Classic Rock
Paul McCartney laments Denny Laine’s passing
The singer and multi-instrumentalist Denny Laine passed away last December 5 at theage of 79 in Naples, Florida. As informed by his wife on his official Instagram page, the musician’s death was caused by an interstitial lung disease.
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“My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning. 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,” his wife Elizabeth Hines said.
Paul McCartney the passing of Denny Laine
During his career, Laine was a member of The Moody Blues, Ginger Baker’s Air Force and The Wings, band formed by Paul McCartney after the Beatles disbanded. McCartney, who is currently touring across Brazil, shared a message paying tribute to his ex-bandmate, who played with him in The Wings from 1971 to 1981.
“I am very saddened to hear that my ex-bandmate, Denny Laine, has died. I have many fond memories of my time with Denny: from the early days when The Beatles toured with the Moody Blues. Our two bands had a lot of respect for each other and a lot of fun together.”
He continued:
“Denny joined Wings at the outset. He was an outstanding vocalist and guitar player. His most famous performance is probably ‘Go Now’ an old Bessie Banks song which he would sing brilliantly. He and I wrote some songs together the most successful being ‘Mull of Kintyre’ which was a big hit in the Seventies. We had drifted apart but in recent years managed to reestablish our friendship and share memories of our times together.”
“Denny was a great talent with a fine sense of humour and was always ready to help other people. He will be missed by all his fans and remembered with great fondness by his friends. I send my condolences and best wishes to his wife, Elizabeth and family. Peace and love Denny. It was a pleasure to know you. We are all going to miss you. Love, Paul,” McCartney said.
