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Justin Hayward
Justin Hayward
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Key Information

David Justin Hayward[1][2] OBE (born 14 October 1946) is an English musician. He was the guitarist and frontman of the rock band the Moody Blues from 1966 until its dissolution in 2018. He became the group's principal vocalist and its most prolific songwriter over the 1967–1974 period, and composed several international hit singles for the band. With John Lodge's death in 2025, Hayward is the last surviving member of the classic Moody Blues lineup.

Singles written by Hayward for the Moody Blues include "Nights in White Satin", "Tuesday Afternoon", "Never Comes the Day", "Question", "The Voice", "I Know You're Out There Somewhere" and "English Sunset"; he wrote 20 of the group's 27 post-1967 singles. He also has a solo career. His first album outside the Moody Blues, Blue Jays, a collaboration with John Lodge, reached the UK top five in 1975. The single "Blue Guitar", recorded with 10cc as the backing band, reached the UK top ten in 1975, and his 1978 recording of "Forever Autumn" from Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds reached the UK top five.[3]

In 2018 Hayward was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Moody Blues[4] and in 2022 was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the music industry.

Early life and early career

[edit]

Hayward was born in Dean Street, Swindon, Wiltshire,[5] the son of two teachers. He was educated at Shrivenham Primary School in nearby Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, and at the Commonweal School in Swindon. Tall for his age, at Commonweal School he acquired the nickname "legs".[6] He was playing in several bands as early as the age of 15, when he bought a Gibson 335, a guitar that appears on nearly all of his records throughout his career,[7] and a Vox AC30 amplifier.[8] All previous guitars were "unsatisfactory" and required modification.[9] He performed with local Swindon groups in clubs and dance halls playing mostly Buddy Holly songs. One of Hayward's early groups was All Things Bright,[10] which opened for The Hollies and Brian Poole and the Tremeloes. When he was 18 he signed an eight-year publishing contract[11] as a songwriter with the skiffle artist and record producer Lonnie Donegan, a move Hayward later regretted, as it meant the rights to all his songs written before 1974 would always be owned by Donegan's Tyler Music.[12] In 1965 he answered an advertisement in Melody Maker[13] and auditioned as guitarist for Marty Wilde and he went on to work with Wilde and his wife in The Wilde Three.[14]

The Moody Blues

[edit]
Hayward in 1970

In 1966, after answering another ad in Melody Maker, this time placed by Eric Burdon of The Animals, Hayward was contacted by Mike Pinder of the Moody Blues after Burdon had passed on Hayward's letter and demo discs to Pinder. Within a few days, Hayward had replaced departing Moody Blues vocalist and guitarist Denny Laine. At the same time bassist John Lodge replaced the departed Clint Warwick.

After beginning by singing the old blues-inspired repertoire of the Moody Blues' 1964–1965 era, Hayward's initial artistic contribution to the Moody Blues was his song "Fly Me High", which was a Decca single early in 1967. It failed to chart, but gave the revised band a new direction forward from the R&B sound they had been largely producing up to that point.[15]

Hayward's driving rocker "Leave This Man Alone" was then used as the B-side of their next single on Decca, backing Pinder's "Love And Beauty" (1967), the first Moody Blues record to feature the Mellotron. Hayward and Lodge's integration into the Moody Blues along with Pinder's use of the Mellotron sparked greater commercial success and recognition for the band, transforming them into one of pop music's biggest-selling acts.

The 1967 album Days of Future Passed, one of the first and most influential symphonic rock albums, gave rise to the Hayward-penned singles "Tuesday Afternoon" and "Nights in White Satin". The latter record went on to sell over two million copies, charting three times in the UK (1967, 1972 and 1979), and has been recorded by many other recording artists. Hayward's B-side song "Cities" was an early ecology-themed item.

The Moody Blues' attempts to come up with another hit single during 1967–68 had them record three other Hayward compositions; "Long Summer Days", "King and Queen" and "What Am I Doing Here?", all of which were then left unissued, but together with unissued songs by Pinder and Lodge they later formed the 'studio side four' of Decca's 1977 release Caught Live Plus Five which largely comprised a December 1969 live recording of a concert at the Royal Albert Hall (issued against the group's wishes).

Hayward also co-wrote with Ray Thomas the album tracks "Visions of Paradise", "Are You Sitting Comfortably?", "Watching and Waiting", and, much later, "Never Blame the Rainbows for the Rain". He later co-wrote many songs with John Lodge for the Moody Blues, notably "Gemini Dream" (a US chart hit), "Meet Me Halfway", "Talkin' Talkin'", "Want to Be With You", "Once is Enough", "Strange Times" and "Sooner or Later (Walkin' on Air)", among others.

In addition to delivering the lead vocals on his own compositions, Hayward took a featured lead or co-lead vocal on other band members' songs, including "Dawn is a Feeling" (Pinder); "Gimmie A Little Somethin'", "Isn't Life Strange", "Candle of Life" (Lodge); "After You Came", "I'll Be Level With You", "The Spirit" and "Nothing Changes" (Edge).

Hayward's songs opened each of the Moody Blues albums in their 'post-Mike Pinder era' since Long Distance Voyager in 1981, and his songs, both solo compositions and those co-written with Lodge, plus his lead vocals, harmony voice and guitar playing, were a major factor in the band's work from 1981 onward.

