Moody Blues singer/bassist John Lodge launched a 2025 solo U.S. tour on Wednesday, February 19, in Port Chester, New York. The trek follows the release this past Friday, February 14, of Lodge’s new five-song EP, Love Conquers All.
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While fans likely are excited to have new music from Lodge, the 81-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer told American Songwriter that he isn’t planning to play any of the new tunes on the tour.
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John noted that he’ll focus on the music of his old band, like he’s done on other recent solo tours.
“I’m doing classic Moody Blues [songs] for the first set, and then [the band’s full 1967] Days of Future Passed [album],” he explained. “I enjoy, obviously, playing Moody Blues hits. I enjoy playing Days of Future Passed. I also enjoy playing my own solo songs, but I think for this tour, I’m trying to just keep The Moody Blues’ music alive.
He added with a laugh, “It’s really important for me. I am a Moody Blue, and I would like everyone to listen to Moody Blues music. Simple.”
Regarding his feelings about playing material from the EP, Lodge said, “Well, I’d like to, but [the question is] what do you drop? We try to have a really balanced set list. … [G]etting the balance right is, for me, really important.
More About Lodge’s Planned Concert Set
Current Yes frontman Jon Davison is a featured guest on Lodge’s tour, as he regularly has been at John’s shows during the past several years. Lodge has become close friends with Davison, who was a major contributor to the Love Conquers All EP. Beyond that, Davison also happens to be married to Lodge’s daughter, Emily.
At Lodge’s concerts, Davison will sing the Moody Blues classics “Nights in White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon.” Both tunes, which are from Days of Future Passed, were written and original sung by Moody Blues vocalist/guitarist Justin Hayward.
Lodge explained to American Songwriter that he likes paying homage to all his former Moody Blues bandmates at his shows. He does this by performing at least one song written by each of them.
John’s sets usually include “Legend of a Mind” by late Moodies singer/flutist Ray Thomas. Meanwhile, Days of Future Passed includes the aforementioned Hayward songs, as well as “Dawn Is a Feeling” and “The Sunset” by late keyboardist Mike Pinder. Late drummer Graeme Edge is represented by the spoken-word Days of Future Passed track “Late Lament.” Before Graeme’s death in 2021, Lodge asked Edge to record himself reciting the poem, which is played during John’s concerts.
Lodge also explained that there is one fairly new addition to his set list, “Talking Out of Turn.” The song, which appeared on The Moody Blues’ 1980 album Long Distance Voyager, joined the set in 2024.
More Detail About Lodge’s 2025 Tour Plans
The U.S. leg of Lodge’s 2025 tour features 12 concerts, and runs through a March 24 show in Anna Maria, Florida.
John will take a break from the trek to perform on the 2025 ’70s Rock & Romance Cruise. The star-studded seagoing music festival runs from March 15 to March 22. The cruise embarks from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and visits Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, before returning to port.
Lodge also has a six-date spring tour of the U.K. lined up. That outing gets underway April 6 in Birmingham and is mapped out through an April 15 concert in Guildford.
Tickets to Lodge’s concerts are available now via various outlets, including StubHub.
Lodge Is Looking Forward to the ’70s Rock & Romance Cruise
Lodge told American Songwriter that he’s excited to take part in the ’70s Rock & Romance Cruise again this year.
“It’s like a floating festival on the sea,” John maintained. “So much music going on, and so much diverse music as well, which is just fabulous. And it’s great to see so many smiling faces on a cruise. And there’s something magic about midnight, walking across the top deck and hearing music playing, and everybody relaxing, enjoying themselves, with … a night sky and the stars shining. What could be better?”
Lodge also noted that participating in music cruise also gives fellow artists the chance to reconnect or become friends. He revealed that he and ex-Eagles guitarist Don Felder, whom he’d gotten to known years ago, renewed their friendship when they both took part in the same cruise.
The 2025 ’70s Rock & Romance Cruise lineup also features Air Supply, Kansas, Jefferson Starship, ex- Grand Funk Railroad frontman Mark Farner, former Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Al Stewart, Pure Prairie League, Sheena Easton, The Babys, The Family Stone, former Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau, The Ides of March, and ex-Wings guitarist Laurence Juber.
John Lodge’s Upcoming 2025 Tour Dates:
February 20 – Lexington, MA @ Cary Hall
February 22 – New Haven, CT @ Shubert Theatre
February 23 – Red Bank, NJ @ The Vogel at Count Basie Center for the Arts
February 25 – Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre
February 26 – Westbury, NY @ NYCB Theatre at Westbury
February 28 – Nashville, IN @ Brown County Music Center
March 1 – Waukegan, IL @ Genesee Theatre
March 3 – Sioux City, IA @ Orpheum Theatre
March 5 – Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theater
March 15-22 -’70s Rock & Romance Cruise 2025
March 23 – The Villages, FL @ Savannah Center
March 24 – Anna Maria, FL @ The Center of Anna Maria Island
April 6 – Birmingham, U.K. @ Birmingham Town Hall
April 8 – Manchester, U.K. @ RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music)
April 9 – Glasgow, U.K. @ Pavilion Theatre
April 11 – Islington, U.K. @ Union Chapel
April 14 – Bristol, U.K. @ St Georges
April 15 – Guildford, U.K. @ G Live
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