Justin Hayward Talks about the Difference Between Two Types of Performances

Justin Hayward has performed on a multitude of different stages, two of the most memorable have been his performances with The Moody Blues and his time spent on stage for Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds. Here, he talks about the differences, and similarities, between those two types of performances. War Of The Worlds is very different to the Moodies. With the WOTW, I have a responsibility to deliver the songs as well as I can, move the story line along, make sure the period suit is looking good, and try not to fall over the furniture on stage. It's an amazing work - but - I'm not in control and that is scary sometimes. I need to 'take orders', take criticism and generally know my place. I have always wanted to do the best for Jeff as it's crucial that he gets what he wants out of the show. Being backstage, watching that huge crew create this magic on stage is fascinating. I'm full of admiration for the guys that get that set up and running and start those machines 'fighting' every night. As you know, I have not done the 'live' show for a while. I thought it was time to move on, even though I was asked to continue. It's possible I would do the show again, but at the moment I think the WOTW team needs to recreate the up-dated version - but that doesn't mean we can't return to the original sometime in the future. I loved every minute of the tours I did with that magnificent production. It's immensely powerful and impressive. I was happy to be just a small cog in that great machine, but the songs that were mine will always be the ones people remember. "Forever Autumn" has taken me round the World and I'm so grateful for that. I'm so very lucky it came my way. With The Moody Blues I am in control, as much as it's possible to be, on the musical side and that is satisfying. It's a very different performance - much looser and free. Being in a great group with such a vast catalogue of wonderful songs is what every musician dreams of.