John Lodge, the legendary bassist and vocalist who helped define The Moody Blues’ progressive rock sound for more than five decades, died suddenly on October 10, 2025, at age 82. The Birmingham-born musician passed away unexpectedly while surrounded by family and the sounds of his musical heroes, The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.
Lodge’s family announced his death on Friday, describing him as a “massive-hearted man” whose primary devotion was to his wife Kirsten and their family, followed by his passion for music and his evangelical Christian faith. Lodge peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones, according to the family statement.
The musician joined The Moody Blues in 1966 alongside guitarist Justin Hayward, replacing departing members Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. This lineup change proved pivotal for the band’s evolution from rhythm and blues toward their distinctive orchestral rock sound that would define progressive music for generations.
Lodge’s contributions were instrumental in creating some of rock’s most enduring albums, including 1967’s “Days of Future Passed,” often cited as one of the first concept albums blending classical orchestration with rock instrumentation. He also played a key role in 1968’s “In Search of the Lost Chord,” which saw the band embrace further musical experimentation and psychedelic influences.
As both bassist and co-lead vocalist, Lodge penned several of The Moody Blues’ most recognizable hits. His compositions included “Ride My See-Saw” from 1968, featuring his signature bass riff, and “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)” from 1973, which became a Top 20 hit in the United States. He also co-wrote the band’s 1981 number 12 hit “Gemini Dream” and earned ASCAP songwriting awards for multiple tracks including “Isn’t Life Strange.”
Born July 20, 1943, in Erdington, Birmingham, Lodge attended Birches Green Junior School, Central Grammar School, and Birmingham College of Advanced Technology, where he studied engineering. He received his first Fender bass guitar at age 16 and formed his early band El Riot & the Rebels with future Moody Blues bandmate Ray Thomas during high school.
Throughout his career with The Moody Blues, Lodge appeared on 15 of their 16 studio albums, contributing to a catalog that sold more than 70 million records worldwide. The band continued releasing albums through their final studio effort “December,” a collection of Christmas songs in 2003, and maintained an active touring schedule until 2018.
Lodge also pursued solo projects during The Moody Blues’ five-year hiatus in the 1970s, collaborating with Hayward on the 1975 album “Blue Jays” and releasing his own solo album “Natural Avenue” in 1977. His most recent release was the EP “Love Will Conquer All” in February 2025.
The band achieved their ultimate recognition when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, the same year they concluded their touring career after celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Days of Future Passed.” Lodge continued performing solo shows and with his son-in-law Jon Davison, vocalist for the band Yes, keeping The Moody Blues’ music alive for new audiences.
Lodge’s family emphasized that he was happiest when performing on stage, noting that he adored sharing music with fans and working with his children Emily and Kristian. His daughter Emily was immortalized in The Moody Blues song “Emily’s Song” from their 1971 album “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour.”
Hayward, his longtime musical partner, expressed shock and sadness at Lodge’s passing, sharing memories of their collaborative work together. The death marks another significant loss for The Moody Blues legacy, as Lodge becomes the fourth member to pass away following their Hall of Fame induction, after drummer Graeme Edge in 2021, original vocalist Denny Laine in 2023, and founding keyboardist Mike Pinder in 2024.
Lodge’s family concluded their statement with his traditional show-closing phrase: “Thank you for keeping the faith.” He is survived by his wife Kirsten, whom he married in September 1968, his children Emily and Kristian, and grandson John-Henry.
