Moody Blues and Wings Co-Founder Denny Laine Dead at 79

Denny Laine, co-founder of the Moody Blues and Wings, passed away today at the age of 79 following a battle with interstitial lung disease.

The sad news was shared by Laine’s wife, Elizabeth Hines, on social media.

“My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning,” she wrote. “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.”

She continued: “He and I both believed he would overcome his health setbacks and return to the rehabilitation center and eventually home. Unfortunately, his lung disease, interstitial lung disease (ILD), is unpredictable and aggressive; each infection weakened and damaged his lungs. He fought every day. 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 concluded: “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.”

Laine co-founded The Moody Blues in 1964 and sang lead on the single, “Go,Now!” His tenure in the band lasted until 1966, when he was replaced by Justin Hayward.

After stints in Ginger Baker’s band, Air Force, and other endeavors, he joined Paul and Linda McCartney to form Wings in the aftermath of the breakup of The Beatles in 1971. He performed on all ten Wings albums, including the 1973 smash “Band on the Run.”

“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,” Hines wrote. “Thank you to Denny’s 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,” she continued. “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. 💔”

Much love,
Elizabeth Hines