The British classic rock group Moody Blues is marking 50 years since the release of its first album with a concert Friday in San Antonio.
"We're doing the 'Days of Future Passed' 50th anniversary show," said the Moody Blues’ Justin Hayward.
IF YOU GO What: The Moody Blues Where: Majestic Theater, 224 E. Houston St. When: 8 p.m. performance, Friday Cost: $50-$75
The band’s songwriter, guitarist and front man has been playing with them for more than half a century, and their show at the Majestic Theater is a look back on the era.
"We perform the whole of 'Days of Future Passed' in the second half. In the first half, we do a lot of the hits we've had outside of 'Days of Future Passed,' so, yes, it's a lovely show," he said.
But the now iconic album wasn't expected to be a classic when it was released, Hayward said.
"Nobody at the time that we made the record thought it would have any commercial success,” he said. “It was made as a demonstration record. They were trying to interest people that liked rock-n-roll in stereo. Everything in rock-n-roll was limited to mono in those days."
And the songs "Nights in White Satin" and "Tuesday Afternoon" were created, in part, to showcase stereo sound.
"I certainly didn't have a stereo record player set up 'til maybe three years after 'Days Of Future Passed.' "
In April, the Moodies will be finally inducted into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame.
"It's a privilege to be acknowledged in the same building as people like Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers,” he said. “It's absolutely great.”
Jack Morgan can be reached at jack@tpr.org