John Lodge

The bass player and a vocalist with British group The Moody Blues for more than 50 years has died at the age of 82.

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The family of John Lodge say that he “peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly”. Cause of death has not been disclosed.

The family’s statement continued: “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'n'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!”

It concluded: “As John would say at the end of the show, thank you for keeping the faith.”