Review: The Moody Blues @ Apollo, Manchester

12:03am Thursday 25th September 2008

With the minimum of fuss The Moody Blues began their concert with ‘Lovely To See You’, and it certainly was. A great band, playing great music to a great crowd.

It’s easy to see why this band have lasted so long, their second number ‘Tuesday Afternoon’ is over forty years old and in that time it has – like the band that recorded it – become a classic. And the numbers that followed which included ‘The Voice’, ‘Wildest Dreams’ and ‘Isn’t Life Strange’, transported us on a journey through the career of a band who cared about their music, and still does.

Justin Hayward always looks serious when singing, obviously giving it his total concentration, whilst John Lodge, ever the showman, just grins the whole time. It was good to see that they still enjoy playing.

A massive ovation followed ‘I Know You’re Out There Somewhere’, and each song thereafter was ecstatically received.

In the second half, things just got better and it was apparent that this was a special show. Drummer Graeme Edge cavorted shamelessly through ‘Higher and Higher’, joking that he’d overdosed on viagra.

The backing musicians were top notch also, with special mention going to flautist Norda Mullen, but then second drummer Gordon Marshall also joined in on the flute. The other members of the group, singer Julie Ragins and keyboard player Paul Bliss also put in an exemplary performance.

The final four numbers had the crowd on their feet; ‘Singer In a Rock And Roll Band’, ‘Nights In White Satin’, ‘Question’ and the rousing ‘Ride My See Saw’ brought this musical journey to a reluctant end. The Moodies all looked slightly bemused at the reaction of the sell-out crowd, but their satisfied smiles showed that they appreciated the adulation.

It was over far too quickly, but you know what they say…. Always leave ‘em wanting more. Come back soon guys!