John Lodge, the vocalist and bassist of the iconic British rock band the Moody Blues for over five decades, has passed away at the age of 82. His family announced on Friday that Lodge had passed away “suddenly and unexpectedly.” They mentioned that Lodge peacefully departed while surrounded by his loved ones, listening to the music of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.
Hailing from Birmingham, Lodge joined the Moody Blues in 1966, stepping in after the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick, and became a core member alongside singer Justin Hayward. He remained an integral part of the band until their retirement from live performances in 2018.
Lodge’s musical contributions were significant, notably on the band’s renowned albums, such as the groundbreaking 1967 release “Days of Future Passed” and its successor “In Search of the Lost Chord” in 1968. He also played a role in the band’s transition to a more pop-oriented sound with the 1977 album “Octave.”
Throughout his tenure, Lodge continued to collaborate on albums with the Moody Blues, culminating in their final studio release in 2003, “December,” a festive collection of Christmas tunes. The band’s live performances extended until 2018, coinciding with their induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the same year.