Gord Is A "Fan"!

[midnightmisty]

Hello Friends, especially Florian! I thought this would get your attention faster than an email, Florian, and besides - this is great news for everyone here!

I've posted a couple of times about my "other" favorite band - The Moody Blues.
Just wild about those guys! Well the other website I visit belongs to their fantastic bass man, Mr. John Lodge. It's a great site and we have lots of fun there.

Anyway, I'm not currently a member of the Moody Blues Official Fan Club, but I was when I knew Gord. Everything was by mail back then! I'm about to rejoin because something so very wonderful has happened!

I haven't seen it yet, but perhaps Florian could obtain a copy and post this thing. I'm
not sure about the legalities involved.

In the latest issue of the Moody Blues Official Fan Club Newslatter is a full page
letter to the band from our Gord! How incredibly wonderful is this! I am stunned!
He's just not the "fan letter" type! LOL!
Oh, so happy here....

What higher praise from one musical legend to another! And he went through the fan club
to do it - just like "An Ordinary Man"!

So, I don't know what's happening at the OFC, but the "johnlodge.com" gang is asking for directions to this wonderful site! I have been raving about it to them, anyway, &
there are some Lightfoot fans lurking there!

I have no way of knowing, but I wonder if
lovely Elizabeth is responsible for his
interest in The Moody Blues as he just didn't seem as interested in them as he appears to be now. Gee, if that's the case, I wonder if she's a fan at the OFC! That would be fantasic!

Anyway, Gord wrote a great letter and I hope Florian can somehow get it and post it as this just doesn't happen every day! Like I said, I am knocked to the floor by this news.

If I get more details, I'll post immediately!
I'm expecting a call from Arizona tonight with more details. A full page!

Please note: for those who also like The Moody Blues - their new Strange Times CD is the best ever! (hey Florian, I give this site and Gord free advertizing at JL dotcom,
so I hope my little plug is ok! If not, there's always my favorite feature - the DELETE button! i use it often!)

midnightmisty aka Kate ("Philadelphia Kate"
to Gord as he could never pronounce my last name. It's ok - NO ONE CAN!)

and I just used the edit button to correct my spelling of Florian's name! LOL! Just showing off some of your features, Florian!
we don't have DELETE and EDIT there!

I'll be curious to see if any of the JLdotcom
crowd posts here! Many of them know much more about this letter than I do!

goodbye AGAIN! - midnightmisty

[This message has been edited by midnightmisty (edited October 03, 2000).]

[charlene]

How can you get a copy of the newsletter? Do they post it at their website?
I love the Moody Blues too.
hurry and let us know..
Char

[midnightmisty]

Ok Char!

BRB with the info. I think you have to join the fan club to get the newsletter. I was a member in the 80's. It was pretty good.

I'll also give some details about the letter. My friend, Eva O'Mara had someone fax it from Utah to Arizona and then she typed it up and emailed it to me. There's alot of excitement about this letter!

see you in a few minutes!

mistyblue

[midnightmisty]

Char and everyone else who is interested:

The Moody Blues Official Fan Club email is:

info@ moodyblues.co.uk.

The website is at:
http://www.moodyblues.co.uk.

I hope those are right!

midnightmisty

[midnightmisty]

These are some of the comments that were in the letter. My friend was at work, so she was really hurrying. So it's not in actual
letter form, but has some of his remarks.
(I'll have to this in sections)

He complimented them about their:

"energy, record productivity, creativity,
original juices, composition, great tuning, great time, playable keys (hey! how does he know? has he been playing, too!Well ALRIGHT!)
excitemnet, performance, adventurous songs, variety and dedication, love of playing.Unerring sense of continutity is what I see in the Moody Blues. And let's not forget the great vocals, the pop songs and the fine arrangements.

May the Moodies go on forever onward in search of the lost chord they speak about."
part 1

[midnightmisty]

part 2

To the Moody Blues I want to say thank you Gentlemen, you have been underway now for
more than 30 years. Don't stop now, we need you. Think about the longevity factors I've mentioned and keep up the good work as long as your health will allow.

When you, like I, could someday finally find the time to slow down a little. What do you think?

Sincerely,
---- Gordon lightfoot"

[midnightmisty]

Char,

I can't help but wonder if a few words were lost in the typing. My friend works in a very busy Trauma Center and was very rushed.

I hope you don't mind, Florian. I will understand if you would like me to delete any
or all of this. I hope you can get a courtesy
copy from the Moody Blues Official Fan Club for us. The letter was a part of their monthly news letter.

