Accomplished musician, Denny Laine, known for his significant roles in rock bands, The Moody Blues and Wings co-founder, has passed away at the age of 79. Laine’s wife, Elizabeth Hines, who was by his side during his final moments, shared the news on Instagram, revealing that he peacefully departed early this morning.
“My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning. I was at his bedside, holding his hand as I played his favorite 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.”
The Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer had been grappling with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), a challenging and aggressive condition that ultimately led to his passing. Despite a courageous and valiant fight against the illness, Laine’s health setbacks proved insurmountable, with each infection taking a toll on his weakened lungs. He spent the last week in the intensive care unit (ICU) on a ventilator, surrounded by the comfort of his favorite Christmas songs.
In a poignant statement, Laine’s wife expressed their shared belief that he would overcome the health challenges and return home. Throughout his battle, Laine displayed remarkable strength and bravery, never once giving in to complaints.
REELated:
Laine’s last wish was simple — to be home with his loved ones, playing his beloved gypsy guitar and enjoying the company of his pet kitty, Charley. He had been singing Christmas songs in the weeks leading up to his passing, adding a touch of warmth and familiarity to his final days.
The announcement also conveyed Laine’s deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and kind words from fans and well-wishers during his health crisis. The heartfelt messages reportedly brought him to tears and provided a source of comfort during a challenging period.
Born on October 29, 1944, as Brian Frederick Arthur Hines in Birmingham, England, Laine developed a passion for music at a young age.
In the mid-1960s, Laine joined The Moody Blues, initially as a guitarist and later as the lead vocalist. During his time with the band, they released the album Go Now in 1965, which featured the hit single of the same name. However, Laine left The Moody Blues before the band’s shift towards progressive rock and the release of their groundbreaking album Days of Future Passed.
In 1971, Laine’s career took a significant turn when he became a key member of Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles band, Wings. Laine played an instrumental role in the success of Wings, contributing to several hit albums and singles. He co-wrote one of Wings’ most famous songs, Mull of Kintyre, which became a massive hit in the UK.
Throughout his tenure with Wings, Denny Laine showcased his versatility as a musician, playing guitar, bass, and keyboards while contributing his distinctive vocals to the band’s sound. Wings achieved considerable success during the 1970s, and their albums, such as Band on the Run, solidified their place in rock history.
After Wings disbanded in 1981, Laine continued to pursue a solo career and collaborated with various artists. His solo work showcased a blend of rock, blues, and folk influences. Despite not achieving the same level of commercial success as with Wings, Laine continued to be deeply respected in the music industry for his talent and contributions.
Denny Laine’s enduring career has earned him a place in rock history, not only for his work with The Moody Blues and Wings but also for his solo endeavors. His influence on the development of rock music and his ability to adapt to different musical styles have left a lasting impact on fans and fellow musicians alike.
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram
