John Lodge, the Moody Blues singer, bassist, and songwriter, has died at age 82. In an announcement, Lodge’s household shared that his loss of life was “sudden and unexpected,” however that he “peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.” They continued, “We will forever miss his love, smile, kindness and his absolute and never-ending support.”
The Birmingham-native grew to become concerned with the native music scene as a teen within the early 60s, the place he shaped a band with future Moody Blues founding member Ray Thomas. After a brief break from pursuing music, Lodge joined the Moody Blues in 1966 following the departure of their authentic bassist.
Lodge grew to become one of many group’s major songwriters, and was the pen behind their 1973 hit “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band).” He gained an ASCAP songwriting award for “I’m Just a Singer” in addition to “Isn’t Life Strange” from the identical album, Seventh Sojourn.
Aside from his work with the Moody Blues, Lodge was a producer and a solo artist, releasing his final challenge, Days of Future Handed: My Sojourn in 2023. He continued to play with the Moody Blues till 2019, when the group ceased touring. “He was never happier than being on stage,” his household shared. “He was just a singer in a rock’n’roll band and he adored performing with his band and son-in-law, Jon, and being able to continue sharing this music with his fans.”
They continued: “It gave him even more joy to be able to work with his daughter Emily and son Kristian and spend time watching his grandson John-Henry play football and dream of him playing for Birmingham City one day.”
Lodge is survived by his spouse Kirsten, daughter Emily, son-in-law Jon, son Kristian, and grandson John-Henry.
“We are heartbroken, but will walk forwards into peace surrounded by the love he had for each of us,” they shared. “As John would always say at the end of the show, thank you for keeping the faith.”