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- Moody Blues singer John Lodge dead at 82 (foxnews.com)
John Lodge, Legendary Moody Blues Bassist and Vocalist, Dies at 82
John Lodge, the acclaimed bassist and vocalist for the iconic British rock band The Moody Blues, has passed away at the age of 82. His family announced his death on Friday.
In a statement released by his loved ones, Lodge’s family confirmed he died “suddenly and unexpectedly.” They added that he “peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly,” music that reportedly brought him comfort in his final moments.
Born in Birmingham, England, Lodge joined The Moody Blues in 1966, two years after the band’s formation. He came aboard alongside singer Justin Hayward, following the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. Lodge’s tenure with the band spanned decades, continuing until they ceased live performances in 2018.
He was a pivotal creative force behind the group’s groundbreaking fusion of orchestral rock and psychedelia. His distinctive basslines and vocal harmonies were central to the sound that defined albums such as 1967’s Days of Future Passed and 1968’s In Search of the Lost Chord, which significantly influenced the burgeoning rock movement. Later in his career with the band, Lodge also contributed to Octave in 1977, an album that saw The Moody Blues exploring a more pop-oriented sound.
Even after the band released their final studio album, December, a collection of Christmas songs, in 2003, Lodge continued to perform with The Moody Blues on stage until 2018. That same year, the band was rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to their enduring impact on music.
Lodge is survived by his wife, Kirsten, whom he married in 1968. The couple shared two children, Emily and Kristian.
Emily was famously referenced in “Emily’s Song” from the band’s 1971 album, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour. Known for his deep personal faith, Lodge was also an Evangelical Christian, a belief he often credited for helping him remain grounded throughout his extensive and successful career in the demanding world of rock music.
His family concluded their statement with a poignant reflection on his spirit: “As John would always say at the end of the show, thank you for keeping the faith.”
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- Moody Blues singer John Lodge dead at 82 (foxnews.com)