John Lodge

John Lodge was born on 20th July 1945 in Birmingham and attended Birches Green Junior School, Central Grammar School and the Birmingham College of Advanced Technology, where he was an Engineering Student.
John was first introduced to rock ‘n’ roll via American artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, American movies (“The Girl Can’t Help It”). And then Buddy Holly, not only a songwriter but an artist whose music made John realise that there was harmony in music, too. John then made up his mind which road to follow.
At school, he was moved from the music class to the woodwork class for not knowing the birthdate of Beethoven, but at the age of 15 met up with Ray Thomas and later Mike Pinder and formed El Riot and the Rebels, which became one of the most popular bands in Birmingham. However, Ray and Mike wanted to move to London but John decided to stay at College and complete his education. Not wishing to give up music completely, he formed The Carpetbaggers (who for a time were going to be Gene Vincent’s backing group) and started to write his own songs.
After obtaining a Degree in Engineering, he again met up with Ray Thomas from El Riot and the Rebels who, by that time, had formed the M & B 5 with Mike Pinder and Graeme Edge, which had evolved into The Moody Blues, who had already enjoyed a hit single with “Go Now”. Personnel changes were afoot and following his reunion with Ray, John was asked to join the Moodies in 1966, at the same time as Justin Hayward.
John’s prolific songwriting for The Moody Blues has produced such hits as RIDE MY SEE-SAW, ISN’T LIFE STRANGE, (which won John an ASCAP songwritting award) I’M JUST A SINGER (IN A ROCK AND ROLL BAND) (which also won John an ASCAP songwriting award), STEPPIN’ IN A SLIDE ZONE, TALKING OUT OF TURN, SITTING AT THE WHEEL, LEAN ON ME (TONIGHT) and GEMINI DREAM (with Justin), which won them both a joint ASCAP songwriting award.
After the Moodies took a break from touring and recording, John joined Justin in the making of the beautiful album BLUE JAYS in 1975 and they toured extensively in England. Following that, John and his family spent time sight-seeing in Europe and America, taking time to enjoy all the sights that had passed him by so quickly during the Moodies’ tours. Refreshed, John then worked on his first solo album NATURAL AVENUE, which was released in 1977 together with three singles SAY YOU LOVE ME/NATURAL AVENUE, CHILDREN OF ROCK AND ROLL/PIECE OF MY HEART and SUMMER BREEZE/RAINBOW. In 1980 two non-album tracks were released – STREET CAFE/THREW IT ALL AWAY.
Since getting back together in 1978 for the album OCTAVE John has once more been a driving force behind The Moody Blues and his happy, engaging personality, and obvious enjoyment for performing on-stage, shows itself to his many fans. As a musician, he has always placed an emphasis in playing live and believes that the group’s stage performances have been the key factor in keeping the group’s unity and sense of purpose. He believes that the success of the band has been their willingness to travel the lesser-trodden paths in music, to stay true to their own feelings of direction, and to perform only their own material.
Like fellow Moody, Justin, John enjoys the fun and challenge of working with other musicians and, whenever the band’s busy schedule allows, giving his time to charitable events. Thus, some noteworthy appearances include:
1984 (With Justin) – participation in the finale of the “Live Aid” concert.
1985 (With Justin) recording a single called “Doctor in Distress” with various artists in connection with the BBC series “Dr. Who”.
1985- 25 October – participating in the 30th Anniversary of Rock ‘n’ Roll – All Star Jam, Bo Diddley with a celebrity band.
1986- May “Run The World” – Charity run in London for “Sport Aid”.
1989- 13 February (With Justin) presenting an award to Phil Collins and singing with The Brits Supergroup at The Brits Awards in London
1989- 21 November With an all-star band, backing Jerry Lee Lewis on “The Killer” concert at London’s Hammersmith Odeon.
1990- January Star Gala – attending a celebratory dinner on the occasion of the Centenary of the City of Birmingham and receiving an award for being one of “Birmingham’s Famous People”.
1990- 5 May (With Justin) performing at The John Lennon Tribute Concert in Liverpool.
1990- 23 June Officially opening the Ockham Fete on behalf of The Rainbow Trust for Children and opening the Romanian Children’s Relief Fund in Cobham.
1990- 18 July (With Justin) performing at “The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala” at Wembley Arena in London.
1990- 6 December (With Justin) performing at “The Red Balloon Ball” in aid of The British Lung Foundation at Alexandra Palace in London, with Dave Gilmour, Jools Holland and Gary Brooker.
1991- 12 June (With Justin) – presenting an award to ZZ Top at The Third International Rock Awards in London’s Dockland Arena.
1992 Charity Golf Tournaments in aid of Children’s Charities, to Membership of Variety Club of Great Britain Golf Society, date and S.O.S. (Society of Stars – Charity for children and adults with Cerebral Palsy). When away from the spotlight John enjoys a wide range of hobbies including cars, wine, film music, tennis, theatre, cinema and especially golf, which he plays often, and frequently participates in tournaments in aid of various charities.
In 1992, in collaboration with PGA professional, Walter Keller, he released an audio cassette called “Rhythm of the Swing”, attempting to help fellow golfers improve their game to the sound of soothing music in the right tempo. In 1999 John had the honour of Captaining the Variety Club of Great Britain Golf Society against a team from Arnold Palmer’s’ Bay Hill Golf Club. On Sunday, December 4th 2005 John received the honour of becoming the Captain of the Variety Club of Great Britains Golfing Society.
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