John Lodge, the legendary bassist and vocalist who helped shape The Moody Blues’ iconic sound for more than five decades, died October 10, 2025, at age 82. His family announced that the Birmingham-born musician passed away “suddenly and unexpectedly” surrounded by loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.
Lodge joined The Moody Blues in 1966 alongside fellow singer Justin Hayward, following the departure of original members Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. His arrival marked a pivotal transformation for the band, as they evolved from their rhythm and blues roots toward the progressive rock sound that would define their career.
The musician’s contributions proved instrumental to the band’s groundbreaking fusion of orchestral rock and psychedelia. Lodge featured prominently on landmark albums including 1967’s “Days of Future Passed,” often cited as one of rock’s first concept albums, and 1968’s “In Search of the Lost Chord,” which saw the band embrace further experimentation.
Lodge penned several of the band’s most recognizable songs, including “Ride My See-Saw,” “Isn’t Life Strange,” and “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band).” The latter became a Top 20 hit in the United States and earned him ASCAP songwriting awards. He also co-wrote the band’s 1981 number 12 smash hit “Gemini Dream.”
Between 1969 and 1972, Lodge appeared on a series of albums that established The Moody Blues as prog rock pioneers: “On the Threshold of a Dream,” “To Our Children’s Children’s Children,” “A Question of Balance,” “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour,” and “Seventh Sojourn.” The band achieved remarkable commercial success, reeling off 12 straight U.S. Top 40 albums and selling more than 70 million records worldwide.
Born July 20, 1943, in Erdington, Birmingham, Lodge received his first Fender bass guitar at 16. He formed El Riot & the Rebels with future bandmate Ray Thomas while in high school. Lodge attended Birmingham College of Advanced Technology for engineering before fully committing to music.
The musician remained with The Moody Blues through their evolution across different musical styles, including 1977’s “Octave,” which embraced a more pop-oriented sound. The band continued recording until their final studio album “December,” a collection of Christmas songs released in 2003, and performed live until 2018.
In 2018, The Moody Blues were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, capping a prestigious career that spanned more than five decades. Lodge appeared on 15 of the band’s 16 studio albums and remained active in music even after the group stopped touring.
Following The Moody Blues’ retirement from live performance, Lodge continued his musical journey through solo projects and collaborations. He released the EP “Love Conquers All” in February 2025 and had been touring with his son-in-law Jon Davison, vocalist with Yes. His current tour was named after his signature song “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),” with December shows previously scheduled.
Lodge also released solo albums throughout his career, including 1977’s “Natural Avenue” and collaborated with bandmate Hayward on the 1975 album “Blue Jays” during The Moody Blues’ five-year hiatus. In 2019, he released the retrospective “B Yond,” featuring new versions of lesser-known Moody Blues tracks.
Bandmate Justin Hayward paid tribute on social media, expressing shock and sadness while sharing memories of making music together. He extended condolences to Lodge’s wife and family.
Lodge’s family described him as a “massive-hearted man” whose enduring love for his wife Kirsten and family remained most important to him, followed by his passion for music and faith. The musician spoke openly about being an Evangelical Christian, crediting his faith with helping him avoid the excesses of rock and roll throughout his career.
His family noted that Lodge “was never happier than being on stage” and adored performing with his band and continuing to share music with fans. They added that it gave him additional joy to work with his daughter Emily and son Kristian, while spending time watching his grandson John-Henry play football.
Lodge married Kirsten in September 1968, and they had two children together. Their daughter Emily was referenced in The Moody Blues song “Emily’s Song” from the 1971 album “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour.”
Lodge becomes the fourth member of The Moody Blues to pass away following their 2018 Hall of Fame induction, after founding drummer Graeme Edge died in 2021, original vocalist Denny Laine died in 2023, and founding keyboardist Mike Pinder died in 2024. Founding flutist Ray Thomas died in January 2018, only months before the Hall of Fame recognition.
His family concluded their statement by noting, “As John would always say at the end of the show, thank you for keeping the faith.”
