Tributes paid to Moody Blues founder Mike Pinder

The keyboardist died on Wednesday at his home in California.

John Lodge (left) and Mike Pinder (right) of The Moody Blues
Author: Chris Maskery & Charlotte McLaughlin, PAPublished 26th Apr 2024
Last updated 26th Apr 2024

Mike Pinder, one of the founding members of rock band The Moody Blues, has died at the age of 82.

The Birmingham-based band, famous for hits such as Nights In White Satin, Go Now, Question and Tuesday Afternoon, was created by Ray Thomas, Denny Laine, Graeme Edge, Clint Warwick and Pinder in 1964.

In a statement on Facebook on behalf of the late musician’s family, former band member John Lodge announced that keyboardist Pinder died on Wednesday at his home in California.

He said: “Michael’s family would like to share with his trusted friends and caring fans that he passed peacefully. 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 created his music and the message he shared with the world from this spiritually grounded place; as he always said, ‘Keep your head above the clouds, but keep your feet on the ground’.

“His authentic essence lifted up everyone who came into contact with him. His lyrics, philosophy, and vision of humanity and our place in the cosmos will touch generations to come.”

Born in Birmingham, Pinder contributed to the band’s music throughout the 1960s and 1970s including their first album The Magnificent Moodies and the 1978 record Octave.

He left the band during the 1970s and release solo albums The Promise in 1976 and 1994’s Among The Stars.

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