Beatles links to The Moody Blues
Manager Brian Epstein and guitarist Denny Laine both share associations with both bands – Beatles links to The Moody Blues.
The Beatles and The Moody Blues connections
The Beatles have several links to prog rockers – The Moody Blues
Manager – Brian Epstein
Brian Epstein became their manager in September 1965. This was after their debut single, Go Now! topped the UK charts. At this time, they were an R&B band and their hit was a cover of Bessie Banks’ earlier R&B hit.
Shortly after signing up with Brian Epstein, the Moody Blues supported the Beatles on a UK package tour. This turned out to be the Beatles’ last-ever UK tour. Brian Epstein and Arthur Howes promoted the tour. In addition to the Beatles and Moody Blues, other artists on the bill included Liverpool singer Beryl Marsden and UK R&B group the Paramounts. The Paramounts later morphed into Procol Harum.
By the time that Brian Epstein took the helm, the Moody Blues’ popularity was declining. Sadly, Brian Epstein failed to turn around the ailing fortunes of the Moody Blues. They had a three more minor UK hits in 1965 but these barely grazed the UK charts.
Their breakthrough came in December 1967 with Nights in White Satin. This resulted in a UK #19. Unfortunately, Brian Epstein wasn’t there to see it. He died on 27 August 1967 at the age of 32.
Musician – Denny Laine
Anther link comes with Denny Laine, one of the founding members of the Moody Blues. He went on to also become a founding member of Paul McCartney’s Wings.
After almost becoming one-hit wonders with Go Now! Denny Laine became disillusioned with the lack of Moody Blues success and moved on. Before joining Wings, he was also a founding member of Ginger Baker’s Air Force.
Denny Laine then teamed up with Paul and Linda McCartney, and drummer Denny Seiwell in Wings. They played their first gig on 8 November 1971.
The Beatles imploded in 1970. After his initial solo work, Paul was back on the road with his new band, Wings.
Author Derek Shelmerdine…
Author Derek Shelmerdine wrote the book Rock’n’Roll Unravelled. In short, its unique three-part structure tells the story of rock’n’roll from its roots to mid-1970s punk.
Record Collector reviewed Rock’n’Roll Unravelled and as a result, described the book as, “comprehensive… invaluable”.
Are any of the artists mentioned – on tour now?
The artists mentioned in the article are listed in 1960s and ’70s Artists on Tour Now.
As a result, check out if any of the people mentioned in the item are on the road now.
Paul McCartney – any gigs lined up?
Ringo Starr – any gigs lined up?
The Moody Blues – any gigs lined up?
Denny Laine – any gigs lined up?
Companion PODCAST:
Beatles links to The Moody Blues
……….
The Mop Tops and The King radio show
Elvis Presley Unravelled segment
Derek Shelmerdine makes a two-weekly guest appearance on Steve Chelmsford’s Mop Tops and The King radio show. The Beatles Unravelled and Elvis Presley Unravelled segments, therefore, alternate every two weeks.
This blog is a companion to this Beatles Unravelled segment on the Mop Tops and The King show.
Consequently, TO HEAR the original segment: Beatles links to The Moody Blues
on 100 radio stations world-wide between 7 to 13 October 2022.
Subsequently, it will be available on my Podcasts page.
In addition, this blog is the background to that show.
The Mop Tops and the King radio show is syndicated world-wide. It’s certainly a great name for a radio show specialising in The Beatles and Elvis Presley.
In addition to this blog, check out the links below for – all the Elvis and Beatles Unravelled segments.
