat with Mike Dawes in the lobby and asked why the tour skipped Connecticut. Said it was due to scheduling but to keep my eyes open for a possible date in later this year. Hope that happens. Without the double billing.

[@davdna]

Thank you for the recent interview. Glad Justin is doing well. Ranks up with Dylan and McCartney and his solo shows are even better than the Moodies ever were. ❤

[@thomaskowalcky4553]

I appreciate that Justin continues to tour with Mike, Julie, and Carmen and see the show whenever they are near, most recently at Worcester, Massachusetts. See John's show as well and had the privilege to meet him in Hartford back in 2020. That said, I think it would be great if Justin and John would tour together just one more time while the opportunity still exists. Would not even need to call it a "Moody Blues" tour. That would be awkward without Graeme. Make it a "Blue Jays" tour- what a concept! Or simply "Justin Hayward and John Lodge". Bring along Mike, Julie, Carmen (or Norda), and maybe even a drummer. I'd prefer Gordy Marshall over Billy Ashbaugh. There are a couple of tribute bands that do a fair job, Time Traveler and The Lost Chord come to mind. Not the real thing, of course, if for no reason other than there is no replacing Justin's voice, but if either played within a reasonable distance, I'd see them.

[@jackstahlbush]

I SAW ALL 3 AT DEL LARGO AT WATERLOO NY / PEOPLE AROUND ME SAID HOW CAN YOU LIP/SYNK 2.5 HR FROM SONGS OF 50 YEARS AGO / I"M 76 AND IT IS SUPER EASY

[@JoanVioletStretch]

Love Justin's contribution's as the voice of the Moody Blues, with both their songs as a band and his own solo songs, Justin does this show really well and its enjoyable seeing this very talented hard working frontman of my favourite band perform with his very talented solo band members. Ive been to 3 of his solo shows and enjoyed all of them...thankyou for the music Justin 🎵🎶🎵💕

[@joannekucks4343]

Been following Justin and the Moodies for decades. What a total professional and so lovely in person. 🥰🎸🎶🇬🇧

[@sylviakruger5000]

I completely agree with Justin regarding tribute bands, non original bands, etc. And I'm so glad for him, that he's happy with what he is doing now; he certainly does it from the heart! Thanks for this video interview!

[@216trixie]

I am in a David Bowie tribute band. We are doing it for the love of the music and the fans and the fans love it also. But I don’t think you’re talking about this kind of tribute band.

[@MDavidG1]

I first heard The Moody Blues' "A Question of Balance" in early 1971. To this day I find it utterly incredible in its' depth and scope. It is completely timeless, and belongs in the same league as Dark Side of The Moon and Sergeant Peppers. A totally totally earthshaking achievement in any time, let alone back in 1970 when it was released.

[@westwindsailer]

Mike Dawes is an amazing guitar player..bit of a comedian as well...saw him with Justin in Toronto. Whole show was intimate and great. Justin had a huge standing ovation, moody mania indeed. Show of s lifetime Brought tears to my male adult eyes .

[@markkroner9800]

Justin is complete class !

[@sweetmarie72ply]

I’m a big fan of the Moody Blues and don’t want to see a tribute band or “fake” band. I’m paying to see the real members. I realize two main core members have passed of the Moody Blues, but the experience I had in seeing them live is irreplaceable. Stay strong and rock on!! 🤘

[@davescryptodays1441]

Love the Moody's. John and Justin COULD tour together as The Blue Jays as they recorded under that banner in the mid/early 70's. But glad both are touring and doing what they love.

[@springertube]

That would be something. One of my favorite albums and I always thought of it as, effectively, the MB's 8th - though that literally was Octave a few years later. Big fan of Justin and the MBs from their "real" start (DOFP)...seeing their first concert in Phoenix I believe in 1968 when they played the entirety of that full day "suite"...i imagine partly as it comprised the brunt of their material til then!...but I believe they were also touring their freshly minted 2nd album, "...Lost Chord," and played most of that as well. The concert was delayed as their main truck has overturned on the NY State.Thruway or some such, so had to buy and rent almost all new equipment in Phoenix, then check it out first time on stage. Worth the wait though - great show!

[@Mike-zs2rc]

I love the moodies and have done since Go Now. But I also love seeing the Go Now tribute band. They are keeping the music alive and will do after both John and Justin no longer perform. That can only be a good thing.

