John Lodge, Legendary Moody Blues Bassist and Singer, Dies Unexpectedly at 82
The world has lost another great bassist. John Lodge, who anchored prog rock pioneers The Moody Blues, has died at the age of 82. A cause of death was not revealed, although a statement from his family said it was “unexpected.”
“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 shared on his Facebook page. “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. 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 forwards 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.”
Lodge was born near Erdington, Birmingham, England on July 20th, 1943. He took an interest in music early in life, with his heroes being Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis. He met future bandmate Ray Thomas when he was 14, and together they became part of Birmingham’s burgeoning music scene. Lodge joined the Moody Blues in 1966, providing his bass and vocals to the band. His songwriting helped to catapult the band’s success.
His first album with the band was Days of Future Passed, which had mainstream success with the hit “Nights in White Satin.” The album has been cited by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the earliest examples of progressive rock, as well as one of the genre’s first concept albums.
Lodge was a member of The Moody Blues from 1966 until the band’s dissolution in 2018. He’s featured on every album except their debut, and also recorded studio albums through the years. Most recently, he had been performing with his solo band, revisiting the Moody Blues catalog. He also continued to write music, most recently releasing “Whispering Angels” earlier this year.
John Lodge will go down as one of the most important rock bassists and singers of all time. He was voted one of the top ten players of all time by Bass Player magazine, and in 2018, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Moody Blues.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of John Lodge.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
