Moody Blues Last Original Band Member Mike Pinder Dies at 82, Just Months After Denny Laine
Mike Pinder, the last original member of The Moody Blues has passed away at the age of 82. He had been suffering from dementia for several years. His death follows his bandmate Denny Laine’s death late last year. Pinder’s family confirmed the sad news and Laine’s widow Elizabeth shared, “Very sad news, the last of the original lineup of the Moody Blues has passed away. He is now reunited with Denny, Ray, Graeme and Clint; what a joyous reunion that must be.”
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Pinder’s family wrote, “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. 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.”
Remind Pinder was a singer in the band as well as played the keyboard, organ, piano, and harpsichord. He founded the band in 1964 with Laine, Ray Thomas, Clint Warwick and Graeme Edge. While Pinder left the band in 1978 after their ninth album, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member in 2018. Pinder said about the honor at the time, “I am happy that we finally got inducted for our fans’ sake. As I have said for the last 30 years, ‘the fans are my hall of fame.’ All the band brought their children and grandchildren and that was magic. The grandchildren got to see that the music has remained relevant and impactful for 50 years.”
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Pinder is renowned for his contributions to rock music, specifically the addition of the Mellotron in ’60s rock. After rocking out in the Moody Blues, he became a consultant to the Atari computer corporation as well as released a few solo albums. Pinder was married twice and has three sons, who are all in the music business.