Denny Laine of the Moody Blues and Wings Gone at 79
The renowned English multi-instrumentalist succumbed to Interstitial Lung Disease
Denny Laine, a co-founder of the Moody Blues and Paul McCartney’s Wings, passed away at the age of 79.
His wife, Elizabeth Hines, shared the news on social media on Tuesday, which also happens to be the day Wings released their seminal third LP Band on the Run 50 years ago here in the United States.
“My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning,” she wrote. “I was at his bedside, holding his hand as I played his favorite Christmas songs for him. He’s been singing Christmas songs the past few weeks and I continued to play Christmas songs while he’s been in ICU on a ventilator this past week.
“He and I both believed he would overcome his health setbacks and return to the rehabilitation center and eventually home,” she continued. “Unfortunately, his lung disease, Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), is unpredictable and aggressive; each infection weakened and damaged his lungs. He fought every day. He was so strong and brave, never complained. All he wanted was to be home with me and his pet kitty, Charley, playing his gypsy guitar.
“Denny was so very thankful to all of you who sent him so much love, support and the many kind words during these past few months of his health crisis-it brought him to tears. I thank you all for sending both of us love and support. It was my absolute honor and privilege to not only be his wife but to care for him during his illness and vulnerability.”
AUDIO: The Moody Blues “Go Now”
Laine helped start the Moody Blues in 1964 and stayed with the band until 1966, playing a key role in their classic early LP The Magnificent Moodies, singing lead on the band’s first big hit, “Go Now.” He left the group in late 1966, with Justin Hayward replacing him as the band took a more symphonic turn with their sound.
He joined Wings in 1971 and served as the band’s longest serving member outside of Paul and Linda, playing on all seven studio LPs plus their classic live album Wings Over America.
“I am very saddened to hear that my ex-bandmate, Denny Laine, has died,” McCartney wrote on his social media pages. “I have many fond memories of my time with Denny: from the early days when The Beatles toured with the Moody Blues. Our two bands had a lot of respect for each other and a lot of fun together. Denny joined Wings at the outset. He was an outstanding vocalist and guitar player. His most famous performance is probably ‘Go Now’ an old Bessie Banks song which he would sing brilliantly. He and I wrote some songs together the most successful being ‘Mull of Kintyre’ which was a big hit in the Seventies. We had drifted apart but in recent years managed to reestablish our friendship and share memories of our times together.
VIDEO: Wings “Mull of Kintyre”
“Denny was a great talent with a fine sense of humour and was always ready to help other people. He will be missed by all his fans and remembered with great fondness by his friends. I send my condolences and best wishes to his wife, Elizabeth and family.
“Peace and love Denny. It was a pleasure to know you. We are all going to miss you.”
In addition to his work in the Moodies and Wings, Laine also enjoyed a formidable solo career as well, highlighted by such unsung gems as his 1973 solo debut Ahh…Laine! and 1980’s Japanese Tears, which he re-recorded in 2016.
His latest release was a Christmas single in collaboration with former Wings guitarist Laurence Juber entitled “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday.”
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