Bev Bevan: More Stand Up & Rock Dates Announced

Stand Up & Rock! now numbers over fifty shows!

#899: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! As promised the evening before, Bev Bevan this morning announced a further round of Stand Up & Rock! theatre dates in addition to the imminent 29 date tour which runs between Friday 1st May and Friday 31st July. A further 25 dates have been newly scheduled (at the time of writing) between Friday 4th September and Saturday 28th November meaning that it will be a busy year for Bev, longtime pal Jasper Carrott, Geoff Turton, Joy Strachan-Brain, Tony Kelsey, Phil Tree and Abby Brant. Find out where the show is calling in via their official website thus:

www.brianyeates.co.uk/Touring-Shows/Stand-Up-Rock/671

Bev Bevan's new Facebook banner suggests a new adventure may be the cards!

ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) recommends Stand Up & Rock! to those enlightened folks who enjoy the music of ELO/Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, The Move, 'Brum Beat', The Beatles and related artistes.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 28-Apr-2015

Alex Miles: Performing Mr. Blue Sky

Alex Miles with that portrait of Jeff Lynne by Ian Morgan

#898: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! Regular visitors to ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) will know that we featured the very talented singer and pianist Alex Miles on several occasions last year, initially with her beautiful interpretation of the Jeff Lynne penned ELO feel good classic "Mr Blue Sky" and then with her superb eponymously titled album.

Alex has just released video footage showing her fantastic live performance of "Mr. Blue Sky" via her YouTube channel and ELOBF is pleased to present it to you here thus:

Alex Miles: Mr. Blue Sky

Review: Alex Miles (Alex Miles)
Alex Miles: A Jeff Lynne Water Colour Surprise!

Check out Alex Miles and her portfolio via her official website thus:

www.alexmilesmusic.com

ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) recommends Alex Miles to those enlightened folks who enjoy the music of ELO/Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, The Move, 'Brum Beat', The Beatles and related artistes.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 27-Apr-2015

Roy Wood: Goin' Down The Road Again

Dr. Roy Wood and his Rock 'n' Roll Band: (Hopefully) coming to a venue near you soon!

#897: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! Yours Truly KJS/ELOBF are pleased to inform you that Roy Wood, the legendary singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who brought us The Move, ELO and Wizzard will be touring later this year with his superb Rock 'n' Roll Band, playing several venues around the UK in his annual series of pre-Christmas gigs. Eleven dates are already in the calendar and they are listed below for you to peruse thus:

Friday 13th November

MIND Charity Christmas Ball, Burton Albion FC, Burton-upon-Trent

Tickets: £60 each (*plus booking fee)

www.burtonmail.co.uk/Founder-Wizzard-Electric-Light-Orchestra/story-27984670

Saturday 14th November

Albert Hall, Nottingham

Tickets: £29.50 each (*plus booking fee)

www.ents24.com/nottingham-events/albert-hall/roy-wood/4349683

Thursday 19th November

Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton

Tickets: £27.50 each (*plus booking fee)

www.floralpavilion.com/en-GB/shows/roy-wood-and-his-band/info

Saturday 21st November

St. Andrews & Blackfriars Halls, Norwich

Tickets: £28 each (*plus booking fee)

www.ents24.com/norwich-events/st-andrews-and-blackfriars-halls/roy-wood/4275388

Sunday 29th November

The Dome, Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Tickets: £22 each (*plus booking fee)

www.ents24.com/doncaster-events/the-dome/roy-wood/4293885

Sunday 6th December

Roy Wood Rockmas @ The Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham

Tickets: from £33.75 each (*plus booking fee)

www.barclaycardarena.co.uk/whats-on/roy-wood-rockmas

Friday 11th December

Pyramid & Parr Hall, Warrington, Cheshire

Tickets: £20 each (*plus booking fee)

www.ents24.com/warrington-events/pyramid-and-parr-hall/roy-wood/4271067

Sunday 13th December

The Engine Shed, Lincoln

Tickets: £22 each (*plus booking fee)