What really strikes me is that Gord must be a true fan of the Moody Blues or he probably wouldn't have realized that there are great concerns from the fans that this may, indeed,
be "The Last Ride" as one of the four is
suffering multiple health problems and another one (has been said) is really ready to retire. We may still have the two main members left to carry on as The Blue Jays as
they did once before. They are the two guitarists, lead vocals and do about 90% of the song writing. John Lodge and Justin Hayward.

It was so wonderful of Gordon to offer supportive words at a time when so many steadfast fans fear the loss of the band. It also makes me like to think that Gordon may
still see many years ahead for his own carreer. I'm hoping so, anyway.

It was a wonderful gesture from a wonderful man to my other long time favorite band.

Ever Onward, Gord!

midnightmisty

[jay]

I've loved the Moodies for years myself and am pleased that Gord is a fan, as well.

I'm sorry to hear that one of the Moodies is ill; I hate to think of losing Ray Thomas or Graeme Edge (I assume it is one of those two since you say that the Blue Jays may go on.

Like Gord, I consider the Moodies to be true artists. They are saying something meaningful in their music, and the lyrics are always worth some study.

"How is it we are here
On this path we walk?
In this world of pointless fear
Filled with empty talk."

Or my favorite:

"I've been thinking 'bout our fortune
And decided that we're really not to blame
For the love we feel inside us now
Is still the same.

And the sound we make together
Is the music to the story in your eyes
It's been shining down around us now
I realize.

Listen to the tide slowly turning
Wash all our heartaches away
We're part of a fire that is burning
And from the ashes we will build another day!

But I'm frightened for your children
And that the life that we are living is in vain
And the sunshine we've been waiting for
Will turn to rain.

When the final night is over
And it's certain that the curtain's gonna fall
I can hide inside your sweet, sweet love
For evermore!"

That should be pretty close, considering it is from memory. LONG LIVE THE MOODIES!!
LONG LIVE GORD!!!!!!!!!!!!
________
Ferrari Challenge Specifications

[midnightmisty]

Outstanding job with the lyrics, Jay!

Yes, the Moodies and Gord have so much in common - highly spiritual music that has found a permanent home in our hearts. And although Gord and the Moodies haven't had wild, runaway, monster smash hits for years
they each have rock solid staying power and timeless messages in their music. Not to mention legions of steadfast fans across the world.

Yes, it is common knowledge that Ray has extremely bad knees. Sadly, he has needed assistance in getting down stairs at the Royal Albert Hall in London. But his diabetes is a case for fear with the fans. He
is a love and the one I could see doing a collaboration with Gord the most. Graeme is just plain ready to retire, so this may, indeed be "The Last Ride." Graeme has made his feelings clear to many a fan. He's probably the most friendly with the fans.
Supercharged, electric personality!

There has been talk of The Blue Jays carrying on. Those two don't seem to be anywhere near thoughts of retirement!

The only real significant difference I see
between Gord and the Moodies is that the MB's
are taking alot of heat from the fans about
"crass commercialism" these days. Where, as every Lightfoot fan knows, Gord is just the opposite! Two extremes here. Gord isn't "hawking" email addresses, etc. I know how much we'd all like our Lightfoot t-shirts
identifying us as Lightfoot fans!! Right now the MBs OFC is raffeling off Justin's stage clothes and John is auctioning his bass guitar for $5,000.+ at his own site to help support his daughter in a major and quite dangerous charitable event. It's some sort of sailing marathon/ordeal. It's called the BT Challenge and Emily is sailing on the Veritas. If anyone is interested, I can post a link to the site. Gord probably already knows what the race is all about, having taken part in sailing events in the past.

I still do not understand how Gord and the MBs have carried on all this time! That is
really HARD WORK!

midnightmisty

thanks for the "edit" feature, Florian! My spelling is pretty bad today!

[This message has been edited by midnightmisty (edited October 05, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by midnightmisty (edited October 05, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by midnightmisty (edited October 05, 2000).]

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[midnightmisty]

BTW,Jay!

You are SUCH a man! Why do so many male
fans love "The Story In Your Eyes" so much?!
Granted, it's one of my favorites, too! But it really seems to get a huge amount of attention from the men. It almost seems to be the "collective favorite" without fail! This has given me a great laugh! Thanks! When I first saw your post I thought, "Oh noooo! Here we go again! LOL!"

midnightmisty

[jay]

Well, MM, I didn't know that "The Story . . ." is a male thing.

