“His songs remain timeless. His bass lines still burrow deep into the ear – and the heart”: Moody Blues icon John Lodge Remembered

CEDAR PARK, TEXAS - JANUARY 21: John Lodge of the Moody Blues performs in concert at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park on January 21, 2018 in Cedar Park, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images).

As long-serving co-vocalist and bassist with The Moody Blues, John Lodge helped keep the Moodies’ flame burning even after the band had stopped touring. Born on July 20, 1943, his distinctive falsetto harmonies and bass-playing helped shape the band’s iconic sound and cement their status. In addition to gigging right up to his unexpected death in October 2025 at the age of 82, he also released a handful of solo albums, including his 2023 updated version of Days Of Future Passed, which was praised by critics and fans alike.

Right to the very end, John Lodge, The Moody Blues’ bassist, co-vocalist and songwriter never lost his passion or drive for playing and recording music. “I play music every day,” he told this writer in 2024. “I’ve loved it since it took hold of me when I was 13. And I love writing songs and discovering something new all the while.”