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

LONDON — LONDON (AP) — John Lodge, lead singer and bassist for the British rock band The Moody Blues for more than 50 years, has died. He was 82 years old.

In a statement Friday, his family said “with the deepest sadness” that Lodge died “suddenly and unexpectedly.” He added that Lodge “walked away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.”

Birmingham-born Lodge joined the group in 1966, two years after its formation, alongside fellow singer Justin Hayward, following the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. He remained with him until he stopped performing live in 2018.

Lodge was featured on some of the band’s best-known works, including the psychedelic 1967 album “Days Of Future Passed”, which is widely considered one of rock’s first concept albums, and its follow-up a year later, “In Search Of The Lost Chord”.

Lodge was also featured on the 1977 album “Octave”, which saw The Moody Blues adopt a more pop sound.

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

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