Rock legend John Lodge, co-lead singer and bass guitarist of The Moody Blues, has passed away at the age of 82. His family confirmed that the musician was “suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us”, reports The WP Times with reference to the Dailystar.

In a heartfelt statement, Lodge’s relatives expressed their deep sorrow: “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 described the musician as a man with a “massive heart,” whose greatest loves were his wife Kirsten, his family, his music, and his faith.

According to the family, Lodge passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, as the music of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly played in the background. “We will forever miss his love, smile, kindness and his absolute and never-ending support,” the statement 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.”

Lodge was born in Birmingham and joined The Moody Blues after the departure of original bassist Clint Warwick. He met future bandmate Ray Thomas at just 14 years old, beginning a musical partnership that would help define the band’s signature sound. Founded in 1964, The Moody Blues sold more than 70 million records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.

Over his decades-long career, Lodge wrote some of the band’s most beloved tracks, including Peak Hour, Ride My See-Saw, and Isn’t Life Strange, for which he received ASCAP songwriting awards. He also earned another ASCAP award for I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band). The group received the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 1985, and Lodge was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Annual Prog Awards in London in 2019.

His longtime friend and bandmate Ray Thomas passed away in January 2018, only months before the band’s Hall of Fame induction. Mike Pinder, the last surviving original member, died last year.

John Lodge is survived by his wife Kirsten and their children, Emily and Kristian. During the Coronavirus lockdown, the family collaborated on his song In These Crazy Times, which reflected his enduring optimism and love of music.

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