John Lodge, who played bass and sang in The Moody Blues from 1966 through 2018, has died. His family shared the sad news with this statement:
It 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. 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.
John peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. 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.
John joined the Moody Blues in 1966 in time to be instrumental to their classic 1967 album Days of Future Passed, as well as the rest of their best known work, and wrote such hits for the band as “Isn’t Life Strange,” “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),” “Gemini Dream” and “Sitting at the Wheel.”
Rest easy, John.