John Lodge, the singer and bassist of the British rock band the Moody Blues, has died. He was 82.
Lodge’s family shared the news Friday in a statement on the musician’s official Facebook page. Lodge “peacefully slipped away” while “surrounded by his loved-ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.”
Although no cause of death was revealed, the statement noted that he died “suddenly and unexpectedly.”
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“As 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,” Lodge’s family wrote. “He was never happier than being on stage – he was ‘Just a ‘Singer in a Rock and Roll Band’ and he adored performing with his band and son-in-law, Jon (vocalist with YES), and being able to continue sharing this music with his fans. It gave him even more joy to be able to work with his daughter Emily and son Kristian and spend time watching his grandson John-Henry play football and dream of him playing for Birmingham City one day!”
The statement continued, “We will forever miss his love, smile, kindness, and his absolute and never-ending support. We are heartbroken, but will walk forwards into peace surrounded by the love he had for each of us. As John would always say at the end of the show, thank you for keeping the faith.”
Lodge’s family concluded the statement by sharing the music video to his song “Whispering Angels,” writing, “We would like to leave you with John’s song whilst we take a moment to reflect on this incredible man who touched so many lives.”
Lodge was born in the Birmingham suburb of Erdington, England. He joined the Moody Blues in 1966, two years after its formation and after the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick.
He went on to be featured on some of the band’s best-known work, including the 1967 album Days Of Future Passed, which is widely regarded as one of rock’s first concept albums, and its follow-up a year later, In Search Of The Lost Chord. Lodge played on some of the group’s best-known songs, such as “Nights in White Satin,” “Question,” and “Isn’t Life Strange.”
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He also featured on the 1977 album Octave, which was a departure from the Moody Blues’ more psychedelic sound and saw the band embrace a more pop-oriented vibe.
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In 1968, Lodge married his wife, Kirsten, and the couple welcomed two children, Emily and Kristian, with the former being referred to in the Moody Blues song “Emily’s Song,” from the album Every Good Boy Deserves Favour.
He remained with the band until their final studio album in 2003, December, a collection of Christmas songs. The group continued to perform live until 2018, the same year the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
