The Moody Blues at the Bournemouth International Centre Review
The Moody Blues
Bournemouth International Centre
11 June 2015
Reviewed by Keith Mitchell
The Moody Blues concert was held in the Bournemouth International Centre (known as the B.I.C.) Windsor Hall. This is a large conference venue with temporary seating to accommodate concerts. The venue is well served with beach front car parks and its own multi storey car park attached to the hall. Exiting these can be a little slow when a big concert is on, further car parking is available at the nearby Pavilion Theatre although personally I tend to park in Glenfern Road and walk 10 minutes through the gardens to the beach area and venue.
Entering the B.I.C. you are in a large foyer which contains a light, clean ticket office and a large merchandising stand for the band, both well-staffed. I approached the ticket office, explaining the situation of me being a late substitute to a pleasant young lady, who checked my documentation and quickly supplied our tickets. Access from the foyer to the very large raised bar area is via a few steps or a ramp for wheelchair access. Access to the upper floor is via stairs, escalator or lifts. The venue has plenty of toilet facilities spread throughout the building and those used were clean, light and well stocked. Screens are readily available in the foyer giving updates on the start time and also the timing for the break and the finish. Our concert was shown as 8pm start but the updates indicated 8.10 pm.
Entering Windsor Hall I noted a large number of staff checking tickets and directing customers to the correct seating areas. I spoke to several of the staff asking questions to which I knew the answers being a fairly regular visitor to the B.I.C. All answered swiftly and correctly in a friendly manner, showing good knowledge of the venue. There were 12 rows on the flat area and then a large raised terrace. Our seats were in row GG the second row of the raised terrace directly in the centre, behind and above the sound engineers. The terracing is steep enough that my wife who is 5 feet tall had a clear view over the only row in front of us. The view from here is superb. The seats were, considering they were temporary, of good width, I could sit comfortably, being a 19 stone ex-rugby player and had sufficient leg room. It was a shame that the hall was only about 80% full but the crowd’s enthusiasm certainly made up for that.
At 8.10pm on the dot the band took the stage to rapturous applause from the crowd, mainly of an age group commensurate with the band. A kaleidoscope lighting display as a back drop gave plenty of visibility of the band as they set off into ‘Gemini Dream’. I felt the instruments were drowning the vocals but this problem was quickly sorted. Each song was thunderously applauded with the crowd rising to their feet to acclaim the band. Swiftly on through the set of ‘The Voice’, ‘Steppin’ in a Slide Zone’, ‘You and Me’, ‘Gypsy’. The band warmed mightily to their task and clearly were enjoying themselves as much as the crowd were enjoying them. ‘Nervous’, ‘Say it with Love’ and ‘Peak Hour’ led nicely on to the classic ‘I know you’re out there somewhere’ and ending the first half with ‘The story in your eyes’. To complete adulation the band departed slowly from the stage to enjoy a well-earned break of 20 minutes. Cue Moodies tracks that didn’t make it to the set, like’ Legend of a mind’ (Timothy Leary’s dead).
Back they came to start with ‘Your wildest dreams’ followed up by the haunting ‘Isn’t life strange’, Tuesday Afternoon’ and ‘Higher and higher’. Graham Edge came down to the front, gave a few jokes and reminded us all that this year’s anniversaries were his 74th birthday and the Moodies 51st year in the business. Wow!!! where has the time gone, songs that never age and three guys who can still cut it with the very best. Graham with tambourine cavorting around the stage. All the time building to a crescendo of the better known songs for those not aficionados of the Moodies. Interspersed now in the light show were pictures of the band in their heyday with their 70’s suits and Carnaby Street style. ‘Driftwood’ was followed by the splendid rocker ‘I’m just a singer’.
By this stage most of the auditorium were on their feet clapping and singing along. ‘Late Lament’ and then… the fine poetry from Graham starting the mightiest of ballads, an icon song of any era, ‘Nights in white satin’ sung by Justin Heywood and virtually the entire audience. By now the band were giving it everything and launched into ‘ Question’ receiving a standing ovation as they departed the stage. Back for the encore of ‘Ride my see saw’. The crowd not wanting them to leave and the three main artists seeming as though they were reluctant to go.
The band were magnificent all night. Norda Mullen on flute, backing vocals and acoustic guitar, along with Julie Raggins on flute, saxophone, keyboards acoustic guitar and backing vocals, showing great versatility. Alan Hewitt on keyboards and backing vocals looking as though he was having a blast. The incredible Gordon Marshall driving things along on drums with a performance of huge gusto and panache especially when brutalising the cymbals in several of the latter songs. Graham Edge with wit and consummate ease on the drums, John Lodge on bass and vocals, sharing centre stage with Justin Heywood on guitars and vocals still performing their magical songs and beautiful melodies sounding as though they were still in their 20’s.
Sadly all things must end and finally leaving the hall, nostalgia flowing and a realisation that this may be the only time I shall ever see this iconic band, I was struck by what a fantastic night it had been. Unlike my sister, who had all their records, I liked some of their music in my youth but I have to say after tonight, I am now a convert. If you get chance to see this band and remember their past glories, don’t miss the opportunity, even if you were not a definite fan. Go with an open mind and enjoy a band of supreme talent giving their all for their public.
Rating: 5/5 
The Moody Blues are currently of tour, for more details visit www.moodybluestoday.com.
For other shows at the Bournemouth International Centre visit www.bic.co.uk.
Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH | 0844 576 3000
