John Lodge, Moody Blues vocalist and bassist, dead at 82
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John Lodge, legendary bassist and vocalist of The Moody Blues, has passed away. He was 82 years old.
In a statement shared with Fox News Digital on Friday, Lodge’s family said he died “suddenly and unexpectedly.” The family added that Lodge “escaped peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.”
Birmingham-born Lodge joined The Moody Blues in 1966, along with fellow singer Justin Hayward, two years after their formation, following the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. He remained with the group until they stopped performing live in 2018.
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Moody Blues members Ray Thomas, Justin Hayward and John Lodge perform in 1981. (Michael Putland/Getty Images)
Lodge was a key force behind the band’s groundbreaking fusion of orchestral rock and psychedelia.
His contributions to albums such as 1967’s ““The Days of Future Are Gone” and 1968’s “In Search of the Lost Chord” set the tone for the rock movement.
Lodge also appeared on the Moody Blues’ 1977 album “Octave,” which adopted a more pop-oriented sound.
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John Lodge and Mike Pinder of The Moody Blues attend the 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. (Scott Legato/FilmMagic)
His career with The Moody Blues was not yet over when the band released its last studio album of Christmas songs, “December” in 2003.
The band continued to perform until 2018, the year they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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(L-R) Mike Pinder, Justin Hayward, John Lodge, Ray Thomas and Graeme Edge of The Moody Blues pose for a portrait in 1972. (Michael Putland/Getty Images)
“As John always said at the end of the show, thank you for keeping the faith,” his family said in a statement.
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Lodge is survived by his wife, Kirsten, whom he married in 1968. The couple had two children, Emily and Kristian; The first one is remembered with the song “Emily’s Song” from The Moody Blues’ 1971 album “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour”.
Known for his deep faith, Lodge was also an evangelical Christian; He credited this belief with helping him stay grounded throughout his long career in the rock world.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
