Denny Laine, founder of The Moody Blues and Paul McCartney’s band Wings, has died at the age of 79. The musician’s wife Elizabeth Hines has confirmed the sad news, announcing that Denny died after a long battle with Interstitial lung disease.
“My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning,” she wrote in a statement. “I was at his bedside holding his hand as I played his favourite Christmas songs for him.
“He’s been singing Christmas songs the past few weeks and I continued to play Christmas songs while he’s been in ICU on a ventilator this past week. He and I both believed he would overcome his health setbacks and return to the rehabilitation centre and eventually home.
“Unfortunately, his lung disease, Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), is unpredictable and aggressive; each infection weakened and damaged his lungs. He fought everyday. He was so strong and brave, never complained.
“All he wanted was to be home with me and his pet kitty, Charley, playing his gypsy guitar,” she continued. “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.
“I thank you all for sending both of us love and support. It was my absolute honor and privilege to not only be his wife, but to care for him during his illness and vulnerability.
“Thank you to Dennys surgeons, doctors, specialists, physical therapists and nurses at Naples Hospital for working so hard to help him. Thank you for your compassion and support for me during these past several emotional months.
“My world will never be the same. Denny was an amazingly wonderful person, so loving and sweet to me. He made my days colorful, fun and full of life-just like him.
“Thank you sweetie for loving me, for all the laughter, friendship, fun and for asking me to be your wife. I will love you forever. Please give Denny’s friends and family the time and privacy needed as we grieve our loss,” she requested.
Among his many achievements, Denny co-wrote the Wings hit Mull of Kintyre and sang on The Moody Blues’ multi-million selling Go Now. The star, who was born Brian Hines, grew up in Birmingham and formed a band called Denny and the Dilpomats in the 1960s, where he performed with future Wizzard singer Roy Wood.
After they disbanded, he created The Moody Blues and in 1971 he teamed up with Paul and Linda McCartney to form Wings. Denny’s fans have since taken to social media to pay tribute to the late musician.
Stephen Bishop wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter: “I’m sad to hear about the passing of Denny Laine. He was an incredible talent. Denny’s musical style and songwriting influenced so many.
“His contributions to The Moody Blues and Paul McCartney’s band ‘Wings’ will forever be iconic. Denny’s solo stuff is great too. I met him several times over the years, and he was always kind to me. My condolences to his family, friends and fans.”
Tom Ross tweeted: “So sad to hear that the Birmingham born former Wings and Moody Blues man Denny Laine has passed away at the age of 79 – Go Now by the Moody Blues is one of my all time favourites-legend, RIP.” (sic)
Carol Challis penned: “Gone. Left the stage. This sad news has knocked me me for six. Denny Laine taught me to play Go Now on the old upright piano down at Middle Earth club in Covent Garden. Makes me think about my own mortality and reminds me just how long ago are those happy carefree days days. RIP.”