John Lodge, Moody Blues bassist, dies at 82

John Lodge, the singer and bass guitarist best known for his work with the Moody Blues, has died aged 82, his family said in a statement, describing his passing as sudden and unexpected. The family said he "peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones" and recalled his devotion to his wife, Kirsten, his children and grandchildren, his passion for music and his faith. The statement added, "As John would always say at the end of the show, thank you for keeping the faith."

Lodge joined the Moody Blues in 1966 after the departure of the band's original bassist and remained a central figure in the group for decades. Formed in Birmingham in 1964, the Moody Blues rose to prominence with early hits and later became associated with progressive and psychedelic rock; the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Lodge’s distinctive falsetto and songwriting contributed to the band’s catalogue, with credits on songs such as "Ride My See-Saw" and "Peak Hour" and co-writing on later tracks including "Isn’t Life Strange."

Born in Erdington, Birmingham, Lodge studied engineering at the Birmingham College of Advanced Technology and was active in the local music scene...