The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Original member of Moody Blues
The Moody Blues founder Mike Pinder has been remembered as a “great cosmic philosopher” after his death at 82.
The Birmingham-based rock band, famed for hits like Nights In White Satin, Go Now, Question and Tuesday Afternoon, was created by Ray Thomas, Denny Laine, Graeme Edge, Clint Warwick and Pinder in 1964.
In a statement on Facebook on behalf of his family, former band member John Lodge announced keyboardist Pinder had died at his home in California.
He said: “Michael’s family would like to share with his trusted friends and caring fans that he passed peacefully. 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 heart.
“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’.”
Born in Birmingham, Pinder contributed to the band’s music throughout the 1960s and 1970s including their first album The Magnificent Moodies and the 1978 record Octave.
He left the band in the 1970s and released solo albums The Promise in 1976 and 1994’s Among The Stars. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
US musician Al Jardine wrote on Instagram: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Mike Pinder, who was an original founding member of the Moody Blues and created the most amazing pocket orchestras with his Mellotron.
“I love Days of Future Passed and will always remember Mike as the Mellotron Man and great cosmic philosopher. Mary Ann and I send our condolences to his lovely wife Tara and family, friends and fans everywhere.”
Drummer Edge died aged 80 in 2021, while singer Thomas died at 76 in 2018 and bassist Warwick died in 2004 aged 63.
Laine, who also co-founded Wings, died aged 79 in December following a battle with lung disease. Guitarist Justin Hayward and Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz were also among those who later joined the band.