www.ents24.com/lincoln-events/the-engine-shed/roy-wood/4310972

Monday 14th December

The Apex Theatre, Bury St. Edmunds

Tickets: from £20 each (*plus booking fee)

www.theapex.co.uk/whats-on/event/1729/roy-woods-rock-roll-christmas-party

Thursday 17th December

Holmfirth Picturedrome, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

Tickets: £20 each (*plus booking fee)

www.ents24.com/holmfirth-events/holmfirth-picturedrome/roy-wood/4267410

Sunday 20th December

The Robin 2, Bilston, West Midlands

Tickets: from £20 each (*plus booking fee)

www.therobin.co.uk/whats_on/giginfo.asp?gigid=4176

The above gig roster will be updated as soon as new Roy Wood events are listed &/or announced so please keep checking back and/or consider bookmarking this ELOBF article on your browser.

ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) recommends Roy Wood to those enlightened folks who enjoy the music of ELO/Jeff Lynne, Wizzard, The Move, 'Brum Beat', The Beatles and related artistes.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 26-Apr-2015

Caught Live (8): Quill @ Shrewsbury 23/04/15

#896: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! Ever since I first ventured out to see Quill on behalf of ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) back in June 2013, I've witnessed their gradual consolidation and transformation into a septet who totally enchant and entertain theatre audiences wherever they have graced the stage. Therefore, a trip to the county town of Shrewsbury on the night of Thursday 23rd April see this legendary Midlands band in their latest guise perform in front of a healthy attendance at The Walker Theatre (nestled inside the aptly named Theatre Severn) was a must being as it had been five months since my last Quill gig in Ludlow.

Cooper & Davies (l-r) Graham Clews, Simon Davies and Rob Cooper

Once again, more than able support was given by Quill's regular Shropshire gig partners Cooper & Davies (a trio these days with Graham Clews also on board) who proceeded to thoroughly entertain their onlookers with another polished set of eight songs comprising "Raise A Ruckus" ~ "I Never Said I Was Funny" (Cooper/Davies) ~ "La La Blues" ~ "Girl Is On My Mind" ~ "Rip It Up" ~ "Everything & More" (Cooper/Davies) ~ "Tell It To Me" ~ "Alabama Gals" ~ "Wagon Wheel"

Quill entered the stage and opened with that familiar Fleetwood Mac classic "The Chain" in what turned out to be a much changed fifteen song set list that really played to the strengths of the band. There were four new songs on show in "Matador" (suggested in part by former member Phil Bates), "A Showman's Life" (recommended by Bev), "Falling Slowly" and (rather pleasingly) "Whiskey Girls" (an ELO Part II track co-written on tour in Poland by Phil Bates and Bev Bevan featured on their 1994 album "Moment Of Truth").

The new songs perfectly complimented Quill compositions "Say It Ain't So", "Nine Mile Camp" and "England" with an emotional, heartfelt rendition of "Life Is Life" by an inspired Joy Strachan-Brain bringing a tear to the eye on the eve of the third anniversary of the tragic passing of her husband Ben Brain, capping another top class performance. That sadness was contrasted by Joy's pride in announcing that a new Quill album entitled "Brush With The Moon" - penned by Ben and featuring many of their recent live favourites - will be released in June via Cherry Red Records.

At one stage there were two drum kits, a percussion rig, a bass drum and a hi-hat on view (whilst Cooper & Davies performed) with the Quill percussion duo of Bev Bevan and Tim Tandler sharing duties later. That alone spoke volumes as The Move and ELO co-founder appeared relaxed, content and settled as a full member of Joy's Celtic rock outfit, contributing song suggestions and a nice surprise with that classic ELO Part II track included in the set too.

Severn Up: Quill accept the rapturous applause of their Salopian audience

 The ease with which Tony Kelsey's classy guitar licks added to this 'new' Quill sound was noticeable and his string sparring with the ever-excellent if not energetic violinist and vocalist Kate McWilliam truly impressed. The vocal clarity of bassist Matt Davies has always caught my attention since he joined the band and, despite struggling with flu, he delivered another strong contribution as did the often unsung but essential keyboardist cum guitarist cum vocalist Dave Bailey. In short, this was a triumph of a gig!

