Denny Laine was 79.
The death of Moody Blues and Wings singer, songwriter and guitarist Denny Laine has been announced by his wife Elizabeth Hines.
“My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning,” Hines wrote. “I was at his bedside, holding his hand as I played his favorite Christmas songs for him. He fought everyday. He was so strong and brave, never complained.”
Best remembered for his relatively short stint with The Moody Blues which brought one of the sixties’ most recognisable tunes – their cover of Go Now – Laine later joined Paul McCartney as his post-Beatles plans were being formulated, playing a prominent role in the first incarnation of Wings, co-writing the monster hit Mull Of Kintyre in the process.
McCartney has left a lengthy tribute on social media, remembering Laine as, ‘an outstanding vocalist and guitar player’:
Denny was a great talent with a fine sense of humour and was always ready to help other people. He will be missed by all his fans and remembered with great fondness by his friends. I send my condolences and best wishes to his wife, Elizabeth and family.