John Lodge is bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic rock band, The Moody Blues. Songwriter of such mega Moody Blues hits from “Ride My SeeSaw,” to “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band),” “Isn’t Life Strange?” and many more, Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, selling in excess of 70 million albums.  Lodge has been voted one of the “10 most influential bass players on the planet,” and has been the recipient of many awards, including ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers), an Ivor Novello Award, to name just a few. He has also released two solo albums; NATURAL AVENUE in 1977, and more recently, 10,000 LIGHT YEARS AGO, as well as the duo album BLUE JAYS in 1975 with Justin Hayward.

Born and raised in Birmingham, England, Lodge was fascinated by cars, and from an early age, wanted to be a car designer; but he also had a great love for music, and bought his first guitar when he was 13 years old.  At 16, he bought his beloved Fender Precision Sunburst Bass, on which he would later perform on The Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin,” “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock ’n’ Roll Band)” and “Isn’t Life Strange?” The young musician spent two years learning to play the instrument, and then, with friend Ray Thomas, formed the band, El Riot & the Rebels.  Listening to the riffs of early rock ‘n’ roll recordings, Lodge’s love of bass playing grew as he became interested in exploring “why” the bass guitar added such a huge dimension to the rhythm, energy and emotion of music, and his powerful and melodic bass, such a part of his songwriting, is the result.

After high school, Lodge served an apprenticeship, and attended Aston College of technology (later named Aston University), where he worked to receive a Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering.  Lodge then reunited with former bandmate Ray Thomas, and was invited to join Thomas, Mike Pinder and Graeme Edge as bass guitarist/vocalist for The Moody Blues, in 1966.  Guitarist/vocalist Justin Hayward subsequently joined the band.

BLUE JAYS was released in 1975 and included Lodge’s “Saved by the Music,” a hard rocking piece with great hooks and a beautiful, catchy chorus, and was considered by many to be a highlight of the record.  NATURAL AVENUE In 1977, featured Chris Spedding on guitar and Mel Collins on sax and included the powerful ballads ‘Say you Love Me’ and anthemic ‘Who Could Change’.

Lodge released 10,000 LIGHT YEARS AGO, his second solo album, in the spring of 2016.  The recording again reunited Lodge with special guest contributions from former Moody Blues bandmates Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder on the song “Simply Magic.”  Legendary guitarist Chris Speddingagain appears on the album, among others.  The collection was recorded at various locations and completed at The Mix Factory studios in Florida.  Lodge’s song “In My Mind,” was nominated “Rock Anthem of the Year” by Prog Magazine.

Whilst still touring with The Moody Blues, Lodge recently undertook his first ever solo tour with a 12-city English tour in September 2016 and a short tour in Florida including the House of Blues.  He was invited as ‘Special Guest’ onto the ‘Cruise to the Edge’, a Prog Rock cruise from Tampa to Cozumel in February 2017.  The last night of the English tour was at the Birmingham Town Hall, John’s hometown, and the concert was filmed to capture this special evening. The Live DVD will be released during the Summer.

When not touring Lodge’s other passions include Charity and Wine.  Ten years ago he began his boutique wine label ‘Krisemma Wine’, hoping to share his favorite wines from around the world.  To date he has produced three wines, a red from Napa Valley, California, and another from Bordeaux from France, and a white from the Elgin region of South Africa.  This Elgin Chardonnay recently won a gold medal and two Trophies in the International Wine Challenge 2016, including Trophies for Best South African Chardonnay, and Best Elgin Region Chardonnay.

Charity is very important to John, in particular children’s charities, and has been throughout his career.  As a keen golfer, he has been Captain of the Variety Club Golf Society, and is a proud member of The Grand Order of Water Rats, two of the wonderful Charities that provide John an opportunity to give back.  He also undertakes many fundraising activities at home in the UK, in Barbados, and around the world.

2017 saw the 50th Anniversary of the Moody Blues album DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED, with John and the Moody Blues embarking on a very special tour, including a complete performance of the album, to celebrate this iconic and groundbreaking album.