John Lodge, bassist and singer with the Moody Blues, dies at 82

by

John Lodge, the bassist and singer for the Moody Blues, best known for hits like “Nights in White Satin” (which reached No. 2 in the US in 1972) and “Your Wildest Dreams” (a top 10 song in the 1980s), has passed away at the age of 82.

The family announced his death in a statement, saying he passed away “suddenly and unexpectedly.” They did not share details about how, when, or where he died.

John passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, while listening to music by The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly, according to a statement. He also had concert dates planned for later this year, beginning December 4th in Cerritos, as noted on his website.

John Lodge was born in Birmingham, England, in 1943 and became a member of the Moody Blues in 1966. He joined the band alongside singer Justin Hayward, after Denny Laine (later of Wings with Paul McCartney) and Clint Warwick left.

×

The band began like many other young English groups in the mid-1960s, initially imitating American R&B. As Hayward remembered in a 1990 interview with The Times, they started as a rhythm and blues band, performing in blue suits and singing about life and issues in the American South. While it was a decent start, it felt out of place and wasn’t getting them anywhere. Ultimately, they were broke and had nothing to show for it.

The band’s record company wanted an album that would demonstrate the capabilities of their new recording technology, so Hayward and Lodge guided the group towards a richer, more elaborate sound, mixing rock with elements of classical music.

The Moody Blues’ 1967 album, “Days of Future Passed,” was a groundbreaking work that combined rock music with the London Festival Orchestra. It’s now considered a key influence on the development of progressive rock, paving the way for bands like Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

Besides the famous song “Nights in White Satin,” which was recently featured in a captivating Chanel ad with Timothée Chalamet, the album also included “Tuesday Afternoon.” This song is a dreamy, orchestral-rock piece that evokes the feeling of gently floating through a world of love.

Music

On the eve of her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the 72-year-old pop icon looks back.

The songs weren’t instant hits when they were first released. However, consistent airplay on FM radio kept them popular throughout the early 1970s, an era when rock music was increasingly defined by ambitious bands like Genesis and Electric Light Orchestra.

In 1972, the Moody Blues reached the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart with their album, “Seventh Sojourn.” The album featured the popular single “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band),” sung by John Lodge.

After the album “Seventh Sojourn,” the band split up. According to Hayward, they had become increasingly isolated and had run out of things to say to each other. However, Hayward and Lodge collaborated on a duo album, “Blue Jays,” in 1975, and Lodge then released his debut solo album, “Natural Avenue,” two years later.

The Moody Blues reunited in 1977 and continued to thrive in the 1980s with the rise of synth-pop. Songs like “Gemini Dream,” “The Voice,” and especially “Your Wildest Dreams” – which gained popularity on MTV with a music video featuring Justin Hayward reflecting on his life – helped them achieve further success.

×

The band actively toured and performed throughout the late 2010s, including appearances at the Glastonbury Festival in England in 2015 and the Hollywood Bowl in 2017. Sadly, several key members have passed away: Ray Thomas (flute) in 2018, Graeme Edge (drums) in 2021, and most recently, John Laine in 2023. Mike Pinder, the band’s keyboardist until 1978, passed away last year. Roy Hayward shared on Facebook that he was deeply saddened to learn of John’s death and fondly remembered their time making music together.

In 2023, Lodge put out a solo album inspired by a fresh take on his classic album, “Days of Future Passed.” He is survived by his wife, Kirsten, their two children, and a grandchild.

The Moody Blues were honored with induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Ann Wilson of Heart presented the award, explaining that the band’s music had been a constant companion throughout her life, from her youth to adulthood.

According to Wilson, The Moody Blues aren’t trying to be trendy or detached – they’re genuine. He believes their lyrics are beautifully honest and their music shows a natural cleverness.

“You can lie back and listen to any one of the albums, beginning to end, and go out of the world.”

Read More

2025-10-10 22:01