The Moody Blues' John Lodge say band's Rock Hall induction is an “absolutely perfect” honor

Dan Weir

7 years ago

The Moody Blues' classic lineup (Courtesy of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)

The Moody Blues’ classic lineup (Courtesy of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)This Saturday, The Moody Blues will finally be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at a ceremony held at Cleveland’s Public Auditorium. Bassist/singer John Lodge says that despite the long wait — the British band had been eligible for induction since 1986 — he couldn’t be happier.

“It’s a great honor,” Lodge tells ABC Radio. “And it means so much, particularly in the U.S.A. I mean, so many people have come up and congratulated us.”

Moody Blues singer/guitarist Justin Hayward has said in recent interviews that because the Rock Hall is an American institution, the honor didn’t mean as much to him because he’s a European. Lodge feels differently, though.

“I know that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is in America, but from my point of view, we’ve been touring in America for so long, I feel as though we are American anyway,” he maintains. “We’ve been accepted in America, and I think we’re part of the American psyche. So, to be inducted in the Hall of Fame to me is absolutely perfect.”

John reveals that at the ceremony, he’ll be accepting the honor on behalf of his late band mate and childhood friend, Ray Thomas, who died in January, a few weeks after the honor was announced. Lodge reveals that Thomas, who knew he’d be unable to attend the ceremony, wrote a note before he passed that John will be reading at the event.

Lodge also tells ABC Radio that founding Moody Blues keyboardist Mike Pinder, who left the band in 1978, will be at the ceremony.

“He’s looking forward to it,” John points out. “He’s [sitting at] the table with me.”

The Moody Blues will be inducted by Heart’s Ann Wilson. The other inductees are Bon Jovi, The Cars, Dire Straits, Nina Simone and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.