I’ve been to plenty of shows where nostalgia was the main draw, but this Moody Blues concert at Turning Stone in August of 2009 reminded me that true legends don’t just rely on memories—they create an atmosphere that feels timeless. From the very first note, the band proved that they’re more than just a greatest-hits machine. They’re storytellers, sonic architects, and performers who still believe in the power of music to transport an audience. This was a night where the past met the present in the most seamless way imaginable, and as a longtime fan, I felt lucky to witness it.
Setting the Stage
The Turning Stone Event Center was buzzing long before the lights dimmed. Fans spanning multiple generations filled the room—gray-haired devotees who had worn out their vinyl copies of Days of Future Passed, younger listeners who’d discovered the band through their parents, and everyone in between. There’s something special about a crowd that understands they’re about to hear songs that have lived in hearts for decades. The energy wasn’t frantic; it was expectant, like a collective deep breath before a long-awaited reunion.
The Moody Blues took the stage with a confidence only earned through decades of touring. Justin Hayward, still charismatic with his flowing blond hair, held his guitar like it was an extension of himself. John Lodge brought his trademark energy on bass, his presence as vibrant as ever. Graeme Edge, the band’s longtime drummer and resident cosmic poet, had that mischievous sparkle in his eye that suggested we were in for more than just a polite evening of music. Their touring keyboardists and flutist rounded out the sound, ensuring that the lush arrangements of the studio recordings were recreated with jaw-dropping fidelity.
The Setlist
The night’s setlist was a master class in pacing. Rather than building slowly, the band went straight for the heart with “The Voice.” That familiar opening synth washed over the crowd, immediately pulling everyone into the Moody Blues’ universe. Hayward’s vocals were clear and strong, carrying the message of connection across time and space. It was a perfect opener—an invitation to listen not just to the music, but to the feeling behind it.
From there, they shifted gears into “Driftwood,” one of the most beautiful ballads in their catalog. This was the moment where Hayward’s voice truly shined, tender and aching as he delivered each lyric. The soft guitar work and subtle flute lines gave the song a dreamlike quality, and you could feel the audience collectively sink into the mood. It was a reminder of how gracefully the Moody Blues handle the quiet, reflective side of rock.
Then came the jolt of energy that is “Higher and Higher.” Graeme Edge took the microphone for this one, and his playful, almost theatrical delivery turned the venue into a cosmic celebration. It’s not every day you see a drummer step out front to lead the charge, but Edge did it with gusto. His spoken-word sections were equal parts humorous and profound, a perfect representation of the band’s blend of the mystical and the down-to-earth.
Without missing a beat, the band launched into “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere.” The song’s soaring chorus and hopeful lyrics resonated deeply. It’s a track that feels like a spiritual sequel to their earlier hit “Your Wildest Dreams,” and hearing it live gave it an emotional punch. Couples held hands, fans sang along, and the entire room seemed to glow with a shared sense of connection.
The next highlight was the muscular “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band).” This was John Lodge’s moment to shine. His bass lines were thunderous, his vocals full of rock-and-roll grit. It’s a song that’s always been a statement of the band’s philosophy—that they’re messengers, not gurus—and hearing it live made that message feel as relevant as ever. The interplay between guitar, bass, and drums gave the song a propulsive energy that had the crowd on its feet.
“Your Wildest Dreams” followed, a perfect companion piece to the earlier “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere.” Its shimmering synths and bittersweet lyrics captured that feeling of looking back on a first love and wondering where time has gone. The band nailed every nuance, and Hayward’s vocal delivery carried a touch of wistful longing that made the performance unforgettable.
And then came the song that everyone knew was coming but still hit like an emotional tidal wave: “Nights in White Satin.” This is more than just a song—it’s an experience. The moment those first haunting chords rang out, the entire venue fell into a reverent hush. Hayward’s voice, still capable of conveying both strength and vulnerability, gave the lyrics an almost otherworldly beauty. The flute solo soared above the mix, echoing the grandeur of the original recording. Hearing it live, surrounded by fans who knew every word, was nothing short of magical.
