Moody Blues

During discussions about the recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Howard Stern's Sirius radio show, he mentioned one listener who writes him weekly asking why the Moody Blues aren't in yet. And while the shock jock certainly isn't on the nominating committee, it's a question that's been asked for years by fans of the Birmingham, England, boys who started making records in 1964. On albums like Days of Future Passed and In Search of the Lost Chord, the Blues' lush, dramatic, psychedelic numbers were always closer to orchestral pop than the proggy leanings of Yes and ELP. And singles like "Tuesday Afternoon," "Ride My See-Saw," "Question" and "The Story in Your Eyes" are classic-rock radio staples. Speaking of, the Moodys can lay claim to a monster '60s anthem with "Nights in White Satin" ("Breathe deep, the gathering gloom..."), as well as an '80s comeback in "Your Wildest Dreams." MB 2008 is anchored by founding member Graeme Edge (drums), along with almost-original members John Lodge (bass) and Justin Hayward (vocals/guitars), with the latter's distinctive voice still clear and soaring after all these years. The Blues' Woodlands show, the first of the Pavilion's 2008 season, doesn't offer lawn seating, so it's bound to be a more intimate experience.