[@TeresaDonoghue]

Impossible , there is noone who could equate with Justin Hayward , in voice or presence A dream would br a BLUEJAYS tour but very unlikely Both seem happy with their roles now MOODIES were Justin , John , Ray , Graeme and Mike, . Best grou that ever existed IMHO. LOVED AND LOVE THEM UNTIL THE DAY I GO, ESP, MR HAYWARD , MY HERO XXXXX

[@kentclark6420]

It would be cool to reunite Justin, John and Mike, and maybe Norda Mullen for a reunion Moody Blues tour. But it doesn't appear to be in the cards. Especially since Mike Pinder hasn't played with the Moodies since the 70s, and doesn't seem to want to.

[@MuzixMaker]

Saw Justin in Sellersville PA a couple years ago, in fine voice.

[@jst601]

A good, accurate tribute band is a wonderful thing. Concert goers love them. They keep classic songs alive in a "live" format that's loads of fun for music lovers. As long as bands are honest about the fact that they are a tribute band I hope they prosper.

[@williamlangan5902]

God bless the Moody Blues!

[@realBiGO]

Just saw Justin Hayward in Kingston and it was an amazing show.

[@markbataitis4851]

Love your interviews John, so much of the subject matter hits home with me. I love Jus and the Moodies, since, well, 50 + years!

[@TitanicConcerts]

In all honesty, if Hayward and Lodge toured together as the Moody Blues, it would work. Between the two, they wrote and sang on enough hits to make it not only worthwhile but also authentic. Having said that, I’m glad they had the sense to pull the plug if they weren’t into the whole idea. Let’s face it, Justin did look bored on the 2017 DOFP tour. When bands stay together a long time, they become like bad marriages. It’s all about obligations and appearances. Nobody does it out of love. The Moody Blues brand is a totally different thing from the five guys who made records in late 60s and early 70s. I’m glad Justin is happy with his current arrangement.

[@jazzander5314]

I've been to many Moody Blues Concerts and can't say I've EVER seen Justin "bored ", and that includes the DOFP tour. The dynamics had changed, with Ray's departure and illness, but the Band had fought long and hard to not simply cruise on their reputation. You NEVER heard of them showing up two hours late to a Concert, or not 100% fit to perform. Justin was hospitalized once, but still performed beautifully, albeit seated at the Concert. That's the kind of performer he is. There's NO ONE that even comes close...

[@kentclark6420]

Especially if you convinced Mike Pinder and Norda Mullen to join in.

[@KevyNova]

Justin is my lifelong hero and I’m glad he’s doing what he’s doing, although I miss seeing him with his iconic red Gibson ES-335! I totally agree with him. I have no interest in seeing a tribute band or a band with the same name but no real members. I just don’t see the point in it.

[@JoanVioletStretch]

PS I do love some tribute bands there are 2 very outstanding ones who play at the same venue Justin played at live on Merseyside in the UK last year and one was a Pink Floyd tribute band and the other was an Eagles tribute band, both these bands made my late brother John happy before he died playing in the summer and early Autumn 2016 and tickets were bought him as a birthday gift whilst he was fighting cancer...he died the following April. John was very fussy about tribute bands and he was impressed by these guys. I went to see the Eagles tribute band at this same venue with his widow in loving memory of my brother in Autumn 2017 and we had a great time with lovely memories of my brother that evening. The Moody Blues may not work as a tribute band as no one could get close to Justin Hayward's voice on those iconic songs he sings on those albums and shows. I love viewing Justin's Tuesday Afternoon sessions he produced during the pandemic they were iconic recordings of his solo shows with Mike Judy and Karmen, so glad I have access to see them on KZbin...thankyou again for the music Justin 🎵🎶🎵🎶💕

[@GordonHudson]

In jazz these are known as "ghost bands" like the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Stan Kenton one - still going.

[@HughCorbyCruick]

Mike Dawes, who now plays with Justin, is an amazing guitar player.

[@angeloiodice9304]

There are tribute bands that try and emulate the original bands with no members of the original band. I consider that to be the highest praise to the original band. Sometimes the sound and energy is great because the players are devoting all their talent, energy and love to a specific sound that they so admire, even to the point of emulating another in lieu of creating their own sound. They just find their heroes so fascinating to the point of wanting to be just like them. Back in the 70’s, “Beatlemania” on Broadway, New York City was a huge draw and filled the void left by the Beatles’ breakup. And, these cover bands never use the original name, but a name that points in the direction of the original group.

