The Moody Blues and Wings co-founder Denny Laine passes away, age 79

Renowned English musician Denny Laine has passed away at the age of 79.

Following a months-long battle with interstitial lung disease, Laine died in hospital with his wife Elizabeth Hines by his bedside, holding his hand and playing his favourite Christmas songs.

Hines announced her husband’s passing on social media on Wednesday, December 6, thanking everyone for their support throughout his health issues.

“Denny was so very thankful to all of you who sent him so much love, support and the many kind words during these past few months of his health crisis-it brought him to tears,” Hines said.

“I thank you all for sending both of us love and support.”

Hines thanked her late husband for making her life colourful and full of fun. She has asked for his fans to give her and Laine’s friends and family some privacy as they grieve their loss in this difficult time.

 

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It was hoped that Laine would eventually be able to recover and return home. However, repeated lung infections eventually required him to be placed on a ventilator in the ICU, where he passed away a week later.

In his career, Laine co-founded both The Moody Blues and Wings as well as releasing several solo albums. Laine was the original vocalist and guitarist for the Moody Blues between 1964 to 1966, before departing the band and being replaced by Justin Hayward. Laine would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 as a member of the band.

In 1971, Laine formed the band Wings alongside Paul McCartney and his wife Linda McCartney. Wings toured and released several records over the next ten years before Laine departed in 1981 which prompted the dissolution of the band.

After departing Wings, Laine would continue to play on McCartney’s next two solo albums. He also released a string of solo albums and joined the rock supergroup, World Classic Rockers. After learning of his passing, McCartney penned a tribute to Laine on social media.

 

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In the tribute, McCartney said that Laine was an outstanding vocalist and guitar player. He also mentioned that they had a lot of fun touring in Wings and when the Beatles and the Moody Blues toured together in the sixties.

McCartney said that while they had drifted apart for quite a number of years, they managed to re-establish their friendship with each other and look back on their many shared memories.

Wings’ third record Band on the Run, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and many fans remarked that they had been re-listening to Wings when they learned of Laine’s passing.

“I was just listening to Band on the Run this morning. RIP Denny,” said one fan.

“No way, I was just watching Rockshow this morning,” said another, referring to the concert film that covered the 1975–76 Wings Over the World tour.

Laine is survived by his wife and his five children.