Jones Beach Review
by Carol

In all the years that I have attended Moody Blues' concerts, at Jones Beach, this is the first year I recall that it did not rain either during the day or the night of the venue. July 22nd turned out to be an absolutely "beautiful/glorious" day.
I have been attending Moody Blues' shows since the 1970's but that 1st row seat, that every fan dreams about, was always elusive to me, until this year. I could not believe it but I managed to secure two front row, center seats for the venue and through Ticketmaster! Guess good things really do come to those who wait.
The reality of my good fortune did not hit me until I was actually in my seat. I kept thinking "is this really happening to me?"
Before the show began, Paul came out on stage and was using what seemed to be either a digital camera or camcorder. He wandered around the stage for a while focusing on the crowd and the stage set-up. Minutes were now ticking away and around 8:15 the band appeared. The closeness of the guys was a sight I will never forget!
Everyone looked wonderful, especially Justin, who was sporting a longer hair style. From the start his smiles were so contagious you could not help but feel their glow. John was sporting new leather pants, that fit him just perfectly - thank you, and as always, he was as flirtatious as ever. Graeme and Gordon were incredible as were Paul and Bias.
I was told that Justin had a "sneaky" way of looking at the audience especially at the beginning of a show. He would search out faces when you didn't even think he was watching. I did manage to get a couple of smiles from the Jays during the first half of the show but after the intermission is when the fun really began.
During "Wildest Dreams" I received the most lovable smile from Justin, complete with the crinkled nose look he often flashes. I was in heaven. This was one of several smiles I was the recipient of. Then there was that long smile and glance from John during "Isn't Life Strange". Oh, to be acknowledged by the Jays was such an incredible "high". There is something to be said about those 1st row seats!
There was no changes in the song set from the previous tour but no one seemed to mind. More and more people were into the "new" songs which I know made Justin very happy. The entire audience was on their feet during "Question" and "SeeSaw" and then, all too quickly, the show had come to an end.
While the band was taking their bows, I held up a long stemmed yellow rose, which I had gotten for Justin. When I got his attention he pointed to his chest and said "for me"? He then came over and graciously accepted the rose, saying "thank you very much, thank you". To me these few moments seemed like an eternity. I will never forget the look and smile on his face.

Carol

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