English rock musician and Moody Blues founder Mike Pinder has passed away at the aged of 82 in Northern California, according to a statement issued by the musician's family.

In an official statement shared with fans it read: “Michael Thomas Pinder died on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at his home in Northern California, surrounded by his devoted family".

“Michael’s family would like to share with his trusted friends and caring fans that he passed peacefully. His final days were filled with music, encircled by the love of his family. Michael lived his life with a childlike wonder, walking a deeply introspective path which fused the mind and the heart.”

The statement continued: “He created his music and the message he shared with the world from this spiritually grounded place; as he always said, ‘Keep your head above the clouds, but keep your feet on the ground.’ His authentic essence lifted up everyone who came into contact with him. His lyrics, philosophy, and vision of humanity and our place in the cosmos will touch generations to come.”

Born in Birmingham in 1941, Pinder was the keyboardist and vocalist of Moody Blues. He contributed 27 songs to the bands catalogue between 1964 till his departure in 1978. Among his composition credits were 'My Song' and 'Lost in a World'.

Pinder was renowned for his technological contributions to rock music, most notably in the development and emergence of the Mellotron in 1960s rock music.

In 2018, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Moody Blues.

Post Moody Blues, Pinder changed career and became a consultant to the Atari computer corporation working on music synthesis. It was in this period that he started a family and settled down in Grass Valley, California.

Mike Pinder is survived by his wife and three sons. The eldest of which, Daniel is a music editor having worked on films such as The Da Vinci Code. The two younger siblings Matt and Michael Lee perform together in a band as The Pinder Brothers.

It is understood that Michael Pinder had been suffering from dementia for some years.