Interview
with Ray Thomas
Courtesy
of Glass Onyon PR
Ray Thomas in the studio with John Lodge
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Ray Thomas (Moody Blues) Interview: “Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll are a Thing of Memories; I’ve had More Than My Fair Share”
-An Exclusive Interview with Moody Blues legend Ray Thomas … Ironically on a “Tuesday Afternoon”
By Ray Shasho-Interviewed
December 30th 2014
There were many similarities between The Moody Blues & The
Beatles. Both had an entire band that could sing harmoniously and at times
almost identical alongside one another. Each band member was also able to
perform solos flawlessly. Both bands became good friends and even shared the
same manager (Brian Epstein) for a spell. The
Moody Blues became part of ‘The British Invasion’ and supported The Beatles
on their final UK tour in December of 1965. They followed the tour with their
first trip to the U.S. appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show.
In 1967, Moody Blues mates Ray Thomas and Michael Pinder performed on
the studio tracks of “I Am the Walrus” and “The Fool on the Hill” from The
Beatles, “Magical Mystery Tour” album. Both bands also mimicked each other’s
artistic strengths … originality, prodigious songwriting & musicianship
abilities and shared everlasting worldwide popularity.
NEW RELEASE … The Moody Blues 50th Anniversary re-mastered release -‘The
Magnificent Moodies’ –Esoteric Recordings (Cherry Red Records) An Official
(Deluxe 2 CD) 50th Anniversary Edition of the Moody Blues debut album is now
available.
Re-mastered from the first generation master tapes, along with all the
singles the band recorded between 1964 and 1966. Notably, this collection
includes 29 previously unreleased bonus tracks.
‘The Magnificent Moodies’ is available to purchase now at Cherry Red Records and amazon.com
RAY THOMAS is the legendary co-founder, flautist, singer and songwriter for The Moody Blues. Thomas demonstrates an
unimaginable musical feat spanning over five decades. It was Birmingham mates
Ray Thomas and Michael Pinder who actually formed The Moody Blues in 1964. They
recruited guitarist Denny Laine, drummer Graeme Edge and bassist Clint Warwick.
After signing on to Decca Records, they recorded their debut album‘The
Magnificent Moodies’ spawning the hit “Go Now” (#1 UK, #10 U.S.).
In 1966, Clint Warwick left the band. Thomas & Pinder eventually
brought in longtime friend John Lodge to replace him on bass and vocals. That
same year, guitarist and vocalist Denny Laine quit to form an electric string
band and was replaced by guitarist/vocalist Justin Hayward … and the
classic-lineup of The Moody Blues was inaugurated.