Their album sales from 1978 to the present total more than 60 million. This is the regularly quoted estimate of their album sales, since the total sales of their albums before 1978 are disputed owing to lack of official record company data,[16] However, the period 1967 to 1974 was when their albums (and singles) were charting highest in the UK and US plus worldwide (album track "Melancholy Man" made number one in France as a single in 1970) - Days of Future Passed topped the US album charts on reissue in 1972, then was followed into the album charts by the new studio album Seventh Sojourn.

Hiatus and Blue Jays / solo work

[edit]
Hayward in 2007

In 1974, the Moody Blues decided to take what ended up being a four-year break from performing and recording. Hayward continued working with Lodge and producer Tony Clarke, using musicians from the Moody Blues' label, Threshold, and sounding very much like the mother group. Together, they had a hit in 1975 with "Blue Guitar" (a Hayward recording with the band 10cc) and released an album titled Blue Jays.

In 1977, Hayward recorded his first solo album Songwriter. He enjoyed international solo success in 1978 when he appeared on Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds concept album, which yielded his hits "Forever Autumn" and "The Eve of the War". Wayne later contributed to Hayward's 1980 album Night Flight.

Hayward issued a rare non-album single "Marie" backed by "Heart of Steel' (Decca F13834) in April 1979, both sides composed by him, the 'A' side dedicated to his wife. These tracks were later included among the bonus tracks on a CD reissue of his Songwriter solo album in 2004.

During the 1980s, Hayward composed and performed for film and television, including the theme song "It Won't Be Easy" for the 1987 BBC2 science-fiction series Star Cops, "Something Evil, Something Dangerous" for the film Howling IV: The Original Nightmare, "Eternal Woman" for the film She and music for the animated television series The Shoe People.

In 1989, with producer-arranger Mike Batt, Hayward released Classic Blue, an album of pop standards written by other song writers set to orchestration arranged by Batt. Classic Blue included a version of Led Zeppelin's hit "Stairway to Heaven". Hayward's solo album The View from the Hill was released in 1996 and a live recording, Live in San Juan Capistrano, followed in 1998.

On 10 March 1997, Hayward was featured on the BBC One's programme This Is Your Life with Michael Aspel.

Hayward contributed vocals to a song on Rick Wakeman's 1999 album Return to the Centre of the Earth.

In June 2003, he gave several performances at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[17] Later that year, he sang along with other rock singers on another orchestral album, consisting of Moody Blues songs with the Frankfurt Rock Orchestra, titled Justin Hayward and Friends Perform the Hits of the Moody Blues (alternatively called Justin Hayward and Friends Sing the Moody Blues Classic Hits). Hayward was later involved in a legal dispute, since resolved, arguing he was not paid for his participation on the album.

In April 2006, Hayward took part in the stage tour of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds, reprising his role in autumn 2007 in Australia and in the UK in December 2007. He did so again in the UK in June 2009 and appeared on the tour in November and December 2010.[18]

The Moody Blues, with Hayward, Lodge and original drummer Graeme Edge, continued to tour extensively, and in a BBC World Service interview, Hayward and Lodge made it clear they had no plans to stop working, regarding it as "a privilege" to still be working in the music industry. In an interview in 2005, Edge said if he remained in good health, he could go on for 10 more years.[16]

In 2011, Hayward contributed to the Moody Blues bluegrass tribute album Moody Bluegrass TWO...Much Love along with Moody Blues bandmates Lodge, Edge, Thomas and Pinder. Hayward sang lead vocal on his song "It's Cold Outside Of Your Heart". Many other Hayward songs are featured on this album as well as 2004's Moody Bluegrass: A Nashville Tribute to the Moody Blues.[19]

On 10 December 2011, Hayward, along with Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull and Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden, played a concert together at Canterbury Cathedral.[20]

Hayward in 2014

In February 2013, Hayward released his solo album Spirits of the Western Sky on the Eagle Rock label. He toured solo with this album on the East coast of the US in August 2013, to much acclaim, with Moody Blues keyboardist Alan Hewitt and vocalist Julie Ragins. The opening act and accompanying guitarist in the main show was UK's Mike Dawes. The final show of the solo tour, in Atlanta, was recorded by producer/director David Minasian for a live DVD project and a live CD. Recorded at the Buckhead Theatre on 17 August, the resulting DVD, Spirits… Live (2014), features the full concert along with a one-hour behind-the-scenes documentary titled On The Road To Love depicting Hayward's 2013 American tour, also directed by Minasian.[21] Following its release by Eagle Rock/Universal in August 2014, the DVD immediately rose to the No. 2 position on the Billboard Music Video charts[22] and would soon be broadcast by the PBS network.[23] Two additional Hayward/Minasian collaborations quickly followed: a concert DVD filmed in Clearwater, Florida, titled Watching and Waiting, and The Story Behind Nights in White Satin, a documentary which chronicled the origins of Hayward's classic 1967 composition.[24]

In April 2015, Hayward was interviewed on BBC Radio 2's Johnnie Walker show.[25]

The spring of 2016 saw another Hayward release from producer/director David Minasian.[26] Titled Live in Concert at the Capitol Theatre, the DVD contained a few surprises including the first live performance of "You Can Never Go Home" from the 1971 Every Good Boy Deserves Favour LP.[27] Also featured was a bonus studio recording of a new song titled "The Wind of Heaven", a joint composition between Minasian and Hayward. Intended as the main theme for a forthcoming motion picture, the song, with an elaborate music video directed by Minasian, was released ahead of schedule on the DVD to coincide with Hayward's 2016 US solo tour.[28]

