[DiscoverMB]

Good morning! Day one is in the books (see http://discovermyrtl...showtopic=1519) and were ready for day two of the Grand Opening, which will be topped off by another amazing concert tonight featurign the Moody Blues.

Early this afternoon, the park will hold a ceremony to mark Nights in White Satin - The Trip. The Moody Blues will be part of the ceremony and we'll bring you updates ASAP so stick around!

[MyrtleFreak]

Any photos of the ceremony?

[DiscoverMB]

Yup! It wa a busy day yesterday. I'm just getting up after a spectacular night. Must...type...need...caffeine...I'll have a full report shortly on the day and the Moody Blues concert. Dare I say last night was the crown jewel of the opening?

More to come...I need to crack my weary bones.

[MyrtleFreak]

From what I've heard the Eagles don't even like each other. The Moody Blues always seemed like a class act, so I'm not surprised about the quality of the performance.

[jarmor]

huh?? from what you typed, I got that the eagle band memembers dont like each other so therefore there wasnt a good show?? Please explain

[DiscoverMB]

Alright! I'm awake, er, sort of...Last night's concert was an amazing experience. It was my personal favorite between the two. More on that later.

For starters, let's go back to earlier in the day to the ceremonial opening of Nights in White Satin The Trip. As usual, CCO Jon Binkowski MC's the event. He told a quick story about how his brother told him "You gotta get the Moody Blues", so it was Jon's pleasure to have is brother come forward and meet the band.

First up, band members surrounded a table with a wet cement block and on the count of three, each placed there hands in the cement and then showed their dirty hands to the crowd. They each took turns signing their name in the cement and proceeded to the ribbon ceremony, which was not your normal "cutting". Each member was given a long candle and together burned the ribbon open, marking the ceremonial opening.

The press was invited in to ride first and even given the opportunity to film the ride. The public followed behind.

Next up, the band and press were wisked over to the new Alice's Restaurant for sampling of the many fine dishes that are available. Band members sat at "Arlo's" table for food and interviews as they dined with the press and yours truly.

As the day progressed, the crowd began getting a bit heavier. At 6pm or so, the areas marking the beginning of the Born in the USA environ were blocked off but were opened about 7:15pm.

While the concert didn't start promptly at 9:00pm the wait was well worth it. The event opened with the Long Bay Symphony playing clips of Moody Blues' hits. After the third piece, which was "Nights", the band took the stage.

The night before, the Eagle played and, I must say, sounded exactly as they do on the the regular tracks. But, there was no over "show". I enjoyed it very much. Not knowing too many of the Moody Blues' songs, I was expecting a good concert regardless. What I got was a GREAT concert, which I have already described as the crown jewel of the grand opening. At a moment a little more than half way through the concert, they played one piece with the symphony which, at it's end, the audience gave them an amazing standing ovation I will go on record as calling it the pinnacle moment of the evening. (Moody fans, help me out with the song, please).

I was there when The Moody Blues made a joint annoucement with Hard Rock Park about the attraction's unveiling and now from an insider's perspective, to be involved I have to say that the Moody Blues are a complete class act and have been a joy to have involved in the development of the attraction and Grand Opening. Another high point was the band's production team tapped into the giany screen above the venue and broadcast the concert to the crowd, making it easier to view from all areas. It's something the Eagle didn't do the night before.

They even commented on stage how wonderful it was to be in two places at the same time, on stage and at the ride. They were extremely personable with the crowd and the Park last night. Personally, As I mentioned, I only knew about three songs, but after last nights performance with Long Bay Symphony, I'd jump at the chance to see them again.

What a great evening. Moody fans, please jump in and give your take on the concert.

(Oh, and I'll have pictures from the concert I was permitted to take online shortly - Start salivating, Moody fans)

[sugarbabies]

Wow! I wish I was there. I can't wait to see the photos! It sounds like it was a great time.

