We recently interviewed Justin Hayward, asking questions about touring, musical influences and inspiration and so much more. Below are Justin's answers.

What do you think of the new Myrtle Beach Hard Rock Theme Park ride “Moody Blues - Nights in White Satin: The Trip?
I know a little of the proposed visuals for the ride but certainly not the full picture. What I have seen is interesting and fun. I know the music is great though — cos I recorded it!
Would you consider the ride a true visual interpretation of "Nights in White Satin?"
I don’t think that is possible. The song is so personal to me that my own representation would probably be strange and inaccessable to others. This is a visual representation by people who love the song and the feeling it gives them. Music is so subjective and I feel good about the feeling they have for our song.
What would you say is the cause for Moody Blues' continuing popularity and admiration?
I wish I knew, but I suppose it’s because we didn’t follow the normal rules and just went our own way, and I always like that in music. Most important of all though is the contribution of our fans ---they, and only they (no record co or promo outfit) are why we are here!
Which Moody Blues' album is your favorite and why?
At the moment - ‘The Other Side of Life’. It was at such a great time in my life.
Where do you typically draw inspiration to write your songs?
From a strong emotion. I start out intending to write one kind of song and another just appears. I love it. My guitars and my keyboard sounds help too. I love them, they turn me on. So do people!
How did the Mellotron revolutionize the Moody sound and future progressive rock?
On the Moodies sound , yes. My songs worked well when Mike played it. ( I liked his piano too, as on ‘Fly me High”) it completed our identity.
The whole of prog Rock? -- It would be a brave man that claimed that.
When not on tour, do you ever miss certain elements that accompany going on tour?
Room service.
What was it like to tour in the 60's vs. touring today?
60’s — 5 people in one English car! Now – 7 people on a bus. I loved every moment of the sixties. It was scary , serene, inspirational and fab! I’m so glad I was part of 60’s London.
You have practically toured all over the world. Which city and/or venue would you consider your favorite location and why?
I loved the O2 Arena in London. (I did it with ‘The war of the Worlds’) Brilliant dressing rooms, nice people, great artists bar, easy to get to (for me anyway). 2nd best,-- but only just, -- Le Sporting in Monaco — same reasons.
How has the music industry changed from the definitive era you were lucky to be a part of in the 60's?
Has it really? The new music I listen too is still played by the same kind, or type of artists I liked then. The music industry itself has changed out of all recognition. I wouldn’t know where to begin.
Would you consider your main guitar to be the red Gibson ES-335? If so, what makes this guitar so special to you?
My main guitars are the Red 335, my D 28, the original 12 string that I got back (see my website) and my Collings D3. I would never find another 335 like that , I do look, just to check them out, and they do not exist any more. The 335 is my true constant life companion. As is my D 28.
Moody Blues will always be seen as the band that pushed music technology forward. What type of devices or effects did you use to enhance the Moody Blues' sound before returning to the signature orchestral sound?
I don’t think we ever discarded a sound, so I suppose we can’t return, as you put it. Guitars, voices, keyboards of many different types, flutes and drums, all acoustic, all electric , but in the end the song is all.
Sell-out shows are common for the Moody Blues. Will more multiple night shows be put into action for upcoming tours?
Lets hope we sell out most of the gigs. We do not, and never have, said “we want to play there at that time” and then got someone to fix it. Promoters ask us if we want to play. We just take what is offered -- if we like it! Simple.
After being together for so many years, how has your relationship strengthened with John Lodge and Graeme Edge?
It always was brilliant and is now. It’s the same. I like it. We are very lucky.
During an interview on the radio show "Acoustic Storm" on January 30, 2007, Bassist John lodge claimed that a new Moody Blues album is "not far away." Is this true? If so, can you release some information for your fans?
Sorry — don’t know for sure.
The Moody Blues are at the head of the list of progressive rock groups to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. How do you feel about that?
That’s nice –( I think). I guess I’m one of the few people who has never seen us as prog rock though. We are just a band, and individuals , who do our own thing.
If you could describe yourself with one Moody Blues' song, which one would it be and why?
‘I know You’re Out there Somewhere’. Don’t really know why. It just sounds like me!
Who are your major musical influences?
Buddy Holly, The Beatles.
