Founding Moody Blues Member Mike Pinder Dead at 82
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The post Founding Moody Blues Member Mike Pinder Dead at 82 appeared first on Consequence.
Mike Pinder, co-founding member and keyboardist of the Moody Blues, died at the age of 82 on Wednesday, April 24th. He was the last surviving founder of the English rock band.
Pinder’s family and former Moody Blues bandmate John Lodge announced his death today (Thursday, April 15th) via a statement on Facebook. The family noted that his final days were “filled with music” and that he passed peacefully at his Northern California residence.
“Michael lived his life with a childlike wonder, walking a deeply introspective path which fused the mind and the heart,” the family stated. “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.”
After returning to England following his time with the army, Pinder helped found the Moody Blues alongside Denny Laine, Graeme Edge, Ray Thomas, and Clint Warwick in 1964. Within that year, they had recorded and released their breakout single “Go Now,” with their 1965 debut album The Magnificent Moodies soon following.
After facing financial trouble due to their management company going bankrupt, Laine and Warwick left the group. They were replaced with singer Justin Hayward and bassist John Lodge, who Pinder had previously played with in the pre-Moody Blues group El Riot & the Rebels. That lineup would go on to re-establish the Moody Blues, producing the band’s next eight releases, including the highly acclaimed LPs Days of Future Passed, In Search of the Lost Chord, and Seventh Sjourn.
During that stretch, Pinder became a primary force in pushing the band towards more progressive and experimental stylings. In addition to his piano and keyboard contributions, Pinder incorporated use of the Mellotron, giving the band a distinctive timbre.
Pinder ended his tenure with the Moody Blues following 1978’s Otave, a project he only played a limited role in. During this period he released two solo efforts, 1976’s The Promise and 1994’s Among the Stars. The musician did, however, periodically reunite with his former bandmates, including during their 2018 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Founding Moody Blues Member Mike Pinder Dead at 82
Jonah Krueger
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