The Moody Blues founder Mike Pinder dies aged 82 as bandmates pay tribute…
 

Mike Pinder, a founding member of The Moody Blues, has been hailed as a "great cosmic philosopher" after his passing at 82. The legendary Birmingham band, known for timeless classics like 'Nights In White Satin' and 'Tuesday Afternoon', was formed by Ray Thomas, Denny Laine, Graeme Edge, Clint Warwick, and Pinder in 1964.

John Lodge, a former bandmate, shared a heartfelt statement on Facebook from Pinder's family, revealing the keyboardist passed away peacefully at his California home on Wednesday. Lodge said: "Michael's family would like to share with his trusted friends and caring fans that he passed peacefully. His final days were filled with music, encircled by the love of his family.

"Michael lived his life with a childlike wonder, walking a deeply introspective path which fused the mind and the heart. He created his music and the message he shared with the world from this spiritually grounded place; as he always said, 'Keep your head above the clouds, but keep your feet on the ground'.



"He was a beacon of light for all who met him. His lyrics, philosophy, and vision of humanity and our place in the cosmos will touch generations to come."

A Brummie through and through, Pinder's influence on the band's sound was profound, contributing significantly to their debut album 'The Magnificent Moodies' and later to the 1978 album 'Octave'.

His legacy also includes solo albums like The Promise in 1976 and Among The Stars in 1994. The band itself was honoured with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. American musician Al Jardine took to Instagram to express his sorrow: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Mike Pinder, who was an original founding member of the Moody Blues and created the most amazing pocket orchestras with his Mellotron."

"I love Days of Future Passed and will always remember Mike as the Mellotron Man and great cosmic philosopher. Mary Ann and I send our condolences to his lovely wife Tara and family, friends and fans everywhere. RIP Mike... among the stars."

The band has seen the loss of other members over the years; drummer Edge passed away at age 80 in 2021, singer Thomas died at 76 in 2018, and bassist Warwick died in 2004 at the age of 63.

Denny Laine, who co-founded Wings with Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney, died at 79 in December after a battle with lung disease. Guitarist Justin Hayward and Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz contributed to the band in later years.




https://uk.news.yahoo.com/moody-blue...123718914.html

RIP. Sad loss

Awwww

I grew up listening go the Moody Blues

Marvellous melodies and light years ahead of others


They had guys reciting random poetry in between album tracks !!


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I love the Moody Blues
One of my Brothers, much older than myself , is a mad fan
Seen them loads.

Obviously even before I was born.

However I was hooked, so much so I've got all their albums on cd
They are awesome.

Sad to hear of Mike Pinder's death, his part in their albums as to his musician skills and songwriting ones too.
Are superb.
R.I.P.

(They are each of them, incredible talents.
With Justin Hayward in my view, a brilliant songwriting genius).

https://youtu.be/V2L3UzM_FfE?si=9IalHsUkbgQUBcZa


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They did the occasional rockier track as well

https://youtu.be/ak5bt8ZiBo4?si=XWHhNC55mYE8HoZl


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Love the Moodies,fantastic band, sad loss ,most of them gone now, Justin and John are still with us and touring, their music was way more progressive than most bands.

We agree again Joey,lol, Justin Hayward is a remarkable talent,ne wrote Nights in white satin when he was 17 I believe,I also love Question and The Voice

I love all the Justin Hayward compositions on their albums .
He has an incredible voice too.

Plus he made an album with John Lodge called Blue Jays and the tracks on that are absolutely superb.

Mike Pinder and his mellotron instrument added so much to the Moody Blues tracks too

I think they're one of the very best groups ever.

Yet so underrated !!

I don’t think I’ve even heard them mentioned in the last 20 years !


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I'm going to gather that they were bluenoses going by the name of the band.:laugh:

But the more important thing is that him and his band have left a legacy in the Music industry, and hopefully other personal achievements along the way.

RIP