[@kristendeuter1954]

Leonid and Friends (Chicago Tribute band) is a perfect example of how you described it. You can tell how much they love and respect the original songs, composers and musicians. It almost doubles the energy because they’re geeked out to be able to pay homage to their heroes

[@RockandRollWoman]

Blue Jays, which was released by Justin and John in 1975, has always been a favorite. I wish the two would tour together as Blue Jays, and do a few MB tunes. I know John would like to do that. John played Saved by the Music at his show two nights ago in LA. It was an excellent show - John's voice sounds great - but to my ears, Jon Davison isn't right. Nothing against him, but those are so strongly Justin's songs. Justin sang lead more, wrote more songs, and released more of his own LP's, so it's easier for him to sell tickets alone. Still, I won't miss either if they come within a few hours of me. I feel fortunate that I went to Las Vegas to see the Moodies for the first time just before Graeme passed away.

[@jerkyturkey007]

Great to see you posting more content. Did you ever hear of a venue in north eastern Oakland County Michigan called the Loft? It was only open about a year around 68/69.

[@joebloggs8636]

Iv seen the Moodies with the full classic lineup AND the Moodies after Mike Pinder left ...they were all good BUT, the full lineup ,the classic lineup was and will always remain the best.

[@sitboaf]

I'm wondering if John Lodge DID want to continue on touring as the Moody Blues, considering he's still rocking out doing mostly MB songs. What if he wanted to do anniversary tours covering the core 7 albums? But Justin seems to prefer playing a quieter, more intimate, more acoustic performance. And so they've gone their separate ways. Both are still killing it live, though.

[@kivimik]

I have to say, though, Justin's current set list is very Moody-centric. Only a handful of songs during his Ontario tour were solo songs (maybe four?).

[@howardpage9915]

Live performance is a completely different sonic experience than recorded music. That is why great cover bands are worth seeing. No-one accuses a symphony orchestra of aping Mozart. I realize I am comparing a composer to a performer. It is the compositions I want to see live. If the original performers aren't available that's just the way it is. It doesn't mean the music should never be performed again. What I don't want to see is people dressing up or "acting". I just want to see the music performed live and well.

[@pjw1016]

With the fragmentation of these pioneer rock bands due to deaths, I would like to see the surviving musicians form up with their peers to spawn new super groups and give fans one last curtain call of a greatest era of music.

[@moodybluejays]

I believe what he's saying is that he's anti bands who only have one original member - think of The Four Seasons. Gordy Marshall's Go Now is an excellent band , & for anyone who is missing The Moodies , I would heartily recommend seeing them.

[@gillianwyatt3577]

What do you think Justin of Gordy Marshall's "Go Now" a tribute band to the Moody Blues who toured with you for 25 years on drums and percussion to help Graeme add the stage sound and performance ..still on tour now !!☺️❣️

[@yesman2755]

More than anyone who’s ever been in the Moodies, Justin would be the most credible going out under that name, especially with John Lodge. They’ve been through a fair number of line up changes anyhow especially with hired musicians to fill out the sound over the years. One last “farewell tour” would have been cool though, haven’t seen them since 2004 and I didn’t realise it would be the last time. However, Justin solo is supreme. I actually enjoyed one of his shows a few years back as much as a Moodies gig and got to have a long chat with Mike Dawes after the show. Awesome night.

[@BBQFanNo1]

With Mike, Ray and Graeme all gone it is impossible to tour as the Moody Blues. I have no problem though with him and John performing as a Duo. Both worked as a Duo in 1974 and 1975 between the Seventh Sojourn and Octave Albums.

[@ronfowlermusic]

I have mixed feelings about this topic. I saw Little River Band several times in the final years of Glenn Shorrock with them; Stephen Housden, Wayne Nelson and Derek Pelicci were still there. Saw them when it was just Nelson and Housden with hired hands. Now it's just Nelson, and I won't go see them. Won't go see the current Guess Who, but I did see them on their 2001 reunion tour, one of the best shows I've ever seen. Glad Justin and John retired the MB name.

[@crusheverything4449]

I saw The Guess who on that tour, as well and it was one of the greatest things I’ve ever witnessed. The talent on that stage was mind-boggling! They were the second band I fell in love with, after The Beatles, so that show was a dream I waited thirty years to fulfill. It was worth every second of that wait!

[@BlizzardSeeker]

I don't like or go to see fake bands, especially with no original members in them. I think they glom off off other people's hard-earned success.

[@charleswidmore5458]

I have to respectfully disagree with Mr Hayward on this point. Having seen Steve Hackett at the Scottish Rite in Collingswood I truly appreciate the opportunity to see and hear a Genesis concert that I was to young to go to when the original band was around and willing or capable of preforming it. Going to a Musical Box concert and experiencing a Genesis concert that has not been around since the 70's is awesome, even at the Keswick or the Musical Box Atlantic City. Going to see a concert in Ocean City on the shore by The Machine is beyond cool. It is just like seeing a Pink Floyd show back in the day. The Lynard Skynard concerts I have been to at the sony center and other places are some of the most enjoyable concerts. I was lucky enough to catch a young chap from your neck of the woods at the Levoy Theater in Millville named John Lodge and he did a few songs from one of my all time favourite bands that does not tour anymore and I loved every one of them. So as far as I am concerned tribute bands are awesome and I really enjoy gong to their shows. @ Grooyhippygypsydudemanguy67

[@yenbbc8840]

i agree. Steve Hackett is doing a fantastic job keeping Genesis music alive and the Musical Box perfectly reenacts the vintage Genesis performances.

