Legendary rocker John Lodge dies ‘suddenly and unexpectedly’ aged 82 as family share heartbreak

The Moody Blues singer John Lodge has sadly died at the age of 82, with his family announcing the rock icon was “suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us”

Rock icon John Lodge has died at the age of 82.

He was best known as the co-lead singer, bass guitarist and songwriter of the Moody Blues. The band, formed in 1964, have sold over 70 million records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of Fame in 2018.

Lodge’s family confirmed his passing and revealed he was “suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us”. A statement to the PA agency read: “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.”

The statement added: “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 just 14 years old when he met his future bandmate, Ray Thomas. He joined the Moody Blues when its original bassist, Clint Warwick, left.

Lodge would go on to pen notable songs for the band, including Peak Hour, Ride My See-Saw, and Isn’t Life Strange, which won him an ASCAP songwriting award. He won another ASCAP songwriting award for the track, I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band).

In 1985, the Moody Blues won the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. In 2019, Lodge picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Annual Prog Awards by Prog in London.

John is survived by his wife Kirsten and their two children, Emily and Kristian. The family collaborated on the John’s song In These Crazy Times during the Coronavirus lockdown.

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