By Andrea Martone
Moody Blues Magic Hits Clearwater: A Night of Timeless Classics and Progressive Rock
The Moody Blues have a long history of performing in the United States, and Clearwater has been a part of their tour itinerary multiple times. For instance, they launched their 2010 U.S. tour at Ruth Eckerd Hall. This indicates that Clearwater is a valued stop for the band, likely due to its audience and venue quality. The Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, formerly known as the Capitol Theatre and briefly as the Royalty Theatre, is a historic theater located in downtown Clearwater that was constructed in 1921 and is one of the oldest operating theaters in Florida.
Over the years, the theater has undergone several restorations. Notably, it was restored in 1999-2000 and again in 2013-2014 as part of a broader downtown revitalization effort. In 2019, it received a $2.5 million donation from Nancy and David Bilheimer, leading to its current name. The theater hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, comedy acts, and live music events. Today, the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre is managed by Ruth Eckerd Hall and continues to be a vibrant part of Clearwater’s cultural scene, offering an intimate setting for audiences to enjoy live performances, including notable artists like B.B. King, Jay Leno, and other well-known performers. On April 18, an iconic band will be playing, The Moody Blues.
As I am a 70s gal and the Moody Blues is hands-down my all-time favorite musical group, I was granted the opportunity to interview Justin Hayward, guitarist and frontman of the iconic Moody Blues. Justin is a renowned English musician who joined the band in 1966, marking a pivotal shift in their sound from rhythm and blues to a more progressive style, which was significantly influenced by his songwriting and the integration of new band members like bassist John Lodge.
Hayward’s arrival, along with John Lodge, transformed The Moody Blues into one of the most influential progressive rock bands. Their 1967 album Days of Future Passed is often cited as one of the first concept albums and includes Hayward’s iconic songs “Tuesday Afternoon” and “Nights in White Satin.” Hayward wrote many of the band’s hit singles, including “Question,” “The Voice,” “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere,” and “English Sunset.” His compositions were instrumental in shaping the band’s identity and success.
The Moody Blues were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Hayward was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2022 for his contributions to the music industry. A brief question and answer with Paradise News follows.
Question: Reflecting on legacy and influence, as a key figure in the Moody Blues, your music has influenced generations. How do you feel about the enduring popularity of songs like “Nights in White Satin” and “Question,” and what do you believe is the secret to their timeless appeal?
Answer: It means a lot, of course – it’s what every songwriter hopes for. If there is a secret, as your question suggests, I have no idea what it is. That is what every songwriter hopes to know. Only a few legends, like Paul and Paul (McCartney and Simon) actually do know what it’s like and are able to touch it. All I can promise is that everything I do comes from the heart – and luckily, I’ve never been under pressure to do otherwise.
Question: Throughout your career, you’ve had numerous highlights, including sold-out shows and iconic albums. What stands out as a personal highlight for you, and how have you navigated the challenges of maintaining a successful career spanning over five decades?
Answer: My answer to part one of the question first: I’m lucky to have had a few but maybe hearing “Fly Me High” played back to us in the studio, and the relief that it actually sounded great, was a standout. Another was playing Madison Square Garden twice in the same day and being awarded the “Golden Ticket” for the record number (at the time) of fans attending.
Answer to part two: I wish I could say that it is success all the way, but failure is a constant companion. Challenges are there every day, but the affection of everyone that loves this music is emotionally so supportive that it allows people like me to navigate a course.
Question: As you prepare to perform in Clearwater at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre in April, what can fans expect from your setlist, and are there any new songs or projects that you’re currently working on that might give us a glimpse into your future musical direction?
Answer: I believe we will be playing songs from most of the albums that I’ve done or been part of over the years and we’re always trying to change things up a bit. I’m hoping my future musical direction has something unexpected in it. We’ll see if it’s unexpected or not. We love the theatre in Clearwater and for us (on stage and backstage) it’s a privilege to be there. We look forward to being with you.
If you go: Bilheimer Capitol Theatre is located at 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater, at the corner of Cleveland St. and Osceola Ave. in downtown Clearwater.
For tickets, visit: www.rutheckerdhall.com/events/detail/justin-hayward