Hayward performed during the "On the Blue Cruise" in February 2019. He postponed some tour dates following the cruise "due to a medical condition that prevents me from doing extensive traveling in the next few weeks."[29] In 2022, Hayward rejoined the cast of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds' "Life Begins Again" tour, reprising his role as the Sung Thoughts of the Journalist.[30]

Instruments

[edit]

For the most part, Hayward has used a red Gibson ES-335, though he also uses other guitars in both performing and recording, including a 1955 Martin D-28 "Dreadnought", a James Olson six-string acoustic, a black Guild acoustic, a Squier Stratocaster (essentially an inexpensive Fender Stratocaster, as Squier is a subsidiary of Fender), a Fender Telecaster, a blonde Guild 12-string acoustic and in 1967 a black Gibson Les Paul. Between 1965 and 1968, he was without his Gibson 335 and relied on other instruments, most notably a 1964 Fender Telecaster and a hand-built 12-string he had renovated for Lonnie Donegan (he eventually bought this guitar from Donegan's widow). However, in an interview included on the Lovely to See You concert DVD (2005), Hayward says the 1963 Gibson 335 has been with him since 1967. Recently, he has played a Collings D3 on stage and on recordings. Among other instruments, Hayward also played mandolin on A Question of Balance and sitar on In Search of the Lost Chord.[16]

Personal life

[edit]

Written at the end of one love affair and the beginning of another, the 1967 song "Nights in White Satin" was, according to Hayward, "in adoration of all women". Hayward married Ann Marie Guirron on 19 December 1970. His daughter, Doremi, who sings on the track "Raised on Love" on Hayward's 1977 album Songwriter, was born on 3 December 1972.[31]

In 2013 Hayward spoke of learning Transcendental Meditation in 1967, along with other members of the Moody Blues.[32]

With John Lodge’s death in 2025, Hayward is now the last remaining member of the classic Moody Blues lineup.

Honours and awards

[edit]

Hayward was awarded the first of numerous awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) for songwriting in 1974. In 1985, the Moody Blues picked up the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, and in 1988, Hayward received the Novello, among other honours, for Composer of the Year for "I Know You're Out There Somewhere".[33] In 2000, he was one of a handful of British artists to receive the "Golden Note" award for lifetime achievement by ASCAP.[34] In 2004, Hayward was awarded the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters's (BASCA) "Gold Badge", for his contribution to Britain's entertainment industry.[16][35] At the Ivor Novello Awards in London on 16 May 2013 Hayward was given the PRS for Music Award for Outstanding Achievement, which was presented to him by Marty Wilde.[33]

He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to music.[36][37][38]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
UK
[39]
AUS
[40][41]
CAN
[42]
FIN
[43]
NDL
[44]
NOR
[45]
NZ
[46]
US
[47]
Blue Jays (with John Lodge)
  • Released: 1975
  • Label: Deram Records
4 26 19 17 13 16 12 16
Songwriter
  • Released: 11 February 1977
  • Label: Deram Records
28 37
Night Flight
  • Released: 1980
  • Label: Decca Records
41 32 166
Moving Mountains
  • Released: 1985
  • Label: Towerbell Records
78
Classic Blue
  • Released: 1989
  • Label: Trax Records
47 97
Justin Hayward and Friends Sing the Moody Blues Classic Hits
  • Released: 1994
  • Label: Phantom Sound & Music
74
The View from the Hill
  • Released: 1996
  • Label: CMC International
Spirits of the Western Sky
  • Released: 2013
  • Label: Eagle Records
81 95 142
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Compilation albums

[edit]

Live albums

[edit]

Video

[edit]

Extended plays

[edit]
  • One Summer Day/My Juliette (2020)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Justin Hayward (born 14 October 1946) is an English musician best known as the , guitarist, and principal songwriter for the progressive rock band . Born in , , Hayward developed an early interest in music, influenced by his grandfather's 78 rpm records at age five, and taught himself to play the and guitar before joining local groups as a teenager. He joined in the summer of 1966, replacing guitarist , and helped steer the band from its rhythm and blues roots toward with orchestral arrangements and philosophical themes. His compositions, including iconic tracks like "Nights in White Satin," "," "Question," and "," became staples of the band's sound, contributing to over 70 million albums sold worldwide and their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Beyond the Moody Blues, Hayward has pursued a successful solo career, releasing albums such as Songwriter (1977), Night Flight (1980), and Spirits of the Western Sky (2013), while achieving a global Top Ten hit with "Forever Autumn" from Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds in 1978. He has toured solo since 2005 and continues to perform worldwide, often accompanied by musicians like guitarist Mike Dawes, with releases including the album All the Way (2016), the EP One Summer Day / My Juliette (2020), and the single "Living for Love" (2022). Hayward's contributions to music have been recognized with the ASCAP Golden Note Award in 2005, the Ivor Novello Outstanding Achievement Award in 2013, and appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to music, which he received from King Charles III in 2023.

Early years

Early life

David Justin Hayward was born on 14 October 1946 in , , . He was the son of Frederick Hayward, an English teacher, and Gwendoline Hayward, both of whom worked as educators. He was educated at Shrivenham Primary School and Commonweal School in . Raised in a supportive household, Hayward grew up alongside an older brother, Richard, and a younger sister, Theresa, who was born when he was nine years old. Hayward's early fascination with music emerged at age five, when his grandfather bequeathed him a large collection of 78 rpm records that introduced him to the sounds of rock 'n' roll, including artists like and . This exposure sparked a lifelong passion, and by age 10, he had formed a skiffle group called The Riversiders with school friends. He taught himself the basics of playing the and soon progressed to guitar, developing his skills through dedicated practice without formal instruction. As a teenager, Hayward immersed himself in Swindon's local music scene, performing in amateur groups such as The Woodpeckers, The Rebels (later known as ), The Whispers, and All Things Bright and The Shots. These early experiences in youth clubs and pub back rooms honed his guitar playing and solidified his commitment to music before he left school at age 17.

