Justin Hayward brings 'The Story In Your Eyes Tour' to Phoenix

Who: Justin Hayward

Where: Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, AZ

When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Information: justinhayward.com

Review and photos by Robert Kinsler

It's hard to imagine a more enthusiastic audience than the one that caught legendary singer-songwriter/guitarist Justin Hayward's "The Story In Your Eyes" Tour at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on Wednesday night. Although 79, Hayward looked and sounded decades younger; his signature vocals soared and his artful lead guitar work impressed at every turn. And when it came to an extended portion of the night where he fielded questions from members of the audience, he was charming and witty — adding even more magic to the event.

Backed by a terrific four-member band, Hayward revisited many of his most beloved Moody Blues and solo hits in a fast-moving 90-minute set. The approach focused on blending classic rock, Americana and Baroque pop stylings together to masterfully showcase the emotional and melodic strength of each of the songs. 

Hayward opened the night with the Moody Blues' "Lovely To See You," bringing a warm Americana vibe to the track from that band's 1969 LP On the Threshold of a Dream. Other Moody Blues favorites also received reworkings early in the set including "Gypsy," "Tuesday Afternoon" (the latter featuring Karmen Gould's virtuoso flute playing), and "The Voice" with Gould and keyboardist Julie Ragins sharing lead vocals with Hayward.

The Question & Answer part of the night found Hayward tackling everything from how he takes care of his voice, when he began playing guitar, and the band's memorable concert at the Isle of Wight in 1970 before an estimated crowd of 600,000 concertgoers (one of his most bittersweet memories of that event was that it marked the last time Hayward saw Jimi Hendrix).

The momentum of the concert continued after the Q and A, with "The Land of Make-Believe," "You and Me," "Forever Autumn," "Your Wildest Dreams" and driving "Question" (the latter featuring Hayward on 12-string acoustic guitar) among the standouts. 

The night was capped off with stellar takes on "Nights in White Satin" with Hayward's dynamic vocals front and center, a rocking "The Story in Your Eyes" and wonderful "I Know You're Out There Somewhere." Then Hayward remained alone, walking to different areas at the front of the stage to greet and chat with fans awhile, including one young boy who was rewarded with Hayward's guitar pick.

If Hayward's "The Story In Your Eyes" tour is hitting your town this spring, don't miss it!

Justin Hayward connecting with fans at the end of his April 8, 2026 concert.

 

Justin Hayward to embark on 'The Story In Your Eyes' Tour beginning March 31, 2026

Check out this exciting news regarding Moody Blues singer-guitarist Justin Hayward. You can revisit his incredible legacy via my May 2015 review of The Moody Blues' performance at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles...Robert Kinsler

Moody Blues singer-songwriter/guitarist Justin Hayward announces 2026 'The Story In Your Eyes' Tour

Justin Hayward performing "Nights in White Satin"
at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on May
5, 2015.  Photo: Robert Kinsler

Legendary singer-songwriter/guitarist Justin Hayward, the unmistakable voice and principal creative force behind The Moody Blues, will return to the road in 2026 with "The Story In Your Eyes' Tour.  The U.S. leg of the tour will make place in late March and throughout April 2026, ahead of subsequent U.K. and European dates later in the year.

Now in his fifth decade as a recording and touring artist, Justin Hayward is best known as the vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter for The Moody Blues. After joining the band in 1966, he helped shape their iconic sound with timeless classics including “Nights in White Satin,” “Tuesday Afternoon,” “Question,” “The Voice,” “In Your Wildest Dreams,” and “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere.” The Moody Blues have sold more than 70 million albums worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Learn more about Hayward via his official website HERE.

In recognition of his contributions to music, Hayward was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2022. The medal was presented by King Charles III at Windsor Castle in July 2023.

Alongside his band legacy, Hayward has enjoyed a successful solo career with albums including Songwriter, Night Flight, Moving Mountains, The View From the Hill, and Classic Blue, recorded with Mike Batt and The London Philharmonic Orchestra. More recent releases include Spirits of the Western Sky, the No. 1 Billboard Video Chart release Spirits…Live, and Tuesday Afternoons: The Audio Files, which grew out of his popular YouTube performance series. His 2022 single “Living For Love,” following the EP One Summer Day, continues to receive international radio airplay and has become a fan favorite.

Hayward continues to perform extensively throughout the UK and U.S., most recently completing a sold-out co-headlining U.S. tour with Christopher Cross. “Working on the road with Christopher was a dream come true for me’ says Justin ‘I’ve always been a fan. and it was an honour to tour with him’.

IN 2025 Justin Hayward also released a new single and video, “Life in a Northern Town,” via Universal Records.