[@kentclark6420]

John Fogerty is carrying on the legacy of CCR, without calling himself CCR, so that seems to be the thing these days with the old bands. Justin, too. Keep the flame going, guys! It would be cool to reunite Justin, John and Mike, and maybe Norda Mullen for a reunion Moody Blues tour. But it doesn't appear to be in the cards. Especially since Mike Pinder hasn't played with the Moodies since the 70s, and doesn't seem to want to.

[@lovly2cu725]

MIKE DAWES IS GIFTED.

[@georgebarry8640]

John ask ,in future interviews, artists how they feel about others acting like them. dressing like them and trading on their name and sweat equity.

[@williedegee1]

Justin and John are not original members of The Moody Blues...

[@kentclark6420]

But you know that they are if you consider the Moody Blues that most people think of.

[@billmay7364]

To me Justin Hayward makes alot of Sense. Thankyou Justin. But what I would like. Is for BLUEJAYS. To do something. They made one record. That's JUSTIN HAYWARD / JOHN LODGE. MIKE PINDER does his thing. Or Justin and John Lodge doing what they do now. I'm good with that. Alot Bands Tarnish there Legacy. You have to know when. To call it a Day.

[@markkroner9800]

John ........gotta ask you my friend. What did Richard Williams mean when he said Steve Walsh wanted to be Lou Grammy ??? Am huge Walsh fan, and have always loved Kansas. In a state of confusion over that one !

[@johnlewis1640]

It's ok if it's widely known that no original members are performing but this isn't always the case either deliberately or otherwise, in that case, not cool.

[@dougwhite7584]

I would stll love to see Justin, John, and Mike get together and play eaah others moody songs or just chat for the fans. i wqs very disspoiinted in thier lack of giving this important acknowedgment to the original fans at the rock n roll Hall of fame induction.

[@jazzander5314]

The Moody Blues were essentially shoved onto the stage and hurried by staff to get off of the stage. It was a disrespectful trainwreck! I waited and waited for them to be inducted, after endless, and pointless performances that should not have been included. No one was monitoring the time as they should have. I mean, really! The R&RHOF has done the ceremony how many times? The Moody Blues did apologize for omitting people, but I don't see it as their fault in any way. I also resent the fact that due to poor time management, we didn't get to see the performer's jamming at the end. THAT would make have been something! I'm still glad that I went, though - just to honour the Moody Blues and to let them know how much they mean to their Fans.

[@kentclark6420]

@@jazzander5314 Yes, the guys themselves got along with each other and had a good time, burying the hatchet, so to speak. If I remember correctly, they spent the weekend socializing with each other and their families, too.

[@davidriccitelli3743]

I waited to long to get Justin Hayward tickets at the Vogel theater/ Count Basie Red Bank, N. J. October 15, 2023 it's SOLD OUT. I'm only about 20 minute drive from my house 🏡 I'm still going to the Basie / Vogel on the 15 th of October Sunday and still try to get 2 tickets 🎟️ for me and my WIFE Diane 🌌💙☔🎠🏰🎻🎸🥁🎹🎭☂️📯🔔🎼🎵🎶🎶🎵🎵

[@domicam100]

I see the Don Henley band is out there.

[@jascatt3341]

I think it’s a case by case basis for now!

[@squatch545]

Your instagram link still doesn't work.

[@MDElam]

I do think there is a significant difference between what's being described here on one hand and tribute bands on the other. Tribute bands at least don't pretend to be originals, and they sometimes get the members of the band they're paying tribute to make appearances. This seems different from bands with original members pretending to be the original band. I think Steve Hackett, for example, is putting on brilliant concerts with Genesis material without pretending to be Genesis, and Australian Pink Floyd is an incredible band, but I don't think any of these are doing what is being described, which seems shady. Anyway, it seems there are some relevant differences to sort through, but I get the point about original members pretending to be the band they aren't in anymore, or bands with no original members pretending to be what they simply aren't anymore. P.S. It seems like Yes is one of the most complicated versions of this question, and I'm not sure there's an answers.

