JUSTIN HAYWARD | LIVE REVIEW
St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Mon 02 Oct
Justin Hayward, singer/songwriter extraordinaire of the innovative, groundbreaking prog-art rock group The Moody Blues, began his set with a fellow Moodie Mike Pinder-composed song, Out And In, which is said to be about out-of-body experiences. That’s sort of what this concert felt like. We were leaving this world – with its senseless violence and terrorism, erupting again this day – and entering something better. I felt guilty for wanting to escape but helpless to make it stop.
Cocooned in a protective place of peace and love, at least for a couple of hours, the world was right again. We were present and in the moment for this tour, but then each of us could have been on a personal journey, on a beach somewhere warm, or perhaps walking through a golden field, or in a forest of different hues while simultaneously being with Hayward and friends absorbing all the amazing music. I know what you’re thinking. ‘What is this hippy-dippy, new age mumbo jumbo?’ It really was one big love-in though.
Seeing The Moody Blues live years ago was a big thrill, and it was Tuesday Afternoon again when that and other classics including Lovely To See You, Watching And Waiting, Your Wildest Dreams and Question were performed. Accompanying Hayward was 27-year-old Bristolian guitarist Mike Dawes, who also opened the show with a few very well-done instrumentals, and long-time keyboardist/vocalist Julie Ragins. The lead singer may have been the star in the constellation, but the trio worked as a team, Hayward and Dawes trading lead and rhythm to terrific effect.
Between songs, Hayward regaled us with stories of his first trip to America, travelling cross-country by bus and of pilgrimages to Nashville and to Elvis’ and Buddy Holly’s hometowns. How he and his late brother watched the changing sky over the Wiltshire Downs as kids, dreaming of their musical heroes and of life ahead, before beginning one of his most hauntingly glorious songs, The Western Sky. New single The Wind Of Heaven (the theme from an upcoming film of the same name) is a poignant tale of an American veteran from Afghanistan who reconnects with life while working with horses.
Two more of my faves, This Morning and Forever Autumn, were among further highlights. For those wondering if Hayward still has The Voice, yes he does – lower now, I think (Ragins supports him with the top notes) but still spellbinding. Like Matt Monro, Jackie Wilson or Bowie, you know it’s him instantly. Which brings us to that song: Hayward wrote Nights In White Satin when only 19, at the end of one relationship and beginning a new one, and it remains piercing and powerful.
Standing ovation. Encore. I Know You’re Out There Somewhere. Another standing ovation. Whole show, emotion to the nth degree. So so lovely to see you again, Justin!
words RHONDA LEE REALI photos GARETH GRIFFITHS
