LONDON, England — John Lodge, the long-time bassist and vocalist for the British rock band The Moody Blues, has died at 82, the Associated Press and his family reported .

His family said he died “suddenly and unexpectedly,” adding that he “peacefully slipped away” surrounded by loved ones and the music of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly, AP also reported.

Born in Birmingham, England, Lodge joined The Moody Blues in 1966, stepping in as the band shifted its lineup, according to the Los Angeles Times . He remained a fixture in the group until their final live performances in 2018.

Throughout his decades with the band, Lodge played a central role on key albums such as “Days of Future Passed,” “In Search of the Lost Chord” and “Octave.” He also continued contributing during the ban

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