This is an archived interview with Justin Hayward, the Swindon-born singer, guitarist and songwriter of The Moody Blues, originally published in Prog magazine in 2017 and revisited by Louder. It reflects on how Hayward, who joined the band in 1966, helped transform a fading R&B act into pioneers of symphonic rock and led it to global fame through songs such as Nights In White Satin.

The piece traces his wider career, including a solo output, the Blue Jays album made with bandmate John Lodge, and the hit Forever Autumn from Jeff Wayne's 1978 The War Of The Worlds. It notes his early publishing deal with skiffle star Lonnie Donegan and his 1965 stint in Marty Wilde's backing band, alongside his guarded privacy despite appearing on This Is Your Life in 1997. The interview also raises The Moody Blues' repeated omission from the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame despite being eligible since 1989, and Hayward recalls getting his first guitar at 10 and being inspired by Buddy Holly.