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. He wrote, “I’m very sad and shocked to hear of John’s passing. I have such happy memories of making music together. My sincere condolences to his dear wife and family.”
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 in Erdington, Birmingham. At age 14 he met musician Ray Thomas, who later became a member of the Moody Blues, 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.
Related: Musician and celebrity deaths of 2025
10 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationAnd then there was one. I have been a fan since the 70’s. Saw so many of their concerts, I’ve lost count. After Graeme passed, and the Moodies were no more, John was the one who really kept the feeling of those shows alive with his solo shows. We just saw him in August and were looking forward to any upcoming tours. Another piece of my musical journey is gone. Rest easy, John.
Sadly, We are losing them all.
Great melodic bass player and a fine singer and songwriter. And of course member of one of the all-time greatest bands. His music will live on.
Once again, BCB has sad difficult task to convey news that shocks and saddens readers of this email, myself and I imagine many others, who loved this Band and these musicians, and loved their great music/albums & spirituality from their emergence to still listening to their music to this day…almost 60 years now…their music has been central to me and friends…I so appreciate knowing every day I will have an informative eclectic mix of bands/artists and musical news every night when I will open BCB email…but receiving news and shock of beloved artist’s passing is always sad and unexpected and disrupting…it is sad to learn the news and say goodbye to beloved artists in same moment…my condolences to John’s family, fellow fans and Mr Hayward..my deepest respect and gratitude for his/Band’s artistry…
If you were ever lucky enough to meet one just one “rock star” I hope it was John Lodge. He was the best. I started my journey with the Moodies when I first heard Go Now and still love them to this day.
John Lodge was one of the nicest people you would ever meet and trust me, I have met many of them back in the day.
John always time for his fans, would engage in conversation, let you get that picture. I can’t say enough positive about him.
My heart goes out to his family.
SO true, met him on cruises, always available to say hi & get a pic. I told Jon Davison (who I call John Jr & he laughs) how great he was, inside & out. His faith meant so much & now he’s safe in the arms of Jesus, PTL.
First saw them in the 60’s at the Shrine in L.A. when Denny Laine was with them (Go Now). This was pre-Justin Hayward. I think I saw them 11 times over many years. The final time included Ray Thomas’(RIP) daughter as Flautist.
I’ve been a fan of the Moody Blues for over 50 years. My older sister got me hooked. I was lucky enough to have got to see them a few times. Rock in Peace John. And thanks for the memories.
What passes for music today can’t hold a candle to classic rock, real multi faceted talents, now it’s cheap mass consumption, soon to be forgotten. I feel lucky to have seen the band in the 90’s. Their music I’ve enjoyed for ever. Real talented musicians, writers, producers are disappearing all too quickly. Rest in Peace John Lodge. P.S. I’m Just a Singer in a Rock n Roll Band, totally Rocked.
A lot of people all over the world today are feeling like they’ve lost a family member. The Moody Blues have been my favorite band since the late 60s when a high school friend came over to my house with “Days Of Future Passed.” He told me I had to hear this new album by a rock band with an orchestra. I was hooked, and have been ever since. Over the years, I’ve introduced countless numbers of people to their music, and during those years, that music has influenced my life like no other band ever has or will. My wife and I saw them in concert 5 times, and lone survivor of the band Justin Hayward 3 times on solo tours. We hope he continues to write, tour, and carry on their legacy which will never die. Rest in peace in Rock And Roll Heaven, John, and thank you for the incredible music and lyrics. The best ever!