“His songs remain timeless. His bass lines still burrow deep into the ear – and the heart”: Moody Blues icon John Lodge Remembered
John Lodge, the long-serving bassist and co-vocalist for The Moody Blues, passed away unexpectedly in October 2025 at age 82. Throughout his half-century with the band, Lodge shaped their progressive rock identity through distinctive vocal harmonies and innovative bass lines, remaining an active performer and recording artist right up to his final days.
Lodge's approach to bass playing transcended rhythm, instead weaving melody and emotional expression into The Moody Blues' sound. His passion for music never waned—he continued gigging, releasing solo material (including a 2023 reinterpretation of a classic album), and composing new work, embodying an exploratory spirit that helped establish the band as one of rock's most pioneering and commercially successful acts.
- John Lodge, The Moody Blues' bassist and co-vocalist for 50 years, died unexpectedly in October 2025 at 82.
- His melodic bass work and falsetto harmonies helped define progressive rock; he remained active in music until his death.