“The Story In Your Eyes” Tour features an expanded setlist spanning every era of Hayward’s career, stories behind the songs, and a dedicated audience Q&A segment. The tour is performed with a full band including Billy Adamson (guitar), Julie Ragins (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Karmen Gould (flute, keyboards, vocals), and longtime collaborator Josh Johnson (guitar).

“The title suggests my intention for this tour,” says Hayward. “It’s about sharing the stories, answering questions, and performing the songs that have meant so much to me — and to the fans — throughout my career.”

The Story In Your Eyes Tour Dates

Tue	3/31/26	Cerritos, CA	Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts
Wed	4/1/26	Santa Barbara, CA	Lobero Theatre
Thu	4/2/26	San Diego, CA	Balboa Theatre
Sat	4/4/26	Stateline, NV	Harrah's Lake Tahoe - South Shore Room
Tue	4/7/26	Tucson, AZ	La Rosa
Wed	4/8/26	Phoenix, AZ	The Celebrity Theatre
Fri	4/17/26	New Orleans, LA	Orpheum Theater New Orleans
Sun	4/19/26	Atlanta, GA	Center Stage
Tue	4/21/26	Augusta, GA	Miller Theater
Thu	4/23/26	Ponte Vedra Beach, FL	Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Sat	4/25/26	Clearwater, FL	Capitol Theatre
Mon	4/27/26	Fort Lauderdale, FL	The Parker

The Moody Blues to release 'Days Of Future Passed Live' on blu-ray, DVD and CD on March 23, 2018

I count The Moody Blues as one of the greatest 1960s-spawned artists still performing today. Along with The Zombies and John Fogerty, they continue to deliver potent and powerful performances well into the 21st century! Now comes word that The Moody Blues have an exciting release coming out next week in connection with the 50th anniversary of their seminal album 'Days Of Future Passed.' Get all the details below...

The Moody Blues' 'Days Of Future Passed Live'

is set to be released via Eagle Rock Entertainment on Friday, March 23, 2018

 
VIEW TRAILER HERE

PRE-ORDER HERE

 

Photo credit: Patricia Seaton

On March 23, 2018, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Days Of Future Passed Live by The Moody Blues on DVD, Blu-ray and 2CD.  Filmed in high definition, this title captures The Moody Blues delivering an incredible performance of Days Of Future Passed live in its entirety with a full orchestra.  This stunning concert includes: “Nights In White Satin”, “Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon)”, “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)”, “Isn’t Life Strange”, “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere”, “Question”, “Ride My See-Saw”, and many more.
 
The Moody Blues’ classic 1967 album Days Of Future Passed is regarded as one of the foundation stones of the progressive rock genre. In 2017, the band headed out on the album’s 50th Anniversary Tour which included the wonderful show captured here at the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts in Toronto, accompanied by a full orchestra. The concert begins with the band by themselves performing a selection of classic Moody Blues tracks before they are joined by the orchestra to perform Days Of Future Passed plus a couple of fantastic encore tracks. The Bonus Feature, entitled “Remembering Days Of Future Passed”, delivers brand new interviews with Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge discussing the making of this classic album.
 
The Moody Blues -- Justin Hayward (guitar, vocals); John Lodge (bass, vocals); Graeme Edge (drums, percussion)– are joined on stage by Norda Mullen (flute, guitar, percussion, vocals); Julie Ragins (keyboards, percussion, guitar, saxophone, vocals); Alan Hewitt (keyboards, vocals); Billy Ashbaugh (drums, percussion)and Elliot Davis (musical director, conductor and co-arranger).  The live show also features the voice of Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons on the two spoken word tracks: “Morning Glory” and “Late Lament”.
 
Days Of Future Passed Live is without doubt the definitive live version of this much-loved album and will be treasured by fans of The Moody Blues for years to come.
 
 
TRACK LISTING
 
Part One – The Moody Blues In Concert (CD Disc 1)
1) I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)   2) The Voice   3) Steppin’ In A Slide Zone   4) Say It With Love   5) Nervous   6) Your Wildest Dreams   7) Isn’t Life Strange   8) I Know You’re Out There Somewhere   9) The Story In Your Eyes
 
Part Two – Days Of Future Passed Live (CD Disc 2)
10) The Day Begins   11) Morning Glory   12) Dawn (Prelude)   13) Dawn Is A Feeling   14) The Morning (Prelude)   15) Another Morning   16) Lunch Break (Prelude)   17) Peak Hour   18) Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon)   19) Evening (Time To Get Away)   20) The Sun Set (Prelude) 
 21) The Sun Set   22) Twilight (Prelude)   23) Twilight Time   24) Late Lament   25) Nights In White Satin   26) The Night (Finale)
 
Encore
27) Question   28) Ride My See-Saw
 

Reviews: Justin Hayward, Kansas, The Heaters, The Legal Matters

Classic rock, prog rock, girl group and power pop styles are on tap thanks to four fabulous releases that celebrate timeless sounds with a 21st sensibility.

