Written By: Crystal Velez

Edited By: Rosemary A.W. Roberts

Phenomenal may very well be the best word that can describe the Moody Blues performance that transpired Thursday evening at Murat Theatre at Old National Centre near downtown Indianapolis. The early show began at 7:40PM, and the audience energy was fueled by vividly colored stage lighting flawlessly blending with the rich harmonies and melodies appealing to all senses. In the stage background was a large screen show of incredible graphics of psychedelic and groovy designs to pictures of the band from the 60s and 70s as they played a set list of all their popular hits.

In addition to showcasing their best musical works of art in perfect ambiance, Moody Blues put on a spectacular show visually to draw in audience attention. Each band member exuded confidence and passion for the duration of the concert. The best example that left every single fan in awe would be when the original drummer Graeme Edge was illuminated by the brilliant colorful lighting capturing him dancing while playing trampoline, and then strutting up the stairs to his drum set to play while standing and never missing a beat as he slowly sat down during the song! Moody Blues captured the meaning of rock n’ roll and ensured they matched their passion for music through putting on a spectacular performance.

Immediately, positive vibes were flowing when one of the greatest and most talented classical Rock N’ Roll bands took stage exuberating certitude and energy. The Moody Blues performed a twenty-one song set list split between two sets, opening with one of their ever popular and earlier songs “Gemini Dreams” and closing with an extremely enthusiastic encore to another one of their earlier greatest hits from band member John Lodge, “Ride My See Saw.” The set list included a myriad of their most popular songs and also showcased a few of their less well known, more recent tracks. It was evident the crowd was full of longtime fans as they swayed, clapped, and sang along to every song this band played from their repertoire, spanning over three decades of music.

A fusion of old and new included in their set list mirrored their natural inclination for achieving a perfect harmonic blend of classical and rock n’ roll music.  A more perfect playlist is hard to imagine as fans of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds came together under a common interest and sang to the tunes in unison. Songs like “I’m Just a Singer in a Rock & Roll Band” and “Nights in White Satin” were carefully mixed in with softer songs like “Driftwood” And “Tuesday Afternoon” creating a beautiful showcase of a spectrum of emotion through their musical past and present for the full audience in attendance. It was truly a spectacular work of art that left no concert goer disappointed that he/she did not hear a favorite song. As one fan stated following the show, “I believe that was the best performance I have ever seen from them.”