Moody Blues Had Better Options To Close Out The Rock Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony

By Doug Poe

Some criticism, justified to a degree, has been made about the band who closed the ceremony of the 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction last Saturday night in Cleveland. Apparently the choice for the final song, although it was among the group's best known hits, did not serve as a good send off.

It was appropriate that the Moody Blues be given the honor of performing last, since they were the most long established among inductees that included Bon Jovi, the Cars and Dire Straits. Perhaps not so appropriate was the classic the Moody Blues decided to perform at the end of the ceremony, the poetic but somber "Nights In White Satin."

It is undoubtedly one of the group's signature songs, but they should have gone with a more upbeat selection from their impressive catalogue of hits. Rather than going out with a whimper, as the T. S. Eliot poem suggests, the Moody Blues could have gone out with a bang.

Here are ten songs from their various albums that might have made for a more festive ending for the ceremony.

I'm Just a Singer In a Rock and Roll Band

After all, the shrine is called the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so this hit from Seventh Sojourn would have made for the perfect coda.

In Your Wildest Dreams

Most performers aspire to one day reach the pinnacle of success, therefore this single from The Other Side Of Life would reflect those wishes.

The Story In Your Eyes

"I've been thinking about a fortune" the song begins, and there could be no greater treasure for a musician than to make it into the landmark in Cleveland.

Question

This opening track from A Question Of Balance would have been a great closing track to do for the ceremony.

The Voice

Its chorus begs to be told over and over again, almost as in disbelief of the great event that has transpired.

Nice To Be Here

Unfortunately this song, as perfect as its theme might be, would not sound right without writer and singer Ray Thomas, who passed away a few moths before the band was inducted.

Gemini Dream

Being the most well-known collaboration of the two main members, Hayward and Lodge, would have made this tune from Long Distance Voyager a fitting closer.

Tuesday Afternoon

A sweet blend of harmony, orchestration, acoustic, and changing paces would have probably satisfied all members of the audience of the Museum on Saturday night.

Lovely To See You

This title would have served as a nice gesture to the spectators, as well as to their fellow inductees.

Go Now

How fitting it would have been to close the inductions with the first hit the band ever had, back when Denny Lane fronted before the arrival of John Lodge and Justin Hayward.