The Moody Blues and The Fixx: 9/29/1986

Here is a great example of why it was cool to be around in the 70s and 80s. You could go and see two cool bands for a mere $16.50. I’ve spent three times that much just for parking at concerts these days.

Anyway, I had seen the Moody’s the night before in Miami, but I figured, “Why not go see them again?” Supposedly The Fixx opened at the Miami show too, but I don’t really have any recollection of that concert. This one I remember better. I went with my friend Carlos and we had a great time. While the West Palm Beach Auditorium was not nearly as intimate as the Knight Center in Miami, it was cool because you could walk around and pretty much do what you wanted. It was a very laid-back venue.

Nothing really extraordinary to share about this show. I was able to locate the setlists online, so here they are. Enjoy!

The Fixx Setlist:

• Lost Planes
• Saved by Zero
• Built for the Future
• Secret Separation
• Are We Ourselves?
• Treasure It
• Deeper and Deeper
• One Thing Leads to Another
• Red Skies
• Stand or Fall

The Moody Blues Setlist:

• Gemini Dream
• The Voice
• Rock ‘N’ Roll Over You
• Tuesday Afternoon
• Your Wildest Dreams
• Isn’t Life Strange
• The Story in Your Eyes
• It May Be a Fire
• Reflective Smile
• Veteran Cosmic Rocker
• New Horizons
• The Other Side of Life
• I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)
• Nights in White Satin
• Legend of a Mind
• Question

Encore:

• Ride My See-Saw

Moody Blues: 6/9/1993

I had seen the Moody Blues multiple times prior to this show, but this one was special to me on a couple levels.

First, it was the Moody Blues performing with a symphony orchestra, which may make some rock fans cringe, but I found really cool. The symphony started with an overture, and then the band took the stage and the rest was magical. As a musician, I can appreciate the complexity of orchestral arrangements, and the combination of strings, wind instruments, and rock and roll, elevated the musical experience for me and took me to new heights.

The second thing that made this show special for me was that I went with my soon-to-be wife. We were engaged to be married later that year, and somehow, the songs for me reflected the love I felt at the time (and still feel to this day). In particular, “For My Lady” made my whole being swell with emotion, and then “New Horizons,” which would be our wedding song.

So those two things alone made this a memorable concert experience. Nothing else needs to be added, except the setlist.

Setlist

• Overture
• Late Lament
• Tuesday Afternoon
• For My Lady
• New Horizons
• Lean on Me (Tonight)
• Voices in the Sky
• Say It With Love
• Emily’s Song
• I Know You’re Out There Somewhere
• The Story in Your Eyes
• Lovely to See You
• Your Wildest Dreams
• Isn’t Life Strange
• The Other Side of Life
• I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)
• Nights in White Satin
• Legend of a Mind
• Question

Encore:

• Ride My See-Saw

The Moody Blues: 9/28/1986

I don’t have a whole lot to say about this show. It was part of the “Other Side of Life” tour. I’ve seen the Moodys numerous times, and it is hard to differentiate most of the shows. I suspect I may have gone with my former room mate Mike, since he was also into the Moody Blues, but I can’t confirm that.

Anyway, I did find the setlist online, and I’m sure it was a great show. Wish I had more to share. Rock on!

Setlist:

• Gemini Dream
• The Voice
• Rock ‘N’ Roll Over You
• Tuesday Afternoon
• Your Wildest Dreams
• Isn’t Life Strange
• The Story in Your Eyes
• Painted Smile
• Reflective Smile
• Veteran Cosmic Rocker
• The Other Side of Life
• I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)
• Nights in White Satin
• Legend of a Mind
• Question
• Ride My See-Saw

The Moody Blues: 11/26/1986

The details of this show are a little fuzzy. I remember going with a group of friends and having a really good time. The Broward County Fair would always have a bunch of musical acts of varying genres, everything from country to new wave to classic rock. I was definitely psyched to see the Moodys again, and for only $8 plus fair admission, it was quite the deal.

The concert was held at the racetrack, so seating was in the grandstand. I recall having a good view of the stage, and the band seemed to be enjoying themselves. My friends and I were on our feet pretty much the whole time. Other than that, all I remember are fragments and songs.

I searched for the setlist but could not find one from this specific show. I did, however, find a setlist from another show on the same tour which seems to be about right with what I remember (distinctly remember Gemini Dream > The Voice to open, and Ride My See-Saw for an encore). Anyway, here is the setlist from the Indianapolis show on June 20, 1986.

Setlist

• Gemini Dream
• The Voice
• Rock ‘N’ Roll Over You
• Tuesday Afternoon
• Your Wildest Dreams
• Isn’t Life Strange
• The Story in Your Eyes
• It May Be a Fire
• Painted Smile
• Reflective Smile
• Veteran Cosmic Rocker
• New Horizons
• Talking Out of Turn
• The Other Side of Life
• I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)
• Nights in White Satin
• Legend of a Mind
• Question

Encore:

• Ride My See-Saw