Remembering October 2025: John Lodge, Ace Frehley, and Others
John Lodge, the singer-songwriter, and bassist of The Moody Blues, passed away on October 10 at the age of 82. The Moody Blues’ journey began in 1965 with their hit “Go Now!” performed by guitarist Denny Laine, who later joined Wings alongside Paul McCartney. The band saw changes in personnel, with the departure of Laine and bassist Clint Warwick in 1966. Justin Hayward and John Lodge came onboard as the group’s guitarist/vocalist and bassist/vocalist, respectively. Hayward praised Lodge as a kind, loyal, and grounding force within the band. Their collaborative effort produced timeless hits like “Nights in White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon,” featured on the orchestrated album “Days of Future Passed.”
Lodge’s contributions to The Moody Blues extended beyond the band’s early successes. In 1972, the release of the album “Seventh Sojourn” saw two of his compositions, “Isn’t Life Strange” and “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),” reaching the Top 40 charts. Lodge’s solo work, including the reflective song “Saved by the Music” from the album “Blue Jays,” captured his personal journey and camaraderie with fellow musicians. His family became an integral part of his creative process, with his wife, children, and son-in-law, the lead singer of Yes, contributing to his recordings and live performances.
The loss of John Lodge left a profound impact on the music industry, with fans and colleagues mourning the passing of a revered bassist and vocalist. Bruce Pucciarello, President of Deko Entertainment, expressed his grief over Lodge’s death, highlighting the musician’s influential role in shaping rock music. Lodge’s recent endeavors, including the album “Days of Future Passed – My Sojourn” with his 10,000 Light Years Band, showcased his enduring passion for music and collaboration with fellow artists.
Another iconic figure in the music world, Ace Frehley, known as “The Spaceman” and guitarist for KISS, passed away on October 16 at the age of 74. Frehley’s guitar prowess and stage presence made him a standout performer within the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band. His songwriting contributions, such as “Cold Gin” and “Rock and Roll All Nite,” played a pivotal role in defining KISS’s signature sound and live performances. The band’s collaboration with producer Bob Ezrin on albums like “Destroyer” marked a creative milestone, showcasing Frehley’s distinctive guitar style on tracks like “Detroit Rock City” and “Shout It Out Loud.”
Ace Frehley’s legacy as a guitar virtuoso and showman resonated with audiences worldwide, inspiring countless aspiring musicians to pick up the instrument. His raw, authentic playing style and dynamic stage presence set a standard for generations of rock musicians to come. The passing of John Lodge and Ace Frehley marked significant losses in the music industry, underscoring the enduring impact of their contributions to the world of rock music. Their music lives on, a testament to their talent and creativity that transcends time.