Justin Hayward on the First-Time Rock Hall Nomination for The Moody Blues
The Moody Blues are one of nine first-time nominees on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s ballot for the class of 2018, answering years of calls by fans to include the British group.
The Moodys are considered by many to be one of the most obvious Rock Hall slights over the years, and the group’s faithful have campaigned hard for it to be included. But singer-guitarist Justin Hayward tells us that support could both benefit and hurt the Moodys chances of actually being voted in for induction:
“I think it would be really difficult for the board of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to include us now because there’s been so much pressure from fans. I’m not saying that hasn’t helped…Maybe I am saying that hasn’t helped out. It’s not important to me. I’m a committed European. I live in Europe and there’s not a great respect for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Europe; In fact, it’s quite the opposite, really…I can absolutely see it for Moody Blues fans here in America. I think it’s very important to them. But I’ve no desire to promote that thing myself. I can’t see it, to be quite honest. I can’t see it. I think it’s too late now.”
The Moody Blues released the following joint statement on their Rock Hall nomination:
“We are very honored to be considered for an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We know that the fans have been diligently supporting us along the way on this, and that it means a lot to them, as well as to us. Being a British band, we are grateful for our American recognition, and especially to fans who have been with us throughout our musical journey.”
Hayward, bassist John Lodge and drummer Graeme Edge remain in the Moodys lineup, while keyboardist Mike Pinder left the band during 1978 and flutist Ray Thomas retired in 2002. It’s unknown whether short-term founding members Denny Lane and the late Clint Warwick or keyboardist Patrick Moraz would be included in an induction.
Fan voting for the Rock Hall has opened at RockHall.com and will run through December 5. Inductees for the Rock Hall class of 2018 will be announced in December, with the ceremony taking place April 14 at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland and filmed by HBO for subsequent broadcast.
Gary Graff is an award-winning music journalist who not only covers music but has written books on Bob Seger, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.
