John Lodge, Moody Blues singer and guitarist during the classical era, has died at the age of 82

John Lodge, singer and guitarist for the British rock band the Moody Blues for more than 50 years, has died. He was 82 years old.

His family said in a statement on Friday that it was “deeply saddened” that Lodge died “suddenly and unexpectedly.” They added that Lodge “slipped peacefully away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.”

Birmingham-born Lodge joined the Moody Blues in 1966, two years after they formed, alongside fellow singer Justin Hayward, following the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. He remained with the Moody Blues until the band stopped performing live in 2018.

Lodge appeared on some of the band’s best-known works, including the 1967 album Psychedelic The days of the future have passedwhich is widely regarded as one of rock’s first concept albums, and its follow-up a year later, In search of the missing string.

Lodge also appeared on the 1977 album Octavewhich saw the Moody Blues embrace a more pop-oriented sound.

He continued making recordings with the group until their final album in 2003, Decembera collection of Christmas songs.

The group continued to perform live until 2018, the same year the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.