[@jonwebster6172]

Foreigner...my example as I read the title...

[@lockedin60]

Now that I can afford tickets to go see these bands and come to find out only one original or none of the original band members are in the band. It is a turnoff. But If you would like to hear those songs again who is going to play them? Chicago is still at it but they are missing original players. The Eagles are still at it but missing 3 of their original guys. For a time most people would have given a body part to see "The Beatles" play jus once more. McCartney is still active but I have heard his voice and it is starting to falter. The Rolling Stones are still out there but I haven't paid attention to Mick's voice but I never considered his voice all that good to start off with. He just jumps around and contorts his body. When is Rod going to give it up? Elton John is on his last hurrah this year. If you remember how a song was originally presented on a recording and maybe you hear it now they are different. Is the experience still the same? The Doobie Brothers are still at it. But even though John McFee has been with them over 30 years he was not a member of the early band. Simmons and Johnston are the only original members. I remember back in the mid 1990s they were playing I think the Hollywood Bowl. They were playing one of their popular cuts from "The Captain and Me" album. "Dark Eyed Cajun Women". Simmons parts sounded different than what he played on the original album back in 1973. Some people who commented where not happy about that. They wanted to hear the song the way it was played originally. Simmons was probably bored with that arrangement and wanted to change it up. Now if a band like the Grateful Dead or the Allman Brothers would play one of their original songs people would not have been upset with them because they were notorious for being "Jam Bands".

[@pkoven]

this whole discussion seems legit, but in the end this discussion is really incoherent. Tribute bands, fake bands, and bands travellling with only part of the original bast are 3 totally different things, and shouldn't be criticized together.

[@wanderingrenegade771]

If you want tribute,fakes then enjoy your concerts, they will be fun for you.

[@realmikegarner]

People still play Bach and Mozart. What about in 50 years?

[@mickfazzolare6373]

The difference is they're not representing themselves as the original artist.

[@michaelfaith3]

Been a Moody Blues fan since around 1980 and got to them live 18 times between 1983 - 2015. I've also seen many interviews over the years. To me, something about this Justin interview just seems a bit "off". He looks bored and doesen't seem like he's totally engaged in the conversation. His eyes are often looking away like he's distracted by something else...just a strange observation after seeing many interviews with the man.

[@nalinikantadas]

forgive Justin as he has always been either very modest or moreso, shy to an extent and fearful of always being approached by unknown people

[@pkoven]

sorry, cut myself off below. to detail. [1] Tribute bands revere the original and try to reproduce the original sound. they don't intend to fake anyone out, just the opposite they are paying tribute. Go Now is a good example. the Beatles Fab Four and many others are the same. [2] Fake bands is a more tricky issue. who says that an original member can't bring other new personnel if the other originals aren't available? why not? as long as there is no infringement on the legal rights to the name of the band, that also legit. that's not fake. and it's not tribute either. [3] by contrast, Justin Hayward has stripped down his original songs, his own, and given them a softer twist w/ different arrangements. more power to him. they also sound great and bring in a fresh breath of air to his songs. and therefore it's preferable that he label himself by his own name, because the arrangements are an expression of his personal vision. but if he decided to continue calling that the Moody Blues, it's not deceptive and it's legit as long as his legal rights to the name are ok. that's why I wrote that this discussion became incoherent and went off the tracks. his decision is a different path and doesn't prove anything wrong about the other paths.

[@AJ-tp9bk]

I do understand why they still have to put "Of The Moody Blues" after their name, though. Wouldn't sell tickets except to die hard fans who know their names.

[@christervainio]

The power is in the music. Who plays doesn't matter. Fuck ups with sick egos doesn't belong. It has always been "has been" losers that complain about "original members". Fuck that, it doesn't matter. Cover and tribute bands will always have big audiences, because most people care about the music, in the first place.

[@mickfazzolare6373]

True. However, there's a big difference between covering and/or paying tribute to a song versus misrepresenting oneself as the original artist.

[@jazzander5314]

But, nobody plays like Justin, nobody sings like Justin and nobody wrote those songs like Justin...

[@christervainio]

@@mickfazzolare6373 True. There would'nt be cover- and tribute bands, without the original artist. I often prefer the original artist but, there's exceptions. Hearts cover on Stairway To Heaven is probably the best music video on the tube. ❤️

[@jackstahlbush]

I SAW JUSTIN AT DEL LARGO (WATERLOO NY) SUPER GREAT / MEMS OF DURAM NC (TWICE) RICHMOND VA (TWICE) 24 HR APART / DENVER COLO / DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER NY / ALL STICK IN NOODLE BIN FOREVER

[@dcrelief]