HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE: CLIFF RICHARD HONORS THE LATE JOHN LODGE OF THE MOODY BLUES — “IT SADDENS ME TO THINK WE’LL NEVER DO IT AGAIN”
The music world is mourning another irreplaceable loss, as Sir Cliff Richard paid a deeply emotional tribute to his dear friend, John Lodge, the legendary bassist and songwriter of The Moody Blues, who has passed away. In a heartfelt message shared with fans, Cliff expressed both sorrow and gratitude for a friendship rooted in music, kindness, and shared memories that stretched across decades.
“Too many musically famous folk are passing on,” Cliff wrote somberly, reflecting on the recent wave of losses among the artists who shaped an era. “My best memory of John was when we joined forces to raise funds for a local charity in Barbados. It was great fun to play and sing with him — and it saddens me to think we’ll never do it again.”
The two legends first met in the 1980s, drawn together by their mutual love of classic rock and their shared belief that music could bring people together for good. Both known for their humility as much as their talent, Cliff and John remained close over the years, often crossing paths at charity events and private gatherings in Barbados, where each spent time away from the spotlight.
Friends recall their easy camaraderie — two veterans of British music history, both grounded and genuine despite their fame. “They had enormous respect for each other,” said one longtime associate. “When they played together, it wasn’t about celebrity — it was about joy. Cliff admired John’s artistry, and John admired Cliff’s spirit.”
John Lodge, who joined The Moody Blues in 1966, was instrumental in shaping the band’s signature symphonic sound. As both bassist and songwriter, he helped create timeless classics like “Ride My See-Saw,” “Isn’t Life Strange,” and “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band).” Alongside bandmates Justin Hayward and Graeme Edge, Lodge’s work helped define the progressive rock movement of the late 1960s and ’70s. His career earned him countless honors — including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
For Sir Cliff Richard, however, the loss feels deeply personal. His tribute reflects not just the passing of a fellow musician, but the quiet heartbreak of outliving one’s peers. “It feels like we’re losing more than artists — we’re losing chapters of our lives,” Cliff wrote. “John wasn’t just a brilliant musician. He was a kind soul, a man of faith and generosity. I’ll always cherish the times we shared. Rest in peace, John… from a fan — Cliff.”
Fans of both artists have flooded social media with messages of sympathy and remembrance, praising the sincerity of Cliff’s words. “It takes a great man to honor another with such humility,” one fan wrote. “Cliff’s message reminds us that even legends grieve, and that friendship — not fame — is what endures.”
Musicians and industry figures have also joined in mourning Lodge’s passing. Many described him as a gentleman of rock, a bridge between classical elegance and modern rhythm. “John Lodge gave bass playing a melody,” one tribute read. “His sound will forever echo through the halls of rock history.”
As for Cliff, who continues to carry the legacy of an entire generation of British artists, his words serve as both farewell and reflection — a reminder of the fleeting beauty of time and the unbreakable bonds forged through music.
“We sang together once, and it felt like two worlds meeting — pop and rock, harmony and rhythm,” Cliff once said of John. “That’s the thing about music — it never really dies. It keeps all of us connected, even after we’re gone.”
Tonight, as fans play “Nights in White Satin” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore” in quiet remembrance, two timeless voices — one from the realm of rock, one from the heart of pop — seem to meet again in spirit.
A farewell not of endings, but of gratitude — from one legend to another.
Rest in peace, John Lodge (1945–2025).
Your song lives on.