The Justin Hayward Interview - Part 4
You’ve also played on some very eclectic albums. I’m thinking of records like Flash Fearless Vs. The Zorg Women, which I happen to own, and The War Of The Worlds from the 70s and more recently, Rick Wakeman’s Return To The Centre Of The Earth and a show in Zurich I believe you were part of called Art On Ice.
I did a song on the Gaia album called Project For The Environment. It’s a very noble cause and a really nice album. It was produced and put together by Alan Simon. We’ve become good friends. I don’t know if it’s out in America. It’s available in Europe and the Far East. It seems to be doing quite well.
What is it about projects like these that draw you in?
I just seem to bump into people and things happen, and someone says, “Hey, how about doing this and being a part of that.” That’s how they come together. Sometimes, the music isn’t right, and you have to pass on it. Other times, I’ve wished I’d pass, but the people are so nice and it’s a lot of fun, so I’m sort of stuck. Other times, I didn’t really think it was going to happen, like The War Of The Worlds, and it becomes massive.
What’s your opinion on the present state of the music business with the controversy over downloading, sluggish record sales and American Idol?
It looks like we’re about to witness the diminishment of the record company. I was fortunate enough to know the record companies in the great days when they had their own recording studios and auditions. You could literally turn up at a studio for an audition and work with a good producer.
I think there will always be great songs coming along. There will always be a kid with a song in his heart, walking down the street, that’s new and fresh and ready to create an atmosphere in a recording studio, to create some magic.
I’m not so keen on music as a product that’s been hijacked by a few old guys who sell television shows. I don’t like that at all. I’m not really a fan of talent contest type shows. I think there’s other ways to do it. There’s other ways to paying your dues and making it. I think you have to come from the road.
Have you seen American Idol?
I’ve seen it. You get interested in it, but I still get the feeling that the music is being hijacked.
Can you give me a run-down of what’s going on with you and the Moodies over the next year?
We’re touring in May, June and July in the U.S. And then we’re coming back here in September and October, to Britain and Europe. And then we’ll be back in America in November and December.
What about a new album?
We’re talking about it. Nothing has really fallen into place yet. We have December and fortunately, Christmas will be coming around again and we can give it another go.
So you’ll do some Christmas shows?
I think so.
Justin, I have one last question for you today. You’ve described yourself as a seeker of sorts, on a spiritual quest. So I’m curious -- are you still searching for the lost chord?
Yeah. If you’d found it, you’d have to pack up, wouldn’t you?
~
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