Denny Laine death: Tributes pour in for Moody Blues co-founder and member of Paul McCartney’s Wings
NAPLES, FLORIDA: Denny Laine, renowned co-fouder of the band Moody Blues and a key collaborator in Paul McCartney's solo band Wings, has died at the age of 79.
Laine, who was honored with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame five years ago for his contributions to the Moody Blues, breathed his last on Tuesday, December 5 in Naples, Florida.
His wife, Elizabeth Hines, announced on Laine's Instagram page that the cause of death was interstitial lung disease.
How did Denny Laine die?
Denny Laine reportedly died at NCH Baker Hospital in Naples, Florida, as confirmed by his publicist Alan Miller, per USA TODAY. Laine had been battling health issues, including a collapsed lung and bacterial infections, which had led to multiple hospital visits.
Elizabeth Hines, Laine's wife, announced the heartbreaking news of her husband's death on the singer's official Facebook page, expressing that her "world will never be the same."
"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," Hines stated.
"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."
Since contracting Covid-19 last year, Laine had been grappling with a range of health complications.
"He and I both believed he would overcome his health setbacks and return to the rehabilitation center and eventually home," Hines added.
"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."
Paul McCartney remembers Denny Laine
Laine's death occurred nearly 50 years to the day after the launch of Paul McCartney's highly praised album 'Band On the Run', where the late singer showcased his skills on the guitar and lent his voice for backing vocals.
McCartney paid homage to Laine on Instagram on Tuesday, lauding him as a "great talent with a fine sense of humor."
"I am very saddened to hear that my ex-bandmate, Denny Laine, has died," McCartney said on Facebook.
"I have many fond memories of my time with Denny: from the early days when The Beatles toured with the Moody Blues. Our two bands had a lot of respect for each other and a lot of fun together."
He added, "Denny was a great talent with a fine sense of humor and was always ready to help other people. He will be missed by all his fans and remembered with great fondness by his friends."
Music world honors Moody Blues member
"RIP Denny Laine. Fantastic first and best lead singer of the Moody Blues. Their very rootsy R&B based classic first album remains their best thanks to Denny. Go Now forever one of the great vocals of all time.' - SVZ," wrote Stevie Van Zandt, also known as Little Steven or Miami Steve.
Musician Christopher Cross also said, "We lost my dear friend, Denny Laine, this morning. He was an icon and a sweet man. Denny was a joy to work with on the Beatles tribute shows we performed together. He will be missed. Prayers for his wife Liz and their family."
Nettie Baker, believed to be the daughter of the English drummer Ginger Baker, shared her thoughts on McCartney’s post from her father's account, "Such a great friend to dad .. and kept in touch to the end.. deep condolences to his wife Liz, friends & family true talent & legend. Nettie Baker."
'On and On' hitmaker Stephen Bishop said, "My condolences to his family, friends and fans. He was an incredible talent. -Stephen."
Musician and actor Jon Walmsley said on Hines' post, "There never was a sweeter, more generous, fun-loving, talented man. You will be sorely missed. RIP Denny. Love, Jon and Marion xo."
