For many years the receipts were a kind of long rectangular card, and recently they had changed to a paper of the same shape, to accommodate the workings of the same machines I suppose.

My first receipt was dated 1996, the year I met my dear friend Alberto, and as the years, and visits, mounted up I became obsessed with collecting every single one and keeping them in a special place in the car. They became a kind of badge – a record, or a witness to the journey’s I so enjoyed. I must have collected more than a hundred as I visited Alberto, and when I stayed either in Recco or Genoa. I did the drive at least five or six times a year, some years ten times, or more.

While in France the wide road seems to circumnavigate the vast hills that are the beginnings of the mighty Alps, and the French road builders chose to go over and round what stood in their way in a series of giant hills and long curves. But their Italian counterparts decided to go as straight as they could, and create tunnels and viaducts that must have involved huge skill and labour in an amazing feat of engineering, and to bore a way through the most dramatic of scenery, with the beautiful Mediterranean always in sight somewhere at regular vistas along the way.

Anyone who has travelled the A10 in Italy, that leads on from the A8 in France, knows that as far as the Cinque terra and beyond there are innumerable tunnels to whiz through on this stunning route.

I tried to count the tunnels many times as I drove, but always got fed up as there are just so many of them, all with a name, but with Italian and European drivers sometimes madly zooming along with a whooshing sound, I was distracted!!

As one approaches Genoa the flashing ‘darkness to occasional light’ becomes more intense with every kilometer, and the tunnels become longer and busier. This is real Italy.

Just after the turn off for Genoa airport there was one long dark and slightly scary tunnel and then a right hand bend out into to blinding, beautiful light, and the amazing sight of the magnificent and dramatic Morandi Bridge was before you.

Whenever I got to that bridge I knew I was safe – I was back in the place I love – Alberto’s house and studio were not far now, and I was where I belonged, where my music was.

I have waited some time before I was able to even contemplate writing about the disaster that happened that awful day, the day Genoa was changed forever. I feel a sadness that can only be described as grief, and it has touched my heart. The Genovesi are among the most genuine, hardworking, kindest and warmest people I have ever met in my life. Genoa is a working city, where life can be hard and tough.

Not much affluence is there nowadays, but it is an important and ancient port, and was clearly once very beautiful. It’s still a charming, secretive, fascinating, twisting and turning old town set among the steep hills that surround it. But it has had a hard life. That’s why I love it.

It’s a place with no pretentions – no airs and graces – no snobbishness – no covering over the cracks, but, there is no lack of real, real love, and of gorgeous simple food. It’s the perfect place to make beautiful music, and always will be.

Of course, I spoke to Alberto straight away, as soon as I heard the terrible news of the falling of the Morandi bridge. He and his family were safe – but their lives had changed – their past had changed.

Alberto once told me he remembered when they built that road, and he remembered the long, long arduous journey to Nice before the Autostrada was created. I loved hearing about it when I first starting travelling there, and I imagined what it must have been like, and how many days it must have taken to arrive in affluent elegant France.

I’m so sorry. I’m so very sad.  I can only send my sincerest condolences to those who have lost loved ones. They will never be forgotten. It’s a tragedy of such immense proportions.

I don’t know what will happen now. I think too of all the trucks and lorries that could only take that particular road from Eastern Europe   – the alternative for them was going in to Switzerland, and on from there – not acceptable to the Swiss. They will find a way I suppose.

So will I, you can be sure of that.

The post The Morandi Bridge appeared first on Justin Hayward.

For a short time, in the early 1990’s I lived in a small mews house on the edge of Connaught Village in the centre of London.  It was chosen as the location for the movie Scandal because it was the classic London mews, with cobble stones and pretty close packed houses whose original use was as dwellings for the staff and grooms to the important people who lived in the great houses that lined the main thoruoghfares.

I undertook the laborious, but hugely enjoyable task of finding furnishings (mostly damaged and therefore quite cheap but still charming), and fabrics that were as close as I could find to the William Morris ‘style’, occasionally visiting Liberty’s, that most engaging and ‘English’ of London department stores, to get ideas. And now and again to splash out and actually buy something quintessentially ‘Liberty’s’.

It was great fun and hugely distracting from the dramas of real life.

I loved that little house, and all the fantasies it represented – but it was expensive and I couldn’t afford it.  So, I sold it, just at the wrong time in the market of course! And later, friends and family would say ‘Imagine if you had kept that house, how much it would be worth now? C’est la vie.

