John Lodge, Moody Blues Bassist, Dies ‘Suddenly’ at 82

John Lodge, the bassist and co-lead singer of the Moody Blues whose work heavily influenced the development of progressive rock, died “suddenly and unexpectedly” at the age of 82. Lodge’s family, who heralded his “passion for music and his faith,” were “heartbroken” to lose their patriarch, the Guardian reports. “John peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly,” a statement reads. “We will forever miss his love, smile, kindness, and his absolute and never-ending support.” Lodge joined the Moody Blues in 1966 as a new member, with Justin Hayward , Graeme Edge , Mike Pinder, and Ray Thomas identifying his falsetto voice and evocative, narrative songwriting skills as an asset. The band’s subsequent project, 1966’s Days