Not Just a Singer in a R&R band…
By Dale Nickey
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/12/25 – John Lodge, bassist/vocalist/songwriter for the Moody Blues passed on October 10, 2025. He was one of my heroes.
He was 82. However, he was still active as a musician with pending 2025 tour dates. His family characterized his passing as “sudden” and “unexpected”. In his final hours he was surrounded by family with the music of his youth (Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers) playing in the background.
John Lodge was born on July 20, 1943, in Birmingham England; a tough, industrial city that favored no-nonsense Rhythm and Blues. Whereas many bass players of the 60’s era were failed or repurposed guitar players, Lodge was a committed low-end specialist right from the beginning when he purchased his beloved Fender Precision Sunburst Bass at the age of 16. An instrument that can be heard on all The Moody Blues classic hits.
Lodge was one of the finest singing bass players in Rock history. Bass Player Magazine rated him one of the top 10 Rock bassists of all time. John Lodge and Justin Hayward established themselves as the principal lead singers and songwriters in The Moody Blues. While Hayward authored Classic Rock evergreens like Nights in White Satin and Tuesday Afternoon; Lodge was also a reliable source for top 10 hits – Ride My See Saw, I’m Just a Singer (In A Rock & Roll Band) and, Isn’t Life Strange – to name three. Moreover, he contributed other chart hits and excellent, deep album cuts that deserved a wider audience. And, in this writer’s opinion, he was one of the coolest looking dudes on the planet.
The Moody Blues started life as an internationally successful cover band. They were among the first wave of British Invasion bands that laid siege to America’s radio airwaves. In 1964, they hit the top 10 in America and number 1 in the UK with their noir stunner Go Now. Soon after this success, lead singer Denny Laine left the band as well as bassist Clint Warwick. Lodge was asked to join the original 1964 lineup, but declined in order to finish his college education, only to join later upon Warwick’s departure.
With John Lodge and (Denny Laine’s replacement) Justin Hayward, The Moody Blues developed into a Prog Rock powerhouse with the release of their 1967 masterpiece Days of Future Past; one of Rock’s first concept albums, which also pioneered the use of orchestral instrumentation in a Rock Music setting. Lodge and Hayward were the twin towers in a group that boasted a wealth of songwriting talent.
Lodge received numerous industry awards during his career, which included an Ivor Novello Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ an ASCAP award, a Prog Award for ‘Lifetime Achievement’; and in 2018 he was inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Moody Blues. Lodge would go on to have a successful and rewarding solo career but remained a tireless custodian of The Moody Blues legacy his entire life.
Lodge was an avid golfer, wine enthusiast and devout Christian. He often credited his faith as shielding him from the excesses of the Rock Music industry.
As a musician who came of age in the 60’s and early 70’s, this writer naturally worshipped the songs and talent of The Beatles and Bob Dylan. However, as a musician, I wanted to BE John Lodge.
Lodge is survived by his two children and his wife of 57 years, Kirsten. RIP
Dale Nickey is a writer/musician/producer with three solo albums in worldwide release. A Hollywood baby born and raised who started his creative journey as a college Theatre Arts major. He is currently a content creator for the music blog “The Muse Patrol” and is a regular contributor to THT
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