John Lodge, the longtime singer and bassist of The Moody Blues, has suddenly passed away at the age of 82, as announced by his family on October 10, 2025. He joined the band in 1966 alongside singer and guitarist Justin Hayward, after the release of The Moody Blues’ first album. This marked a turning point for the band, shifting from their early R&B roots to a richer, more melodic and psychedelic rock sound. This transformation began with their groundbreaking 1967 album, Days of Future Passed, a symphonic concept work that set the tone for their future music.
Lodge quickly became a crucial songwriter for the band and took on many lead and backing vocal roles, blending his voice with other members to create the band’s distinctive sound. While Justin Hayward is often remembered for penning most of their biggest hits, many songs written and sung by John Lodge also reached commercial success. He remained an active member of The Moody Blues until their retirement in 2018, the same year they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, honoring their lasting influence on rock music.
Following the band’s retirement, Lodge pursued a solo career with his group, the 10,000 Light Years Band, performing mainly Moody Blues classics. His concerts often featured guest appearances by Jon Davison, Yes’s frontman and Lodge’s son-in-law, which added a familial touch to his live shows. In February 2025, Lodge released a poignant solo EP titled Love Conquers All, featuring songs he composed after overcoming a severe stroke in 2023. Remarkably, he continued touring well into 2025, with plans for a short U.S. tour this December.
To honor John Lodge’s legacy, here are four memorable Moody Blues songs he wrote or co-wrote and performed:
"Ride My See-Saw" (1968)
This energetic psychedelic rock track appears on the band’s third studio album, In Search of the Lost Chord. Written by Lodge, it features shared lead vocals with bandmates Hayward, Ray Thomas, and Mike Pinder. "Ride My See-Saw" became the first Moody Blues song penned by John to enter the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 61, and also charted at number 42 in the U.K. It remained a beloved staple in their live performances throughout their career.
"I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)" (1972)
Featured on The Moody Blues’ eighth album, Seventh Sojourn, this song stands out as a rock anthem written and sung by Lodge himself. It was the second single from the album, which topped the Billboard 200 for five weeks in late 1972 and early 1973. The track climbed to number 12 on the Hot 100 and inspired John’s 2025 solo tour named the Singer in a Rock and Roll Band trek. Additionally, Lodge wrote and performed the album’s lead single, "Isn’t Life Strange," an introspective ballad that reached number 31 on the Hot 100.
"Gemini Dream" (1981)
This upbeat pop-rock song is from the band’s tenth studio album, Long Distance Voyager. It marked the first time Lodge and Hayward collaborated as co-writers, and they shared lead vocals, harmonizing beautifully throughout. "Gemini Dream" was another hit, hitting number 12 on the Hot 100 chart.
"Sitting at the Wheel" (1983)
Included on The Moody Blues’ eleventh album, The Present, this lively pop-rock track was both written and sung by Lodge. It reached number 27 on the Hot 100, helped by moderate MTV airplay for its music video. "Sitting at the Wheel" is notable for being John’s last Moody Blues composition to achieve significant commercial success.
Bonus Track: "Whispering Angels" (2025)
This ethereal song comes from Lodge’s final solo EP, Love Conquers All. Co-written with his son-in-law Jon Davison of Yes, and featuring Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes, "Whispering Angels" carries a deeply reflective tone that hints at Lodge contemplating his own mortality. His family shared the song as part of their announcement of his passing, offering fans a touching farewell through music. In a February 2025 interview, Lodge expressed pride in the track, describing it as a true representation of his progressive-rock style and his love for songs that enlighten and surprise melodically and musically.
John Lodge’s sudden passing leaves a profound gap in the world of rock music, but his legacy lives on through the timeless songs he wrote and performed. His career spanned decades of innovation and heartfelt songwriting, blending technical skill with emotional depth. But this raises an interesting question: How do we weigh the impact of a band member whose contributions are sometimes overshadowed by more prominent figures? Was John Lodge the unsung hero of The Moody Blues, or does his role fall naturally behind Hayward’s in the band’s hierarchy? Share your thoughts below, and let’s celebrate the life and music of this rock icon together.
