The last surviving original member of the Moody Blues, keyboardist, Mike Pinder has died at age 82. Born in Erdington, Birmingham England, he was a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and co-founded the group in 1964.
He passed away peacefully at his home in Northern California on Wednesday (April 24) and the announcement was made on Thursday. Cause of death, was not disclosed.
John Lodge, the band’s bassist posted this message from his family: “His final days were filled with music, encircled by the love of his family. Michael lived his life with a childlike wonder, walking a deeply introspective path which fused the mind and the heart.” He added: “His lyrics, philosophy, and vision of humanity and our place in the cosmos will touch generations to come.”
At one time, Moody Blues toured with Cream, as well as the Beatles in 1965.
When the band went on hiatus, Pinder started working in the tech world, but was still involved in music. In a past interview, posted by Loudwire, he said he left Moody Blues to “lead a normal life.” Outside of the band, he released 3 solo albums.
Moody Blues charted 13 times on the Billboard Top 40 Hits chart. First known for their Top 10 hit, “Go Now.” And best known for 1972’s “Nights In White Satin,” which charted at #2 for 2 weeks.
