John Lodge, the singer and bass guitarist for the Moody Blues, has died at the age of 82, his family has announced. The musician, who was born in Birmingham, played on some of the band's best-known songs, including Nights in White Satin, Question and Isn't Life Strange.
In a statement, his family said: 'It is with the deepest sadness that we have to announce that John Lodge, our darling husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and brother, has been suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us.' They added that Lodge 'peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.'
Lodge featured on some of the band's most acclaimed work, including the 1967 psychedelic album Days of Future Passed, regarded as one of rock's first concept albums, and its follow-up, In Search of the Lost Chord in 1968. He continued to perform with the band through the 1970s as they embraced progressive rock.
His family noted that he was 'never happier than being on stage' and that he adored performing with his band and son-in-law, Jon. Lodge married Kirsten in September 1968 and they had two children. The Moody Blues' song Emily's Song was written for his daughter.
