John Lodge, the bassist who rocked his way to global stardom with the U.K. band Moody Blues, died Oct. 10, a rep for the musician confirmed. He was 82.

"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," Lodge's family wrote in a statement, sent to USA TODAY by the musician's rep Sharon Chevin.

"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 continued.

The Moody Blues, which Lodge joined several years after its founding, enjoyed widespread success in the late '60s and early

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