How about my two fave GL tunes--The Last Time I Saw Her and Canadian RR Trilogy? Male things, too???
________
Wendie 99

[midnightmisty]

Very cute, Jay! lol....

It's just that on the John Lodge website "The
Story In Your Eyes" is cherished above the rest, in general, by the men posting there.
Have yet to know WHY exactly. So please tell me if you can on the bb our in email! I love this song, but why the widespread appeal with
men? The guys there said because it's easy to play on the guitar, but I think it must be more than that.

As for "guy" things and Gordon's music, I haven't noticed a really clear cut preference
for certain songs by gender. So far I've just noticed the widespread appeal of his music & certain TYPES of people! (NICE ONES!)

So, please stop tormenting me and spill the beans. Plueeeeaze.....

thank you in advance,
midnightmisty

[This message has been edited by midnightmisty (edited October 05, 2000).]

[jay]

Sorry, MM, but I cannot shed any light on the phenomenon of male attraction to The Story In Your Eyes, and so your torment continues, unabated. If I had a meaningful observation to share with you, I would love to help.

Re: e-mail, I guess I don't know how to access the necessary info on this website.
________
Prilosec Side Effect

[Florian]

I hope you don't mind, Florian.

Hi Midnightmisty,

I don't mind at all and I can assure you that you're right on topic.

I hope you can get a courtesy
copy from the Moody Blues Official Fan Club for us. The letter was a part of their monthly news letter.

I have sent them an email and hope they will share a copy of this letter with us. Depending on the format of the letter I will either scan it as a graphical image or type it and post it under this topic.

Anyway, I will keep you updated on this issue,

-Florian

[midnightmisty]

Jay,
Yes, my torment does continue. Most of my friends have always been men, so I'm very familiar with how men think. Not to sound sexist, or anything, but many studies have proven the difference. The male and female brain are even shaped a bit differently! I
certainly do appreciate the difference between the two and find it endlessly fascinating! So, you can imagine how interested I am to an answer to this question.

It took me awhile to learn all of the great
features Florian has installed on this site. I'm new to computers and have found that they
really are quite easy to use once you get the hang of it! I quickly discovered that
Florian has us quite spoiled and pampered. I
hope I don't break the "edit" button as I've
been abusing it with so many typos!

Florian,
Thanks for the support! I really didn't know if I was "overstepping" in any way. I would
hate to do anything inappropriate, but I have
been so excited about Gord's fan letter as this is very special, indeed!

I'm really looking forward to seeing the actual letter as my friend who typed it was
only able to provide highlights as she typed
from the Trauma Center that she works at. I
was pleading for details from 2,000 miles away. She said that the letter has a dark background. So the copy that was faxed to her was hard to read. Anyway Florian, I know you'll come though for us in fine style! Like I said, we are a pampered bunch! Lucky!

Thanks, Florian! It's so nice to finally
cybermeet you! I can see why the membership
here is so very fond of you.

midnightmisty

[This message has been edited by midnightmisty (edited October 06, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by midnightmisty (edited October 06, 2000).]

[midnightmisty]

Jay,

After asking around a bit I've been told the "The Story In Your Eyes" is so popular with men is mostly because it's an "air
guitarist's dream" whatever that means. Also that it's considered to be the band's first truly hard rockin piece and that the band was really giving it all they had. ok.....

I was hoping for a much more romantic answer.
From anyone. bummer. This investigation is closed! If I want romance, I'll just have to stick with other Gord fans where that kind of thing is appreciated!

mignightmisty

[jay]

Midnight Misty, hope you are still here. I have reflected on my previous answer and while I can't tell you why men in general like The Story . . ., I can answer a related but as yet unasked question. So let's assume tha you had asked,"Hey Jay, why do you like that song so much?"

Then I would have answered, "You know, it must obvious that I like the lyrics to the song, since I memorized them. I typically try to pay close attention to what the artist is trying to say, which is one of the reasons that I like Gord so much.

"In The Story In Your Eyes, I think that the verses form a very nice poem, especially for a popular song. Just read the words--there is a nice cadence to them, partly due to the suggestion made by the music that we already know but also just standing on their own.

"And reading between the lines, one sees the echoes of a deep and abiding love juxtaposed against the justifiable concern that modern "civilization" may be leading us toward a cataclysmic end.

"Yet, the last verse suggests that both life and love are endless and eternal, a very positive way to end a great song.

