John Lodge, singer and bassist of The Moody Blues during classic era, dies at 82

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

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

The Birmingham, England-born Mr. Lodge joined the band 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 it until it stopped performing live in 2018.

Mr. Lodge featured on some of the band's best-known work, including 1967's psychedelic album “Days Of Future Passed," which is widely regarded as one of rock’s first conc