Pre-Moody Blues career

After leaving school, Hayward moved to in 1964 to pursue a career in music full-time. At the age of 18, he responded to a Melody Maker advertisement placed by singer , who was seeking a lead for his backing band, The Wildcats. Auditioning successfully by performing the riff from the Surfaris' "Wipe Out" on his , Hayward secured the position and joined the group in early 1965. During his approximately one-year tenure with The Wildcats—which later evolved into the trio The Wilde Three featuring Wilde, his wife Joyce, and Hayward—the band toured extensively across the and recorded material for . Wilde, recognizing Hayward's potential, encouraged him to focus on original songwriting as a path to longevity in the industry, advising that performing covers alone would not sustain a career. This mentorship proved pivotal, as Hayward began composing his first songs during this period, including "Day Must Come," which he wrote in 1965 and later recorded as the B-side to The Wilde Three's single "London Is Behind Me" in February 1966. By early 1966, after about a year with the band, Hayward departed from Wilde's group to seek further opportunities, feeling ready to advance his own artistic ambitions.

The Moody Blues

Joining and breakthrough (1966–1972)

In April 1966, following the departure of founding guitarist and vocalist , placed an advertisement in seeking new members to revitalize the band after their early R&B hit "." Keyboardist received responses and contacted 19-year-old Justin Hayward, whose letter was the first opened; Hayward auditioned successfully and joined immediately as lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist, with bassist John Lodge also coming aboard to replace . Hayward's arrival marked a creative turning point, as he quickly assumed a primary role as songwriter alongside Lodge, steering the band away from rhythm and blues toward psychedelic and progressive rock influences. His debut contribution was the single "Fly Me High," released later that year, which hinted at the experimental sound to come through its orchestral flourishes and introspective lyrics. In collaboration with core members like Pinder on keyboards, flautist Ray Thomas, and drummer Graeme Edge, Hayward helped forge the band's signature multifaceted dynamic, blending rock instrumentation with ambitious compositions. The breakthrough arrived with the November 1967 album Days of Future Passed, a conceptual work depicting a single day that innovatively fused the band's rock elements with classical provided by the London Orchestra under conductor Peter Knight. Hayward composed and delivered lead vocals on two standout tracks—"Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon)" and ""—the latter featuring his soaring and poetic themes of longing, which would become enduring anthems. This symphonic approach, developed through intensive studio sessions with producer Tony Clarke and bandmates Pinder and Lodge, propelled the Moody Blues into pioneers. The album achieved initial UK chart success at number 27 and later surged to number 3 in the US in amid reissued popularity, with sales surpassing one million copies and earning RIAA platinum certification. Hayward's foundational contributions during 1966–1972 extended across the band's subsequent releases, including In Search of the Lost Chord (1968) and On the Threshold of a Dream (1969), where his guitar work, vocals, and songwriting—often in tandem with Pinder's innovations—drove a string of hits and conceptual depth. These early albums collectively sold over one million copies each in the , attaining or status and establishing the Moody Blues as a commercial force in the evolving landscape.

Peak years and evolution (1973–1989)

Following the success of , which topped the chart in late 1972 and carried into 1973 with sustained sales, entered a period of hiatus starting around , allowing members including Justin Hayward to pursue individual projects. Hayward contributed significantly to through his songwriting and lead vocals on key tracks like "New Horizons," which showcased his melodic guitar work and introspective lyrics, helping the album achieve over two million copies sold worldwide. The band's break resolved tensions and creative burnout, leading to a reunion for the 1978 album , where Hayward co-wrote and sang lead on "Had to Fall in Love" and "," emphasizing a return to harmonious, orchestral rock elements amid the punk and era. The early 1980s marked a commercial resurgence for The Moody Blues, driven by Hayward's prominent role. On Long Distance Voyager (1981), which reached number one on the Billboard 200 and sold over one million copies in the US, Hayward wrote and performed lead vocals on the hit single "The Voice," peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and exemplifying his soaring tenor and themes of self-empowerment. He also contributed to tracks like "Painted Smile," solidifying his position as the band's primary vocalist on over half the material. This album's success, blending progressive rock with accessible pop arrangements, revitalized their career after the hiatus. Subsequent releases like The Present (1983), which charted at number 26 on the Billboard 200, featured Hayward's lead on "Blue World," incorporating synthesizers for a more polished, radio-friendly sound. By the mid-1980s, Hayward's influence steered toward integration while retaining their symphonic roots. (1986) peaked at number nine on the , with Hayward penning and singing the top-10 single "" (number nine on the ), a nostalgic certified in the and highlighted his guitar solos layered with electronic textures. The album's evolution reflected broader 1980s production trends, with Hayward handling lead vocals on more than 50% of tracks, including the title song. Their final major release in this era, Sur la Mer (1988), reached number 38 on the and featured Hayward's "I Know You're Out There Somewhere," a to "" that charted at number 30 on the , underscoring his consistent thematic focus on longing and reunion amid increasing dominance. These years saw the band achieve multiple platinum certifications and Top 10 chartings in the UK and , with Hayward's compositions central to their stylistic shift from psychedelic prog to melodic adult contemporary rock.

