Denny Laine remembered
Very sad news concerning Brumbeat star Denny Laine who passed away on December 5, 2023 at age 79. It was Denny and his group The Moody Blues who put Birmingham on the world pop music map back in 1964 following the success of their international Number One hit single 'Go Now'. This was the record that helped open the door for many other talented Brum bands.
Denny Laine had enjoyed an amazing career in music. Starting with popular local band Denny Laine and The Diplomats during the early 1960s in Birmingham (their drummer was future Move/ELO star Bev Bevan), he went on to form the legendary Moody Blues whom he fronted to international success before gaining recognition as a respected solo artist. Denny later formed a partnership with Paul and Linda McCartney during the 1970s as a pivotal member of "Wings" with whom he recorded multi-million selling albums and toured the world.
While continuing as he has done for decades to perform and delight audiences with music from his long career, it was revealed in August that Denny was battling health concerns that forced cancellation of his shows and involved life-saving (and expensive) medical care. He'd had COVID in 2022 and suffered bouts of ill-health since then.
A heartfelt message written by Denny Laine's wife Liz on his facebook page read; "I want to thank everyone who contributed, called and messaged us during this very difficult time. Your love, prayers, kindness and support is just as important as his medical care. Denny is strong and is fighting every day and working hard to return home after his rehabilitation, where he will continue to rebuild his strength and health with home health care. I ask for your continued prayers and positive well wishes for Denny. Love to all - Elizabeth Hines.
Denny's long-time band mate and friend Alex Jules organized a sold-out benefit concert for Denny that took place on November 27, 2023 in Hollywood, California and featured musical guests such as Denny Seiwell and Lawrence Juber (from Wings), Joey Molland (Badfinger), Peter Asher (Peter & Gordon), Mickey Dolenz (The Monkees), Jeremy Clyde (Chad & Jeremy), Albert Lee, Paul Shaffer, and many more.
Sadly, Denny Laine lost his battle in early December from the effects of interstitial lung disease while staying at a hospital not far from his home in Florida. He has left a wonderful legacy of fine music that will never be forgotten. Below are just a few of the many tributes that have been shown on Denny Laine's official facebook page;
Paul McCartney wrote on his official facebook page; "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 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 reestablish 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 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. Love, Paul."
Mike Pinder who is now the only remaining original member of the Moody Blues wrote; "My first foray into professional songwriting was with the talented Denny Laine. Our creative collaboration was inspiring and our future was unfolding. It was such an exciting time in our lives. Although I missed having Denny in our band I was happy he joined up with Wings as I loved and respected Paul McCartney. The Moodies and The Beatles were fortunate to be on tour together and explore musical ideas and develop solid friendships in those early years. When I think of Denny I will remember his fun loving sense of humor and the musical collaboration we shared. I have always thought that we humans are light beings having an earthly experience here on the planet. It's like our bodies are space suits and eventually will break down. The goal is to learn as much as we can from the experience and maybe share a little of that wisdom before we go. Denny shared his tremendous talent and joyful love of life with us and for that we can all be grateful. We will miss you. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife Elizabeth and his family. Much love, The Pinder Family".
Bev Bevan who played drums with Denny in The Diplomats wrote on his facebook page; "I am so sorry to hear that my old friend Denny Laine has passed away. He was such a talented singer, guitarist and songwriter. He had been in hospital for a long time and we were in touch with his wife Elizabeth. We thought he would pull through, but sadly not to be. Denny and I met in 1963 when he asked me to form a group together, which went on to be called 'Denny Laine and The Diplomats'. Later that year we opened for The Beatles at the Old Hill Plaza. He was the most positive person I'd ever met - he was totally sure that he would make it big in the music business and told me that I would too. The world of music has lost a great talent. Rest in peace Denny. Bev."
Denny Laine's official facebook page can be seen at; www.facebook.com/DBFLaine/
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