John Lodge, the legendary bassist, vocalist, and songwriter of The Moody Blues, passed away suddenly in October 2025 at the age of 82. His music shaped generations, his basslines anchored timeless classics, and his voice helped define one of the most beloved bands in rock history. As fans mourn his loss, we celebrate the man behind the melodies with 25 remarkable facts about his life and legacy.
- John Charles Lodge was born on July 20, 1943, in Birches Green near Erdington, Birmingham, England.
- He attended Birches Green Infant and Junior School, then Central Grammar School.
- Before pursuing music full-time, he studied engineering at the Birmingham College of Advanced Technology.
- His early musical inspirations included Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis.
- At just 14, Lodge met Ray Thomas — a friendship that would lead to The Moody Blues.
- He joined The Moody Blues in 1966, replacing bassist Clint Warwick.
- His arrival coincided with that of guitarist Justin Hayward, marking the band’s most iconic lineup.
- Lodge’s songwriting shaped the band’s sound with hits like “Ride My See-Saw,” “Isn’t Life Strange,” and “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band).”
- Both “Isn’t Life Strange” and “I’m Just a Singer” earned him ASCAP songwriting awards.
- He co-wrote “Out and In” with Mike Pinder for To Our Children’s Children’s Children (1969).
- His falsetto harmonies became a defining feature of the band’s lush vocal arrangements.
- In 1975, he teamed up with Justin Hayward for Blue Jays, a collaboration outside of The Moody Blues.
- He released his debut solo album, Natural Avenue, in 1977 on Decca Records.
- The single “Say You Love Me” from that album showcased his romantic lyrical side.
- Lodge also produced music for the band Trapeze during the 1970s.
- In 1980, he released a solo single “Street Café,” featuring Moody Blues keyboardist Patrick Moraz.
- He reunited with Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder on his 2015 solo album 10,000 Light Years Ago.
- Lodge was a beloved performer on progressive rock cruises like “Cruise to the Edge” and “Rock and Romance.”
- His daughter Emily married Jon Davison, the lead vocalist of the band Yes — who often toured with Lodge as a guest singer.
- During the pandemic, Lodge wrote and recorded “In These Crazy Times” at home with his family’s help.
- He was married to Kirsten Lodge from 1968 until his passing, and they had two children, Emily and Kristian.
- A devoted Evangelical Christian, he credited his faith with grounding him amid the rock world’s chaos.
- In 2018, Lodge was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Moody Blues.
- The following year, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Prog Awards in London.
- Bass Player magazine ranked him among the top ten bassists of all time — a fitting tribute to his lifelong craft.
John Lodge’s music reached beyond the stage and studio — it lived in the hearts of those who found peace, beauty, and reflection in The Moody Blues’ songs. As he once wrote in “Candle of Life”: “So love everybody and make them your friends.” His light, indeed, will keep burning on.