You’ve gotta give it to these guys. They’ve been at it since 1964 and continue to accrue enough road miles to travel free forever. With original band members Graeme Edge (drummer), John Lodge (bassist, vocalist, songwriter) and Justin Hayward (singer, songwriter, guitarist), the Moody Blues still delight audiences with their ethereal songs and stellar light shows. Often referred to as “The Sistine Chapel of Popular Music,” the come to Musikfest in Bethlehem on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on Monday, Aug. 11.
Shows typically last two hours, with a 20-minute intermission. Faves such as “Nights in White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon” can be counted on as setlist staples, along with numerous songs from the second part of their career, when they became chart-topping darlings in the late ’80s.
Like many early progressive rock bands (Yes comes to mind), the Moodys have gone through their share of band members. Touring more in their sixth decade than they did back in the 1960s, they’ve fleshed out the band with Gordy Marshall on drums, Alan Hewitt on keyboards and vocals, Norda Mullen on flute, guitar and Vocals, and Julie Ragins on keyboards, sax and vocals.
Th​e Moody Blues
Musikfest, Bethlehem
Tuesday, Aug. 5
$39-$49
www.musikfest.org
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia
Monday, Aug. 11
Sold Out
www.kimmelcenter.org
