Moody Blues founder Mike Pinder passed away today at 82


Just saw this news and it saddens me, even though he left the band in the 78 after the release of Octave, which was the first tour I was able to see them perform. They had Patrick Moraz fill in on keyboards, in Mikes absense, and although Moraz was quite the showman, Pinder will always be the master of the Mellotron in my mind. His contribution was the spine of the Moody Blues sound as well as his writing in unique style. I realize that he hasn’t really been doing any recording for decades, just knowing he is gone, brings a special saddening to my aging life. May his family be comforted in this loss. Mike always had a certain wisdom to his writing. Rest with God and thank you, Mike.

as a side note, this leaves Justin Hayward and John Lodge from the Moody Blues and they weren’t original members, but brought great contributions

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RIP Mike. Although Justin Hayward and John Lodge weren't original members, they are who I think of when you say Moody Blues...

Moody Blues came along in a unique time for their music and the era just wouldn't have been the same without them

"Go now. Go now. Go now. Before you see me cry."

Another Moody gone. That's just very sad news. I can't comment on who were the original members and who contributed what, but the Moodys were such a class act. I have all their albums on CD and vinyl and listen to them often. My favorites are "In Search of the Lost Chord" and "On the Threshold of a Dream".  Great words and melodies on all of them. We had the pleasure of seeing Justin Hayward in Napa Valley many years ago. It was Justin on guitar and a woman (whose name I can't recall) on synthesizer. They were great, and with only two of them, they created that Moody Blues sound. Great evening! Sorry to see another member pass. 😪