Moody Blues legend John Lodge dies, aged 82

10 October 2025, 13:51

The Moody Blues' John Lodge. Picture: Alamy

By Mayer Nissim

John Lodge was the bass guitarist, co-lead vocalist and songwriter in the classic band.

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Moody Blues legend John Lodge has died at the age of 82.

News of the musician's passing was announced today (October 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," read a statement.

"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.

"John peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly."

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It continued: “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."

Lodge wasn't a founding member of the Moody Blues, but joined the group in 1966 in time for their second, breakthrough album Days of Future Passed in 1967.

Justin Hayward at left and John Lodge playing in The Moody Blues. Picture: Alamy

Lodge was the bass player, co-lead guitarist and also a songwriter in the band and remained an ever-present until the group's dissolution in 2018.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the band in 2018.

Away from the Moody Blues, Lodge released the Blue Jays album in 1975 with Justin Hayward, and the solo record Natural Avenue in 1977.

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After nearly 40 years, he released his second solo album 10,000 Light Years Ago in May 2015. Only last year, he released Days of Future Passed – My Sojourn, a re-imagining of his first album with the Moodies.

A film based around this project was completed in 2025 and was due for release by early 2026.

The sole surviving classic-era member of the Moody Blues is guitarist and singer Justin Hayward, with Ray Thomas, Graeme Edge, Denny Laine and Mike Pinder all having passed away in recent years.

John is survived by his wife Kirsten and their two children, Emily and Kristian.