Título: The Moody Blues
Seção: Hiatus and solo work, 1974-1977
Background: The Moody Blues are an English rock band formed in Birmingham, England in 1964. They first came to prominence playing rhythm and blues music, but their second album, Days of Future Passed, which was released in 1967, was a fusion of rock with classical music and established them as pioneers in the development of art rock and progressive rock. It has been described as a "landmark" and "one of the first successful concept albums". The band became known internationally with singles including "Go Now", "Nights in White Satin", "Tuesday Afternoon", and "Question".

Conteúdo: In the spring of 1974, after completing a vast world tour that culminated with a tour of Asia, the group took an extended break, erroneously reported as a break-up at the time, because of the other band members feeling exhausted and overshadowed (this was said by Hayward in the final issue of Higher & Higher magazine 2006). Although the band had typically featured four lead vocalists (with Edge also contributing vocally), Hayward was the principal guitarist/vocalist whilst Pinder was considered to be the person most responsible for their symphonic sound, arrangements, and overall conceptual direction. Pinder and Thomas also doubled as the Moodies' onstage MCs (as the 1969 "Caught Live + 5" album displayed).  Before the band's 1973-74 world tour (their last with Pinder), Hayward wrote a song called "Island" with the intention of including it on a potential follow-up album, which the Moodies recorded in 1973 before ultimately going their separate ways. An additional cause of the hiatus were the long tours that had by this time strained Pinder, who needed a rest. In 1974 the band oversaw preparation of the compilation album This Is The Moody Blues which was released that year.  Hayward and Lodge released a duo album, the very successful Blue Jays (1975), and a UK chart single, "Blue Guitar" (no. 8), which was credited to Hayward and Lodge even though it was just Hayward with 10cc backing him. The album had originally been a projected liaison between Hayward and Pinder, but after

user: Did the band split up during this time?

assistant: In the spring of 1974, after completing a vast world tour that culminated with a tour of Asia, the group took an extended break,

user: Did band members do their own thing during this time period?

assistant: An additional cause of the hiatus were the long tours that had by this time strained Pinder, who needed a rest.

user: Did Pinder just rest from 1974 to 1977?

assistant: Before the band's 1973-74 world tour (their last with Pinder), Hayward wrote a song called "Island" with the intention of including it on a potential follow-up album,

user: Did Pinder wind up leaving the band?

assistant: which the Moodies recorded in 1973 before ultimately going their separate ways.

user: Did any band members produce a big hit during this solo time?

assistant: Hayward and Lodge released a duo album, the very successful Blue Jays (1975), and a UK chart single, "Blue Guitar" (no. 8),

user: Who else was successful during this time?

assistant: Edge produced two albums with guitarist Adrian Gurvitz, Kick Off Your Muddy Boots (1975) and Paradise Ballroom (1976);