Mike Pinder, keyboardist and founder of The Moody Blues , has died at the age of 82. The cause of death has not been revealed.
The news was released by the musician's family and by his bandmate and friend John Lodge . In an official statement, the family wrote: "Michael Thomas Pinder died on Wednesday, April 24, at his home in Northern California surrounded by his family."
"Michael's family would like to share with his close friends and devoted fans that he passed away peacefully. His final days were filled with music, surrounded by the love of his family. Michael lived his life with childlike wonder, following a deeply introspective path that merged mind and heart."
The statement continues: “He created his music and the message he shared with the world from a spiritually grounded place; as he always said, ‘Keep your head above the clouds, but keep your feet on the ground.’ His authentic essence uplifted everyone who came into contact with him. His lyrics, philosophy, and vision of humanity and our place in the cosmos will touch future generations.”
"All the love possible goes from the Lodge family to Mike's family today... RIP," wrote John Lodge.
Justin Hayward , who contributed vocals and guitars to the Moody Blues from 1966 until their dissolution in 2018, added: “Mike was a natural musician who could play any style of music with care and love. His reimagining and reconstruction (literally) of the Mellotron gave us our initial identifiable sound. He was a huge part of my musical journey. My sincerest condolences to his loving and devoted family.”
Pinder was the last surviving founding member of the band. Clint Warwick , the original bassist, died in 2004, and vocalist and flautist Ray Thomas died in 2018. Graeme Edge, who was the group's original drummer, passed away in 2021, and original guitarist Denny Laine died last year.
Pinder helped form the Moody Blues in 1964, and although the group had an initial hit with "Go Now," it wasn't until three years later that the band began to gain fame. By this time, Justin Hayward and John Lodge had replaced Laine and Warwick respectively, and their initial R&B sound had evolved into more progressive territory.
In addition to his work with the band, Pinder also stood out as a champion of technology, most notably for his pioneering work with the Mellotron, an electromechanical keyboard (via Louder ).
He also had a solo career with the albums The Promise (1976), Among The Stars (1994) and A Planet With One Mind (1995). He moved to California in the mid-70s while the Moody Blues were on hiatus, and was replaced by former Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz.
More recently, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as The Moody Blues in 2018.