The rocker was 82
Moody Blues bassist and vocalist John Lodge has passed away at the age of 82. His family released a statement about the news.
“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. As anyone who knew this massive-hearted man knows, it was his enduring love of his wife, Kirsten, and his family, that was the most important thing to him, followed by his passion for music, and his faith,” they say.
It continues, “He was never happier than being on stage – he was just a ‘Singer in a Rock and Roll Band’ and he adored performing with his band and son-in-law, Jon (vocalist with YES), and being able to continue sharing this music with his fans. It gave him even more joy to be able to work with his daughter Emily and son Kristian and spend time watching his grandson John-Henry play football and dream of him playing for Birmingham City one day!
“John peacefully slipped away, surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. We will forever miss his love, smile, kindness, and his absolute and never-ending support. We are heartbroken, but will walk forward into peace, surrounded by the love he had for each of us. As John would always say at the end of the show, thank you for keeping the faith.
“Please understand that we are not making any further comments. However, we would like to leave you with John’s song, ‘Whispering Angels,’ whilst we take a moment to reflect on this incredible man who touched so many lives.”
Lodge is best known as the bass guitarist, co-lead vocalist, and principal songwriter for the iconic rock band The Moody Blues, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. He wrote or co-wrote some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Ride My See-Saw,” “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),” “Isn’t Life Strange,” and “Gemini Dream.”
Even as the band hadn’t been active in recent years, Lodge had regularly toured with his solo band, the 10,000 Light Years Band, often featuring Jon Davison of Yes as a special guest. His recent tours, such as Singer in a Rock and Roll Band, focused on performing The Moody Blues classics, including full performances of the album Days of Future Passed, which was released in 2023. His most recent solo music included Love Conquers All, released earlier this year.
Lodge has been voted one of the ten most influential bass players and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including ASCAP and Ivor Novello Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Lodge was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2019 was given a star in his hometown Walk of Fame. In 2019, Lodge was given the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Prog Awards.
