VERY SAD NEWS: Agnetha Fältskog Confirms That ABBA Will Attend the Funeral of John Lodge to Bid a Final Farewell
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN — Just 45 minutes ago, Agnetha Fältskog made an emotional announcement that has moved music fans around the world. Speaking softly yet with visible emotion, the beloved ABBA singer confirmed that all members of the iconic group will attend the upcoming funeral of John Lodge, the legendary musician best known as the bassist and vocalist of The Moody Blues.
“We will stand together one last time to say thank you for the melodies he gave the world,” Agnetha said gently, her words filled with reverence and sorrow. “He was not only a great artist, but a kind and generous soul — one whose music helped countless people find peace, reflection, and hope.”
Her announcement was met with an immediate wave of sadness and gratitude across social media, where fans from both ABBA’s and The Moody Blues’ generations began sharing memories, photos, and tributes to John Lodge — a man whose voice and songwriting defined an era of thoughtful, melodic rock.
The news comes just days after Lodge’s passing, which sent ripples of grief through the global music community. For ABBA, the connection runs deeper than most fans realize. Lodge had long admired the Swedish quartet, praising their harmonic precision and emotional honesty in interviews throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Similarly, members of ABBA have spoken warmly of The Moody Blues’ poetic approach to music, citing their influence as part of the broader tapestry of artistry that shaped pop and progressive rock alike.
The funeral, expected to take place in Birmingham, England, will reportedly be a private ceremony attended by close family, friends, and select fellow musicians. Representatives for ABBA confirmed that Agnetha Fältskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Benny Andersson, and Björn Ulvaeus will all be present. Plans are underway for a simple yet heartfelt musical tribute, with sources hinting that Agnetha may perform a short rendition of “Thank You for the Music” as a final gesture of respect.
For Agnetha, who has always spoken candidly about the emotional power of music, this farewell holds special meaning. In her brief statement, she reflected on Lodge’s ability to blend intellect with heart: “John’s songs were never loud in the way they spoke — but they spoke deeply. That’s what true art does. It doesn’t demand attention; it earns it.”
Across the world, tributes continue to pour in. Justin Hayward, Lodge’s longtime bandmate and close friend, released a statement describing ABBA’s gesture as “a deeply moving sign of respect from one family of music to another.” He added, “John always believed that music connects souls beyond borders or generations. He would have loved to know that friends from Sweden will be there to see him off.”
The Moody Blues, formed in the mid-1960s, became pioneers of symphonic rock with albums like “Days of Future Passed” and timeless songs such as “Nights in White Satin,” “Ride My See-Saw,” and “Isn’t Life Strange.” Lodge’s warm baritone and thoughtful lyrics added depth to the band’s sound, earning them critical acclaim and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
As the world prepares to say goodbye, the sight of ABBA — one of pop’s most enduring groups — paying tribute to John Lodge will be a moment steeped in unity and gratitude. It will serve as a reminder that even across genres, generations, and styles, true musicians recognize one another not by fame, but by the music that endures.
“We sing because we love, and we remember because the music never leaves us,” Agnetha said quietly as she concluded her remarks.
For fans around the world, those words captured what many felt in their hearts: that this farewell is not just for one artist, but for an era — a golden generation of songwriters who gave us soundtracks for our lives, and taught us that melody, when born from love, truly never dies.