John Lodge, Moody Blues Singer and Bassist, Dies at 82

John Lodge, a musician best known as a singer and bassist for the rock band Moody Blues, has died at age 82.

His family confirmed the news via a statement shared on Facebook on Friday, Oct. 10.

“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,” the family wrote.

Their statement continued: “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.”

“He was never happier than being on stage – he was ‘Just a ‘Singer in a Rock and Roll Band’ and he adored performing with his band and son-in-law, Jon (vocalist with YES), and being able to continue sharing this music with his fans. It gave him even more joy to be able to work with his daughter Emily and son Kristian and spend time watching his grandson John-Henry play football and dream of him playing for Birmingham City one day!” they wrote of Lodge, who “slipped away surrounded by his loved-ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.”

Lodge’s family wrote, “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.”

Writing that they were “not making any further comments,” the family instead concluded by referencing Lodge’s song “Whispering Angels,”

The song came to be after Lodge suffered a stroke in 2023 and was written alongside his son-in-law, Jon, according to American Songwriter.

“[It’s] the progressive-rock side of John Lodge or whatever,” he told the outlet. “For me, I like songs which enlighten you. Something happens [that] you don’t expect, but melodically and musically it’s correct for the song. And I like that.”

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Lodge praised his son-in-law as “an incredible musician,” gushing, “And [he’s] a fantastic singer, and a beautiful guy, you know. And we get on so [well]. And our voices really work well together.”

The famed musician joined Moody Blues in the ’60s and remained an active member through 2018 when the group went on hiatus. That same year, they was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Born in Birmingham, England, Lodge married his wife in 1968, according to The Guardian. He can be heard on Moody Blues hits, such as Nights in “White Satin,” “Question” and “Isn’t Life Strange.”