In a poignant reflection, Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late bandmate, John Lodge, who passed away in 2025. This year saw the loss of numerous iconic rock musicians, including Lodge, who had been a steadfast member of the band since they formed in October 1966 until their touring days concluded in late 2018. Lodge’s death came at the age of 82 due to undisclosed reasons.
In an end-of-year message shared on his official website, Hayward expressed his deep feelings for Lodge, writing under the title "Reflections." He remarked, "Though the heartbreak of loss, it’s comforting to know that John got exactly what he wanted out of life—how many can truly say that?—with a loving family and being part of a group that made a real impact in the world. We were all part of that group we aspired to join as young men."
Hayward continued to reflect on the band's journey, stating, "While we certainly created our own luck through our music, the universe seemed to align perfectly for us. We often discussed our audiences while touring, reminiscing about those loyal fans we would see regularly alongside those we only spotted occasionally but recognized nonetheless. We are deeply thankful for the audience that bestowed upon us the greatest gift of all—their unwavering support. How could we not feel grateful? We experienced their loyalty every single night."
He further added, "Ultimately, I find joy in knowing that all the music we crafted came straight from our hearts. Our group was dedicated to the music above all else, and there existed a profound affection among us that transcended mere social interactions or phone calls; it’s something everlasting."
With Lodge's passing, Hayward now stands as the last surviving member of The Moody Blues' original lineup. Sadly, flutist and vocalist Ray Thomas passed away in 2018, drummer Graeme Edge left us in 2021, and keyboardist Mike Pinder died in 2024.
In his tribute, Hayward fondly recalled the camaraderie shared among the band members. He stated, "What I cherished most was the fact that whenever we gathered—Graeme, John, Mike, Ray, and I—regardless of how long it had been since we last met, everything felt just the same."
The band members often found joy in each other's company, sharing laughter and inside jokes that heightened their bond. "We had this unique ability to make each other laugh. In fact, it was always amusing," Hayward reminisced. "Anyone who has been in a band can understand how essential that is. I’m not sure if anyone ever noticed, but we would sometimes mouth words to one another while performing on stage. There were countless moments when our eyes met—Ray’s or mine—and we simply couldn’t hold back laughter. Even the simplest gestures carried significance for us and would send us into fits of giggles. I loved all those moments, and I truly miss them."
He highlighted some of his most cherished memories from The Moody Blues, particularly during the band’s resurgence in popularity in the 1980s and ’90s, after Pinder's departure. "Having a second chance at success, with chart-topping hits, was beyond our wildest dreams," he noted, referencing their 1986 classic, "Your Wildest Dreams." Above all, he cherished the touring experience, confident that they delivered a great sound thanks to their rigorous practice sessions.
Hayward also took a moment to honor the Beach Boys’ legendary Brian Wilson, who passed away in June, calling him an "absolute genius" and paying tribute to the vocal talent of Brian’s late brother, Carl. He fondly remembered the tours they did alongside The Beach Boys and Chicago.
As he closed his heartfelt message, Hayward expressed his eagerness for the upcoming new year: "I’m really looking forward to 2026. The phone is ringing, my amazing team is by my side, and I have songs ready to share from my heart and lips."
While no tour dates have been announced for 2026 yet, Hayward recently completed a fall tour called the Forever Autumn tour, which included performances in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK. His latest musical endeavor was a symphonic interpretation of The Dream Academy’s 1985 song, "Life in a Northern Town," released in March 2025 in collaboration with UK producer and composer Mike Batt.
