It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Denny Laine, the iconic British musician who played a pivotal role in co-founding two legendary bands, the Moody Blues and Wings. Denny’s wife, Elizabeth Hines, shared the sad news of his demise on his official social media platforms, revealing that he had been battling interstitial lung disease. He was 79 years old.
Born as Brian Hines in 1944, Laine’s journey in the world of music began in his hometown of Birmingham, England, where he honed his musical talents by playing with various teenage rock bands. One of his early collaborators was none other than Bev Bevan, who would later become the drummer for the Electric Light Orchestra.
The most significant chapter in Laine’s career started in 1964 when he co-founded the Moody Blues alongside Ray Thomas, Mike Pinder, Graeme Edge, and Clint Warwick. The band quickly gained recognition and reached the pinnacle of success with their chart-topping single “Go Now!” in late 1964, a song that showcased Laine’s vocal prowess. The Moody Blues were on the fast track to becoming one of England’s most prominent rock acts, even sharing the stage with the Beatles during Laine’s tenure. However, Laine decided to part ways with the group just two years later.
In 1971, a new adventure beckoned as Laine teamed up with Paul and Linda McCartney to form the band Wings. Together, they released their debut album, “Wild Life,” later that year. One of the highlights of Laine’s collaboration with Wings was co-writing the 1977 hit single “Mull of Kintyre,” which achieved monumental success and etched itself into UK chart history as one of the best-selling singles of all time. Tragically, Wings disbanded in 1981, a decision Laine attributed to Paul McCartney’s waning interest in touring following the devastating murder of John Lennon in December 1980.
Even after parting ways with Wings, Laine’s passion for music burned brightly. He continued to make music, collaborating with Paul McCartney on albums like “McCartney II,” “Tug of War,” and “Pipes of Peace.” Additionally, he released several of his own LPs, with his last solo album, “The Blue Musician,” gracing our ears in 2008.
In a touching tribute posted on social media, Paul McCartney fondly remembered his late bandmate, highlighting the profound mutual respect that existed between the Beatles and the Moody Blues. “We had drifted apart, but in recent years, we managed to reestablish our friendship and share memories of our times together,” McCartney wrote. He continued, “Denny was a great talent with a fine sense of humor and was always ready to help other people.”
Denny Laine’s contributions to the world of music are immeasurable, and his legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of fans around the world. He leaves behind a remarkable body of work that spans generations, a testament to his enduring talent and enduring spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Music Legend
Q: Who was Denny Laine, and what were his notable musical contributions?
A: Denny Laine was a British musician known for co-founding two iconic bands, the Moody Blues and Wings. He gained fame with the Moody Blues’ hit “Go Now!” and co-wrote Wings’ chart-topper “Mull of Kintyre.”
Q: What led to Denny Laine’s departure from the Moody Blues and Wings?
A: Laine left the Moody Blues in 1966, seeking new musical endeavors. In 1971, he joined Wings, but the band dissolved in 1981 due to Paul McCartney’s reduced interest in touring after John Lennon’s tragic murder.
Q: Did Denny Laine continue his music career after Wings?
A: Yes, Laine remained active in music, collaborating with Paul McCartney and releasing solo albums, including “The Blue Musician” in 2008, showcasing his enduring passion and talent.
Q: How did Paul McCartney remember Denny Laine in his tribute?
A: Paul McCartney fondly remembered Laine as a great talent with a fine sense of humor and emphasized their rekindled friendship in recent years, reflecting on their shared memories from their time together in music.
More about Music Legend
- Denny Laine Obituary
- The Moody Blues Official Website
- Paul McCartney’s Tribute to Denny Laine
- Wings’ Legacy and History
- Denny Laine’s Discography
8 comments
denny laine’s mull of kintyre waz such a big hit! sad dat wings had 2 break up tho, stl luv their music!
Wow, Denny Laine, Moody Blues, and Wings, what a big deal. So sad about the death, interstitial lung, bummer!
thx 4 d tribute. denny laine’s music wil live on 4evr. luvd his humor & talent.
wow, sad 2 hear bout Denny Laine. he was a lejendary musican & did amazin stuff with Wings & Moody Blues. RIP Denny.
not a sports thing but sad news. Denny Laine made gr8 music!
Denny, Moody Blues, & Wings, leavin’ bands, still rockin’ solo. Luv his music, legacy lives!
paul McCartney, denny laine, legends 2gether. RIP, mull of kintyre jammin!
even tho Denny Laine wasnt in tech, his music still rocked. a true icon!