John Lodge Net Worth

What was John Lodge's Net Worth?

John Lodge was an English musician, singer, and songwriter who had a net worth of $18 million at the time of his death. John Lodge was best known as the longtime bassist, vocalist, and songwriter for The Moody Blues, one of the defining bands of the progressive rock era. Born in Birmingham, he joined the group in 1966 alongside Justin Hayward, helping steer the band from early R&B roots into lush, symphonic rock that blended orchestral arrangements with philosophical lyrics. Lodge's melodic bass lines and distinctive voice became essential to the Moody Blues' signature sound on classic albums like "Days of Future Passed," "In Search of the Lost Chord," "A Question of Balance," and "Seventh Sojourn." He co-wrote or performed on enduring hits including "Nights in White Satin," "Isn't Life Strange," "Question," and "I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)," songs that helped sell tens of millions of albums worldwide and influenced generations of rock musicians.

During the band's mid-1970s hiatus, Lodge released the solo album "Natural Avenue" and collaborated with Hayward on "Blue Jays." The Moody Blues later reunited and enjoyed renewed commercial success through the 1980s and 1990s, continuing to tour for decades. In later years, Lodge released more solo projects, including "10,000 Light Years Ago," and led orchestral tours revisiting the group's classic catalog. Renowned for his warmth, faith, and steady professionalism, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Moody Blues in 2018. Lodge died peacefully on October 10, 2025, at age 82, surrounded by family and the rock'n'roll music that first inspired his lifelong career.

Early Life

John Charles Lodge was born on July 20, 1945, in Erdington, Birmingham, England. He attended Birches Green Junior School and Central Grammar School and later went to college at the Birmingham College of Advanced Technology for Engineering. His early musical influences included Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis. At age 14, John met future bandmate Ray Thomas.

Music Career

John Lodge started out in the Birmingham music scene but temporarily stopped to focus on his studies. In 1966, when the Moody Blues' original bassist Clint Warwick left the band, Lodge replaced temporary substitute bassist Rod Clarke. Lodge's distinctive falsetto and solid lead vocals proved to be a major asset to the band.

John's songwriting ability led to the creation of songs such as "Peak Hour," "Gimme a Little Somethin'," "(Evening) Time to Get Away," "House of Four Doors," "Ride My See-Saw," "Eyes of a Child," "Send Me No Wine," "Candle of Life," "To Share Our Love," "Minstrel's Song," "Tortoise and the Hare," "Emily's Song," "Isn't Life Strange," and "Steppin' in a Slide Zone." "Isn't Life Strange" and "Steppin' in a Slide Zone" each earned him an ASCAP songwriting award. Other songs included "Survival," "Nervous," "Talking Out of Turn," "Sitting at the Wheel," "Hole in the World," "It May Be a Fire," "Under My Feet," "Rock 'n' Roll Over You," "Love in on the Run," "Lean on Me (Tonight)," "Here Comes the Weekend," "Shadows on the Wall," "Magic," "Love Don't Come Easy," "Wherever You Are," "Words You Say," "Forever Now," "The Spirit of Christmas," "On This Christmas Day," and "Gemini Dream," a co-composition with Justin Hayward that won them a joint ASCAP songwriting award.

In "Bass Player" magazine, Lodge was voted one of the top ten bass players of all time.

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Solo Artist

As a solo artist, John released the 1975 album "Blue Jays" with Justin Hayward, which reached #4 in the UK. He has also released the albums "Natural Avenue" (1977) and "10,000 Light Years Ago" (2015).

The Moody Blues

The Moody Blues formed in 1964 and released 16 studio albums through 2003, including the #1 albums in the UK, "On the Threshold of a Dream" (1969), "A Question of Balance" (1970), and "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour" (1971). The Moody Blues' albums "Seventh Sojourn" (1972) and "Long Distance Voyager" (1981) both reached #1 in the US and Canada. Their most popular singles include "Nights in White Satin," "Go Now," "Question," and "Tuesday Afternoon." Lodge joined in 1966 after the band's first album was recorded.

Personal Life

John and his wife, Kirsten, have been married since September 10, 1968, and they have children together, daughter Emily and son Kristian. Lodge wrote "Emily's Song," which was featured on the 1971 Moody Blues album "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour," for his daughter.

John has credited his faith over the years as the thing that always prevented him from falling into the dangerous side of the rock music business. He is a big supporter of Birmingham City F.C. and resides in Surrey in South East England.

Death

John Lodge died on October 10, 2025, at the age of 82.

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