[Dr. Franklin]

No need for me to post; you said exactly what I was going to share and it’s crushing. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen the Moody Blues at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

When people think of the British Invasion, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and The Who are the first to come to mind. The Moody Blues weren't as loud as the latter two, or as influential as the Beatles, but who was? The Moody Blues were just unique and quietly powerful in their own way. I can't think of any other group to use an orchestra in their recordings the way they did. The Kinks are also underestimated in their importance, but they may have been because of Ray Davies ego, but I digress...

[Paul R.]

I can't think of any other group to use an orchestra in their recordings the way they did.

'Tis true, not many rock groups used "symphonic rock" in the original album releases of their tunes, although of course many went back later and added orchestras or orchestral elements. Those who did some work in that direction included Jon Lord (Deep Purple), Rick Wakeman (Journey to the Centre of the Earth's original recording with a live full orchestra being the standout), and, my personal favorite, even though it was just a one-off to compete with Lord, Uriah Heep's "Salisbury". The Moody's though, were orchestral rock through and through, once they adopted it.

RIP, Mr. Lodge. I'll play Ken Hensley's "Suddenly" for you.

Is my lifе really coming to a close...
so suddenly?

Suddenly another voice
This one gentle and clear
"When you've finished the task I have given you there
Come on home, you are welcome here"

Come on home, you are welcome here"