India, Oct. 12 -- John Lodge, the singer and bassist of British rock band The Moody Blues for more than 50 years, has died. He was 82. In a statement Friday, his family said "with the deepest sadness" that Lodge died "suddenly and unexpectedly." It added that Lodge "peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly." Lodge also featured on the 1977 album Octave, which saw The Moody Blues embrace a more pop-leaning sound. Lodge is survived by his wife, Kirsten, whom he married in 1968. The couple had two children, Emily and Kristian.htc...