There was a medieval influence about the work and writings of William Morris and somehow I see a link through that to three of the most beautiful guitars I play. They are the McPhersons. Yes – I’m lucky enough to have three – two 12-string guitars and one six string – all in the same style and wood – but all set by me in different tunings. They are simply stunning, and every time I touch any one of the three is a joy for me. I’m astounded at the craftsmanship – and the thought, planning and dedication that have gone into these true works of art.

The boys and girls at McPherson know how I feel.

I’m sure William Morris, and the whole ‘arts and crafts’ movement would agree, and approve.

The post McPherson Guitars and William Morris appeared first on Justin Hayward.

Q. What’s your secret to juggling so many tasks all at once so well onstage; remembering guitar chords to all the songs, remembering lyrics, floor pedals, ear monitors, interacting with the audience, etc.?

A. I don’t think there is a secret. Remembering the words or music of a song is not like remembering a script – I’m told it involves a slightly different part of the brain when it’s musical, and with practice, it becomes automatic, but whatever, for me it’s always easier to remember music than to read it.
About the ‘in ear monitors’, I set the levels and balances with Steve Chant at the beginning of a tour and I don ‘t change them, no matter where we play.

Q. Assuming it’s a huge undertaking, since the live show of “Days of Future Passed” turned out so beautifully has the idea of playing any other of your albums live in their entirety crossed your mind?

A. Yes, of course – for about half a second.

Q. What have you been reading lately that you could recommend?

A. Any enlightened and interesting English novelist from the early 20th century.

Q. Is it strange when you get home where it’s quiet after a tour where night after night venues full of people were on their feet cheering for you?

A. Well, it’s not strange because I’ve spent my life packing and unpacking, and it’s always really nice to come home, but I do miss the touring team (and room service!). There are few downsides to coming home, it’s lovely, but one issue is there’s always so much to catch up on (bills etc!) and lots of times, when I come home, people say “I didn’t want to worry you with this while you were on tour , but -“. and then It’s usually some disaster that has to be sorted at the last minuet! But to be back in my little ‘music place’ is always a joy.

Q. Where do you suppose you might keep/display your Rock Hall of Fame award?I

A. haven’t actually received it yet and I honestly can’t  remember what it looks like (or if Hayward was spelt right). I think it was heavy. I might give it to a family member.

Q. What was your favorite subject in school?

A. Art.

Q. What are you hearing in those ear monitors you wear during shows?

A. I’m listening to my own voice (for my pitching), Julie’s voice, my guitars and the keyboards. Steve Chant does a nice mix for each person on stage, and in the crew, of each song when we rehearse it, and we usually leave it like that. For me it meas that it’s always the same gig in my ‘ears’. Also, Steve can talk to me in the in my ear monitors during the show and let me know if something is not right – or if it’s great!

Q. Do you have a few words of wisdom regarding vocals for aspiring singers?

A. Hit the note in the middle. The only other way I can express it is that you have to ‘feel it’ in the sense that the words have to mean something to you and then that feeling will be conveyed.

Q. How do you know when a new recording is ready to send out on its journey into the world?

A. Ah, that’s a good question. Alberto tells me most times – his is always good advice.

Q. What’s a typical day at home like for you?

A. There isn’t one I’m afraid. I try to get up and about as quickly as I can, and get some exercise and finish the day with a book – unless!. On the road I just want to be on time, or early!.

Q. What’s behind the title of your last album “All The Way”?

A. Udo Wolf thought of it in the car after a gig one night and it sounded right to me.  I think it sums up a journey of a compilation album – I wish I could explain better, but I can’t.

Q. Your best tipfor those artists/bands touring?

A.  Practice.

Q. What could have been a possible name for the band when reforming anew in 1966 instead of Moody Blues?

A. I started making a list of group names when I was at school, and on that list was The Oasis – duh! Of course Noel and Liam were so right naming the band without a ‘the’.

Q. What’s your favorite holiday and why?

A. A day off on a tour near a posh shopping mall or a beautiful walk. In truth I  rarely take holidays.

Q. Were you a natural performer as a young boy?

A. Nope – I’m not now, and never was.

Q. What is happening in the world that may move you to write about it or delve deeper into your art as a consequence of it?