Quill performed: "The Chain" ~ "Harvest" ~ "Duelling Banjos" ~ "Matador" ~ "A Showman's Life" ~ "Say It Ain't So" ~ "Life Is Life" ~ "Falling Slowly" ~ "Nine Mile Camp" ~ "Jig-A-Jig" ~ "Galway Girl" ~ "Whiskey Girls" ~ "The Celtic Experience" ~ "England" ~ "Whiskey In The Jar"

Settled: The septet who are currently Quill

Quill are: Joy Strachan-Brain (Lead vox) ~ Dave Bailey (Keyboards/guitar/vox) ~ Kate McWilliam (Violin/keyboards/recorder/vox) ~ Tim Tandler (Drums) ~ Tony Kelsey (Guitars/mandolin/vox) ~ Matt Davies (Bass/vox) ~ Bev Bevan (Percussion)

Next up for Quill is a gig at Tamworth Assembly Rooms on Saturday 23rd May. Why not check out their official website via this link thus:

www.quilluk.com

ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) recommends Quill to those enlightened folks who also enjoy the music of ELO/Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, The Move, 'Brum Beat', The Beatles and related artistes.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 25-Apr-2015

ELOBF Exclusive: Jeff Lynne's Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony

#895: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! When word reached ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) in early March that ELO maestro Jeff Lynne would be soon receiving his long awaited Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on Thursday 23rd April, we held back from fully breaking the news, leaving just a teaser on Twitter on 13th March until it was officially announced.

Since then, we've had an extended amount of time to think about a way to congratulate Jeff on this his latest achievement - not just from a personal perspective - but also on behalf of his many fans and admirers "All Over The World" and also those souls who could not be there in person to witness it on, of all days, the 79th birthday of his Wilbury brother Roy Orbison.

The initial thought was to travel over to Los Angeles in person or to send something that could be both present at the ceremony and also something that represented Jeff himself. At this point, I approached my friend Ursula David in LA and we threw a few ideas around before deciding upon a floral presentation to be placed near Jeff's new Star with the colours yellow, blue and white prominent to signify "Mr. Blue Sky".

Handling With Care

Dhani and Olivia Harrison were also on hand to congratulate George's great pal Jeff Lynne

On the morning of the day, Ursula duly delivered our rather large floral tribute and positioned herself (alongside her son Ty) in an advantageous location with Phil Hatton - longtime friend of Jeff - on hand to meet Ursula and duly notify Jeff of our gift, which also spent some time in the lobby of the famed Capitol Records building before being placed adjacent the newly unveiled 2,548th Star for a time afterwards.

Two Wilburys and an Eagle

KJS@ELOBF told you so!

Point Of No Return: A relaxed Jeff Lynne awaits his Star

I wanted this article to review such a momentous occasion from the fans point of view. The events of Thursday 23rd April have already been streamed, recorded and broadcast worldwide, so here is the official footage for you to enjoy, enthuse over and replay at your leisure thus:

How it was imagined!

ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) sincerely hopes that you enjoy the photographs within this article on what was a great day for not only Jeff Lynne but also for the fan on the street ... literally!

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 24-Apr-2015

On the Fourth Play: The Secret Messages Singles

#894: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! The advancement of ELO's worldwide commercial success was typified by the three singles being released from "Face The Music" and "A New World Record" being increased to the four singles that were each taken from "Out Of The Blue", "Discovery", "Xanadu" and "Time". It therefore came (sadly) as no surprise that as ELO's chart fortunes waned (as did those of Jet Records) as the eighties progressed, fans saw just three singles taken from both "Secret Messages" and "Balance Of Power".