After such an emotional high, the band kept the momentum with “Question.” Driven by Hayward’s urgent acoustic strumming, the song moved from its rapid-fire verses to its sweeping choruses with breathtaking precision. The mix of existential searching and melodic brilliance reminded everyone why the Moody Blues were pioneers of progressive rock. The performance built to a thunderous climax that had the crowd roaring.
Finally, the night closed with the buoyant “Ride My See-Saw.” It was the perfect sendoff—a high-energy rocker that left everyone dancing in the aisles. Lodge once again anchored the song with his driving bass, while Hayward’s guitar work sparkled. As the final notes rang out, the band waved to the crowd, leaving us all exhilarated and a little awestruck.
Performance Highlights
What struck me most throughout the night was how effortlessly the Moody Blues balanced precision with passion. Every harmony was spot-on, every instrumental layer perfectly placed, yet the music never felt mechanical. There was a warmth to the performance that made even the most well-worn songs feel fresh.
Justin Hayward remains the band’s emotional center. His guitar work was fluid and expressive, from the gentle fingerpicking on “Driftwood” to the propulsive strumming of “Question.” His vocals have mellowed slightly with age, but that only added a depth and richness to the ballads. John Lodge, meanwhile, brought a rocker’s energy, bounding across the stage and delivering his parts with infectious enthusiasm.
Graeme Edge was the night’s wild card. Whether pounding the drums or stepping out front for his spoken-word interludes, he embodied the band’s playful, cosmic spirit. His presence reminded everyone that the Moody Blues have always been about more than just music—they’re about creating a full sensory experience.
The supporting musicians also deserve credit. The keyboardists recreated the band’s intricate arrangements with jaw-dropping accuracy, while the flutist added those signature flourishes that make songs like “Nights in White Satin” and “The Voice” so distinctive. The sound mix was impeccable, allowing every instrument to shine without overpowering the vocals.
The Crowd Connection
One of the most beautiful aspects of the night was the relationship between the band and the audience. There was no rock-star aloofness here—just genuine appreciation. Between songs, Hayward and Lodge shared stories, cracked jokes, and thanked the fans for their decades of support. You could feel the affection flowing both ways.
During “Nights in White Satin,” I glanced around and saw people wiping away tears. Couples leaned into each other, friends clasped hands, strangers exchanged knowing smiles. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a communal experience, a reminder of how music can bring people together across time and space.
Legacy on Display
Seeing the Moody Blues in 2009 was a powerful reminder of their enduring legacy. This is a band that helped define progressive rock, blending classical influences with pop sensibility and philosophical lyrics. Songs like “Question” and “Nights in White Satin” remain as vital today as they were in the 1960s and ’70s, speaking to universal themes of love, longing, and the search for meaning.
What’s remarkable is how these songs have aged. Rather than feeling like relics, they’ve grown richer over time. Hearing them live, performed by the men who created them, underscored their timeless quality. The Moody Blues have never chased trends or compromised their vision, and it shows in the way their music continues to resonate with new generations.
Final Thoughts
Walking out of the Turning Stone that night, I felt a mix of exhilaration and gratitude. Exhilaration because the Moody Blues delivered a show that was musically flawless and emotionally profound. Gratitude because bands like this don’t come along often, and nights like this are rare gifts.
The setlist—The Voice, Driftwood, Higher and Higher, I Know You’re Out There Somewhere, I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band), Your Wildest Dreams, Nights in White Satin, Question, and Ride My See-Saw—was a perfect journey through the band’s vast catalog. It showcased their ability to rock hard, to soothe, to inspire, and to connect.
More than anything, the concert reaffirmed what I’ve always loved about the Moody Blues: their music isn’t just something you listen to; it’s something you feel. It’s music that asks big questions, offers moments of transcendence, and reminds us of the beauty of being alive. In an age of disposable hits and fleeting fame, the Moody Blues remain a shining example of what happens when artists stay true to their vision.
That August night in 2009, inside a casino in upstate New York, time seemed to stand still. For a couple of hours, we were all travelers on the same sonic journey, carried along by songs that have soundtracked countless lives. And as the final notes of “Ride My See-Saw” echoed through the hall, I knew I’d just witnessed something extraordinary—an evening with a band whose music will forever ride the waves of time.