Co-founding Moody Blues keyboardist Mike Pinder has died. He was 82.
No cause of death has been reported. The news was confirmed by Pinder's family, and further shared by his Moody Blues colleague, John Lodge, as well as late guitarist Denny Laine's widow, Elizabeth Hines.
"Michael Thomas Pinder died on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 at his home in Northern California, surrounded by his devoted family," the family's statement read. "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 the heart."
It continued, "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.' His authentic essence lifted up everyone who came into contact with him. His lyrics, philosophy, and vision of humanity and our place in the cosmos will touch generations to come."
Born in Erdington, Birmingham, Pinder formed the Moody Blues with Laine, bassist Clint Warwick, drummer Graeme Edge and flautist Ray Thomas in 1964. The keyboardist was the sole surviving member of the original group. Laine passed away most recently last December.
Pinder left the band following the recording of their ninth album, Octave, which was released in 1978. The musician is considered to have been influential in the emergence of the Mellotron in 1960s rock music and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Moody Blues in 2018.
