Denny Laine, a co-founding member of Wings and Moody Blues, has died. He was 79.
His wife, Elizabeth Hines, confirmed the heartbreaking news in an Instagram statement, adding that the musician died peacefully on Tuesday, December 5, morning at his home. She shared the same announcement on his Facebook page.
Denny Laine Dead at 79
According to Mele, Hines - who famously co-wrote "Mull of Kintyre" - suffered lung damage caused by interstitial lung disease he had been suffering from for years. She disclosed that the lung disease became "unpredicted and aggressive" after his long health battle.
"I was at his bedside, holding his hand as I played his favorite Christmas songs for him," she shared. "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."
Hines expressed how thankful Laine was to everyone who sent him love and support amid his struggles in life. She then took her time to thank people who saved her husband for years, including the surgeons, doctors, specialists, therapists and nurses at the Naples Hospital where he was admitted.
She called Laine - born Brian Frederick Hines - an "amazingly wonderful person" and "so loving and sweet" to her.
"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 went on.
She ended her post by asking for time and privacy as they mourn the loss. Details about his funeral remain unknown.
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Remembering Denny Laine
Laine launched his musical career through his first band, Denny Laine and The Diplomats, when he was a teenager. The group split in 1964, but it only pushed him to create another band - M&B 5 - with Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder.
The band changed its name to the Moody Blues and started releasing hit songs and covers, including its version of Bessie Banks' "Go Now."
In 1966, Laine left the band and formed Electric String Band. He soon helped Paul McCartney create his band, Wings, and stayed with the band members until 1981.
Before his death, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Laine as a member of Moody Blues in 2018.
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