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BORN
1943
DIED
2025
John Lodge Obituary
Born July 20, 1943, in the Birmingham suburb of Erdington, England, Lodge joined the Moody Blues in 1966, two years after the band formed. With singer-guitarist Justin Hayward, he helped reinvent the group's sound for the 1967 album "Days of Future Passed," often cited as an early rock concept album.
Across more than five decades, Lodge supplied anchoring bass lines, bright harmonies, and key songs as the band moved from baroque psychedelia to polished arena rock. His writing and vocals powered staples such as "Ride My See-Saw," "Isn't Life Strange," and "I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)."
The Moody Blues recorded through the 2003 album "December" and toured until 2018, when the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Lodge continued to perform and record under his own name, celebrating the band's legacy onstage as well as playing his own solo music.
Lodge's early life in Birmingham shaped his musical course. He met future bandmate Ray Thomas as a teen and later rejoined him in the Moody Blues after completing his studies. His partnership with Hayward yielded the 1975 duo album "Blue Jays" during a band hiatus.
He also maintained a modest solo catalog, including "Natural Avenue" (1977) and "10,000 Light Years Ago" (2015). In later years he revisited "Days of Future Passed" in concert and on the 2023 studio project "Days of Future Passed – My Sojourn."
Faith, family, and music remained central in Lodge's life. He married Kirsten in 1968; they had two children, Emily and Kristian. He wrote "Emily's Song" for his daughter on the Moody Blues' 1971 album "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour." In recent tours he often performed with his son-in-law Jon Davison, vocalist for Yes.
Survivors include his wife, as well as their children and grandchildren. As his family wrote to his fans, echoing his sign-off at the end of his live shows, "Thank you for keeping the faith."
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: Cal Sport Media via AP Images)
58 Entries
Mary Jo DeLavan
5 hours ago
I have been a fan since I first heard them. I got to see them in concert a few times, my favorite being in the early '90s in Midland, Texas with our symphony orchestra. My husband plays bass with the orchestra. It was such a big deal and very exciting. I've seen them a couple of times since without an orchestra but they were still great.
Rest in peace John and thank you for all the beautiful music.
Joyce Danas
Earlier today
Always loved his music all the years.
Joyce Damas
Jeffrey L Hicks
Earlier today
John's music has been an inspiration all these years. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and heart with us.
John (Jack) D. Cichy
Earlier today
I met John Lodge and all the Moodies at a concert back stage meet and greet almost twenty years ago. Although my favorite Moody was always Justin Hayward, I found him to be reserved and distant during our brief encounter. Mr. Lodge on the other hand was at once warm, welcoming, and willing to chat. From this point forward, I have to say I gravitated toward Mr. Lodge as my prized Moody Blue.
I felt sorry for Mr. Lodge that his relationship with Justin seemed to become strained over time. For whatever reason. Yet, I had hoped that he and Justin would come back together for a return of the Blue Jays.
I wish the Lodge family peace and tranquility in this time of unparalleled sorrow and sadness. John Lodge was a class act! And a talented musician. More importantly, he was a wonderful human being.
John's words in his song 'Isn't Life Strange' ring true upon his death - "Isn't Life Strange? A turn of the page...." It seems like the decades of the Moodies along with their lives and ours have indeed gone by like - A turn of the page.
Jack Cichy
A 57 Year Moodies Fan
How you can show support
Fred Purvis
Earlier today
John was a true gentleman. He and Kirsten formed a dynamic duo, you rsrely saw one without the other. Condolences Kirsten.
RB
Earlier today
An incredibly talented singer and songwriter. He made his mark with his amazing voice. Sincere condolences to the Lodge family, so very sorry for your loss, God be with you in your time of loss.
Jane Day
Yesterday
The Moody Blues were a very important part of my college days. My roommate and I were so caught up in the music we would go to sleep listening to this incredible music. I have remained a fan to this day. My condolences to the family of Mr. Lodge. The music that he created will live forever and will be sung by the Whispering Angels. I am sad for his passing but will celebrate his life and his passion for his art. Will always keep the faith.
Maarten Finders
Yesterday
So sorry john you passed away.
You were a great musician.
My condolances to family and friends.
For me, you are here, in my heart because i am great fan of you and THE MOODY BLUES.
And i allways be.
Thanks for all goods songs.
William Opalewski
Yesterday
The first Moody Blues album I heard was On the Threshold of a Dream in 1970 I was only 10 years old and it blew me away.
I saw them only once in concert with the Birmingham Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra and when they played Knights in White Satin
I was in awe. RIP John your songs will live forever and keep rocking with your bandmates Graeme,Mike,Danny and Ray
Cass Corliss
Yesterday
I am a life long fan of The Moody Blues. I was so sorry to hear of John´s passing. Sending prayers to all of John´s family and loved ones. Thank you John for the great music and may you Rest In Peace.
