Meet the members of The Moody Ruse. The UK’s new all-live, five-piece Moody Blues tribute band.
On vocals & guitar
Archie auditioned to play bass and ended up fronting the band! He loves the entire Moody Blues catalogue and has carefully curated the set list with Mark. A TV talent show winner with years of major tribute-band experience, you can see why he is the Justin Hayward we all need.
Why the guitar?
Well actually, I’ve always wanted to play everything from jaw-harp to bagpipes. I am fascinated by musical instruments and anything that makes an interesting noise. I started playing guitar to impress a girl at school… and she wasn’t. However, she did become a music journalist for NME and Sounds, ironically!
Why the Moody Blues?
Big brothers record collections were sacred, and I remember staring at the LP cover artwork for In Search of the Lost Chord when I was a toddler. I can remember hearing Nights in White Satin on the radio when I was still at junior school. My first ever night of intimate passion with a girl involved listening to Days of Future Passed over and over.
What’s your favourite chord in all of music?
The lost chord of course! My second favourite being Fmaj7, or maybe Em6.
Biro or pencil?
I like being able to change my mind… or maybe not… and a pencil feels less final, and more artistic. Biro is for legal documents, work…and for when I’ve mislaid my pencil.
Which door would you choose: A or B?
Whichever is nearest or looks the most interesting… unless it says ‘Gents’… then that one usually.
On guitar & vocals
Multi-instrumentalist Mark left the piano and clarinet behind when his parents bought him an electric guitar at the age of 15. Over the years, he has collaborated with numerous cover bands, and has played major venues. But he has always yearned to perform the music of his favourite group – the Moody Blues.
Why the guitar?
It has to be the sheer array of sounds it can produce – its versatility – its ability to express emotions, from acoustic to overdriven electric lead.
Why the Moody Blues?
Their music speaks to the heart and soul. Oh, and evokes memories of my teens.
What’s your favourite chord in all of music?
As a fan of the chord progression of Jamiroquai’s Virtual Insanity, just simply a B minor with F sharp bass note, in context.
Biro or pencil?
Biro.
Which door would you choose: A or B?
Door B.
On keyboard & backing vocals
Alex has been playing, performing and recording music for decades. He is loving the chance to explore the mellotron sounds Mike Pinder was – ahem – instrumental in creating. He is covering all the flute parts, as well as organ, piano, strings… and whatever else needs playing.
Why the keyboard?
There was a piano in the house when I was growing up. So I just started playing. Now, I’d say because you can play anything on a keyboard. And it doesn’t hurt your fingers (except when you play Johnny B Goode).
Why the Moody Blues?
Mark asked if I’d be interested. So I gave the set list a listen and it turned out I am. There are some lovely keyboard parts, and the mellotron sounds are glorious.
What’s your favourite chord in all of music?
Gm6 springs to mind.
Biro or pencil?
Pencil, with a rubber (US: eraser) nearby.
Which door would you choose: A or B?
B.
On bass & backing vocals
Ossy has performed with Mick Hucknall, Simply Red, Arrow, Shola Ama, Claude Deppa, Omar, the great late great Ray Carless and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He is now delighted to immerse himself in recreating those marvellous bass lines and lower strings parts of the magnificent Moodies.
Why the bass?
Just seem to be influenced by the groove.
Why the Moody Blues?
Go Now really had an impression on me as a child, growing up. My dad played it so many times!
What’s your favourite chord in all of music?
Major 9 is my favourite, followed by minor 9s.
Biro or pencil?
Pencil is editable.
Which door would you choose: A or B?
A.
On drums
For The Moody Ruse, the drum stool was the hardest seat to fill. Then, along came John. With just a few hours of listening time before his first rehearsal, he blew the other contenders out of the water. He gave this Moody Blues tribute the – ah – Edge we were looking for.
Why the drums?
My big brother wanted to join his mate’s band and got as far as buying the sticks, but mam put a dampener on it by saying he never finishes what he starts (which is true to this day). My mate Largo was a drummer and had a country western artist as a dad, who gave us all plenty of encouragement to play something. So I picked up my bro’s sticks and started lessons. I had to ask him to ask mum, who was cool with it. Incidentally, my brother’s mate, Janick, went on to play with Iron Maiden.
Why the Moody Blues?
I was kindly asked. Their music is more interesting than I first thought.
What’s your favourite chord in all of music?
Don’t do chords but maybe D diminished.
Biro or pencil?
Pencil.
Which door would you choose: A or B?
A.
Venues played by [members of] The Moody Ruse*
The Barbican | Birmingham City Hall
Brighton Dome | Brixton Academy
Hammersmith Odeon | Manchester Free Trade Hall
The Queen Elizabeth Hall | Wembley Stadium
*FULL DISCLOSURE: These are venues members of The Moody Ruse have played, but not as The Moody Ruse. The Moody Ruse is new in 2023 and gigs will be advertised on this site, on Facebook and Instagram.