How Did The Moody Blues Get Their Name?

Before prog rock and concept albums took over in the ’70s, there were The Moody Blues — the British band that gave us Nights in White Satin, Tuesday Afternoon, and some of the most ambitious rock-orchestral mashups ever recorded.

But the name has got a story all its own. Were they all sad and grumpy?

From R&B to Moody Blues

When the band formed in Birmingham, England in 1964, they were originally called The M&B Five. That name wasn’t random — it was a nod to Mitchells & Butlers, a local brewery. The band hoped the brewery might sponsor them (free beer and a little cash never hurt a struggling group).

But when that sponsorship didn’t come through, they pivoted.

Why “Moody Blues”?

The band wanted something that tied into their love of American rhythm & blues — their early sets were full of covers from artists like James Brown and Muddy Waters. They liked the word “Blues,” but needed a twist.

They settled on “Moody Blues” — partly because it sounded evocative and cool, and partly because it reflected their tendency to play more soulful, emotional material than other British beat groups at the time.

Why It Works

The name ended up being prophetic. By the late ’60s, The Moody Blues weren’t just covering R&B anymore. They were writing sweeping, orchestral rock songs with deep moods and atmosphere. “Moody” fit them perfectly.

And “Blues”? Well, that root never left — even when they were layering Mellotrons and strings, the soul of blues still ran under it all.

Final Thought

So yeah, The Moody Blues started with a failed beer sponsorship and wound up with one of the most fitting names in rock. From funky R&B covers to psychedelic epics, the name carried them through every era.

Turns out, sometimes the backup plan is the one that sticks forever.

Sam