A. Try reading Aristotle’s Poetics.

Q. Does the way you learned guitar affect the way you play now?

A. Yes. That’s an interesting subject because all of us ‘self taught’ players could possibly have benefited from having strict instruction from a versatile teacher when we were young – but, would that have inhibited our style?. I think it might. In the end I think we were best to imitate our heroes.

Q. What do you miss most about being a kid?

A. Being indestructible.

Q. What’s the bigger joy; getting a new song recorded and working on every nuance of it, molding it into the perfect record of your initial inspiration or presenting that new life to a live audience?

A. Ah – I love it all,  but I don’t think I have ever made a perfect record. “Wildest Dreams” came closest, thanks to Tony Visconti.

Q. What do you do to get rid of stress?

A. Wish I could.

Q. Any chance of a new solo album from you soon?

A. You bet.

Q. What characteristic do you most admire in others?

A. Tolerance.

Q. What’s the oldest thing you own?

A. Me

Q. Years ago, you penned the line, “I’m frightened for your children” within “The Story in Your Eyes”, a song which feels like a driving, “carpe diem” anthem about seizing life and redemption in an uncertain world. With appreciation of the role of art in illuminating truth and beauty about our world or for activating people to change the world for the better, what kind of art gives you hope for the future or moves you to want to make the world a more peaceful, just or verdant place?

A. That’s  some paragraph. well done. I’m not sure I can see things that way.  I can only hope that Art is relevant. It’s completely irrelevant to some. but It’s everything to me.

Q. Can you tell us any of the items you donated for the band’s memorabilia display case at the Rock Hall for those who cannot get to Cleveland to see it?

A. I gave them the original lyrics to ‘Question’ written on a bakery paper bag that I only rediscovered recently. Some 60’s clothes that featured in old films of the group, a VOX AC 30 that I put together from bits, and the ‘lost 12 string’ that wrote and played on all the songs before 1968 and was only returned to me in 2006.

Q. Congratulations on the induction of the band into the Rock Hall of Fame.  Is it sweet gratification to have your legacy forever archived for future generations along side other musical greats?

A. I’m extremely grateful to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, first for creating the supreme temple to all that has brought endless joy into my life since I was a small boy, and now, after all these years, for including us.It’s a privilege to be celebrated in the same building, on the same street even, as my own heroes – Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers – and now, at last, with us, my heroine Nina Simone.But all the thanks must go to The Moody Blues fans for giving us a wonderful, wonderful life in music – our induction has now validated the music they so love, and I’m so, so pleased, for us all. Yippee!”

The post New Justin Q&A appeared first on Justin Hayward.

SAILING FEBRUARY 10-15, 2019 ABOARD ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S MARINER OF THE SEAS

VISITING NASSAU/PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS AND THE PRIVATE ISLE OF LABADEE

LINE-UP FEATURES ICONIC PERFORMING ARTISTS INCLUDING:
JUSTIN HAYWARD, THE ZOMBIES, DAVE MASON, STEVE HACKETT (OF GENESIS),
ALAN PARSONS, THE ORCHESTRA FEATURING FORMER MEMBERS OF ELO,
PROCOL HARUM, AL STEWART, WISHBONE ASH, POCO,
DAVID PACK’S LEGENDS LIVE WITH WALLY PALMAR & JOHN ELEFANTE,
LIGHTHOUSE, VANILLA FUDGE, COLIN BLUNSTONE, STEPHEN BISHOP,
AND DANNY SERAPHINE’S CTA FEATURING BILL CHAMPLIN

PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE BY THE MACHINE WITH LASER SHOW
FRANKIE VALLI TRIBUTE BY DECEMBER ‘63

On The Blue, one of the leading music cruise experience producers over the past 20 years, has announced the final artist lineup for the inaugural ON THE BLUE CRUISE.

Hosted by Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues, this 5-night classic rock cruise experience, featuring an array of musical performances and events, will set sail out of Miami, FL aboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas next February 10-15, 2019 and visit two ports: Nassau/Paradise Island, Bahamas and the Private Isle of Labadee.

Cabins are still available aboard this unprecedented classic rock music extravaganza, with prices starting at $1,099 per person (double occupancy). Government fees, taxes, and gratuities are additional and mandatory for all passengers, regardless of age. For booking and more info, visit OnTheBlueCruise.com and follow @OnTheBlueCruise on Facebook.

Musical host Justin Hayward will be performing, playing songs from his solo archives, along with deep cuts from five decades of material from The Moody Blues. Cruise attendees will be will be treated to not one, but two separate and unique performances by Hayward, making this a “must attend” event by fans of Justin Hayward and The Moody Blues.