Back in 1983, as a 15 year old ELO mad teenager still reeling from the fact that "The Way Life's Meant To Be" (#JET7021) had not only failed to crack the Top 75 in early '82 but also that "Secret Messages" (#A3720) and "Four Little Diamonds" (#A3869) had also failed to make the UK Top 40 Singles chart after "Rock 'n' Roll Is King" (#A3500) had attained #13, I remember still anticipating a fourth UK single from "Secret Messages" - little knowing that it should have been a double album and having heard (somewhere!) that "Bluebird" was to be the fourth UK single.

But it never happened. I didn't know until much later that "Stranger" had been released as a fourth single in Holland (as it had been in the United States as a third single) and have spent a number of years trying to obtain a decent copy of JETA4070 with its sleeve - based around a great photo still from the "Rock 'n' Rock Is King" music video featuring Jeff Lynne, Bev Bevan, Richard Tandy and Kelly Groucutt (who would have been an ex-member of ELO when "Stranger" was released) - until last week when I finally purchased a mint condition copy from Disc Covery Records in Accrington, Lancashire.

Having always had a fascination about "Secret Messages" and, of course, later "Beatles Forever" - the acquisition of my Dutch copy of "Stranger" - backed by "Train Of Gold" - means that I have closed the proverbial loop and can fully envisage what might have been if there had been a fourth single from "Secret Messages" playing in the UK back in the day. Now we can again concentrate on that 2LP release of #JETDP402 ...

Secret Messages Singles Discography

"Rock 'n' Roll Is King" b/w "After All" (plus "Time After Time" on 12")

UK: A3500; TA3500 ~ EU: JET7034 ~ US: ZS4 03964

"Secret Messages" b/w "Buildings Have Eyes"

UK: A3720; WA3720; A7038 ~ EU: JET A3720

"Four Little Diamonds" b/w "Letter From Spain" (plus "The Bouncer" on 12")

UK: A3869; TA3869 ~ EU: JET A3869 ~ US: ZS4 04130

"Stranger" b/w "Train Of Gold"

EU: JET A4070 ~ US: ZS4 04208

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 23-Apr-2015

Light Friction: The Birth Pangs of Early ELO

#893: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! In this third of three articles for ELOBF this month chronicling the birth of The Electric Light Orchestra, we look at some of the teething troubles that the new ELO ensemble encountered as they emerged from The Move with their own unique identity.

ELO's first ever gig could have been at Wolverhampton Civic Hall

What turned out to be ELO's first ever gig at The Greyhound in Croydon on Sunday 16th April 1972 had originally been planned to be their fifth live date. Yet, despite outnumbering the audience at that inaugural concert, ELO's recorded output was significantly more successful commercially with first single "10538 Overture" crashing the UK Top 10 to attain #9 and their eponymously entitled debut album managing #32 in the UK Top 40 with a four week chart run.

No Answer: ELO were presented by Move Enterprises in the US

Outside of their difficulties performing live, another unfortunate issue that befell the band was the infamous communication breakdown which meant that their debut LP, issued in early December 1971, "The Electric Light Orchestra" (Harvest #SHVL797) saw the US release in March 1972 erroneously entitled "No Answer" (#UAS-5573) due to a misunderstood secretarial telephone message at United Artists Records. This was no doubt embarrassing if not frustrating for both Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne.

The rare, withdrawn 'B' side for second single "Roll Over Beethoven"

"Queen Of The Hours" backed "Roll Over Beethoven" thereafter

If one purely looks at the differences in wording between both 'B' side labels (see above) for the UK release of "Roll Over Beethoven" (Harvest #HAR5063), it is interesting to see that the publisher for both Lynne penned tracks (taken from their first LP) has been changed from "United Artists Music Ltd." to "Carlin Music Corp./Sugartown Music" - possibly as a result of the aforementioned "No Answer" mistake by UA in the States. Knowing also that Roy left ELO during this time, it is also interesting to note that the words "Produced by Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne" were replaced with "Vocals by Jeff Lynne", hinting at the ongoing transition in leadership and transformation in direction of the band at that time.

From LP to CD: "No Answer" continues to be ELO's US album debut to this day!

