- Music Ray Thomas, founder of the Moody Blues, dies
British musician Denny Laine, frontman of The Moody Blues and guitarist for Paul McCartney in the group Wings, has died at the age of 79 after a "long battle with lung disease," his wife Elizabeth Hines said Tuesday on social media.
The English singer, songwriter and co-founder of The Moody Blues and Wings had faced some health issues following being infected with covid-19 in 2022.
"I stood by his side, holding his hand as he sang his favorite Christmas songs," Hines said in a statement.
Throughout his musical career, Laine wrote the song "Go Now" for the Moody Blues and co-wrote Mull of Kintyre for the Wings, both major hits.
After learning of his death, Paul McCartney praised the musician on his Instagram account, remembering him as an "outstanding vocalist and guitarist".
"Denny was very talented with a fine sense of humor and was always willing to help other people," the former Beatle said.
McCartney added that, after having "drifted apart," in recent years they had "managed to re-establish friendship and share memories of our time together."
- music