John Lodge, the singer and bassist of British rock band The Moody Blues , has died at 82 years old.

His family revealed the news on Friday in a release viewed by Ultimate Classic Rock . No cause of death was given, but his family noted that Lodge was “suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us.”

Their statement began: Our darling husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, and brother has been suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us." It continued: “John peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved-ones and the sounds of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly . We will forever miss his love, smile, kindness and his absolute and never-ending support."

Lodge joined the Moody Blues in 1966, two years after the band formed.

The group — best known for hits like “Your Wildest Dreams,” “I

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