JOHN LODGE
VENUE THE KESWICK THEATRE, GLENSIDE, PA, USA DATE 04/03/2023
Released more than half a century ago, The Moody Blues’ Days Of Future Passed remains one of the most beloved and important concept albums of all time. That’s why it’s such a joy to see bassist/vocalist John
Lodge continue its legacy on this tour. Backed by a superb set of musicians, he honours the seminal LP (as well as other Moody Blues tunes) with crowd-pleasing reverence and precision. It’s not an entirely flawless show, but it is highly enjoyable.
Prior to playing the album, the band perform several classics and hidden gems. This includes a surprising number of compositions from the mid-70s through the early 80s, including
Steppin’ In A Slide Zone, Nervous, Gemini Dream, and even Saved By The Music (from Lodge’s album with Justin Hayward, 1975’s Blue Jays). All of them sound fabulous, with both the group and the audience clearly relishing what’s being played, yet it’s even more special to hear older favourites Legend Of A Mind, I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band) and encore Ride My See-Saw replicated so lovingly.
As satisfying as that first set is, the second is easily better because it sees the quintet recreating Days Of Future Passed without interruption. It flows seamlessly, with plenty of clapping – and standing ovations – erupting around numerous pieces. While the band stay true to the original versions, they modify things in refreshing ways as well. There are alternate recordings of the opening and closing poems, for instance, and there are subtle but invigorating changes to The Morning: Another Morning and Evening. Yes’ Jon Davison makes a surprise appearance, too, bringing new life to Forever Afternoon (Tuesday?) and Nights In White Satin.
Although it’s a wonderful performance overall, there are two aspects that hold it back: Lodge’s voice and the lack of enticing imagery. To be fair, Lodge wasn’t the original lead vocalist on most of these songs (so they were always going to feel different), yet he routinely sings as if he’s winded, resulting in issues with phrasing, pitch and other crucial aspects. (The need for Davison exemplifies that issue.) Aside from the venue’s coloured lighting scheme, there isn’t much effort put into the look of the show, either, which is disappointing since the psych/ prog rock nature of the music lends itself to ample visual spectacle.
Those issues aside, Lodge and co do a great job celebrating Days Of Future Passed and other Moody Blues gems. Each track sounds excellent (at least instrumentally), with newfound energy and innovation incorporated into a few standout songs. Lodge’s autobiographical stories add charm and insight to the evening’s inherently nostalgic vibe, too, solidifying it as a fantastic show for Moody Blues fans of all ages.