John Lodge, the bassist, singer and songwriter of the Moody Blues, has died “suddenly and unexpectedly.” The news of his passing was announced in a statement from his family Friday morning, Oct. 10, 2025. Lodge, who wrote and sang such enduring songs for the prog-rock band as “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)” and “Ride My See-Saw,” was 82. The cause and place of death were not revealed, nor was the specific date.
Lodge had suffered a stroke in late 2023 but made a full recovery. He returned to touring and completed a summer leg of his 2025 “Singer in a Rock and Roll Band” tour, which was dedicated to fellow members of the Moody Blues’ core lineup, Graeme Edge, Ray Thomas, Justin Hayward, and Mike Pinder. Now, only Hayward remains from the legendary band.
Though Lodge, born July 20, 1945, was not a founding member of the Moody Blues, he joined in 1966 and was one of the members of their lineup that released their “core seven” albums that included Days of Future Passed, On the Threshold of a Dream and A Question of Balance. The band had been overlooked for decades by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame until they were inducted in 2018.
Watch him perform a classic in 2017
The family’s complete statement: “It is with the deepest sadness that we have to announce that John Lodge, our darling husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and brother has been suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us. As anyone who knew this massive hearted man knows, it was his enduring love of his wife, Kirsten, and his family, that was the most important thing to him, followed by his passion for music, and his faith.
“He was never happier than being on stage – he was ‘Just a ‘Singer in a Rock and Roll Band’ and he adored performing with his band and son-in-law, Jon Davison (vocalist with YES), and being able to continue sharing this music with his fans. It gave him even more joy to be able to work with his daughter Emily and son Kristian and spend time watching his grandson John-Henry play football and dream of him playing for Birmingham City one day!
“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. We are heartbroken, but will walk forwards into peace surrounded by the love he had for each of us. As John would always say at the end of the show, thank you for keeping the faith.
“Please understand that we are not making any further comments, however we would like to leave you with John’s song ’Whispering Angels’ whilst we take a moment to reflect on this incredible man who touched so many lives.”
John Charles Lodge was born 20 July 1943, in Erdington, Birmingham. At age 14 he met musician Ray Thomas, who later became a member of the Moddy Bues, then known mainly for their 1965 hit “Go Now.” When the group’s original bassist, Clint Warwick, dropped out, Lodge took his place, remaining with the band for the duration of its run. In addition to his instrumental work, Lodge wrote or co-wrote dozens of songs for the group. He also released several albums outside of the group, including Blue Jays (with Hayward in 1975) and Natural Avenue in 1977. A 2015 album, 10,000 Light Years Ago, reunited him with Thomas and Pinder.
In February 2024, a few months after his 2023 stroke, Lodge wrote on his Facebook page he had thanked his fans for their “prayers and good wishes for a healthy recovery,” writing that he was “blown away by your unbelievable, total support while I have not been well.”
Related: Our 2018 review of John Lodge in concert
Lodge released Days of Future Passed: My Sojourn in 2023. It’s available to order in the U.S. here, in Canada here and the U.K. here. The great Moody Blues catalog is available here.
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