The Moody Blues - ride my see-saw live at red rocks, 1993
Overview of the PerformanceThe Moody Blues' live rendition of "Ride My See-Saw" at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a standout moment from one of their most celebrated concerts. Recorded on September 9, 1992 (often referenced in 1993 due to the release year), this performance featured the band backed by the full Colorado Symphony Orchestra—a historic first for them in a live setting. It celebrated the 25th anniversary of their groundbreaking 1967 album Days of Future Passed, which originally incorporated orchestral elements with the London Festival Orchestra. The show took place at the iconic outdoor venue in Morrison, Colorado, known for its stunning natural acoustics and backdrop of red rock formations."Ride My See-Saw," originally written by bassist John Lodge and released as a single from the band's 1968 album In Search of the Lost Chord, closes the concert as the explosive encore. The song's themes of life's ups and downs (using the see-saw metaphor) blend psychedelic rock with driving rhythms and the Moody Blues' signature spoken-word intro. Critics have praised it as one of the band's top tracks for its "heavy and mystic rhythms" and proof they could "rock" beyond their orchestral ballads. In this live version, the symphony adds lush strings and brass swells, elevating the energy while keeping the raw rock edge intact.The Concert: A Night at Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony OrchestraThis 1992 show was captured in full and released as a live album on March 9, 1993, by Polydor Records. An expanded two-CD digitally remastered edition (from 2002) includes the complete performance, running about 2 hours. It was also broadcast as a PBS special and released on VHS/Laserdisc, with a DVD version following later. The setlist mixes classics from the band's 1960s-1970s peak with later hits, showcasing their evolution:
The album received strong praise for its sound quality and the seamless rock-orchestra fusion, though some noted the band's vocals sounded "tired" after decades on the road. Fans often call it a "must-have" for capturing the Moodies at their symphonic best.Where to Watch/Listen
Track | Song Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
1 | Overture (excerpts from various tracks, including "Ride My See-Saw") | Medley opener setting the symphonic tone |
2 | The Voice | 1981 hit with orchestral build-up |
3 | Your Wildest Dreams | 1986 ballad, lush and nostalgic |
4 | Isn't Life Strange | 1972 prog epic, extended jam |
5 | Gemini Dream | 1981 rocker with driving bass |
6 | Steve's Song | Rare deep cut |
7 | Forever Autumn | War of the Worlds cover, emotional highlight |
8 | Legend of a Mind | Psychedelic nod to Timothy Leary |
9 | In the Beginning | Spoken intro to "The Story in Your Eyes" |
10 | The Story in Your Eyes | 1972 fan favorite |
11 | Island | 1968 rarity |
12 | And the Tide Rushes In | Ambient transition |
13 | The Balance | 1969 classic |
14 | I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band) | 1972 hit, high-energy |
15 | Nights in White Satin | Epic closer before encore |
16 | Ride My See-Saw | Explosive finale with full band-orchestra fury |
- YouTube: A fan-uploaded clip of "Ride My See-Saw (Live)" from the Red Rocks show is available here. It's a crisp 4+ minute excerpt showing the crowd's roar and orchestral punch—perfect for a quick hit.
- Streaming/Albums: The full track (and concert) is on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc., via the A Night at Red Rocks album. The expanded edition is ideal for the complete experience.
- Physical Media: Available on CD (expanded double-disc) or DVD through Amazon or prog archives sites. Expect vivid visuals of the sunset-lit rocks and fireworks during the encore.
- This was the Moodies' first live album since 1977's Caught Live +5, proving they thrived in a live symphonic format.
- "Ride My See-Saw" peaked at #61 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968 but became a concert staple, often as the encore to send fans off energized.
- Recent fan chatter (e.g., on Reddit) highlights its enduring appeal as a "forgotten gem" in psychedelic rock, with one user calling it "the soundtrack to my childhood."