John Lodge, the legendary vocalist of The Moody Blues, has unexpectedly passed away, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt by music lovers worldwide. The heart-wrenching news was shared by the family of the 82-year-old singer, who, in a poignant statement, described their "beloved husband," father, grandfather, father-in-law, and brother as having peacefully departed this world, surrounded by his nearest and dearest and enveloped in the timeless melodies of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.
Lodge joined the illustrious big band in 1966, stepping into the shoes left vacant by Clint Warwick and Denny Laine. He entered the rock group as the bass player, alongside fellow singer Justin Hayward, and together they embarked on a musical journey that would etch their names into the annals of rock history.
In their official statement, the family expressed that the English musician had been "unexpectedly taken from us." They went on to say, "As anyone who had the privilege of knowing this man with a heart as vast as the ocean would attest, his enduring love for his wife, Kirsten, and his family stood as the cornerstone of his existence. Following closely were his unwavering passion for music and his steadfast faith."
The grieving loved ones further shared their sorrow, stating, "Our hearts are shattered, but we shall walk forward into a realm of peace, buoyed by the boundless love he held for each and every one of us." Echoing Lodge's own words, often spoken at the conclusion of his shows, they added, "As John would always say at the end of the performance, thank you for keeping the faith."
Lodge played a pivotal role in shaping some of The Moody Blues' most iconic records, including the groundbreaking psychedelic masterpiece "Days of Future Passed" (1967) and its 1968 sequel, "In Search of the Lost Chord." His contributions extended to several of their acclaimed progressive rock albums, such as "On the Threshold of a Dream," "To Our Children’s Children’s Children," "A Question of Balance," "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour," and "Seventh Sojourn," each a testament to his enduring musical legacy.
