John Lodge of Moody Blues Passes Away

John Lodge, the renowned singer and bassist of the Moody Blues, who played a crucial role in the band’s 1967 album, Days of Future Passed, has died unexpectedly at 82, as confirmed by his family.

The statement from his family mentioned that he “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones and the music of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.” They described Lodge as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. “It is with the deepest sadness that we announce that our beloved John Lodge was suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us,” the family expressed.

Lodge joined the Moody Blues in 1966, alongside guitarist Justin Hayward, after the departures of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. His contributions helped shape the group into a symphonic psychedelic powerhouse. He was the primary writer, vocalist, and bassist for Days of Future Passed, celebrated as one of rock’s first concept albums, along with its sequel, In Search of the Lost Chord.

Even though the band stopped touring in 2018—the same year they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—Lodge continued to perform and record his own music, reinterpreting the band’s classics well into his 80s.

The family hasn’t disclosed the cause of death. Their statement concluded with a familiar phrase Lodge often used on stage: “Thank you for keeping your faith,” referencing his song “Whispering Angels.”

News of his passing spread swiftly across social media, as fans and friends paid tribute, celebrating his melodic bass lines and harmonies found in iconic tracks like “Nights in White Satin,” “Ride My Seesaw,” and “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock ‘n’ Roll Band).”

In the later years of his life, Lodge balanced a solo career with an archival project related to Days of Future Passed and continued to tour, even after the Moody Blues ceased live performances.