“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
The YouTube video offers an insightful look into Justin Hayward’s performance with his band at Plaza Live in Orlando, Florida, on February 3, 2023. The show featured the song “Forever Autumn”, a piece written by Jeff Wayne, Gary Anthony Osbourne, and Paul Anthony Vigrass. In the video, Justin Hayward shares the story of how he became involved in the project and how “Forever Autumn” became a significant part of his career.
The Story Behind “Forever Autumn”
Justin Hayward, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of The Moody Blues, candidly shared how he was invited to participate in the “Forever Autumn” project. The story began when he received a call from an American man who asked if he was the singer of “Nights in White Satin.” Shortly after, Hayward was sent a demo of “Forever Autumn.” Initially, he wasn’t particularly enthusiastic, as he typically avoided singing songs written by others. However, a young friend visiting his home listened to the song and encouraged him to take it on, recognizing how perfectly it suited Hayward’s style.
The Birth of “Forever Autumn”
After deciding to join the project, Hayward met Jeff Wayne at a small studio behind Oxford Street. The two became friends, and Hayward recorded “Forever Autumn” for Wayne’s musical adaptation of H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds. For a while, there wasn’t much news about the project, but eventually, “Forever Autumn” was released as a single and achieved success on the charts. Hayward fondly recalled the exciting moment when he was invited to perform on Top of the Pops, which helped the song climb even higher in the rankings.
The Performance at Plaza Live
The performance at Plaza Live showcased Justin Hayward’s deep connection to “Forever Autumn.” Supported by Mike Dawes on guitar, Julie Ragins on keyboards and vocals, and Karmen Gould on flute, percussion, and vocals, the band delivered a vibrant and emotional rendition of the song. Hayward’s smooth and heartfelt vocals conveyed the emotions of someone reminiscing about a lost love. The song is a poignant tribute to loss and longing, with imagery of autumn fading and the cold days of winter approaching.
Impact and Legacy
“Forever Autumn” has become a cornerstone of Justin Hayward’s career, not only because of its beauty but also because it allowed him to connect with audiences worldwide. The song has been performed in numerous venues and consistently receives admiration from fans. Hayward described “Forever Autumn” as a great gift, a song that brought him joy and success throughout his career.
Conclusion
The video of Justin Hayward’s performance at Plaza Live is more than just a musical showcase; it is a story of the bond between an artist and his work. “Forever Autumn” is a timeless song that evokes deep emotions for both the artist and the audience. By sharing the story behind the song, Hayward created a musical experience that is not only sonically beautiful but also rich in emotional meaning.
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