Moody Blues Justin Hayward answers questions for Rockford Rocked readers
John George Jr. - Are you going to have "The Rockford Symphony Orchestra" back you up when you return to Rockford this time in October? That was an Awesome & Amazing Show!
Justin Hayward: Sadly, no. I remember they were a great orchestra, and I hope one day we'll do another orchestra tour.
John Brizzolara - How would "Days of Future Passed" be updated to describe a day in 2016?
Justin Hayward: I think we would still make it around the story of one day in the life of everyman.
Larry Merryman - How did you get the guitar sound on "Lovely To See You Again"? Was that the red Gibson ES 335 on that recording?
Justin Hayward: It was my 1963 Cherry Red 335, direct into the normal channel on a VOX a/c 30 (with top boost) and turned full up.
Jim Bossier - I've always enjoyed The Blue Jays album and the song "Nights, winters, years." What was the inspiration for that particular song?
Justin Hayward:I wanted to work with Peter Knight again. I had a song that I thought we could record in a small session way, but when I played it to Peter, he encouraged me to 'open it up' and so it just flowed.
Janet Andeas - I love the videos for "I Know You're Out There Somewhere" and "Wildest dreams." Actress Janet Spencer-Turner appeared in both videos. Are you still friendly with her?
Justin Hayward: I h aven't seen Janet since those golden days we all had together. I send her my best wishes. She was so perfect for that part.
Mike James - I thought "Moody Bluegrass," A Nashville Tribute to Moody Blues was brilliant. In 2011 you did the country flavored song "Cold Outside Your Heart." Do you plan on returning to that style of music anytime soon?
Justin Hayward: As you may know I did a couple more songs with the same producer and musicians for my 'Spirits Of The Western Sky' album. I see those Bluegrass boys and girls whenever I am in Nashville.
Nick Perry - A few years ago you played a benefit for the Canterbury Cathedral in Kent England with Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. What was that like?
Justin Hayward: Loved every moment. I have known Ian for some years now, and it was very kind of him to invite me on to his show. It was a special day.
William Kingrey - What do you miss about playing back in the day versus playing at today's gigs if anything?
Justin Hayward: I don't miss much - touring is so much better now.
Todd Houston - In 1983 Stevie Ray Vaughan was the opening act for The Moody Blues including a show here in Rockford Il. Were you a fan of his music and/or guitar playing?
Justin Hayward:I didn't know him before our tour. I found him to be a sensational and dedicated player and a quiet, gracious man, and he was truly one of the greatest guitar players ever. I became an instant fan.
Janet Fisher - Looking forward to seeing you here in Rockford at The Coronado Theater in October! When your not on tour playing your own music onstage, what do you listen to when you get back home?
Justin Hayward: I listen to a lot of Classical music - and - with rock and pop, I'm back to my teenage years of 'buying' singles. Music is everywhere nowadays and there will always be a new record by a great new (to me) artist that I hear a fragment of and it turns me on. I don't have any musical prejudices or dislike of any genres - it's all OK to me.
(Thanks to Trace Foster)