HOW TO GO
Who: Days of Future Passed
Where: Canal Street Tavern, 308 E. First St., Dayton
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Cost: $8 advance, $10 day of show
More info: (937) 461-9343 or www.canalstreettavern.com
Artist info: www.moodystribute.com
As a lifelong Moody Blues fan, Layne Loxley, 44, realized a longtime dream in 2009 when he formed the tribute band Days of Future Passed. However, despite growing popularity, the original lineup drifted apart in mid-2011 and the local musician spent the better part of the next year trying to revive the group.
The new lineup — Loxley (vocals, keyboards), Gary Hill (lead guitar, vocals), Kathy Simpson (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Ron White (bass) and Don Blakely (drums) — makes its debut at Canal Street Tavern on Friday.
Loxley recently answered some questions about the return of Days of Future Passed.
Q: What happened to the original lineup?
A: “There were just a lot of life changes. One of the members moved away and other ones had other musical interests going.”
Q: Did you consider quitting then or was it important for you to keep the band going?
A: “It took a while to get the new lineup together but I never considered ending the band. I’m a big fan of the music and I love it enough to go through the changes to keep doing it. This band is my vision and it’s my mission to keep it going.”
Q: How does this version differ from the earlier lineup?
A: “I think the band is more powerful, more dynamic and has more capabilities now than ever before. With five people we’re getting the most out of what we’ve got on stage. The Moody Blues vocal approach is very unique so with me, Kathy and Gary, we have three strong singers who can take the music where it needs to be vocally.”
Q: What’s on tap for Canal Street?
A: “We’re going to do the full show but without all the visuals. Canal Street Tavern is an intimate venue so it’s really going to be about the music and connecting with the audience. That’s a good way to get back to playing again.”
Q: What’s the set comprised of?
A: “It’s been a long proces,s but we’ve got plenty of material. We’ll be doing various songs from their career. We’ll play at least one song from each album from ’67 to ’99. We’re also focusing on the ‘Seventh Sojourn’ album from 1972. We’ll feature most of that album in the second set.”
Q: Why pick that album?
A: “It’s one of my favorites, and it’s got a lot of strong material. It was No. 1 in the U.S., so it was very popular, but it really stands the test of time.”
About the Author