Richard Tandy, the keyboardist in the rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), also known as Jeff Lynne’s ELO, passed away yesterday (1 May) at the age of 76.
Jeff Lynne himself shared the sad news, posting several photos of Tandy alongside his ELO bandmates.
Taking to Facebook, Lynne wrote in a touching tribute, “It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my long-time collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy. He was a remarkable musician & friend and I’ll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together. Sending all my love to Sheila & the Tandy Family.”
An essential part of Electric Light Orchestra, Tandy appeared on all but two of the band’s 14 albums—1971’s No Answer, recorded prior to his arrival, and 2015’s Alone In The Universe, mostly a Jeff Lynne solo project.
With his palette of keyboards, including the Minimoog, Mellotron, Clavinet and piano, Tandy was integral in making ELO’s music what it was: bright and fascinating rock music. His playing was especially felt on the albums A New World Record (1976), Out Of The Blue (1977), Discovery (1979), and 1981’s Time.
In 2017, Tandy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Electric Light Orchestra. The Rock Hall described the band’s impact on music as follows: “Picking up where The Beatles left off, ELO expanded the concept of great melodies, epic song structures and grand orchestrations.
“ELO added an exciting mix of elements into rock and roll, including disco rhythms and electronic studio wizardry.”
After ELO broke up in 1986, Lynne and Tandy reunited the band under the moniker Jeff Lynne’s ELO in 2014, opening the group’s career to a new generation, releasing two additional albums and touring across the globe.
ELO haven’t revisited Australia since February 1978. From August through to late October this year, the band will embark on a farewell tour of the US.
