John Lodge, longtime bassist of Moody Blues, dies at 82
Lee Abrams
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member John Lodge of The Moody Blues performs onstage at Fred Kavli Theatre on July 29, 2023, in Thousand Oaks, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
(NewsNation) — John Lodge, who wrote the hit song “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)” and helped chart the course for one of England’s most beloved bands, The Moody Blues, has died at 82.
From the coffee houses of mid-1960s London to the world’s biggest stages, Lodge served as the band’s bassist and a driving force for more than 50 years.
Lodge’s musical roots trace back to the early days of rock and roll, evolving over the decades into the backbone of The Moody Blues’ distinctive sound, ultimately earning him a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Justin Hayward and John Lodge, right, from The Moody Blues, perform live on stage at Madison Square Garden in New York on Nov. 27, 1978 (Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)
John Lodge of the Moody Blues performs on stage at Ahoy on Nov. 9, 1979, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns)
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Justin Hayward, left, and bassist John Lodge, of English rock group The Moody Blues, January 1975. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
Justin Hayward, Patrick Moraz, John Lodge, Graeme Edge, Ray Thomas, the Moody Blues giving interview with ABC Radio. (Photo by American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images)
Mike Pinder, Ray Thomas, Justin Hayward and John Lodge of The Moody Blues perform onstage at the Grand Gala du Disque on Feb. 26, 1971, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns)
Inductees John Lodge and Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues perform during the 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Auditorium on April 14, 2018, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member John Lodge of The Moody Blues performs onstage at Fred Kavli Theatre on July 29, 2023, in Thousand Oaks, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
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Married since 1968, Lodge is survived by his wife and two children, including a daughter, Emily, who has managed his solo efforts and business affairs in recent years.
In a world of rock and roll excess, Lodge stood apart. An evangelical Christian, he credited his faith with helping him avoid “the excesses” often associated with the music industry.
His family announced his death as “sudden and unexpected.” He died surrounded by loved ones, with the sounds of Buddy Holly and The Everly Brothers playing at his bedside.
In recent years, Lodge had toured as a solo artist, while fellow Moody Blues member Justin Hayward continues to perform many of the band’s classics on his own. The Moody Blues ceased performing together in 2018, marking the end of a remarkable 50-year journey.