Reunion and final tours (1990–2018)

Following a hiatus in the late 1980s, reunited for extensive touring in 1990, marking a resurgence in live performances with core members Justin Hayward on and vocals, John Lodge on bass and vocals, and on drums, alongside keyboardist and other supporting musicians. The band's 1990 world tour spanned , Europe, and beyond, featuring over 40 dates from May in —where Hayward and Lodge performed at a tribute—to September in , emphasizing their classic catalog while introducing fresh arrangements. This period solidified Hayward's role as the band's primary frontman, guiding the group's stage presence and vocal dynamics through dynamic sets that blended with orchestral elements. The reunion yielded sporadic studio output, beginning with the 1991 album Keys of the Kingdom, released on June 25, which showcased Hayward's songwriting on tracks like "Say It with Love" and explored themes of introspection amid polished production. Subsequent releases included Strange Times in 1999, highlighting Hayward's contributions to songs such as "English Sunset," and the final studio album December in 2003, which incorporated seasonal motifs and orchestral backing reflective of the band's symphonic roots. Live recordings captured this era's energy, notably A Night at Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra (2003), a double album and DVD from a 1992 performance that paired the band with full orchestration for the first time, featuring Hayward's soaring leads on staples like "Nights in White Satin." Elements of their seminal 1967 album Days of Future Passed were reinterpreted in live settings during later tours, preserving the conceptual narrative without a full studio re-recording. Touring became the band's focus through the , , and , with Hayward anchoring dozens of world tours that reached millions, including multi-year North American legs and international stops in , , and , often selling out arenas and amphitheaters. His leadership ensured lineup stability, maintaining the core trio of Hayward, Lodge, and Edge even after Ray Thomas's retirement in 2002, allowing the group to deliver consistent, high-energy shows that evolved from rock spectacles to symphonic collaborations. By the , cumulative sales exceeded 70 million records worldwide, underscoring the enduring impact of their catalog under Hayward's stewardship. In 2017, the band celebrated the 50th anniversary of with a dedicated tour, performing the album in full across from June to July, highlighted by Hayward's emotive renditions that evoked the original's poetic depth. That year, they announced retirement from touring, culminating in a final 2018 leg of seven U.S. dates from January to February, billed as "Days of Future Shows" to honor their legacy. Post-retirement, following the deaths of (May 4, 2018), (November 11, 2021), and John Lodge (October 10, 2025), Hayward reflected on the band's six-decade journey as a profound creative bond, emphasizing the joy of shared music and its timeless resonance with fans, while affirming no need for further activity to sustain their influence.

Solo career

Debut and 1970s projects

During the Moody Blues' hiatus from 1973 to 1977, following the release of their 1972 album Seventh Sojourn, Justin Hayward pursued independent musical endeavors that allowed for personal artistic exploration beyond the band's framework. This period enabled Hayward to collaborate with longtime bandmate John Lodge and to develop his songwriting in more intimate, folk-influenced styles. In 1975, Hayward and Lodge released Blue Jays, their sole collaborative album under the Blue Jays moniker, recorded at Threshold Studios in . Produced by longtime Moody Blues collaborator Tony Clarke, the album featured orchestral elements and introspective tracks co-written by the duo, such as "Remember Me (My Friend)" and the single "," which incorporated contributions from members of and reached number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. The project highlighted Hayward's melodic guitar work and Lodge's bass lines, blending with symphonic touches during the band's break. Hayward's debut solo album, Songwriter, arrived in February 1977 on , showcasing his abilities as a self-contained with themes of , , and introspection. The record, largely self-produced with string arrangements by Peter Knight, included tracks like "Tightrope," "One Lonely Room" (released as a single), and the title suite "Songwriter (Part 1 & 2)," emphasizing and heartfelt vocals. It peaked at number 28 on the , marking Hayward's first fully independent release. A pivotal moment in Hayward's output came in 1978 with his recording of "Forever Autumn" for Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds. Originally composed by Wayne, , and Paul Vigrass, the track—featuring Hayward's soaring lead vocals backed by the London Symphony Orchestra—became a standalone single that reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart. This orchestral rock ballad, evoking autumnal melancholy, underscored Hayward's versatility in blending pop sensibilities with cinematic arrangements and solidified his profile outside .

1980s–2000s albums

In the early 1980s, Hayward released his second solo studio album, Night Flight, on in 1980. The album emphasized work and introspective songwriting, drawing on folk-rock influences with tracks like "Nearer to You" and "Maybe It's Just Love," which explored themes of longing and fleeting connections. Produced by Hayward himself alongside engineer Alan Lucas, it marked a shift toward more personal, stripped-down arrangements compared to his earlier work, though commercial reception was modest, failing to chart significantly in major markets. Following a period focused on commitments, Hayward returned to solo recording with Moving Mountains in 1985, issued by Towerbell Records. This album adopted a lush, sound, blending progressive elements with accessible melodies on songs such as "Take Your Chances" and the title track, which reflected on perseverance and emotional landscapes. Co-produced with Martin Wyatt, it peaked at number 78 on the , showcasing Hayward's maturation in integrating symphonic textures while maintaining his signature vocal warmth. By the late 1980s, Hayward ventured into orchestral reinterpretations with Classic Blue, released in 1989 on Trax Music in collaboration with composer and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The album consisted primarily of covers of classic pop and rock standards, including "," "," and "," reimagined through sweeping string arrangements that highlighted Hayward's interpretive vocal style. This project underscored his affinity for blending rock roots with classical orchestration, earning praise for its ambitious scope despite limited mainstream sales. The 1990s saw Hayward's solo output continue with The View from the Hill in 1996, self-released through his own label and recorded at Mullinetti Studios in . Featuring original compositions like "English Sunset" and "Children of Paradise," the album delved into contemplative themes of reflection and renewal, supported by a mix of acoustic and electric that evoked a sense of pastoral serenity. Produced by Hayward with contributions from musicians including his bandmates, it received critical acclaim for its cohesive songcraft and emotional depth, though it remained a niche release with no notable chart performance.

