THE Moody Blues tour to Newcastle City Hall on June 22, just after band member John Lodge releases his second solo album, 10,000 Light Years Ago, on May 4.

The vocalist and bass player has been with The Moody Blues since 1966, and has written hit songs such as Peak Hour, Ride My See Saw, The Eyes of a Child, Isn’t Life Strange, I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock & Roll Band), Gemini Dream” (with Justin Hayward) and many more.

The album reunites Lodge with former members such as flutist Ray Thomas and keyboardist Mike Pinder on the song Simply Magic. Guitarist Chris Spedding also appears.

“Back in the 1960s, when the dreams of a ‘new generation’ were being born, The Moody Blues wrote a stage show which became the album Days of Future Passed. The theme encompassed the past, present and future experiences of our lives. When it was successful I knew that our decision to stick to our principles was the right one. Upon reflection, I suppose in my work with The Moody Blues and in my solo work I have continued to stick to that principle,” says Lodge.

The Moody Blues have earned 18 platinum discs and won numerous awards, including the NARM Number One World Group Award of 1972, the Playboy Vocal Group of the Year Award, the Golden Ticket Award for the sale of 100,000 tickets at Madison Square Gardens, as well as ASCAP and Performance Awards and the Ivor Novello Statue (in 1984 for an Outstanding Contribution to British Music).

“With a guitar, a blank piece of paper and a pen, the musical horizon has always been there. I go wherever the songs take me,” Lodge says.

* 8pm show. Merchandise package available via Ticketmaster.co.uk. Box Office: or newcastlecityhall.org and 0191-277-8030

Viv Hardwick