John Lodge dead: Moody Blues singer dies 'suddenly and unexpectedly'

Moody Blues icon John Lodge has died aged 82, his family have announced in a heartbreaking statement. They said he was "suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us”.

A statement 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.

“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. John peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.

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“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.”

The singer was born in Erdington, Birmingham, and went to college at the Birmingham College of Advanced Technology for engineering. He said his early influences were musicians like Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly.

When he was 14 years old, he met his future bandmate, Ray Thomas. He was involved in the Birmingham music scene from a young age, but sometimes dropped out to continue with his studies.

In 1966, after the Moody Blues' original bassist, Clint Warwick, departed the band, John took over as bassist and vocalist. He rejoined Ray around the same time the band recruited guitarist/vocalist Justin Hayward to replace Denny Laine.

John's recognisable falsetto majorly helped revive Moody Blues. His songwriting can be seen in Peak Hour, (Evening) Time to Get Away, Ride My See-Saw, House of Four Doors, Eyes of a Child, Send Me No Wine, Candle of Life, and more.

John collaborated with fellow band member Justin on the 1975 album Blue Jays. He also released a solo album, Natural Avenue, in 1977. In the 70s, he produced music for the band Trapeze

By the 80s, the star released a few singles and co-wrote a number of tracks for his band. In 1985, he won the Ivor Novello Award for his Outstanding Contribution to Music.

In September 2019, the musician was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Annual Prog Awards in London.

John is survived by his wife Kirsten and their two children, Emily and Kristian.

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