WITH a career now in its fifth decade, Justin Hayward OBE, the voice of the Moody Blues, is returning to The Anvil in March.

Hayward is best known as the vocalist, lead guitarist, and composer for the Moody Blues, whose songs include the masterful Nights in White Satin and Tuesday Afternoon, plus other era and genre-defining hits.

He said: “It’s always a privilege and a joy to be invited to play in the UK. I'm rediscovering songs I have written and sung over the years - some that I only lived with for a few days while they were being recorded.

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"Now, I have a chance to experience the feelings that they gave me then, every night on stage, as well as including in our set the favourites that have been milestones on my musical journey. I'm joined by Mike, along with Julie Ragins and Karmen Gould, two of the brightest talents in music."

Already established as a songwriter, Hayward joined the Moody Blues in 1966. Hitting his stride immediately with Fly Me High, he followed it with Nights in White Satin and Tuesday Afternoon from the seminal album Days of Future Past. The Moody Blues sold 70 million albums worldwide, which includes 18 platinum and gold LPs. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.  

Hayward created several solo albums such as Songwriter, Night Flight, Moving Mountains and ‘Classic Blue’ with long-time friend Mike Batt, and The View From the Hill.

He hit the Top 10 globally in 1978 with Forever Autumn – created for Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds album. Hayward took to the stage and starred in its spectacular live production. His Spirits Of The Western Sky (2013) was followed by DVD ‘Spirits…Live’, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Video chart. All The Way followed - a compilation of solo work and live performances.

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In 2020, Justin took to YouTube for the ‘Tuesday Afternoon Video Series’ where he performed and discussed many of his key tracks: this led to the digital album ‘Tuesday Afternoons: The Audio Files’. Justin continues to record new music; in 2021 releasing One Summer Day and My Juliette, and Living For Love in 2022.

The date at The Anvil represents a rare chance for Justin Hayward’s fans to connect with one of music’s keenest talents and to hear the music that he loves, presented with a truly personal touch.

He will be at the Anvil on Thursday, March 21with special guest ‘guitar genius’ Mike Dawes.

Tickets are priced at £46.50 (includes £4 booking fee).

Contact the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244 or visit anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/event/justin-hayward for more information.