2010s–present and collaborations

In 2013, Hayward released his solo album Spirits of the Western Sky, his first full-length project since 1996, recorded in , , and , featuring original compositions such as the title track "The Western Sky" alongside covers like "Moving Mountains." The album incorporated orchestral elements reminiscent of his work, blending folk-rock with progressive influences, and received positive reviews for its introspective lyrics and melodic arrangements. In 2014, he issued the live album Spirits Live, recorded at the in during his solo tour. The 2016 compilation All the Way collected highlights from his solo discography, including both studio and live tracks. Following the 2013 release, Hayward shifted focus to digital singles rather than full albums, beginning with "One Summer Day" in 2020, followed by "Living for Love" in 2022, a folk-infused track that highlighted his enduring vocal clarity and themes of resilience. In 2025, he issued "Life in a Northern Town," an orchestral cover of the 1985 Dream Academy song, marking his latest solo output as of November 2025. Hayward's collaborations in this period emphasized orchestral and guest appearances, notably reuniting with producer for the 2025 single "Life in a Northern Town," their first joint effort since the 1989 album Classic Blue, featuring symphonic arrangements by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He maintained ties to Jeff Wayne's through live performances of "Forever Autumn," the 1978 hit he originally recorded for the project, including guest spots in Wayne's touring productions. These partnerships underscored Hayward's affinity for cinematic, narrative-driven music. Touring remained a cornerstone of Hayward's activities, with the leg of his "Blue World" tour in 2024 followed by an expanded 2025 itinerary across the , , and , which concluded in October 2025, where setlists blended solo material like "" with Moody Blues classics such as "." In May 2025, he postponed several North American dates due to , which struck midway through the tour, but resumed performances after a brief recovery period, as detailed in his personal update emphasizing vocal rest. In a 2025 interview, Hayward reflected on the evolving role of in songwriting, expressing cautious optimism about its potential to assist while stressing the irreplaceable human element in emotional depth and originality. This perspective aligned with his continued emphasis on live performances and selective releases, sustaining his legacy as a versatile artist into his late 70s.

Instruments and style

Guitars and gear

Justin Hayward's primary throughout his career has been a cherry red 1963 equipped with a , which he acquired in 1968 after joining and has used on numerous recordings and tours since the late . This semi-hollowbody instrument, known for its warm, resonant tone, features prominently in tracks like the fuzz-driven solo on "The Story in Your Eyes" from the 1971 album Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, where it was paired with a Marshall Fuzz Unit for psychedelic edge. He also owns a DOT reissue from 1995, used as a backup, but the original 1963 model remains his go-to for live performances, including the Moody Blues' 1978 show. For acoustic work, Hayward has relied on several vintage models, including a Martin D-28 from the 1950s, purchased during early U.S. tours and used on recordings since 1969, and a Yamaha FG-130 from the 1960s, which provided the fingerpicked rhythm for "Never Comes the Day" on On the Threshold of a Dream (1969). His most iconic acoustic contribution came from a Francis 12-string guitar gifted by Lonnie Donegan, employed for the gentle strumming on "Nights in White Satin" from Days of Future Passed (1967); the instrument was later lost and repurchased by Hayward. Additionally, he incorporated a sitar into his arsenal, inspired by George Harrison's explorations, playing it on "Visions of Paradise" and the meditative "Om" from In Search of the Lost Chord (1968) to evoke Eastern psychedelic textures. Hayward's gear evolved alongside the Moody Blues' sound, beginning with amplifiers in the late for their chime and clarity, as heard on classic albums from 1967 to 1972, where he often ran the normal channel at full volume for melodic leads. As live volumes increased in the 1970s, he transitioned to louder setups like Marshall 100-watt heads with 4x12 cabinets and Hiwatt stacks, evident in from the 1970 , to cut through the band's orchestral arrangements. In later years, including solo tours, he incorporated modern options such as amps and 30-watt combos, often with boosters to enhance the ES-335's output without altering its core tone. Effects remained selective, favoring compressors like the Boss CS-3 for sustain during the 1980s Blue Jays sessions and the vintage Marshall Fuzz Unit for distorted leads, though he avoided heavy modulation pedals, prioritizing clean, melodic phrasing influenced by folk fingerpicking traditions. Hayward maintains his vintage instruments meticulously, with the 1963 ES-335 still in regular service after over five decades, reflecting his preference for reliable, battle-tested gear over frequent changes or endorsements; he has noted no major sponsorships, instead acquiring pieces like his Collings D3 acoustic through personal purchases during travels. This approach underscores his signature style of precise, soaring leads that blend rock drive with acoustic subtlety, often delivered through minimal processing to emphasize emotional clarity.

