LONDON (Reuters) -John Lodge, the co-singer and bass guitarist of British rock band The Moody Blues, has died at the age of 82, his family said on Friday in a statement cited by British media.

The family said Lodge, whom they described as a “darling” husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and brother, had been “suddenly and unexpectedly” taken from them.

“John peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly,” the family said, referring to musicians Lodge admired.

Born in Birmingham, Lodge joined The Moody Blues in 1966, two years after the band’s formation. Together, they ventured away from the band’s original R&B roots into the realm of symphonic rock.

Lodge remained with the band until it stopped performing live in 2018,

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