John Lodge, the singer and bassist of British rock band the Moody Blues for more than 50 years, has died. He was 82.

In a statement Friday, his family said "with the deepest sadness" that Lodge died "suddenly and unexpectedly." They added that Lodge "peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly."

Birmingham-born Lodge joined the Moody Blues in 1966, two years after its formation, along with fellow singer Justin Hayward, following the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. He remained with the Moody Blues until the band stopped performing live in 2018.

Lodge featured on some of the band's best-known work, including 1967's psychedelic album , which is widely regarded as one of rock's first concept albums, and its follow-up

See Full Page