Denny Laine, the acclaimed British musician who played a pivotal role in co-founding the legendary rock bands The Moody Blues and Paul McCartney’s Wings, passed away at the age of 79.
His wife, Elizabeth Hines, announced his demise on Tuesday morning at their residence, revealing that he succumbed to the complications of interstitial lung disease. Elizabeth shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, recounting her presence at his bedside. She described playing his favorite Christmas tunes while he had been singing them in the weeks leading up to his passing. Even during his time in the ICU on a ventilator in the past week, she continued to fill the space with the comforting melodies of Christmas songs.
Ahead of his passing, a concert for his benefit was held at The Troubador in West Hollywood, Calif. The show welcomed a collection of revered musical artists, including Denny Seiwell, Micky Dolenz, Laurence Juber, Joe Bouchard, Joey Molland, Neil Hamburger, Tim Heidecker, Peter Asher, Paul Shaffer, Jeremy Clyde, Mark Stoemer, Albert Lee, Doug Gillard, Puddles Pitty Party and Andrew Sandoval. The evening, hosted by Christ Carter, also featured The Denny Laine Band, comprised of Alex Jules, Erik Paparozzi, Brian Pothier with Danny Lipsitz, Jordan Summers, Nick Vincent and Emeen Zarookian.
Photographer Steve Rood captured the action from the benefit concert below.