Denny Laine who co-wrote Wings' Mull of Kintyre and co-founded Moody Blues dies
Denny Laine, the lead singer of the Moody Blues, has died at the age of 79, his heartbroken wife has announced.
Partner Elizabeth Hines issued an emotional and lengthy statement to say he had passed away after a long health battle. Confirmed his lung disease had become "unpredictable and aggressive", she paid tribute to him and fans rushed to pay their condolences.
Much loved Denny co-wrote Paul and Linda McCartney's Wings' classic Mull of Kintyre before he co-founded 60s rockers Moody Blues, joining forces with Ray Thomas and Mike Ponder. Born Brian Hines, he grew up in Birmingham and was inspired to play guitar by jazz icon Django Reinhardt.
The talented singer and guitarist was in 60s rock group The Moody Blues (Getty Images)She said: "My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning. 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 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. All he wanted was to be home with me and his pet kitty, Charley, playing his gypsy guitar.
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"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." She signed off by saying: "Please give Denny’s friends and family the time and privacy needed as we grieve our loss."
Paul McCartney led tributes to Denny (WireImage)Paul McCartney also paid tribute to Denny, admitting they had "drifted apart" for a while but had rekindled their friendship recently.
"I am very saddened to hear that my ex-bandmate, Denny Laine, has died. 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. His most famous performance is probably ‘Go Now,’ an old Bessie Banks song which he would sing brilliantly," he wrote in a lengthy statement.
"He and I wrote some songs together, the most successful being ‘Mull of Kintyre’ which was a big hit in the Seventies. We had drifted apart but in recent years managed to re-establish our friendship and share memories of our times together. Denny was a great talent with a fine sense of humour and was always ready to help other people."
He added: "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. Peace and love Denny. It was a pleasure to know you. We are all going to miss you."
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