Denny Laine, the British star musician who co-founded the iconic rock bands The Moody Blues and Paul McCartney's Wings, has died.
He was 79.
Laine died "peacefully" Tuesday morning at his home following "health setbacks" from interstitial lung disease, his wife, Elizabeth Hines, shared on his Facebook page.
"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 wrote.
Hines said that the couple was hopeful he'd "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 everyday. He was so strong and brave, never complained," she wrote.
She thanked his fans, who "sent him so much love" over the past few months, and also his surgeons, doctors and nurses.
"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 said.
She remembered her husband as "an amazingly wonderful person, so loving and sweet to me," who made her days "colorful."
"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," she wrote.
Laine helped form The Moody Blues in 1964 with hits like “Nights in White Satin” and “Go Now.” Laine was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a Moody Blues member in 2018.
In 1971, he joined McCartney and his wife, Linda, to form Wings, helping write the songs “Don’t Let It Bring You Down” and “London Town.” After his time with Wings, he continued to make music in a solo career.
In an Instagram post, McCartney wrote that he was “very saddened to hear that my ex-bandmate, Denny Laine, has died,” noting the two “had had drifted apart but in recent years managed to reestablish our friendship and share memories of our times together.”
"I have many fond memories of my time with Denny: from the early days when The Beatles toured with the Moody Blues. Our two bands had a lot of respect for each other and a lot of fun together. Denny joined Wings at the outset. He was an outstanding vocalist and guitar player," he added.
McCartney closed the post with this: "Peace and love Denny. It was a pleasure to know you. We are all going to miss you."