British singer and guitarist John Lodge, a longtime member of the band The Moody Blues, has died at the age of 82, his family announced on Friday.

Lodge, a bass player, vocalist and songwriter who joined the English rock band two years after its 1964 formation, died "unexpectedly" surrounded by loved ones, relatives said.

"It is with the deepest sadness that we have to announce that John Lodge, our darling husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and brother, has been suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us," the family added.

"As anyone who knew this massive-hearted man knows, it was his enduring love of his wife, Kirsten, and his family, that was the most important thing to him, followed by his passion for music, and his faith."

The statement noted he "peacefully slipped away surr

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