LONDON – John Lodge, the singer and bassist of British rock band The Moody Blues for more than 50 years, has died. He was 82.

On Friday, the family expressed their profound sorrow, announcing that Lodge had passed away “suddenly and unexpectedly.” They mentioned that Lodge “peacefully slipped away while surrounded by family and listening to the music of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.”

Born in Birmingham, Lodge became a member of the band in 1966, joining along with singer Justin Hayward, after Denny Laine and Clint Warwick left the group. He stayed with the band until they ceased live performances in 2018.

Lodge played a significant role in the band’s most famous pieces, such as the 1967 psychedelic album “Days Of Future Passed,” widely recognized as one of rock’s pioneering concept albums, and the subsequent album, “In Search Of The Lost Chord,” released a year later.

Lodge also featured on the 1977 album “Octave,” which saw The Moody Blues embrace a more pop-oriented sound.

He continued to make records with the group until their final studio album in 2003, “December,” a collection of Christmas songs.

The group continued to perform live until 2018, the same year the band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

“As John would always say at the end of the show, thank you for keeping the faith,” his family said in the statement.

Lodge leaves behind his wife Kirsten, whom he married in 1968. They had two children, Emily and Kristian. The song “Emily’s Song,” featured on The Moody Blues’ 1971 album “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour,” was dedicated to their daughter Emily.

Lodge was an Evangelical Christian, saying it helped him to avoid the excesses of rock and roll.