The all-star line-up for ON THE BLUE CRUISE includes: The Zombies, Dave Mason, Steve Hackett (of Genesis), Alan Parsons, The Orchestra featuring former members of ELO, Procol Harum, Al Stewart, Wishbone Ash, POCO, Vanilla Fudge, Colin Blunstone, Danny Seraphine’s CTA featuring Bill Champlin, Rick Derringer, Randy Hansen, and The Young Dubliners. Journalists Sal Cirrincione and Jon Kirkman will host the cruise.

Just added to the line-up is David Pack, Grammy-winning producer, writer and singer of all of Ambrosia’s hits will feature his Legends Live show. This all-star band will not only showcase David performing his classic Ambrosia songs, but also Wally Palmar, singing the classic hits from his band The Romantics (including “What I Like About You” and “Talking in Your Sleep”), and John Elefante, former lead singer of Kansas, singing his memorable hits from the band.

Other new line-up additions include: Lighthouse, Stephen Bishop, Mellow Yellow, Johnny A, Mike Dawes, Julie Ragins’ Pear Duo and the Big Knobs.

Finally, the ON THE BLUE CRUISE will present The Machine, America’s top tribute to the music of Pink Floyd. This show has garnered rave reviews and is highlighted with a special laser show to enhance the Floydian experience. Rounding out the lineup is a very unique tribute to the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, December ’63. The show is a musical journey, recreating the sights and sounds of the band in concert, channeled through the cast of December ’63.

The cruise will set sail on the magnificent Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas which features not one, but two, huge music venues inside the ship. In addition, the ship is getting the biggest facelift in the history of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (over $100 million makeover) that will be completed this summer. Cruisers will get to experience the new Mariner of the Seas, providing more ways to play, delicious new dining concepts and a few surprises to thrill even the boldest cruisers. Launch yourself into a virtual world on a new bungee trampoline experience — Sky Pad. Hang ten on the newly added FlowRider surf simulator or race down The Perfect Storm waterslides. Have a tiki-chic rendezvous over rum punches in The Bamboo Room or bond over family-style Tuscan eats at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver. This is going to be a “WOW” ship with some of the finest music and events featuring some of the greats in Classic Rock.

The post On The Blue Cruise Final Line Up Premier appeared first on Justin Hayward.

The post Justin Hayward on the Moody Blues: “I imagine now it’s coming to the end.” appeared first on Justin Hayward.

“I did have one thought on my mind,” said Hayward in that wonderfully musical English accent of his in a call to his home in Europe. His voice is just as lyrical, just as ethereal even, as it is on “Days of Future Passed” or any of the other Moodys hits.

“That was making the payments on my guitar and trying not to go back and live off my parents and sponge off them anymore,” said Hayward, who with band mates John Lodge and Graeme Edge and former colleagues Mike Pinder and the late Ray Thomas will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 14, at Cleveland’s Public Hall.

Eligible since 1989, it was the band’s first nomination – an idea that still rankles Moodys fans.

In a 2012 interview to preview a show in Akron, Hayward tackled the subject.

“To a British person or a European . . . the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I’m sad to say, because it’s there and not here, it doesn’t have any relevance,” he said in that interview with The Plain Dealer.

“I’m very much aware of how the Moody Blues fans think about it, and they’re desperate that it should happen,” he said. “My feelings are these: Music is subjective. I know we’re a good band, and whether a panel thinks we should be in a hall of fame is completely subjective.”

There’s not bitterness, though, at least not now. Or not much, anyway.

“I don’t know what the criteria are, except that you’re eligible after a certain amount of time,” he said. (Bands or artists become eligible 25 years after their first recording is released.) “But it’s difficult to explain to people what it means.

“I’m in Italy now, and I met a woman on the street a couple of days ago who asked me about what was happening with the band,” he said. “I said, ‘Oh yeah, we’re being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,’ and she said, ‘Oh, what’s that, then?’ ” – and proceeded to ask him just when the Moodys would be “induced.”

Induced, inducted. Tomato, tomahto. Hayward is just glad the band is finally getting its due.

“I’m extremely grateful to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for creating that sort of temple for what’s brought joy in my life since I was a small boy,” he said in his recent interview. But as proud as he now is, he’s even happier for the fans.