Vocal and compositional techniques

Hayward possesses a distinctive high tenor voice characterized by its clarity and emotional depth, often delivering lyrics with an intuitive expressiveness that prioritizes feeling over technical analysis. His vocal approach evolved instinctively from early Moody Blues recordings, where he began using his voice to convey personal emotions around 1967, focusing on what "felt right" rather than formal methods. In performances and recordings, such as the falsetto passages in "Nights in White Satin," Hayward employs a soaring, ethereal quality that enhances the song's introspective mood, drawing from his natural range spanning approximately 1.4 octaves from D3 to G4. In composition, Hayward favors orchestral arrangements to amplify emotional narratives, a technique pioneered in the Moody Blues' 1967 album Days of Future Passed, where arranger Peter Knight integrated classical strings with rock elements to create sweeping, symphonic textures. His songwriting process typically begins with guitar-based demos, often acoustic sketches developed in at home, where melodies emerge first followed by lyrics refined over months to fit phonetic and thematic needs—about 5% inspiration and 95% effort, as he describes. Themes in his work frequently explore and personal relationships, inspired by real-life experiences like fleeting romances, alongside motifs of and spiritual searching, such as contemplative walks in fields evoking a sense of transcendence. Hayward's techniques include multi-layered vocal harmonies, a hallmark of the Moody Blues' sound, achieved by blending the distinct registers of bandmates—his tenor with others' contributions—for rich, immersive textures influenced by early rock acts like and . In solo work, he emphasizes acoustic songwriting, his own vocals to build intimate layers without relying on full band dynamics, as seen in home-recorded demos for tracks like "The Voice." By the , his production evolved to embrace digital tools, facilitating precise editing, click-track timing for tighter performances, and high-definition audio mixes that enhance clarity while preserving analog-era aura, as in his solo releases and remastered material. Among influences, Hayward acknowledges the ' profound impact on the , citing their innovative studio experimentation and cultural dominance in the as a guiding force for blending pop with ambitious arrangements. Classical elements, particularly orchestral integration, stem from collaborative opportunities like , though Hayward credits luck and tools like the for bridging rock and rather than specific composers.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Justin Hayward has been married to former model Guirron since 19 December 1970. The couple met in 1966, during the early years of Hayward's tenure with . They share a daughter, Hayward, born on 3 December 1972. Doremi contributed backing vocals to the track "Raised on " on her father's 1977 solo album Songwriter. Hayward has kept details of any prior relationships private, with no public information available beyond allusions in his songwriting, such as the inspiration for "." The family maintains a low-profile , emphasizing close-knit bonds away from the spotlight. As of 2025, Hayward and reside in the south of near the Italian border, where they have lived long-term; the couple, now married for over 54 years, are also grandparents.

Health and residences

He left in the mid-1960s to pursue his music career, relocating to , the epicenter of the British rock scene at the time. Around 2005, Hayward and his family moved to the South of near the Italian border, seeking a quieter environment conducive to creativity and family life; he has resided there primarily ever since, often recording music in nearby studios in and . In 2016, Hayward experienced a bout of laryngitis during a solo tour, leading to the cancellation of several U.S. performances, though he recovered sufficiently to resume activities. More recently, in May 2025, he contracted midway through his North American tour, prompting the postponement of shows in Tacoma, Salem, , and on medical advice to allow for vocal rest and recovery; the affected dates were rescheduled for later in the year. Hayward maintains a wellness-focused , drawing inspiration from and the natural surroundings of his French home, which he credits with sustaining his creative energy and overall well-being into his late 70s. As of November 2025, he reports no major ongoing illnesses and continues to tour actively.

Honours and awards

Major recognitions

In 2022, Justin Hayward was appointed Officer of the (OBE) in the for services to . This recognition highlighted his lifelong contributions as a musician, songwriter, and lead vocalist of , acknowledging his influence on and over five decades. Hayward received the honour from King Charles III at on , 2023. As a key member of , Hayward was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, celebrating the band's pioneering role in blending rock, classical, and psychedelic elements since the . The induction ceremony in , , featured performances by Hayward alongside bandmates John Lodge and , underscoring the group's enduring legacy and fan-driven campaign for recognition after decades of eligibility. Earlier, in 1994, Hayward and were inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk at the on Sunset Boulevard, where they left handprints and signatures in a cement block to commemorate their impact on history. This honor joined with other iconic acts, affirming Hayward's central role in the band's innovative sound and global popularity during the peak.

Industry accolades

Hayward has received multiple accolades from performing rights organizations for his songwriting and performance contributions. In 2000, he was honored with the ASCAP Golden Note Award, recognizing his lifetime achievement as one of a select group of British songwriters. He has also earned several ASCAP Pop Awards for most-performed songs, including his first in the and a subsequent joint award with John Lodge for "" following the Moody Blues' 1981 album . These awards highlight the enduring radio and performance impact of his compositions, such as "." The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA, now ) has recognized Hayward's excellence in songwriting through multiple . He received his third in 2013 for Outstanding Achievement in British music, presented by fellow songwriter at the 58th ceremony. Earlier honors include the 1985 award for ' Outstanding Contribution to British Music, shared with bandmates, and a 1988 individual award for Composer of the Year. In addition to ASCAP recognition, Hayward received a BMI Million-Air Award for "The Story in Your Eyes," acknowledging over one million performances on U.S. radio. He was also awarded the Gold Badge of Merit in 2004 by BASCA for his lifetime contributions to the British entertainment industry. Within the songwriting community, Hayward was elected of the of Distinguished Songwriters (SODS) in 2013, a humorous yet prestigious nod to his stature among peers. His works have further earned multiple certifications, including gold and platinum plaques from the RIAA for albums like (platinum) and the single "" (gold), reflecting their commercial success and cultural impact. As of 2025, Hayward continues to receive ongoing royalties recognition through these organizations, though no major new awards have been announced.

