John Lodge, the legendary bassist and vocalist of the acclaimed British rock band the Moody Blues for over five decades, has passed away at the age of 82. The news of his sudden and unexpected death was confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement released on Friday.
Born in Birmingham, Lodge joined the Moody Blues in 1966, joining forces with fellow vocalist Justin Hayward. His tenure with the band began two years after its inception, following the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. Lodge remained a vital member of the Moody Blues until their retirement from live performances in 2018.
Throughout his illustrious career, Lodge made significant contributions to the band’s iconic discography, notably on albums like the groundbreaking 1967 release “Days of Future Passed” and its successor, “In Search of the Lost Chord” in 1968. He also played a key role in shaping the band’s sound on the 1977 album “Octave,” which marked a shift towards a more pop-influenced direction.
Lodge’s musical journey with the Moody Blues culminated in their final studio album in 2003, “December,” a festive collection of Christmas tunes. The band continued to captivate audiences with their live performances until 2018, the same year they were honored with induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.