Mike Pinder (right) has died at age 82 (Picture: Getty Images)
Moody Blues founding member and keyboardist Mike Pinder has died at 82 years old.
The band’s bassist, John Lodge shared a statement: ‘Michael Thomas Pinder died on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 at his home in Northern California, surrounded by his devoted family.
‘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.’
Pinder’s cause of death was not disclosed in the statement.
The Moody Blues was originally composted of Graeme Edge, Ray Thomas, John Lodge, Mike Pinder and Justin Hayward in London, United Kingdom. (Picture: Chris Walter/WireImage)
He was the last original surviving member of the iconic group, which he co-founded in 1964 with Ray Thomas, Denny Laine, Graeme Edge, and Clint Warwick.
Pinder played keyboard for The Moody Blues until he left the band in 1978.
He told ClassicBands.com: ‘It was as easy to leave as it was to start the band. It was just a decision in my life, you know?
‘I left the group to lead a normal life, and I realised that if I put so much energy into writing a song, why not put that same amount of energy into raising a family and holding a marriage together, which is exactly the reason why I decided to give it up.’
The Moody Blues first found fame with their version of the song Go Now! in 1964 (Picture: David Redfern/Redferns)
Originally from Birmingham, England, Pinder found his first taste of success with The Moody Blues in 1964, when their rendition of Go Now! – originally recorded by R&B singer Bessie Banks earlier that same year – became a hit.
The song reached the top of the UK charts and climbed to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
The band is also known for huge hits like Nights in White Satin, Tuesday Afternoon, The Story in Your Eyes, and I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band) released between 1967 and 1973.
Pinder will also be remembered as one of the first musicians to implement use of the Mellotron – an electro-mechanical musical instrument – into live performances.
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