Despite the typical Chicago weather Friday evening, Ravinia audience members on the lawn donning raincoats and umbrellas in case of further torrent, enjoyed their candlelit dinners and drinks in preparation for the on stage arrival of The Moody Blues. Celebrating The Moody Blues’ 50th anniversary this year, 26 different albums, and 29 hit singles steadfast, dedicated fans filled the pavilion and lawn areas.
Eager anticipation paid off for the thousands in attendance. The band was tight as ever and played each song with passion and precision to old fans and newer alike. One thing was evident within the first couple of songs - band members Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge all still know how to rock a crowd and put on a show!
The program included such all-time favorites as “Tuesday Afternoon”, “The Story in Your Eyes”, “Isn’t Life Strange” and “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)”.
After a very entertaining set full of Moody Blues faves, the band’s finale was a perfect ending to a magical evening, pleasing the crowd even more so with the classic “Knights in White Satin”.
You can hear the influence of the time periods in their lyrics, in their music and even in the background screen images and photos, a vibe felt throughout the crowd. Within their music a strength of understanding of their definitive age that became so influential. You can even hear tunes and melodies created by the Moody’s that are in songs you hear on the radio today - a lifetime of influences heard from this other British Invasion.
Ravinia has been home to many great concerts this summer and still has many coming up including Joss Stone, Poi Dog Pondering, John Mayer and Five For Fighting to name a few. For more information, visit www.ravinia.org.
