Moody Blues singer and bassist John Lodge has died at 82.
On Friday, his family shared the news in a statement on the musician’s official Facebook page.
They didn’t reveal a cause of death, but they said he died “suddenly and unexpectedly.”
The statement said, “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,” they wrote, referring to how Lodge was an evangelical Christian.
The statement went on to say that the musician was “never happier than being on stage” and that he “adored” performing.
“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!”
His family 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.”
They continued, “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.”
Born in Birmingham, England, in 1943, Lodge joined the British rock band the Moody Blues in 1966, two years after it formed.
Lodge was part of the band’s most famous songs, like “Nights In White Satin” and “Isn’t Life Strange,” and he was featured on their 1967 album “Days of Future Passed,” which is one of rock and roll’s first concept albums.
He remained with the band until their last studio album, 2003’s “December,” and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with them in 2018.
In 1968, the singer married his wife, Kristen, and stayed married to her until his death.
The couple had two kids, Emily and Kristian.
The Moody Blues song “Emily’s Song” was for his daughter.
His family’s statement concluded, “Please understand that we are not making any further comments, however we would like to leave you with John’s song ’Whispering Angels’ whilst we take a moment to reflect on this incredible man who touched so many lives.”
