Forever Autumn: The Moody Blues' Justin Hayward Shines on Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds
A classic ballad featuring Moody Blues singer Justin Hayward was a standout on Jeff Wayne’s epic prog sci-fi album The War Of The Worlds. Jeff Wayne, an American musician and composer, had a background in composing music for TV commercials and shows before creating the iconic track Forever Autumn. Originally composed for a Lego commercial in 1968, the tune evolved into a full soft-rock orchestral number with lyrics written by Paul Vigrass and Gary Osbourne. Despite being initially released as a B-side, Forever Autumn gained popularity, especially in Japan, where it reached number three on the charts.
The track Forever Autumn was included on Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds, a 95-minute double album released in 1978. The song, with its lyrical hook of ‘Now you’re not here,’ perfectly fit the storyline of the album, conveying a sense of heartbreak and loss. Justin Hayward, known for his work with the Moody Blues, provided the vocals for Forever Autumn, adding a touch of magic to the track. Despite The Eve Of The War being a more commercially successful single, Forever Autumn has stood the test of time and remains a beloved favorite among fans of The War Of The Worlds and Moody Blues alike.
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds Live! The Concert Experience is set to tour the UK in October, offering fans the opportunity to experience the iconic album live. Tickets for the concert are available now.