Discography

Solo studio albums

Justin Hayward has released several solo studio albums throughout his career, each showcasing his songwriting and vocal talents outside of his work with . These releases span from the mid-1970s to the early , blending rock, folk, and progressive elements with occasional orchestral arrangements.
Album TitleRelease YearLabelNumber of TracksKey Chart Performance
Blue Jays (with John Lodge)1975Deram9#4 ; #16
Songwriter1977Deram10#28 ; #37
Night Flight1980Decca9#41 ; #166
Moving Mountains1985Towerbell9#78
The View from the Hill199611No major charts
Spirits of the Western Sky2013Eagle Records12#81
Hayward's solo output emphasizes introspective lyrics and melodic guitar work, with Spirits of the Western Sky notable for its production, featuring arrangements by and sessions with a full for tracks like "One Day, Someday" and "The Eastern Sun". As of November 2025, Hayward has not released any additional solo studio albums.

Compilation and live albums

Justin Hayward has released several compilation albums that aggregate tracks from his solo discography, often highlighting key moments from his career outside . One prominent example is All The Way, a double-CD compilation issued in 2016 by Universal Music, which draws from his solo efforts spanning 1975 to 2013, including selections from Blue Jays, Songwriter, Night Flight, Moving Mountains, The View from the Hill, and Spirits of the Western Sky. The album features 33 tracks, emphasizing Hayward's songwriting and vocal style across genres like and , and was curated to showcase his evolution as a solo artist. Another notable release is Justin Hayward and Friends Sing the Moody Blues Classic Hits, first released in 1997 on ISBA Records (reissued 2003 on Armoury Records), where Hayward performs reimagined versions of Moody Blues staples such as "Nights in White Satin" and "Question" accompanied by the Frankfurt Rock Orchestra in symphonic arrangements. This release, while rooted in his band legacy, stands as a solo project blending rock with classical elements, and it reached positions on European charts, reflecting Hayward's versatility in orchestral settings. Hayward's live albums capture performances from his solo tours, preserving the energy of his stage presence and guitar work. Live in San Juan Capistrano, recorded during a 1998 concert and released in 1998 by Eagle Records, documents a set including tracks like "Broken Dream" and covers. The album highlights Hayward's acoustic and interplay in an intimate venue setting. In 2014, Eagle Rock Entertainment issued Spirits Live..., a live recording from Hayward's 2013 tour supporting Spirits of the Western Sky, featuring a mix of solo material like "The Western Sky" and classics such as "" and "." Performed with his band including flute and strings, the album emphasizes Hayward's live vocal dynamics and thematic , and it was also released in video format. Live in Concert at the Capitol Theatre, released in 2016 via (from a 2014 performance at the Capitol Theatre in ), includes renditions of career-spanning songs like "Forever Autumn" and "The Voice," showcasing Hayward's enduring stage command, with a focus on acoustic arrangements and guest appearances. As of 2025, this remains among his more recent live releases, underscoring his continued touring activity.

Singles and EPs

Hayward's solo singles career began prominently with his contribution to Jeff Wayne's project. "Forever Autumn," released in 1978, featured Hayward's vocals and became his biggest solo hit, peaking at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and number 47 on the Hot 100. The 7-inch vinyl single, issued on , included an edited version of the track on the A-side with an instrumental or album excerpt as the B-side in various formats, marking a shift from his work to broader collaborations. In 1980, Hayward released "Nearer to You" as a standalone single from his Night Flight, produced by . The 7-inch vinyl, distributed in markets like the and on , paired it with "It's Not On" as the B-side, emphasizing acoustic and orchestral elements typical of his early solo output. It did not achieve notable chart success but highlighted Hayward's evolving songwriting in a more intimate format. Later singles reflected the transition to digital releases and tie-ins with his studio albums. "The Western Sky," the title track from his 2013 album Spirits of the Western Sky, was released as a digital single, focusing on thematic introspection without significant chart performance. Most recently, in 2022, Hayward issued "Living for Love" as a digital single via BMG, his first new solo material in over two years, recorded simply with collaborator Alberto Parodi and available for streaming without a physical B-side or chart entry. In 2025, he released "Life in a Northern Town" (with Mike Batt), a cover available digitally. Hayward has released at least one commercial solo EP: One Summer Day / My Juliette (2020, Eagle Rock Entertainment, digital, 2 tracks). Promotional materials from tours, such as those tied to his 2024-2025 Blue World performances, occasionally include bundled digital tracks, but these are not formal releases. His singles have evolved from vinyl 7-inch formats in the late 1970s and 1980s—often featuring orchestral B-sides from Wayne collaborations—to modern digital distributions, prioritizing accessibility over traditional charting.
YearSingleChart PositionsB-Side/NotesFormat
1978"Forever Autumn"UK #5; US #47Instrumental version (various pressings); collaboration7-inch vinyl, digital reissues
1980"Nearer to You"None"It's Not On"7-inch vinyl
2013"The Western Sky"NoneNone (digital-only)Digital download
2022"Living for Love"NoneNone (acoustic focus)Digital single
2025"Life in a Northern Town" (with )NoneNoneDigital single

References

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