(Daily360.com) Mike Pinder, the last original member of the Moody Blues, has passed away at the age of 82. Pinder was the band’s keyboardist. In 1964, a 22-year old Pinder helped co-found the band after working for a factory that made the first models of the Mellotron. That was an instrument Pinder played on Moody Blues records that helped define the band’s unique sound in the 1960s.
Pinder’s family said that he died peacefully. They also said that his last days contained a lot of music and love from his family. The statement also referred to Pinder as a “cosmic philosopher.” It contains some of his guiding wisdom to reach for the stars while maintaining balance with your feet on the ground.
The Moody Blues was never nominated for a Grammy award, but their biggest hit “Nights in White Satin” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. The band was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 by Heart vocalist Ann Wilson. Band member Graeme Edge diedin November 2021, while Denny Laine, who was the founding singer and guitarist, died in December of 2023.
Meanwhile, Justin Hayward, John Lodge, and Patrick Moraz are all longtime members of the group who are still actively working in the music industry. Hayward was the lead vocalist and guitar player from 1966 until the band ceased to exist in 2018. Hayward wrote and performed on the original recording of the band’s biggest hit, “Nights in White Satin.”
Hayward also posted a memorial for his fallen bandmate. He said that Pinder was an integral part in the Moody Blues’ early sound and vital in his own personal music career. Hayward referred to Pinder as a “natural born musician” with diverse musical skills so he could perform any kind of music.
The band released a total of six albums in a five year span starting with the first release in 1967. All of the band’s albums were certified as either gold or platinum.
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