The Moody Blues in 1969 (Courtesy of Rogers & Cowan)
The Moody Blues in 1969 (Courtesy of Rogers & Cowan)Longtime Moody Blues bassist John Lodge isn’t just a singer in a rock ‘n’ roll band, he’s a soon-to-be Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. The happy news was announced Wednesday morning, and Lodge tells ABC Radio that it was “absolutely amazing to get the call [and hear], ‘Yep, you’re inducted’… It’s very special.”
John says he feels great that The Moody Blues soon will be joining his many heroes in the Rock Hall, including Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly.
“Every one I actually went on stage with, except Buddy Holly,” Lodge notes. “And now to be sort of standing on stage, at least in the same building where Buddy Holly is honored, for me it’s fantastic.”
Lodge also says he’s happy to be inducted alongside Bon Jovi, Dire Straits, The Cars and the late Nina Simone and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. He points out that he’s particular glad about Dire Straits being honored, because he’s friends with the group’s bassist, John Illsley.
Two former Moody Blues members — Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder — will be inducted with the band, and Lodge says he’s hoping they both will attend the ceremony and perform with the group. John says he plans to talk to them soon, and it’ll be up to them whether they take part in the performance.
As for what songs he expects The Moodies to play at the big event, Lodge says, “Obviously ‘Nights in White Satin’…We will definitely do that. And ‘[I’m Just a] Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band),’ because I think we’re all singers in a rock ‘n’ roll band.”
He adds, “But we haven’t discussed it…further than that, because this is all…brand-new news to us, and we’ve got to let it sink in.”
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