Artist: Justin Hayward
Title: Live in Concert at the Capitol Theatre (IM3 Global Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Moody Blues, Justin Hayward
Tell me more: Fresh on the heels of the release of Justin Hayward's All The Way album comes the DVD release of the concert film Live in Concert at the Capitol Theatre. The DVD features the singer-songwriter/lead guitarist performing 18 songs, including favorites from the Moody Blues, solo career highlights and newer material. An amazing look back at a his 50-year music career, highlights include an Renaissance flavored "Tuesday Afternoon" (where Hayward plays acoustic guitar while Julie Ragins plays keyboards), the breezy folk rock medley "It's Up To You"/"Lovely To See You," his wonderful new 12-string guitar anchored Americana original "The Western Sky," a solo performance of the holiday gem "December Snow," and potent versions of the Moody Blues' "Question" and "I Know You're Out There Somewhere." The official "The Wind of Heaven" music video and a solo acoustic performance of "Blue Guitar" and "Who Are You Now" are included as bonus features on the title. Audiophiles can choose between Dolby Stereo and Dolby Surround 5.1. Information: JustinHayward.com or IM3global.com.

Artist: Kansas
Title: The Prelude Implicit (InsideOutMusic)
You might like if you enjoy: Kansas, Asia, Triumph
Tell me more: Before the release of their new album The Prelude Implicit last month, it had been 16 years since progressive rockers Kansas had released an album of new material ("Somewhere to Elsewhere" was released in 2000). The good news is that the seven-member ensemble has returned with an epic album that builds on the legacy of the band's 1970s masterworks (Leftoverture and Point of No Return) via virtuoso musicianship, ornate songcraft and timely lyrics that explore love, sacrifice, faith, and mortality with poetic force that is palpable. The fusion of melodic choruses and prog rock has always worked well for the band, and that magical formula will transfix discerning listeners on "The Voyage of Eight Eighteen," "Summer," the potent "Crowded Isolation" and other cuts. Information: insideoutmusic.com.

Artist: The Heaters
Title: American Dream: The Portastudio Recordings (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Ronettes, the Shangri-Las, She & Him
Tell me more: The 1980s music world was about much more than New Wave, neo-rockabilly, metal hair bands and college rock. The release of The Heaters' American Dream: The Portastudio Recordings is a musical glimpse back at The Heaters, a group featuring Mercy Bermudez and sisters Maggie and Missy Connell. The 10-track disc features remastered and restored songs originally recorded more than 30 years ago on a multi-track cassette recorder, with the shimmering harmonies and propulsive songs blending the magic of the 1960s and '80s masterfully. The fast-moving disc is a joy start to finish, with the retro title track, lush "Just Around the Corner," aptly-titled "Rock This Place," and tuneful "Love Will Be Hurrying To You" capturing the exhuberence of the musicians' love of the golden era of girl groups that spanned from the mid-1950s to the late '60s. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: The Legal Matters
Title: Conrad (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Fountains of Wayne, Crowded House, Matthew Sweet
Tell me more: Detroit trio the Legal Matters' sophomore disc Conrad is a spirited and wonderful effort that is anchored by the sterling harmonies of band mates Andy Reed, Chris Richards and Keith Klingensmith. But the threesome's great vocals wouldn't mean anything without first-rate songs and commanding musicianship, and fortunately those key components are everywhere on the 11-song Conrad. The musically textured/lyrically sharp "I'm Sorry Love," luxuriant "Minor Key" (that would be at home on a Crowded House disc), scintillating "Pull My String" and yearning "Hip Hooray" are among this writer's favorites. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Album reviews: Justin Hayward, Game Theory, Dwight Yoakam, Bobby Rush

Those whose musical taste runs the gamut all have something to enjoy thanks to an expansive range of highly-recommended new titles.

Artist: Justin Hayward
Title: All the Way (Eagle Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Justin Hayward, the Moody Blues
Tell me more: Singer-guitarist Justin Hayward has one of the most distinctive and enduring voices in all rock, having emerged on the scene in 1966 as singer, songwriter and guitarist with the Moody Blues. Hayward's wonderful All the Way goes a long way in shining an additional bright light on Hayward by collecting recordings that feature the artist singing songs from his solo career, as well as reworkings of material from the Moody Blues and a brand new song "The Wind Of Heaven" (the theme song for the film of the same name). The Renaissance-flavored "Broken Dream," carefree Americana-tinged "Troubadour," tender and symphonic take on Don McLean's "Vincent" and a terrific live performance of "Nights in White Satin" recorded in the late 1990s are among the memorable songs on this collection, essential for fans of Hayward and the Moody Blues. Information: JustinHayward.com. 

