John Lodge, singer and bassist of the Moody Blues during the classic era, dies at 82

John Lodge, singer and bassist British The Moody Blues, a rock band that endured for more than 50 years, has died. He was 82 years old.

In a statement Friday, his family said “with deep sadness” that Lodge died “suddenly and unexpectedly.” It added that Lodge “passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers.” buddy Holly,

Birmingham-born Lodge joined the band with fellow vocalist Justin Hayward in 1966, two years after its formation, following the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. He remained with it until it ceased live performances in 2018.

Lodge participated on some of the band’s most famous works, including the 1967 psychedelic album “Days of Future Passed”, widely considered one of rock’s first concept albums, and its follow-up “In Search of the Lost Chord” a year later.

Lodge also played on the 1977 album “Octave”, in which The Moody Blues adopted a more pop-oriented sound.

He continued to record with the group until their final studio album, “December”, in 2003, a collection of Christmas songs.

The group continued to perform live until 2018, the same year the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.