Allie V
Yesterday
I met John Lodge in the mid 80s after one of The Moodies concerts. I was so excited!! The Moody Blues were always my favorite band . He was so kind and generous to take his time to chat with us and pose for a photograph. I cherish this memory. He was a poetic minstrel and will miss him and his music. Love and blessings for his family
Karen Benz
Yesterday
I am a long time fan of the Moody Blues. I knew John had a stroke a while back but I was shocked and very sad to hear he had passed. I was just reminiscing about the last time I had seen the group perform at the Sony Center in Toronto. My condolences to his family and friends. It truly is a sad day.
Bob Mathie
Yesterday
I am a life long fan of the Moody Blues and just loved their music. They were one of the all time greatest bands and always a class act. He will be missed by all of us Moody Blues fans. Rest in peace John.
Chris
Yesterday
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of John Lodge. What a beautiful contribution he made to the world of entertainment. May God give your family comfort and peace as you mourn his loss.
Amy, Newton Falls Ohio
Yesterday
Dear Family of John,
I am so sorry for your loss of your Beloved John.
Dear Close Friends of John,
I am so sorry for your loss of your Great Friend John.
George Banks
Yesterday
So sorry to hear of John's passing he was a wonderful person of great talent and known world wide for his musical talent and iconic status. I was for fortunate to know John and Kirsten and to be invited to attend one of their concerts at Jones Beach Long Island many years ago and it will always be a great memory. RIP John and thank you. My condolences to Kirsten and family
Gregory Adkins
Yesterday
So sad to hear this. Prayers to family. I am 70 and grew up listening to his amazing music. God bless and keep the whole family.
Patricia Metal Goddess Kellogg
Yesterday
My favorite all time Rock Star and inspiration from a child. Condolences to the Lodge family and love to all who will miss Johns greatness. Yes, We are all just singers in a rock and roll band!!
Dee Worden
Yesterday
So sad to hear about John's passing. May he rest in peace with Our Lord. Keep smiling, John. Thank you for your music.
Emily
Yesterday
So sad to hear of John's passing. The Moodies have been near and dear to my heart since I was a small child. I first saw John when I was 14. It was my very first concert in St. Louis MO. My mother took me and throughout the years we went to every show we possibly could. Now at 40 I'm so greatful that I traveled to Indiana in February and got to see you one last time. Thank you SO much for all of the amazing music and memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Timothy Wilson
Yesterday
My condolences go out to John's family. John definitely was a significant part of the Moody Blues and such of a talented bass player and singer. He was loved by so many of us and he will always be greatly missed. May he always rest in peace and may his music live on forever!
Mark J. Dinkel
Yesterday
Can you hear the spirit calling
As it's carried across the waves?
You're already falling
The one that it's calling is you
Moody Blues, Long Distance Voyager
Safe journeys through eternity.
Michael A Dean
Yesterday
Deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. He has been a continuing part of my musical life since first discovering the Moodies back in 1972. As a bass player myself, John was my #1 influence. I admire so many of his songs; particularly "Emily's Song", "Candle of Life", "Eyes of a Child", "One More Time to Live", and "Isn't Life Strange". And he was always a joy to watch and listen to whenever I attended a Moodies concert. He will be greatly missed. My sincere sympathies to his family, his friends, and the legion of fans he has left behind. May you rest in peace kind Sir, in the eternal loving arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Patrick Morgan
Yesterday
The moodies helped me through various crises growing up.
I feel my heart is broken..
You will never just be a singer in a rock n roll band
Rest in peace,John
Connie Tillman
Yesterday
Loved your music. You will be missed greatly.
Alan Giumelli
Yesterday
I discovered the GOB properly in 1978 ( I was 20)..They put out a compilation called out of this world ....it blew me away .
I asked the record shop guy how many albums have the moody blues done , he said 7 . I said give me the lot .
I´ve seen the band about 60 times including Royal Albert Hall in London , 5 times in Australia , various places all over the US including Red Rocks in 2011 (i had to go after buying the dvd it 1992 gig there.
I´ve been on 6 Moody Blues / On The Blue cruises . This band enriched and changed my life for the better. I love music and seen over 400 concerts BUT NOBAND COMPARES TO THE MBS .Thanks for everything John
Alan Giumelli , Brisbane Australia.
Dale Stensland
Yesterday
I am so thankful to be blessed by John's FAITH and meaningful music without swearing!! Can anyone point to any of his songs that contained swearing? Having seen him many times, YES.. JOHN closed by saying," KEEP THE FAITH" with his smile we long to see in HEAVEN,GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Don Larson
Yesterday
I met John Backstage after a concert in 1986 in Denver. I got to tell him how I saw Buddy Holly on Jan. 26, 1959 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was blowen away by the story I told him. After I told John the story, Justin came by and John told Justin that he had to listen to my story. So I told it again to Justin. They both were so nice to me. Here's some pictures I took of John over the years. I saw the Moody's 33 times in concert. RIP John, you are so loved by us all.
Carson Loveless
October 10, 2025
Condolences to his family
Kathryn Barnes
October 10, 2025
Thank you so much for your beautiful music. It was part of the best of times. You blessed the world with your message about life, peace, love and joy.
Tamara Letterman
October 10, 2025
John will forever be in our hearts, my husband, my family and I greatly loved his music. He will be very missed. We are huge fans.
