Lead singer of the Moody Blues and Wings guitarist dies

Denny Laine, the lead singer of English rock band the Moody Blues and guitarist with Wings, has died aged 79.

The co-founder of both Wings, which also featured Sir Paul McCartney, and The Moody Blues "passed away peacefully" following a battle with lung disease.

In an Instagram statement, Elizabeth Hines wrote that it was an "absolute honour and privilege to not only be his wife, but to care for him during his illness and vulnerability".

Beginning her post to his page on Tuesday, she wrote: "My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning.

"I was at his bedside, holding his hand as I played his favourite 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 centre 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."

Continuing her statement, Ms Hines also wrote that the support from the public "brought him to tears".

"My world will never be the same," she said. "Denny was an amazingly wonderful person, so loving and sweet to me.

He made my days colourful, 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 Brian Hines in Tyseley, Birmingham, in October 1944, Laine had been a member of Birmingham-formed The Moody Blues during the 1960s.

He quit the band shorty after releasing The Magnificent Moodies in 1965 over a conflict with their record label.

He then joined Sir Paul and Linda McCartney in the Wings line-up in 1971 before departing the band in the 1980s.

Laine was also part of the World Classic Rockers, a touring act which had Donovan, Spencer Davis and founding member of The Eagles Randy Meisner play at various times.