Croydon Confusion: The Live Debut of ELO

Eyewitness: ELO's Live Debut @ Croydon 1972

Cancelled gigs, sparse attendances, marketing mayhem and terrible telephony but accompanied with credible chart success! Such were the birth pangs, frustrations, machinations and difficulties that the early Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) encountered as their co-founder Roy Wood bequeathed the proverbial light to Jeff Lynne and went on his own successful Wizzard way.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 19-Apr-2015

Eyewitness: ELO's Live Debut @ Croydon 1972

This early portrait of The Electric Light Orchestra is full of familiar faces

#892: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! Two days ago, ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) published an article entitled Croydon Confusion: The Live Debut of ELO which reminded readers of the 43rd anniversary of the very first ELO gig on Sunday 16th April 1972 in Croydon whilst trying also to clarify exactly where that initial concert was played.

But little did I realize at the time that one of my acquaintances was one of the few paying punters in The Greyhound that night! I'm pleased to announce that James Harris has kindly given ELOBF permission to publish his amazing memories from the live debut of The Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) thus:

"The day was Sunday 16th April 1972. Easter was early in 1972, falling on 2nd April. I had travelled from my home in Birmingham to Croydon to see what would become one of the greatest Rock bands of all time. The Greyhound [sometimes also known as The Fox at The Greyhound] was situated in Park Lane, Croydon and was literally just a stones throw from that other well known musical venue, The Fairfield Halls.

The gig was to promote the release of the first ELO album, released on 3rd December 1971 and also my birthday! I was literally 'over the moon' to find out that they had decided to release their first album on my birthday (it was also released in the US as "No Answer" in January 1972).

Being a 'Brum Beat' and local Birmingham band supporter, I had listened to the album continuously. Mostly re-playing "10538 Overture", "Mr. Radio", "Look At Me Now" and the almost hymnal "Whisper In The Night". I remember my parents and friends asking "What the hell is that noise?" and when I explained who and what it was, they would just say "Oh!". There wasn't much difference between ELO and orchestral or big band music and it was all very experimental to say the least. The radio stations hadn't given it much airplay and record reviews were very thin on the ground with any that were available giving very differing views from mediocre to different. It didn't look very promising but, I soldiered on!

The hall appeared very large as only seven people turned up, myself and six others! I sometimes wonder what became of the other six! You had the enormous choice of many vantage points to view the group who outnumbered the audience of seven by two!

The line-up for the gig was Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne, Bev Bevan, Bill Hunt (piano and horns), Wilfred Gibson (violin), Hugh McDowell (cello), Andy Craig (cello), Mike Edwards (cello) and Richard Tandy (bass).

They played an assortment of songs from the album, the order of which now escapes me. The sound was loud with a raw nervousness, fused with 'sawing cellos' from Andy Craig and the late Mike Edwards, whose gimmick was to use an orange or grapefruit to finger the strings whilst playing with the bow and sometimes wearing bizarre costumes. The string section were all classically trained musicians.

Back in its heyday, The Greyhound saw the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Who, David Bowie and Queen performing. Croydon had a thriving music scene and probably the most knowledgeable audiences as far as bands were concerned at the time. It was thought that "if a band made it at The Greyhound, they'd made it!" (a quote from Howard Bossick, the former Greyhound owner).

At the Hyde Park gig in September 2014, Jeff announced that Richard Tandy had been with him for forty two years. Having been a fan ever since their inauguration when Roy Wood announced the concept of The Electric Light Orchestra back in August 1970, I can cheerfully say that I've been with them for nearly forty five years and that I've seen many changes to the band during that time with every album and single being different. I have loved every one and I am proud to have been a fan for all these years!" ~ James Harris, April 2015

ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) wishes to extend very many thanx to James Harris for his fantastic recollection of that first live ELO spark, if not one of the most pivotal moments in rock history.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 18-Apr-2015

Croydon Confusion: The Live Debut of ELO

Yours Truly KJS was just four and a bit years old at the time

#891: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! Did you know that The Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) made their live debut in Croydon some forty three years ago today on Sunday 16th April 1972? However, there does seem to be some "Confusion" in some quarters as to whether the host for ELO's first ever live outing was either The Greyhound or The (Old) Fox & Hounds or even The Fox at The Greyhound - according to one gentleman who was actually in the audience that night!

