REVIEW- THE MOODY BLUES AT THE MANN

The Moody Blues at the Mann Music Center, Fiarmount Park, Philadelphia
Saturday, July 15, 2017

*** 1/2 (out of **** stars)

The iconic British band, The Moody Blues, released their epic concept album, "Days of Future Passed" 50 years ago this year. The band is on tour this summer to celebrate the album,  visiting the Mann Saturday night, and I was there.

The night was slightly sultry and the Mann was completely sold-out, the crowd about what you would expect Moody Blues fans to be, predominantly older, 50s, 60s and beyond.

The band came on stage about 30 minutes after their slated 7:30 start. The Moody Blues main core of drummer Graham Edge, guitarist Justin Hayward and bassist John Lodge were all in fine form, as the opener "I'm Just a Singer ( in a Rock n' Roll Band)" rocked, the crowd rising in unison to greet the band. Along with the three mentioned long-time members, two keyboard players, an extra drummer and a flutest joined in.

Surprisingly, there wasn't an orchestra in Philly ( orchestras did graced the stage with the Moodies elsewhere on this summer tour).

The first set consisted of familiar hits: "Say It With Love." "In Your Wildest Dreams," and "I Know You're Out There Somewhere" highlighted the quick, nine-song first half. I had great seats, and the sound was OK, a bit distorted at times, but acceptable. Others in the crowd said the sound was not good during the first set.

There was a 20-minute intermission, darkness not yet setting in over the concert. The great lawn of the Mann was filled. The crowd was really into it, many wearing Moody Blues t-shirts. The excitement and energy of the audience makes or breaks a show. I was at Bryan Adams at the Mann in June and that crowd was flat. Not this one, as they stood after each song.

The second half was the total "Days of Future Passed." The lights and film on the huge screen were outstanding, as the album goes through a typical day musically.

Highlights were the iconic hits- "Tuesday Afternoon" got the biggest ovation. Everyone was waiting for the final song on the album, one of the greatest songs of all-time, "Nights in White Satin."

It would've been nice to hear the album, especially "Nights" with real strings behind it. Still, the band played like a full orchestra. Many in the crowd agreed that the Moodies were much more on top of their game during the second half, maybe because the songs flowed seamlessly into each other without effort.

Needless to say, prolonged and rousing standing ovations abounded. People were still on their feet when the band launched into the encore: "Questions" and " Ride My See-saw" picked up the pace and left the fans dancing in their seats.

All in all, a great time on a warm summer night. I give this review *** 1/2 stars only because the show was short ( coming in at approximately two tidy hours, and the sound issue.

For being in their 70s the Moody Blues proved they can still rock and make great music, as they did Saturday night at the beautiful Mann.