The Moody Blues prepare for Pechanga performance, discuss staying power

When The Moody Blues hits the stage at Pechanga Resort & Casino next weekend, one thing is for sure – fans will be treated to an evening of iconic, revered sounds from the seventies. “I think fans will be surprised to see that we’re still going strong. It’s quite a remarkable thing in itself,” drummer and songwriter Graeme Edge said, laughing. One of the earliest members of the famed rock band, Edge said that the audience at the two Pechanga shows can expect all of the big songs, and a few lesser known ones for fans of the band’s deep tracks. “The concert will be a good representation of most of the albums,” Edge said. Songs like “Nights in White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon,” which have earned The Moodies a broad and loyal fan base, will have the crowd rocking and remembering better days with two shows at the Pechanga Showroom Theater. “We love playing live. We’re just a bunch of old hams getting up there,” Edge said, noting the band’s nearly 50-year presence on the American rock music landscape. The Moody Blues boasts sales of 70 million albums worldwide, 14 platinum and gold discs and enough accolades and sold-out concert venues to explain the band’s legendary run since it was first formed in 1964. Despite the many years that have gone by, Edge said the group remains relevant and in touch with fans by simply being…simple. “We’ve managed to avoid all the political pitfalls. We know what people want to hear from us. We let the music do the talking,” Edge said, adding that performing is “especially gratifying when we see the large smattering of younger fans” in the audience. Edge further attributes the group’s longevity to staying true to what they do best. “If there was magic to it, I wish we knew it. I think we’ve just stayed on our own path,” Edge said. The Moodies’ current schedule sees the band on an ambitious tour of spring concert dates that zigzag across the United States through the middle of June. The Moody Blues will perform at 8 p.m. on May 20-21. Tickets range from $60 to $90. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit www.pechanga.com.