John Lodge, the vocalist and bass player of the legendary British rock band the Moody Blues for over five decades, has passed away at the age of 82. His family released a statement on Friday expressing their profound sorrow over Lodge’s sudden and unexpected death. They mentioned that Lodge peacefully departed, surrounded by his loved ones and listening to the music of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.
Hailing from Birmingham, Lodge joined the Moody Blues in 1966, joining forces with fellow vocalist Justin Hayward after the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. Lodge remained a core member of the band until their retirement from live performances in 2018. He played a significant role in the creation of the Moody Blues’ iconic works, notably their groundbreaking 1967 album “Days of Future Passed,” considered a pioneering concept album in the rock genre, and the subsequent “In Search of the Lost Chord” released in 1968.
Lodge’s musical contributions extended to the band’s 1977 release “Octave,” marking a shift towards a more pop-oriented sound. He continued to collaborate on albums with the Moody Blues until their final studio release in 2003, a festive collection titled “December.” The band concluded their live performances in 2018, coinciding with their induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the same year.
