I wondered what their opening song would be, most likely something rousing and not one of the melodic ballads I prefer.

The legion of fans filling the BIC waited with infectious anticipation, The Moody Blues came out on stage and launched into Gemini Dream.

This set the scene for the 5th show of the Moody Blues UK tour an evening of rousing rhythm and inspiration lyrics, lots of favourites and loads of energy.

The three original members of the band from 1966 were joined by Norda Mullen, Julie Ragins, Gordon Marshall and Alan Hewitt who although new to the original 1960s line-up have a long standing affiliation with the band.

Graeme Edge took centre stage for a few jokes and vocalised Higher and Higher with some ‘dad dancing’, finishing with a stand up performance on the drums. Amazing for his age (74 this year) which he had just proudly made his audience aware of.

It was a pleasure to watch John Lodge embracing his guitar so enthusiastically, having formed a symbiotic relationship with the baby boomer audience participating with foot tapping and handclapping.

From early in the performance, with a massive prompt from the rendition of ‘There’s Someone Out There Somewhere’ the audience were on their feet and keen to join in.

The Moody Blues could have stood down for Nights in White Satin and let the audience take over. Always the last song of the night at a 70s disco, the audience were on their feet, dancing, singing and waving with little encouragement from the band followed by Justin Hayward giving an energetic 12 string performance of ‘Question’.

The concert-ender was Ride my See-Saw from In Search of The Lost Chord album when sixties psychedelic pop was respectable. By this time audience participation had reached frenzy level, was I at one big party?!

This was an evening of non stop quality music which easily stands the test of time. Great night.

By Diane Durham