Denny Laine, guitarist for the Moody Blues and Wings, dies aged 79
Denny Laine, the guitarist for the Moody Blues and Wings, has died aged 79, his wife announced on Tuesday.
Laine co-founded the rock band Wings with Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney and Denny Seiwell in 1971, playing until its dissolution in 1981.
Before this, he was a member of the Moody Blues from 1964 to 1966.
The guitarist was battling with lung disease before his death, said Elizabeth Hines, his wife, as she announced the news of his death on social media.
“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 centre and eventually home,” she said in a post on her Instagram.
She added: “Unfortunately, his lung disease, Interstitial Lung Disease, 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.
Thanks for ‘love and support’
“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.
Thanking the medical staff that had looked after him in the past few months, she added: “My world will never be the same. Denny was an amazingly wonderful person, so loving and sweet to me. He made my days colourful, 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.”
