John Lodge, the beloved singer, bassist, and songwriter of the Moody Blues, has passed away at the age of 82. His family announced that his death was “sudden and unexpected,” but he “peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.” They expressed their deep sadness, saying, “We will forever miss his love, smile, kindness, and his absolute and never-ending support.”
Born in Birmingham, Lodge got his start in music as a teenager in the early 60s, forming a band with future Moody Blues member Ray Thomas. After a brief break from music, he joined the Moody Blues in 1966, stepping in as the bassist after the original member left. Lodge became a key songwriter for the band, writing hits like “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)” and “Isn’t Life Strange,” both from the album *Seventh Sojourn*, for which he won an ASCAP songwriting award.
In addition to his work with the Moody Blues, Lodge was also a producer and solo artist, releasing his last project, *Days of Future Passed: My Sojourn*, in 2023. He continued to perform with the band until they stopped touring in 2019. His family shared, “He was never happier than being on stage,” and he loved performing with his band and son-in-law, Jon.
Lodge is survived by his wife Kirsten, daughter Emily, son Kristian, and grandson John-Henry. His family said, “We are heartbroken but will walk forward into peace surrounded by the love he had for each of us.” They ended with a heartfelt message: “As John would always say at the end of the show, thank you for keeping the faith.”