'Team Jeff' stated that ELO gig #1 was at The Fox & Hounds

"ELO IN PUB" ... but which one?

The Official Jeff Lynne Facebook page stated today that the gig was at The Fox & Hounds in West Croydon whereas several other sources including Wikipedia, press tour adverts of the time (see below) and personal recollections etc. state that The Greyhound is the widely accepted actual venue. There have always been contrasting reports of that very first ELO gig out there in the ELO fan base but the above press clip entitled "ELO IN PUB" still brings a smile to my face as I imagine Roy Wood jumping from guitar to oboe whilst trying to avoid the many trip hazards on stage!

This press advert states that the Croydon gig on 16th April 1972 was at The Greyhound

ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) wishes to extend a big "THANK YOU!" to Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne, Bev Bevan, Richard Tandy and the entire ensemble of ELO musicians then and now for birthing and/or contributing to such a magnificent band - wherever that first gig actually took place!

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 16-Apr-2015

Jeff Lynne: April Date for Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

ELOBF correctly predicted the big announcement via Twitter a month ago

#890: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! In an official press statement released at 1900 GMT, it has been officially confirmed that ELO, The Move, The Idle Race and Traveling Wilburys maestro Jeff Lynne will finally receive his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday 23rd April at 1130 PDT (1930 BST). The prestigious award - to be bestowed a year later than previously thought - mirrors the honour given to the acclaimed songwriter, musician and producer in his hometown Birmingham during March last year. Here is the text of the press release for you to peruse thus:

"The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that prolific singer, songwriter and producer Jeff Lynne will be honoured with the 2,548th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. PDT. The star in the category of Recording will be dedicated at 1750 N. Vine Street in front of the iconic Capitol Records building where the stars of Lynne’s friends and co-musicians The Beatles and Roy Orbison are cemented. “Jeff Lynne is one of the premier musicians of his time! With longevity and decades of his magical artistry, Lynne has captivated fans with his distinctive style and very memorable sounds," stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremonies. "We are thrilled to add his name to our famed Walk of Fame next to his musical peers." Helping MC and Hollywood Chamber President/CEO Leron Gubler to unveil the star will be Tom Petty and Joe Walsh.

Born and raised in Shard End, Birmingham, England Lynne has been bringing music to fans in his home country and around the world for nearly four decades. He came to prominence as the leader and creative force of Electric Light Orchestra - better known by its initials, ELO. With ELO, he scored many hits throughout the 1970s, including "Can't Get It Out of My Head," "Livin' Thing," and "Don't Bring Me Down" to name a few. Lynne eventually went on to concentrate on production and songwriting work for fellow major stars, former Beatles Paul McCartney and George Harrison among them. He resurfaced as a performer in 1988, when he became a member of The Traveling Wilburys.

One thing that has made the past few years thrilling times for Jeff Lynne fans is that the man himself has been busy working in the studio - his natural environment - and increasingly onstage as well to bring Jeff Lynne’s ELO back to life for generations of fans all around the world. The love for Lynne's musical genius was vividly apparent in September 2014 when ELO headlined BBC Radio 2's Hyde Park festival, the first time in almost 30 years that they’d been on a festival stage. The 50,000 fans in attendance sang along in joyous rapture with every word. More than 800,000 people tuned in to BBC’s “Red Button” to watch the show.

Recently in 2015, during Lynne's surprise performance with Ed Sheeran at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, Lynne's contemporaries Paul McCartney and artists like Taylor Swift danced exuberantly in the aisles. Lynne's high profile Grammy Awards appearance came nearly a year to the day after his wildly acclaimed performance at the televised Grammy salute to The Beatles, at which Lynne took his rightful place honouring his heroes and friends as he performed alongside Dave Grohl, Joe Walsh and Dhani Harrison. This exciting re-emergence also coincided with Lynne’s music - both vintage and new - being featured prominently in director David. O. Russell’s acclaimed film “American Hustle.”

