Longtime Moody Blues singer/guitarist Justin Hayward has released a symphonic cover of “Life in a Northern Town,” a 1985 hit by the British alternative-pop band The Dream Academy. Hayward’s rendition of “Life in a Northern Town,” is a collaboration with U.K. producer, conductor, composer, and arranger Mike Batt.
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The new cover, which also features the London Philharmonic Orchestra, is the A-side of a two-track digital single that was released on Friday, March 14. The B-side is a new live version of the 1991 Moody Blues tune “Hope and Pray” that was recorded at a 2024 concert in Kent, Ohio, during Hayward’s Blue World Tour.
The new rendition of “Life in a Northern Town” features Hayward on lead vocals and Batt on multi-tracked backing vocals.
A companion music video featuring images that echo the song’s lyrics has been posted at Hayward’s official YouTube channel.
“Life in a Northern Town” was The Dream Academy’s debut single. It reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985.
Hayward previously worked with Batt on a number of occasions. In 1987, Justin was featured in Mike’s 1987 stage production of Lewis Carroll’s The Hunting of the Snark at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The two teamed again for Hayward’s 1989 covers collection, Classic Blue. The album, which was produced by Batt, also featured the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Hayward’s Statement About His Collaborations with Batt
Hayward his collaborative relationship with Batt in a press statement posted on Justin’s official website.
“Mike and I have known each other since we were young,” Hayward noted. “I always loved the atmosphere and mood he created, and didn’t hesitate when he asked me to be part of his production of Lewis Carroll’s The Hunting of the Snark in 1987.”
He continued, “Soon we were putting together the album Classic Blue, featuring Mike’s orchestral arrangements of some of our favourite songs. … Most of the songs were recorded live, with me in the vocal booth, and Mike conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra playing his gorgeous arrangements. These are the moments we love and live for.”
Justin concluded, “The chance to revisit those feelings was an opportunity I wasn’t going to pass up. Last year we fixed a new recording session, again with [the London Philharmonic Orchestra]. … The first release is ‘Life in a Northern Town,’ a song, and a record that was at the top of both our lists of favourites.”
Batt on Recording “Life in a Northern Town” with Hayward
Batt issued his own statement about collaborating with Hayward on “Life in a Northern Town.”
“When the Dream Academy version came out originally, I had floods of phone calls congratulating me on ‘my hit,’” Mike said. “People just thought it sounded like me—vocally and arrangement-wise. Of course, I had nothing to do with it—but loved the record. It has always been one that Justin and I have had on our list: to do ‘one day.’ One day arrived, a few months ago, and we still had it on top of the list, so we did it!”
He added, “Vocally, this single is basically Justin singing the verses and me singing the choruses. … The absence of a rhythm section gives more space for the voice to occupy. It also means the arrangement isn’t obscured, so you can hear the inner orchestral parts. I do think there’s a chemistry we tap into when we work together. I think it’s just because we’ve known each other so long, and we’re musically comfortable together”.
Hayward’s 2025 Tour Plans
Hayward will launch a 2025 North American leg of his Blue World Tour on April 15 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The spring outing, which currently features 15 concerts, is plotted out through a May 20 show in San Francisco.
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The 78-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer continues to tour with the same group of musicians he’s played with for several years—keyboardist/backing vocalist Julie Ragins, guitarist Mike Dawes, and flute player Karmen Gould.
Later this year, Justin will return to North America to headline the 2025 edition of the On the Blue Cruise. The star-studded seagoing music festival runs from August 22 to August 29. The cruise will set sail from Boston and will visit Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Portland, Maine, before returning to Beantown.
After the cruise, Hayward has a one-off concert scheduled on August 31 in Derry, New Hampshire.
In addition, Justin will mount a fall leg of his Blue World Tour in his U.K. homeland. The 10-show outing runs from an October 19 concert in Cardiff, Wales, through an October 31 performance in London.
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