Musicians pay tribute to late Denny Laine: Paul McCartney, Axl Rose, Little Steven, more

Paul McCartney. Axl Rose. Christopher Cross. Nancy Wilson of Heart.

They're just a few of the famous musicians celebrating the late Denny Laine on social media this week. The former Wings and The Moody Blues singer-guitarist died Tuesday in Naples.

Laine had been in and out of Naples' NCH Baker Hospital since getting COVID-19 last year. He was 79 years old.

The British-born musician was the original lead singer and guitarist for classic-rock greats The Moody Blues. He also worked side by side with ex-Beatle McCartney throughout the ‘70s in their hugely popular band Wings.

Here's what McCartney and other musicians have had to say about Laine on social media:

Paul McCartney

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.

Denny joined Wings at the outset. He was an outstanding vocalist and guitar player. ...

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," McCartney wrote. "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.

John Lodge of The Moody Blues

I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of Denny Laine, we’ve all been praying for him. ...

Denny’s voice on ‘Go Now’ and his interpretation of the Bessie Bank’s song, is, and will remain, an all time classic.

Although we never performed together, the circle was complete at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2018, Brummies together.

My love goes out to his wife Elizabeth and all his family, and I know he’ll now be making great music in heaven.

Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Denny Laine. Wings has always (on the daily) been a big part of my life. RIP

Nancy Wilson of Heart

A sad day to lose the great Denny Laine. We recently played Carnegie Hall for the Music of Paul McCartney benefit. My admiration for Denny goes back to his work in the Moody Blues and of course Paul McCartney's Wings and he cowrote one of my all time favorite global hit songs Mull of Kintyre.

I’ll forever cherish the thrill of singing and playing with him on my birthday. The best gift of all.

Micky Dolenz of The Monkees

Rest in peace, Denny. A friend, a wonderful person, and a great musician. You and your music will be sorely missed.

Greg Martin of The Kentucky Headhunters

Sending our love from Kentucky. Our condolences to the family.

Steven Van Zandt of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band

RIP Denny Laine. Fantastic first and best lead singer of the Moody Blues. Their very rootsy R&B based classic first album remains their best thanks to Denny. Go Now forever one of the great vocals of all time.

Christopher Cross

We lost my dear friend, Denny Laine, this morning. He was an icon and a sweet man.

Denny was a joy to work with on the Beatles tribute shows we performed together. He will be missed. Prayers for his wife Liz and their family.

Mike Pinder, a founding member and keyboardist for The Moody Blues

My first foray into professional songwriting was with the talented Denny Laine. Our creative collaboration was inspiring and our future was unfolding. It was such an exciting time in our lives. ...

When I think of Denny I will remember his fun loving sense of humor and the musical collaboration we shared. Denny shared his tremendous talent and joyful love of life with us and for that we can all be grateful.

We will miss you.

Dave Davies of The Kinks

I’m devastated. What a great guy and a great musician. Rest in peace Denny.

Singer, guitarist and producer Peter Asher

Denny was a stalwart friend, a soulful singer, a superb musician and songwriter and a charming companion. To have been a member of one of the most important bands of the second half of the 20th Century would be enough for most of us – yet Denny was a key member of two entirely different ones. ...

Laine, Seger, Summer: Rock 'n' rollers who have called Naples home

I well remember the very first time I heard Denny’s amazing vocal on “Go Now” in Regent Sound Studio in Denmark Street, London, and was totally blown away. Then it was released and conquered the world. Now I shall remember Denny with affection and admiration every time I hear it.

Debbi Peterson of The Bangles, Kindred Spirit

Devastated to hear we’ve lost the extremely kind & talented Denny Laine. It was a thrill to sing Go Now with him! Once at soundcheck he made up a little song on the spot & sang it to me. I was well chuffed! Denny we will miss you. You brought so much great music into the world.

— Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 (for tickets to shows, call the venue) or email him at crunnells@gannett.com. Follow or message him on social media: Facebook (facebook.com/charles.runnells.7), X (formerly Twitter) (@charlesrunnells), Threads (@crunnells1) and Instagram (@crunnells1).

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Denny Laine tributes: Paul McCartney, Christopher Cross, Heart