Mike Pinder, founding member, singer, and keyboardist with The Moody Blues, passed away at his Northern California home on Wednesday after a long illness. He was 82.
His son, Michael, released a heartfelt statement, "His final days were filled with music, encircled by the love of his family. He lived his life with a childlike wonder, walking a deeply introspective path which fused the mind and the heart."
Pinder's music and the message he shared with the world came from a spiritually grounded place. His philosophy, "Keep your head above the clouds, but keep your feet on the ground," reflected his authentic essence that uplifted everyone who came into contact with him. His lyrics, philosophy, and vision of humanity and our place in the cosmos will continue to touch generations to come.
Moody Blues guitarist Justin Hayward paid tribute to Pinder, saying, "Mike was a natural born musician who could play any style of music with warmth and love. His re-imagining and rebuilding (literally) of the Mellotron gave us our identifiable early sound. He was a huge part of my own musical journey. My sincere condolences to his loving and devoted family."
Pinder, the last surviving member of the original Moody Blues, formed the band in 1964 in Birmingham, England alongside Ray Thomas, Denny Laine, Clint Warwick and Graeme Edge.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]