The Moody Blues kick off 2011 U.S. Tour in New Orleans

Rock icons to play at Mahalia Jackson Theater on April 27th

The Moody Blues will launch their 2011 U.S. tour nationwide kicking off on April 27, 2011 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans and will continue through June 11. The band, whose legacy spans four decades of hit-making and sell-out tours, will continue to entertain audiences with their timeless music. Says the New York Post of their live show: "The rockers played a set that reminded the sold-out Music Hall why (The Moody Blues are) one of the most important rock acts to ever come out of the U.K. ... the trio looked remarkably sound and sounded untouched by time..." Echoes USA Weekend: "Fans were on their feet applauding great music from a great rock n' roll band with staying power beyond anybody's 'wildest dreams.'" Says the St. Louis Post Dispatch: "The Moodies depend on nostalgic memories of their fans' youth, but they also know that in the present, these songs can still move the listener."

The Moodies' legendary hit "Nights In White Satin" originally released in 1967 from their landmark "Days Of Future Passed" album, just landed at #2 on the UK Rock Chart, and at #27 on the BBC Radio 1 chart, making it the fourth time that "Nights" has charted in its 40-plus year history. The song's resurgence ignited from a recent smash cover performance by Matt Cardle, current winner of Simon Cowell's hit UK show "The X Factor."

The Moody Blues have sold in excess of 70 million albums worldwide and have been awarded an astonishing 14 platinum and gold discs. Their incredible roster of hits includes: "Nights In White Satin," "Tuesday Afternoon," "Ride My See Saw," "The Story In Your Eyes," "Isn't Life Strange," "Question," "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)," "Your Wildest Dreams," and "I Know You're Out There Somewhere," to name a few. The Moody Blues' No. 1, Top 5, Top 10, Top 20, Top 40, Multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold albums and singles, have generated sold-out tours on a consistent basis over the course of several decades, making them one of the top-grossing album and touring bands in existence.

Guitarist/vocalist Justin Hayward, bassist/vocalist John Lodge and drummer Graeme Edge, on this tour, will also offer their fans a special opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with them on their exclusive "Storytellers Experiences" and "Backstage Tours" exclusives, which will be available on select tour dates.

The ultimate Moody Blues VIP experiences now available to fans, will give them the rare opportunity to join the rock legends pre-show, telling some of their wildest personal stories and recounting decades of international performances to an intimate group of fans. The exclusive "Storytellers Experiences" will be available to purchase online at a first-come-first serve basis, and will take place before three select performances: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Houston, Texas on April 29; The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino / The Joint in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 13; and at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, Oregon on June 3.

At many of the 2011 selected concerts (dates to be announced), fans can also experience the Moody Blues' "Backstage Tour" which includes a tour of the stage in which fans can meet some of the crew, see the band's instruments and perhaps catch a glimpse of the band members themselves.

Both the "Storytellers" and "Backstage Tour" experiences include a front of the venue concert ticket, early access to the merchandise booth to get first choice of the tour items, and a specially prepared, limited edition merchandise package. Additional VIP packages are also available that include VIP seating and/or Merchandise packages. VIP experience details and on sale information are available through the Moody Blues' official fan club.

The U.S. tour is as follows:

4/27/11 - Mahalia Jackson Theater - New Orleans, LA
4/28/11 - Austin City Limits Live - Austin, TX
4/29/11 - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion - Houston, TX
4/30/11 - Winstar Casino - Thackerville, OK
5/03/11 - Brady Theater - Tulsa, OK
5/04/11 - Lucky Star Casino - Oklahoma City, OK
5/05/11 - Midland Theatre - Kansas City, MO
5/07/11 - Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Denver, CO
5/08/11 - Pikes Peak Center - Colorado Springs, CO
5/11/11 - AVA Amphitheatre - Tucson, AZ
5/12/11 - Comerica Theatre - Phoenix, AZ
5/13/11 - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV
5/14/11 - Agua Caliente Casino - Rancho Mirage, CA
5/17/11 - Granada Theatre - Santa Barbara, CA
5/18/11 - Performing Arts Center - San Luis Obispo, CA
5/20/11 - Pechanga Resort & Casino - Temecula, CA
5/21/11 - Pechanga Resort & Casino - Temecula, CA
5/22/11 - Humprey's - San Diego, CA
5/24/11 - Marin Center - San Raphael, CA
5/25/11 - Visalia Fox Theater - Visalia, CA
5/28/11 - Silver Legacy Resort & Casino - Reno, NV
5/31/11 - Idaho Botanical Gardens - Boise, ID
6/01/11 - Cuthbert Amphitheater - Eugene, OR
6/03/11 - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall - Portland, OR
6/04/11 - Chateau Ste. Michelle - Seattle, WA
6/05/11 - Northern Quest Casino Theater - Spokane, WA
6/08/11 - Bluestem Center for the Arts - Moorehead, MN
6/09/11 - Orpheum Theatre - Minneapolis, MN
6/10/11 - Pabst Theater - Milwaukee, WI
6/11/11 - TBA

*Additional dates are TBA.

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- http://www.moodybluestoday.com/