2025 saw the passing of many famous and beloved rock musicians, including longtime Moody Blues bassist John Lodge. In a year-end message posted on his official website, Moody Blues frontman Justin Hayward wrote a heartfelt tribute to his longtime bandmate, who died on October 10. He also looked back at some of the highlights of his many years with the band.
Lodge and Hayward both joined The Moody Blues in October 1966 and remained in the band until it stopped touring in late 2018. John died of undisclosed causes at age 82.
In his online message, titled “Reflections,” Justin 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.”
He continued, “Yes, we made our own good fortune with the music, but the stars aligned for us. 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.”
He added, “In the end, I’m so happy that all the music we made was from the heart. 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.”
More About Hayward’s Relationship with His Fellow Moody Blues
With Lodge’s passing, Hayward is now the last surviving member of The Moody Blues’ classic lineup. Flutist/singer Ray Thomas died in 2018, drummer Graeme Edge passed away in 2021, and keyboardist/singer Mike Pinder died in 2024.
In his message, Hayward wrote about the camaraderie he had with his bandmates.
“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,” Justin shared.
He also pointed out that the Moody Blues members always enjoyed joking around with each other.
“[W]e could make each other laugh. In fact, it was always funny,” Hayward recalled. “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. 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.”
He added that some of his best memories with The Moody Blues was during the band’s commercial resurgence in the 1980s and ’90s, which was after Pinder had left the band.
“To have a second chance, with chart success, was beyond Our Wildest Dreams,” Justin offered, referencing the band’s 1986 hit “Your Wildest Dreams.” Most of all, the touring life was wonderful, and I know we sounded good (because we practiced a lot!).”
Hayward Also Looked Ahead to the New Year in His Message
Hayward’s post also featured some recollection about Beach Boys mastermind Brian Wilson, who died in June. He called Wilson an “absolute genius,” while also praising the vocal talents of Brian’s late brother Carl.
Justin also fondly recalled touring with The Beach Boys and Chicago.
Wrapping up his message, Hayward shared his excitement about what the coming year has in store.
“I’m looking forward very much to 2026,” he wrote. “[T]he phone is ringing, my wonderful team is with me, and the songs are on my lips and in my heart.”
Hayward hasn’t announced any tour dates yet for 2026. Most recently, he mounted a fall trek dubbed the Forever Autumn tour that visited, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the U.K.
Justin’s most recent musical release was a symphonic cover of The Dream Academy’s 1985 hit, “Life in a Northern Town,” which came out in March 2025. The track was a collaboration with U.K. producer, conductor, composer, and arranger Mike Batt.
(Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)