Mike Pinder obituary: keyboardist and founding member of the Moody Blues
Synthesiser pioneer who was central to the band’s lush, orchestrated sound on hits such as Nights in White Satin - keyboard player and founding member of UK prog legends the Moody Blues, has died, aged 82, it has been confirmed by his family and fellow Moody Blues colleague John Lodge, with whom Pinder is pictured above at the 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in April 2018.


Pinder had been the last surviving founding member of the band. Drummer Graeme Edge passed in 2021, vocalist and flautist Ray Thomas died in 2018, with original guitarist Denny Laine passing last year. Clint Warwick, the original bassist, died in 2004.

His family said in a statement, "Michael Thomas Pinder died on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 at his home in Northern California, surrounded by his devoted family. Michael's family would like to share with his trusted friends and caring fans that he passed peacefully. His final days were filled with music, encircled by the love of his family. Michael lived his life with a childlike wonder, walking a deeply introspective path which fused the mind and the heart.

"He created his music and the message he shared with the world from this spiritually grounded place; as he always said, "Keep your head above the clouds, but keep your feet on the ground." His authentic essence lifted up everyone who came into contact with him. His lyrics, philosophy, and vision of humanity and our place in the cosmos will touch generations to come."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/moody-blues-founding-member-mike-pinder-dead-at-82/ar-AA1nEbaQ

 

Bummer! I'm a huge mellotron freak so, of course, Mike was a major influence. RIP.

 

Pinder was an interesting fellow,if you ever get a chance watch some of the early moody blues bios on youtube. used to play organ in the chapel on his army base, worked at the Mellotron factory when he got back to England.