Wings and The Moody Blues founder Denny Laine dies after long illness
Denny Laine, founder of The Moody Blues and Paul McCartney’s band Wings, has died at the age of 79.
The musician’s wife Elizabeth Hines has confirmed the sad news, announcing that Denny died after a long battle with Interstitial lung disease.
“My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning,” she wrote in a statement. “I was at his bedside holding his hand as I played his favourite 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.
“He and I both believed he would overcome his health setbacks and return to the rehabilitation centre and eventually home.
“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,” she continued. “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.
“Thank you to Dennys 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.
“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,” she requested.
Among his many achievements, Denny co-wrote the Wings hit Mull of Kintyre and sang on The Moody Blues’ multi-million selling Go Now.
Denny’s fans have since taken to social media to pay tribute to the late musician, who was the lead singer of The Moody Blues and a guitarist in Wings.
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