Diana Taylor
October 10, 2025
May you rip John Lodge and your family find peace. You´ve meant so much to me and all the others. You´ve will be so missed. You´re in God´s arms now. Thank you John for everything.
George Banks
October 10, 2025
Many memory´s of you John I´ll never forget your kindness and wonderful music you produced with the Moody Blues and the kind hospitably you and Kirsten May you RIP
J Ehrenberg
October 10, 2025
Awesome bassist, I´m so going to miss hearing him sing and play live. He was the best.Rest in peace John
Robin Mehlberg
October 10, 2025
The most inspirational music ever. It moved me to write and play my own songs over the years. Listened to Seventh Sojourn on the road today just before hearing of his passing.All I can say is thanks and may God give the family solace in this time of sadness. Robin Mehlberg
James Mitchell
October 10, 2025
The Moody Blues have been one of my favorite bands since the mid 1960's starting with 'Go Now'. I have most of their albums on CD along with a couple of concert DVD's. I will always enjoy listening to their music.
My condolences go out to John's family, band mates, friends, and many fans. Rest in peace John.
Donald Rutherford
October 10, 2025
Growing up as a teen in the Denver area I spent many hours listing to the Moody Blues. Thier music stuck a CHORD at that period of my life.
I still have the original vinyl I bought back then and listen to there
beautiful, original tunes often.
Lone u John Lodge
Don Moore
October 10, 2025
Your music helped me get through difficult times-You will be missed by everyone.
Ron Bailey
October 10, 2025
Wally
October 10, 2025
The Moody Blues have literally changed my life. We used to camp on an island that was empty and listen to their music. Watching the moon over the water listening to Our Children´s Children. It was profound. Condolences to the family and friends
Diana Weiss
October 10, 2025
Every time the Moody Blues came to Buffalo , New York I was there
Just loved this band so much. Rest in peace John
Guy Goodman
October 10, 2025
He was the best bassist and harmony singer I ever saw live. And I saw him many times.
Godspeed John...
Rebecca Hess
October 10, 2025
One of the best bass players I've ever seen...singer too...thanks for the music...thanks for spreading the light and love all over the world...God bless and prayers to his family and friends...u will be missed.. so glad I got to see him here in Indianapolis when he came last time....
GREGG D. DEASON AND AIDA
October 10, 2025
RIP John, thank you for the incredible musical legacy!!
Joan Coleman
October 10, 2025
Thank you for the music
Jody Brachman
October 10, 2025
Im good u I was writing to you to give my condolences to you and your family etc rip I loved his music etc he seemed like a nice guy. I will miss him so. No rush take care
Patty Throckmorton
October 10, 2025
I was deeply shocked to hear of John´s passing! Completely devastated at the moment! He played his Music for us right to his end! And he Thanked us for keep The FAITH? Says exactly what kind of man he was! He will be Forever missed and his awesome Music will LIVE ON FOREVER!
Barbara Wilson
October 10, 2025
Sorry to hear of the passing of John. He will be missed dearly in the music world. His musical talent will live on in the hearts of many music lovers. May John rest peacefully in the memory of our Heavenly Father.
Gail Klein
October 10, 2025
Rest in peace, dear John. Thanks for all the music. The Moodies were one of my all time favorite bands and I´m so grateful that I got to see them in person twice. You seemed like a devoted family man and a good guy.
Susan Gutowski
October 10, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved ones today and always. Keeping the faith and your music playing in Daytona Beach
Rod Wilson
October 10, 2025
John, thank you so much for your music.. I followed the MBs for 56 years now.. In the words of the early Moodys, "Go Now".. Your music will live forever.. Peace be with you..
Lori Biltoft
October 10, 2025
The Moody Blues were like nothing we´d heard before, or since. So much talent. He helped make the soundtrack for a generation. Thank you for the great music and memories! RIP
Dora Rettig
October 10, 2025
John was one of the nicest people in the music business. (with by far the best hair!) A true rock and roller who'd been following his star since that schoolboy from Birmingham discovered Buddy Holly. Gifted with a kind and generous spirit, the stories of happy fan encounters are legion. Condolences to his dear wife Kirsten and family. RIP Mr. Rocker!
Kevin McGroary
October 10, 2025
Enjoy fair winds and following seas on your journey, Sir.
Anthe Liuzzo
October 10, 2025
We were so sad to hear about the passing of dear John Lodge, and extend our love and sympathy to his lovely family who he loved so much and we thank him for a legacy a lifetime of beautiful music.
Juanita Castro
October 10, 2025
He will be so missed! My condolences to his family. I´ve been a moody blues fans since they all started. "Nights In White Satin." My favorite song..May his family be blessed with comfort during this hard time. RIPerfection my friend...
Daniel Krueger
October 10, 2025
Thank you John for your amazing 'fresh' show @ the Liberty Theatre in Belleville, Illinois a few years ago; how uplifting! My condolences to the family.
Carl Brown
October 10, 2025
Rest in peace John loved you and The Moody Blues music
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