Denny Laine, Former Moody Blues and Wings Member, Passes Away at 79
Denny Laine, a renowned British singer, songwriter, and guitarist, known for his contributions to the early pop-oriented version of the Moody Blues and his long-standing collaboration with Paul McCartney in the ex-Beatle's solo band Wings, has died at the age of 79.
Laine, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Moody Blues five years ago, passed away on Tuesday in Naples, Florida. The cause of his death was interstitial lung disease, as confirmed by his wife, Elizabeth Hines, in an announcement on Laine's Instagram page.
Laine's passing coincides with the 50th anniversary of the release of McCartney's critically acclaimed album "Band On the Run," on which Laine played guitar and provided backing vocals. In a tribute posted on Instagram, McCartney described Laine as a "great talent with a fine sense of humor" and expressed gratitude for their reestablished friendship in recent years.
Born Brian Frederick Arthur Hines, Laine adopted his professional name during his early teens, partly as a tribute to the singer Frankie Laine.
Musician Denny Laine Passes Away at Age 76
Renowned musician Denny Laine, known for his work with bands like the Moody Blues and Wings, has passed away at the age of 76.
Laine began his career in 1964 when he joined the Moody Blues and sang lead on their breakthrough hit, "Go Now." However, the band struggled to replicate their initial success, and Laine left in 1967. He was replaced by Justin Hayward, and the Moody Blues went on to achieve success with their classically influenced sound.
After leaving the Moody Blues, Laine worked as a solo artist and collaborated with other groups such as Electric String Band and Ginger Baker's Air Force. In 1971, he was brought into Wings by Paul McCartney, whom he had known during his time with the Moody Blues.
Wings, formed in 1971 after the Beatles disbanded, experienced various lineup changes over the years. Laine, McCartney, and McCartney's wife, Linda, were consistent members. The band had several No. 1 singles, including "My Love," "Listen to What the Man Said," and the title track to "Band On the Run." Laine also co-wrote the million-selling "Mull of Kintyre."
Although Wings disbanded in the early 1980s after Laine's departure, he continued to collaborate with McCartney on albums like "Tug of War" and "Pipes of Peace." He also provided backing vocals on George Harrison's tribute to John Lennon, "All Those Years Ago."
Laine remained active in the music industry, touring and recording in recent years.