"Oh, and it's a great song for playing air guitar!!!"

Have a very nice day, Miss Midnight Misty.
________
Rhode island medical marijuana dispensary

[midnightmisty]

Yes, Jay!

I'm still here! And thanks for having given
my question such careful thought and especially for having taken the time to share that message. Things are finally starting to fall into place for me on this issue!

I've been wondering about what a collaberation between Gord and the Moody Blues would be like. At first it was difficult as the Moodies are pretty heavy into hi-tech sounds. But then I think of "For My Lady" and think about how Gord
could have written that song himself!

And actually, come to think of it.... I did catch myself playing "air guitar" once while
singing and dancing with my cats to "English
Sunset"! (i did a guy thing! busted! lol)

And you have a very nice day, yourself, Jay!

Miss Midnight Misty

[This message has been edited by midnightmisty (edited October 09, 2000).]

[jay]

And your favorite MB song is??

I, too, can see Gord writing a song like For My Lady, but I agree that the Performance techniques of the two are widely different. Hard to imagine a MB/Gord collaberation, but maybe I suffer from a weak imagination.

Now that song is running through my head--
"Oh I'd give my life so lightly
For my gentle lady
Give it freely
And completely
For my lady."

Till later.
________
Best lighter for vapor genie

[midnightmisty]

Hello Again, Jay!

And my favorite MB song is...(drum roll here)
"ENGLISH SUNSET" from the Strange Times CD.

tied with:

"YOUR WILDEST DREAMS" from The Other Side Of Life CD.

tied with:

"Who Are You Now" (first love of mine) on the Blues Jays LP.

"The Story In Your Eyes" is another favorite!
(haha - gottcha!)

What are YOUR favorite MB songs, Jay?

Til later!

[jay]

"Watching and Waiting" has got to be near the top of my list. It's filled with so much pathos. (But here . . . There's lots of room for doin' . . . The things we've always been denied . . .)

I always get off on "Legend of a Mind"--No, no,no,no--He's outside . . . Looking in!

Also, "And the Tide Rushes In" and"The Actor" are great songs. (And the tide rushes in . . . And washes my castles away . . . And I'm really not so sure . . . On which side of the bed I should lay . . .) (The sound I have heard in your Hello . . .Oh! Darling, It's all I'll ever be . . .)

I kind of like to recall a lyric or two when thinking about a song. Brings it into focus better.

I also like, but had really forgotten about "Who Are You Now"--haven't heard Blue Jays since I got a CD player years ago.

I guess you should give me the address of this Moodies site and maybe I will get to see you there?

Hope to hear from you soon, Ms. MM.



________
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[midnightmisty]

Hello Again, Jay!

Oh! It's been awhile! My...... you're a real
Moody Blues fan. I can tell by the songs you like. They go back along way. I've always liked them, but all my favorites are from "Long Distance Voyager" to the most recent.

JAY! I have exciting news! I wonder if Gord knows?!

Justin Hayward, whom many consider to be the driving force (along with John Lodge) of the Moody Blues has recently said on video tape
that if he could be reincarnated as anyone else he'd "want to be Gordon Lightfoot." Gosh, I wonder if Gord knows? (if any of you have a chance to speak with Gord, please, oh PLEASE tell him!) After the fan letter he wrote to the Moody Blues, I do believe our humble Gord would be stunned and pleased!

The video tape is called "Access All Areas" and is a behind the scenes peek at the Royal
Albert Hall in London, where the Moody Blues
recently held several concerts.

I don't feel comfortable posting another fan
site's address at this point, in case anyone wishes to order the tape. I delete unfamiliar
email in my box, but if anyone from this site cares to email me for details - just make sure that your "Handle" is in the "subject" line along with "Moody Blues
video" and I won't be afraid to open it. Not computer literate in the least. I'm a dealer of very fine antiques, and like Gord, my head
and heart are somewhere back in time. I simply will never get the modern age. Period.

Anyway, I hope someone can get the word to Gord and let him know. (be sure to post his reaction here!!!!!! LOL!!!!)

Who knows? There my be a colaberation between
these two brilliantly gifted and sensitive men in the future!

midnightmisty

[This message has been edited by midnightmisty (edited November 11, 2000).]

[midnightmisty]

p.s. As I've been having a particularly rough time with my health, recently, I may not be super speedy with email responces, but I certainly will try my best.

Thanks for your patience, dear friends and kindred souls.

midnightmisty