John Lodge, Longtime Moody Blues Bassist, Dies at 82

John Lodge, the longtime singer, songwriter and bass guitarist for The Moody Blues, has died. He was 82.

“John Lodge, our darling husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and brother, has been suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us,” his family Friday said in a statement on Facebook.

No cause of death was shared, but they noted that “John peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.”

Born on July 20, 1943, in Birmingham, England, Lodge received his first Fender bass guitar at 16.

Along with friend Ray Thomas, he formed El Riot & the Rebels while in high school. In 1966, Lodge received a call from Thomas with an offer to join The Moody Blues as their bass guitarist, replacing a departing Denny Laine. The band also had as members Justin Hayward, Mike Pinder and Graeme Edge.

Lodge remained with the iconic band until it stopped touring in 2019. “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 (Anderson, vocalist with YES), and being able to continue sharing this music with his fans,” Lodge’s family wrote.

Among the most notable songs Lodge wrote are “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),” with a signature bass riff, and “Ride My See-Saw.” The Moody Blues released 15 studio albums, and Lodge released another five on his own.

In 2023, Lodge released his solo LP Days of Future Passed: My Sojourn and set touring dates, writing: “I’m sorry that the Moodies are no longer touring, and I miss my friends Ray and Graeme deeply, but as I looked back to the past, I realised that I also wanted to look forward to the Future. My hope is that in this new album you will get to revisit 1967, but at the same time, see how this album has grown with me, and with you. Thank to you the 10,000 Light Years Band, Jon Davison and, of course, Graeme, for their belief in this project and helping bring my vision to life. And thank you to all the fans for Keeping the Faith on this, ‘My Sojourn’.”

His latest release this year was the EP “Love Will Conquer All.” In 2018, The Moody Blues were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Lodge leaves behind wife Kirsten, daughter Emily, son Kristian and grandson John-Henry.

“As John would always say at the end of the show, thank you for keeping the faith,” his family wrote. “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.”