Mike Pinder, founding member and keyboardist of the Moody Blues, dies at 82

Mike Pinder, a founding member and keyboardist of progressive rock band the Moody Blues, has died. He was 82.

The influential musician’s death was announced in a statement by his family that was published on bandmate John Lodge’s Facebook account on Thursday. A cause of death was not disclosed.

“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,” it read. “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.”

Born in Birmingham, England, Pinder was 23 years old when he formed the Moody Blues alongside singer and guitarist Denny Laine, bassist Clint Warwick, and drummer Graeme Edge in 1961. Laine and Pinder would go onto pen several tracks that appear on the band’s 1965 debut album The Magnificent Moodies, including the R&B-infused hit, “Let Me Go.” The following year, Laine and Warwick departed the group and were replaced by guitarist and vocalist Justin Hayward and Lodge on bass.

With its new lineup in place, the Moody Blues changed their tune and went on to release what many consider to be one of the first — and greatest — concept albums of all time: 1967's Days of Future Passed. The progressive rock record, which featured Pinder on the mellotron for the very first time, chronicles a day in the life and features the band performing alongside the London Festival Orchestra. In addition to singing and playing, Pinder also provided lyrics to songs "Dawn Is a Feeling" and "The Sunset." The album's biggest hit, "Nights in White Satin," would go onto crack the top 10 of the U.S. music charts in 1972.

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