Moody Blues/Expert Profile

Expertise

I’m pretty confident that I can answer just about any question about the band or their music you may have. I’ve been a fan since 1972 and have followed their careers (collectively and as solo artists,) closely ever since. In addition, I've amassed a vast database on all things Moody - from "completest" discographies for the band and all of their solo projects, to extensive bibliographies, videographies, posterfiles, etc. I have an extensive collection of memorabilia; both group and related solo projects. My collection includes vinyl, CDs, tapes (cassette, 8-track, and reel,) posters, shirts, sheet music and songbooks, back stage passes, magazines, books and other publications, equipment, and video. If I don’t know it, I know where to find it. All you have to do is ask!

Experience in the area

I’ve been a fan of the band since 1972. I was a contributing editor to "Higher and Higher", the Moody Blues Magazine 1994, to the magazine’s untimely demise in 2007, writing the Videography Department.

Publications

As noted previously, much of my writing has appeared in “Higher and Higher” since 1994, but I also wrote a piece that appeared in issue #1 of Mike Pinder’s newsletter “Have You Heard”.

Education/Credentials

Though I haven’t yet finished, my educational focus is on a Journalism degree.

Awards and Honors

I've also had the good fortune to have traveled to England to catch the end of the Band's Spring 2000 concert tour; a trip I've always wanted to take. I’ve supplied research information on the band to a number of sources, including the July 5, 2004 English Quiz Show “Mastermind” which featured a contestant whose expertise was also the Moody Blues. I also participated in the UK Channel 4 presentation of the “Top Ten” program's episode on Progressive Rock, that featured the Moody Blues at #3 on their list. That program aired on March 3, 2001.

What do you like about this subject?

I'm really a fan of most music, and the Moodies', in particular. The Moodies always played the rock 'n' roll game by their own rules, and, as a fan, I've always appreciated and respected that. They challenge themselves, as well as their fans, to look deeper into themselves... "Just open your heart and that's a start..."

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I learn something new about them as people, their music, a particular performance or appearance, or memorabilia all the time. Of course, their story is far from over, and they're still out there, making their own brand of incredible music. I think as long as their music continues to inspire, I’ll always have something more to learn.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

I think the most interesting bit of information I have concerns the making "Days of Future Passed." It was the first-ever rock album to be specifically made in stereo by Decca Records. Though many albums were eventually released in both mono and stereo, the Moodies were contacted by Decca to record a rock album in stereo; a format previously reserved for classical music. It’s a great story!

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Though the Moodies have never really been about controversy, they can be considered provocative; at least, in a spiritual sense. Because their songs often posed difficult questions about life, love, and "Why is it we are here," kinds of things, many fans felt that they may also have the answers, as well. They didn’t offer any answers, but they did encourage us to find them for ourselves.