John Lodge, the British singer, bassist, and longtime member of the iconic rock band The Moody Blues, has died at the age of 82, his family confirmed on Friday.
Lodge passed away โunexpectedlyโ while surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement released by his relatives. โIt is with the deepest sadness that we have to announce that John Lodge, our darling husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and brother, has been suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us,โ the family said.
The statement described Lodge as a man of deep love and devotion, noting that his final moments were spent in peace, accompanied by the music of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. โAs anyone who knew this massive-hearted man knows, it was his enduring love of his wife, Kirsten, and his family, that was the most important thing to him, followed by his passion for music, and his faith,โ the family added.
Born in Birmingham, Lodge joined The Moody Blues in 1966, two years after its formation, following the departure of founding members Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. Alongside fellow vocalist Justin Hayward and original members Mike Pinder, Ray Thomas, and Graeme Edge, Lodge helped steer the band into the psychedelic rock movement of the late 1960s.
The Moody Blues gained international acclaim with their 1967 album Days of Future Passed, widely regarded as one of the first concept albums in rock history. The band continued to innovate with their 1968 follow-up In Search of the Lost Chord, embracing experimental sounds and themes.
Among their most enduring hits are โNights in White Satin,โ โQuestion,โ and โIsnโt Life Strange.โ The group remained active for decades, performing until 2018โthe same year it was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Lodgeโs contributions as a songwriter, vocalist, and instrumentalist were central to the bandโs legacy, influencing generations of musicians and fans alike.
Tributes from across the music world are expected in the coming days as fans mourn the loss of a figure whose work helped shape the sound of progressive rock.
