The year 2025 marked the loss of many well-known figures in rock music, including longtime Moody Blues bassist John Lodge. In a year-end message shared on his official website, Moody Blues frontman Justin Hayward reflected on Lodge’s death and the deep bond they shared as bandmates for more than five decades.
Lodge passed away on October 10 at the age of 82. Hayward’s message, titled “Reflections,” looked back on their shared history while also acknowledging the sadness of saying goodbye to someone who played such an important role in his life and career.
A Partnership That Began in 1966
Justin Hayward and John Lodge both joined The Moody Blues in October 1966. From that point on, they remained part of the band until it stopped touring in late 2018. Their long partnership helped shape the group’s sound and identity across many eras of change in popular music.
In his post, Hayward wrote, “Though the heartbreak of loss, it’s comforting to know that John got exactly what he wanted out of life (how many can truly say that?)—with a loving family and in a group that had some impact in the world. And we were all in the group that, as young men, we always wanted to be in.”
Gratitude for Fans and Shared Success
Hayward also reflected on how the band viewed its audience during years of touring. He explained how often they spoke about familiar faces in the crowd and how meaningful that connection became over time.
“Yes, we made our own good fortune with the music, but the stars aligned for us,” he wrote. “We talked a lot about the audiences when we were touring—about the people we would see regularly that we knew, and the people we only saw now and again but recognised. We were, and are, deeply grateful to the fans who gave us that greatest of gifts. How could we not? We were in the presence of that loyalty every night.”
Music Made With Care and Respect
Hayward also stressed that the music The Moody Blues created always came from a genuine place. He described the group as one that valued feeling and connection over outside appearances or constant contact.
“In the end, I’m so happy that all the music we made was from the heart,” he shared. “We were a group that was all about the music, and there was a deep affection between us that didn’t depend on ‘socialising’ or ‘calling each other up,’ but is everlasting.”
With Lodge’s passing, Hayward is now the final surviving member of the band’s classic lineup.
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Remembering the Band’s Close Bond
Flutist and singer Ray Thomas died in 2018, drummer Graeme Edge passed away in 2021, and keyboardist and singer Mike Pinder died in 2024. Hayward reflected on the closeness the group always felt when they reunited.
“Most precious of all was the fact that whenever we came together—Graeme, John, Mike, Ray and myself—no matter how long it had been since we were last with each other, things were always the same,” he wrote.
Laughter That Never Faded
Hayward also recalled the humor shared among the band members, both on and off stage.
“[W]e could make each other laugh. In fact, it was always funny,” he said. “Anybody who has been in a group will understand, and they will know how important that is. I don’t know if anyone ever noticed that we would mouth words to each other on stage. There were many times when, if I caught Ray’s eye—or he caught mine—we would break up laughing.”
He added, “Even some small gestures had a meaning for us, and would set us off. It was great, I loved all that, and I miss it.”
Career Highlights and Later Years
Hayward said some of his fondest memories came during the band’s renewed success in the 1980s and 1990s, after Mike Pinder left the group.
“To have a second chance, with chart success, was beyond Our Wildest Dreams,” he wrote, referencing their 1986 hit. “Most of all, the touring life was wonderful, and I know we sounded good (because we practiced a lot!).”
Looking Ahead After Loss
Hayward’s message also mentioned Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson, who died in June. He called Wilson an “absolute genius” and praised the late Carl Wilson’s voice. He also recalled touring with The Beach Boys and Chicago.
“I’m looking forward very much to 2026,” Hayward wrote. “[T]he phone is ringing, my wonderful team is with me, and the songs are on my lips and in my heart.”
Hayward has not yet announced tour dates for 2026. His most recent release was a symphonic cover of “Life in a Northern Town,” released in March 2025.