[MyrtleFreak]

huh?? from what you typed, I got that the eagle band memembers dont like each other so therefore there wasnt a good show?? Please explain

The four members of the Eagle don't even like each other. They basically bought Joe Walsh, who vowed a long time ago that he'd never play with them again. It comes across in their performance and a very robotic show. I'm not saying it was bad, I didn't see it. But it does reflect in the performance. From the sound of Raymond's review, it sounds like it too and Moody Blues was better.

[DiscoverMB]

Here are some photos from yesterday's Nights in White Satin Ceremony:

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[DiscoverMB]

Here are photos from The Moody Blues Concert:

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[rainbowG]

Thank you SO much for all your marvelous pictures and reviews, Raymond. I've encouraged those from our Moody Blues message board that attended to come here and post their thoughts at some point. Many are still returning home after their exciting adventure!
Peace-
rainbow glo
Travelling Eternity Road message board

[ShannyLou]

Thanks so much for your reports and photos, Raymond! I didn't attend but I've no doubt the song you're wondering about that you call the pinnacle moment of the evening was Nights In White Satin. It does tend to get that reaction in concerts and deservedly so!

[slowflight]

Raymond, thanks for the photos and your thoughts on the concert. Being much more of a Moodies fan than an Eagles fan, I found the Moodies show much more engaging than the Eagles, more because of familiarity with their shows and the ways in which they show their enjoyment. They appeared to be having a very good time. When Justin bounces during Lean on Me Tonight, it's a good sign! The show itself was excellent - as it was the first time I've seen the Moodies with orchestra, I'd expected there to be less energy, and was glad to have that expectation refuted. The orchestra did a fantastic job, after working out the initial nerves; it adds an element to the music that has to be experienced live to be fully appreciated. And the band themselves pulled out all the stops. Your description was very apt - the crown jewel of the grand opening. It's nice to see that reaction from someone who isn't familiar with their songs --- fans can be biased; your response wasn't.

The song that garnered the longest applause was indeed Nights in White Satin (and in gentle teasing, which Moodies songs do you know if you don't recognize that one?) Isn't Life Strange also received its fair show of applause a little earlier, but nothing like what Nights received last night. Nights does receive as long an ovation lately; the band's reaction last night was good to see. On a night celebrating their music --- it was an opportunity I'm very glad I didn't miss. The cap on three very enjoyable (if exhausting) days.

[Jusdreaming]

Raymond, thank you very much for the review and great photos!! You made me feel as if I was there. I sure can't wait to put my hands in the concrete impression~~Justin's of course.

[moodieluvah]

Eloquent, lovely review slowflight!
And Thank You Very Much, Raymond for your kind attention.
I've read many reviews over the years; some write as if they know what they're talking about but I'm left wondering if they were even present at the event they speak of so knowingly!
I'm very pleased you enjoyed the band.
The Moodies are a Class act. They love what they do and the beauty and spirit of their music washes away your stress and leaves you relaxed and infused with bliss.
That's why once you're bitten you're a 'goner' and are compelled to go back for more.
Come visit us. There's tons of Moodies related photos, music & video links, history, trivia and lots of stories.
Hi to my fellow TER friends!

~Pammypoo~

Moody Blues Message Board - TER

[libramate]

Raymond, great pictures you took of the ride opening ceremony. My vantage point wasn't as good as yours but thanks to a tall friend we got some. It was my first time seeing the band with an orchestra and yes Justin seemed energized by it all. Like Ann Marie said, when Justin bounces you know it's going to be a great night. LOL Awesome show to end an awesome four days.

Lin

[moodylucy]

Wow, I wish I had been there! Thanks for sharing your reviews and pictures!
I agree Jusdreaming.... I want to see the handprints!

[Greg McLeese]

A question for those in attendance at the Moody's concert - did the band cap the end of "Nights" with the gong as in the studio recording?

[libramate]

Yes a gong was used both for the end of the overture and the end of Nights.

[DiscoverMB]

Hey guys! The song wasn't "Nights in White Satin". Yes, the audience did go nuts for "Nights", but it was another song. I have a short video clip I'll post. I couldn't resist getting a piece of it because they sounded amazing and the audience was absolutly loving it.

I'll post more photos for all you Moody fans too.