Rock Legend Denny Laine, Guitarist for Paul McCartney & Wings and Moody Blues, Passes Away at 79

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(Image credit: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

Denny Laine – the celebrated guitarist who co-founded Moody Blues, and played alongside Paul McCartney in his post-Beatles band, Wings – has died at the age of 79.

His wife, Elizabeth Hines, announced the news on Instagram, writing that the guitarist had been suffering from Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD).

“My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning,” Hines wrote. “I was at his bedside, holding his hand as I played his favorite 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 center and eventually home. Unfortunately, his lung disease, Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), 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.

“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.

“My world will never be the same. Denny was an amazingly wonderful person, so loving and sweet to me. He made my days colorful, 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.”

Born in Birmingham in 1944, Laine picked up the guitar at a young age and – by the time he was 20 – had formed the Moody Blues with four other Birmingham musicians. Though he’d leave the group in late 1966 – before arguably their most iconic era – Laine played guitar and sang lead on the group’s smash hit cover of Bessie Banks’ Go Now.

After his departure from the Moody Blues, Laine began a solo career, and would also join – for a short time in 1970 – Ginger Baker’s Air Force, appearing on the band’s self-titled debut live album.

During this time, though, the Beatles – with whom Laine became acquainted during his time with the Moody Blues – were going their separate ways. For his new band, Wings, Paul McCartney approached Laine, who quickly accepted a spot in the group.

Remaining with the band for the entirety of their existence (the only member of Wings aside from Paul and Linda McCartney to hold that distinction) Laine was an integral part of Wings’ sound,

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