“I think actually that the Moody Blues fans had a huge role in it,” Hayward said of the band’s belated honor, specifically citing the Rock Hall’s own fan poll, in which the Moodys finished second behind Bon Jovi. “Their contribution and the sheer number of fans that voted made it kind of undeniable. I think all the thanks must go to them.”

READ MORE

The post Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2018: Moody Blues go from struggling musicians to prog-rock pioneers: Inductee profile appeared first on Justin Hayward.

12/13/2017 by Gary Graff

The post Moody Blues’ Justin Hayward on Rock Hall of Fame Induction News: ‘It’s Outstanding’ appeared first on Justin Hayward.

RollingStone.com

Read full interview here.

The post Justin Hayward on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Honor: ‘It’s Amazing!’ appeared first on Justin Hayward.

Jeremy is the new ‘voice’ of these two spoken word pieces, originally performed on the 1967 LP by keyboard player Mike Pinder and written by Graeme Edge, and he will feature on giant video screens on our upcoming tour when we will be performing the album live for the first time”.
“Jeremy, who arrived on his motor bike for the session at Metropolis studios in West London, had let me know the day before that he had a ‘window’ of a couple of hours free to do the recording before taping his voice for a children’s e-book.

It was an absolute pleasure and a joy for me to record him. Jeremy has the perfect voice and presence for these two beautiful poems. His performance is powerful, and extremely moving, and he brilliantly compliments Peter Knight’s orchestral arrangements that lead us into ‘Dawn Is A feeling’ at the opening of the piece, and ‘Nights In White Satin’ at the close”.

Justin Hayward

The post Jeremy Irons Performing from “Days Of of Future Passed” appeared first on Justin Hayward.

All The Way includes the newly released single The Wind of Heaven, a heartfelt song about a wounded warrior who has left his soul on the battlefield and is having a difficult time adjusting to being home.  The song is dedicated to all of those who have served their country.  The song has received standing ovations worldwide.

Justin himself said, “I’m always so thrilled to have the opportunity to tour in the UK, particularly at this time in in my career when no one knows what the future holds. I’m bringing my ‘song writing’ guitars from home on the road with me, so the gigs will have the feel and sound of my music room along with the vibe I was feeling as I wrote the songs. I look forward to singing and playing new songs and old songs, particularly Forever Autumn, which I only get to perform in my solo show, and The Wind Of Heaven from the forthcoming movie, and also to tell the real stories behind all the songs and the events that surrounded them at the time. It’s a joy to share a stage with such wonderful young and inspiring talents as Mike Dawes (one of a new generation of brilliant young guitar masters – worth the price of admission alone) and Julie Ragins, a truly exceptional musician and singer. She and I have shared stages all over the world for many years, loving the music we play, both with the Moody Blues and solo. I look forward to seeing you on the road”.

As the driving force behind The Moody Blues, Justin penned classics like Nights in White Satin, New Horizons, Question, The Voice and Your Wildest Dreams.  Justin’s solo career began in 1977 with Songwriter.  In 1978 Justin had a worldwide hit with the timeless Forever Autumn from the War of the Worlds. In 1980, Justin released his second solo album Night Flight, a mixture of his own songs and those of other writers.  His last solo studio album was the critically-acclaimed Spirits of the Western Sky in 2013, his first since 1996’s The View From The Hill.

SEPTEMBER 2017

Mon 18^th                                Southend                               Cliffs Pavilion

Tues 19^th                                Guildford                               G Live

Weds 20^th                              Bournemouth                       Pavilion

Fri 22^nd                                   Barnstaple                            Queen’s Hall

Sat 23^rd                                  Worthing                               Assembly Halls

Mon 25^th                                Weston Super Mare            Playhouse Theatre

Weds 27^th                              Hull                                        City Hall

Thurs 28^th                              Wrexham                              William Aston Hall

OCTOBER 2017

Sun 1^st                                    Liverpool                               Philharmonic Hall

Mon 2^nd                                 Cardiff                                   St. David’s Hall

Tues 3^rd                                  London                                  Union Chapel

Thurs 5^th                                Birmingham                         Town Hall

Fri 6^th                                      St. Albans                              Alban Arena

Tickets prices from £31 – £37.50 (booking fees or venue levies may also apply)

These dates represent a rare chance for Justin’s fans to connect with one of music’s keenest talents and to hear the music that he loves presented with a truly personal touch.

The post ‘The Wind of Heaven’ 2017 UK Tour appeared first on Justin Hayward.