R.I.P.: Mike Pinder, Last Surviving Original Member of The Moody Blues

Mike Pinder (1942-2024)

Mike Pinder, the last surviving original member of psychedelic rock of 1960s/70s prog rock band the Moody Blues has died at 82. The pioneering keyboardist/singer credited with helping to introduce the mellotron into the rock arena passed away on Wednesday (April 24) at his home in Northern California of undisclosed causes.

Moody bassist John Lodge shared a statement from Pinder’s family on Facebook, in which they wrote, “Michael Thomas Pinder died on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 at his home in Northern California, surrounded by his devoted family. 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.”

Pinder, a native of Birmingham, England, was a key songwriter and technical innovator for the Moody Blues, as well as an instrumentalist, singer and music arranger. During his tenure with the band, which lasted from 1964 until 1978, Pinder had a crucial influence on groundbreaking albums such as “Days of Future Passed” (1967), “On a Threshold of a Dream” (1969), “A Question of Balance” (1970), “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour” (1971) and “Seventh Sojourn” (1972). “Seventh Sojourn” reached No. 1 in the United States and included the hit single “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band).”