Denny Laine, co-founder of the bands Wings and The Moody Blues, passed away at the age of 79, as confirmed by his wife Elizabeth Hines.
Laine had been in the ICU on a ventilator due to Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), a condition known for its unpredictability and aggressiveness.
Laine played a pivotal role in forming Wings with Paul and Linda McCartney in 1971. Their second album, “Red Rose Speedway” in 1973, featured the hit “My Love.
” The band’s most iconic album, “Band on the Run” (1973), secured a Grammy for best pop vocal performance. Laine collaborated seamlessly with McCartney, sharing similar musical tastes.
In addition to his work with Wings, Laine co-wrote the 1977 hit “Mull of Kintyre” with McCartney. He remained the only consistent member of Wings throughout its existence, aside from the McCartneys.
Before Wings, Laine co-founded The Moody Blues in 1964, departing in 1965. Despite his brief tenure, Laine’s influence was acknowledged when he was included in the band’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2018.
In his later years, Laine continued to tour and launched his “Songs & Stories” live show, covering decades of his musical career. He expressed his love for live performances, stating there’s no substitute for connecting with an audience.