Buy 'All The Way' today




Artist: Game Theory
Title: The Big Shot Chronicles (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Let's Active, Rain Parade, R.E.M.
Tell me more: Thirty years after its original release, Game Theory's vital third album The Big Shot Chronicles has been reissued as a deluxe edition that features the original 12-track album remastered along with 13 bonus tracks (nine of which are previously unissued). Game Theory singer-songwriter-guitarist Scott Miller (who sadly died in 2013; he was only 53) was a unique talent who crafted songs that tapped into youthful fervor while the songs themselves were bolstered by a mix of jangly melodies and smart indie rock arrangements. The range of material on Omnivore Recordings' new edition of "The Big Shot Chronicles" includes the driving "Erica's Word" (featuring a wistful vocal performance and great lead guitar solo courtesy of Miller), crackling "Make Any Vows," poignant "Regenisraen" and psychedelic-flavored "Too Closely." Among the interesting bonus tracks is an instrumental version of Vince Guaraldi's "Linus And Lucy." The CD booklet is wonderful, spanning 28 pages and featuring a wealth of photos, production notes and liner notes that shed insight into Game Theory's amazing The Big Shot Chronicles. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Buy 'The Big Shot Chronicles' here



Artist: Dwight Yoakam
Title: Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars... (Sugar Hill)
You might like if you enjoy: Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley
Tell me more: Groundbreaking country singer-songwriter Dwight Yoakam has returned to his rural Kentucky roots with his first-ever, bluegrass-centered full-length album Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars… (out now via Sugar Hill Records). The uptempo "What I Don't Know," more introspective "These Arms," breezy "Guitars, Cadillacs" and rip roaring "Gone (That'll Be Me)" shine here, all showcasing Yoakam's potent and authentic vocals. Everywhere lush arrangements filled with strumming guitars, shimmering mandolin, plucking banjo and expert fiddle work drape the songs with a wonderful Appalachia glow. Yoakam's reworked originals are not the only prize here; a touching version of "Purple Rain" recorded in the immediate aftermath of Prince's death on April 21, 2016 closes out the dozen-song collection. Information: dwightyoakam.com.

Buy 'Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars…' here



Artist: Bobby Rush
Title: Porcupine Meat (Rounder Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Doyle Bramhall II, Joe Bonamassa, Keb' Mo'
Tell me more: Eighty-two years young, Bobby Rush has returned with the intoxicating Porcupine Meat, a dozen-track set that allows ample time for the blues singer to deliver one of the best albums of his long and celebrated career. Mixing up his blues-based sound with funk, soul, R&B and related styles, Rush is unique for genre heroes now in their eighties who still push forward as a singer, songwriter and sonic explorer. Porcupine Meat features a wealth of potent material; the affecting R&B first-person account of racial injustice "Got Me Accused" features Rush as a double threat courtesy of a nuanced and affecting vocal performance and moving blues harp solo. Later, Rush lives up to the title of the glorious "Funk o' de Funk" with a infectious performance while the soulful "Me, Myself and I" looks at romantic loss with real life honesty with a guest appearance from guitar great Joe Bonamassa that brings additional power to the blues ballad with his soaring soloing. Information: Rounder.com.

Purchase 'Porcupine Meat' here


Robert Kinsler

Justin Hayward DVD "Live In Concert At The Capitol Theatre" coming September 23

Always a great day when there is news that Justin Hayward has a new release celebrating his solo work, and versions of the great songs he has performed with the Moody Blues...

Justin Hayward "Live In Concert At The Capitol Theatre"

coming to DVD and digital formats on September 23, 2016

An intimate performance from the legendary Moody Blues vocalist

Justin Hayward "Live In Concert at the Capitol Theatre" is the latest DVD release from the legendary Moody Blues vocalist, guitarist, and composer. 

This intimate performance from October 20, 2014 (Clearwater, FL) has been expertly captured by award winning filmmaker & composer David Minasian. It is truly one of Hayward's finest solo performances. 

The DVD, which includes the epic bonus music video The Wind of Heaven, can be pre-ordered now at the MVD Shop 

Watch the trailer for the new release below:

Track Listing
Tuesday Afternoon
It's Up To You / Lovely To See You
In Your Blue Eyes
The Western Sky
You Can Never Go Home
Watching And Waiting
I Dreamed Last Night
One Day, Someday
The Eastern Sun
December Snow
What You Resist Persists
Your Wildest Dreams
Forever Autumn
Question
Nights In White Satin
I Know You're Out There Somewhere
Blue Guitar (bonus track)
Who Are You Now (bonus track)
The Wind of Heaven (bonus track)