On 11th November 2021 it was confirmed that famed and celebrated musician Graeme Edge has tragically passed away aged 80. The drummer is best known as one of the founding members of the British blues band Moody Blues. A statement approaching the sad news was posted on the band’s social media pages, the moving tribute was written by frontman Justin Hayward.
Edge was born on 30th March 1941 in Staffordshire and formed The Moody Blues at the age of 23. Edge was a key songwriter in the group and was often described as the quintet’s poet. Edge’s poems can be heard on many tracks, with his poem “Departure” being used to open the group’s third studio album In Search Of The Lost Chord. The talented artist also wrote over 13 songs and often contributed to his bandmate’s solo work.
Edge formed The Moody Blues in Birmingham in 1964, the original lineup consisted of Keyboardist Mike Pinder, Multi-instrumentalist Ray Thomas, Denny Laine on guitar, Edge on drums and bassist Clint Warwick. The band went through a line-up change after their formation which included original members Pinder, Thomas, Edge as well as new members Justin Hayward on lead vocals and guitar and new bassist John Lodge. This lineup would remain throughout the 70s, an era now classed their classic and best-known period.
After their first performance in 1964, the group gained attention through their work in rhythm and blues music. They soon caught the attention of industry professionals and were signed to the management company Ridgepride. Alex Wharton, the company’s founder, was an A&R rep for Record Label Decca Records, the label then signed the band in 1964. In 1965 the group released their debut album The Magnificent Melodies which garnered the group considerable success. The group’s best-known track, “Nights In White Satin”, was included on the band’s second studio album Days Of Future Passed, released in 1967. The band would go on to release 14 more studio albums and eventually disbanded in 1974 but reunited in 1977.
After The Moody Blues’ hiatus Edge embarked on a trip around the world on his yacht Delia, Edge would find inspiration in the Greek Island of Corfu and would later use the musical influences in his work. After his voyage Edge released his solo work, his initial solo single “We Like To Do It/Shotgun” was released in 1974. The following year, Edge released his first solo album entitled Kick Off Your Muddy Boots with the single “The Tunnel/Bareback Rider”.
The artist’s second solo album Paradise Ballroom was released in 1977, Edge used his inspiration found on his trip within the album and fused Calypso and Salsa beats with his original sound. In the same year, the artist also released the single “Everybody Needs Somebody/Be My Eyes”. The solo material was released under Edge’s studio band The Graeme Edge Band, the group also included vocalist and guitarist Adrian Gurvitz and artist Paul Gurvitz.
Since the news of Edge’s death was confirmed tributes for the musician have poured in, with many citing him as an influence. Edge’s partner, Rilla Fleming has confirmed that the cause of death was metastatic cancer.