In his own powerful but humble way, Jeff Lynne has been making waves all over the world for most of his musical life - a fact memorably documented in the acclaimed 2012 documentary Mr. Blue Sky: The Story of Jeff Lynne & ELO. In 2012, Lynne returned to make waves all over again with Long Wave. Lynne’s extraordinary latest solo album found this remarkable artist recording some of the great popular songs that first inspired his lifelong and enduring love affair with popular music. The songs that Jeff Lynne revisited on Long Wave are some of the great songs that inspired him to go on to write his modern standards like, "Mr. Blue Sky," "Showdown," "Livin' Thing," "Do Ya," "Sweet Talkin' Woman" and "Telephone Line."

Long Wave arrived as Lynne was also bringing his fans Mr. Blue Sky: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra, an altogether stunning volume featuring new versions of his past ELO smashes. Electric Light Orchestra is one of the most remarkable success stories in rock history. ELO has sold over 50-million records worldwide, and continues to be a remarkably popular catalogue. Between 1972 and 1986, Lynne wrote and produced 26 Top 40 hits in the United Kingdom, and 20 Top 40 hits in the United States, including 20 Top 20 smashes in the UK and 15 Top 20 smashes in the U.S. The ELO catalogue continues to have tremendous impact in the 21st Century, and demonstrated powerfully so when the compilation All Over The World: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra was released in 2005, and became a Top 10 album hit in international markets including England.
Over the years, Lynne produced and collaborated with many of the greatest musical artists 

Here Is The News: More recognition for Jeff Lynne

of all time, including Roy Orbison, Del Shannon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and The Beatles themselves. He has also collaborated with such contemporaries as Tom Petty and Joe Walsh, whose latest album Analog Man Lynne helped produce. Together with Harrison, Orbison, Petty and Bob Dylan, Lynne is a member of the Grammy award-winning Traveling Wilburys - a super group like no other. The undeniable fact is that with Electric Light Orchestra, Jeff Lynne brought the world a different sound that still sounds modern, relevant and great. Lynne is involved with such organisations as St. Jude Research Hospital, MUSICARES and H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Ease Abuse Related Trauma)"

The event will be streamed live exclusively at www.walkoffame.com on Thursday 23rd April at 1130 PDT (1930 BST). Yours Truly KJS and ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) wish to congratulate Jeff Lynne on the occasion of this well deserved award and the long overdue recognition of his stellar musical career.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 13-Apr-2015

Rare Xanadu 10" Picture Disc Tops Record Collector Guide

Record Collector magazine, April 2015 edition, issue 439, page 64

#889: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! The latest edition of the superb Record Collector magazine includes an interesting feature article which lists their 41 most collectible picture discs. And placed at the top of the heap is the 10" US promo picture disc of "Xanadu" by, of course, ELO and Olivia Newton-John from back in 1980. Regular visitors may recall that ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) have previously covered the sale of this ELO rarity on eBay on three occasions (at the time of writing) within these articles thus:

Rare Xanadu 10" Picture Disc Surfaces on eBay (2012)
Second Rare Xanadu 10" Picture Disc Surfaces on eBay (2013)
Third Rare Xanadu 10" Picture Disc Surfaces on eBay (2014)

ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) recommends Record Collector Magazine to those enlightened folks who enjoy the music of ELO/Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, The Move, 'Brum Beat', The Beatles and all related artistes. With thanx to Steve Williams for the RC heads up!

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 13-Apr-2015

Recommended: Yours Truly, 2095 (Brian Paone)

This must be the year of the ELO (and related artistes) book!

#888: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! A few weeks ago, acclaimed US author Brian Paone contacted Yours Truly KJS here at ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) to talk about his new book entitled "Yours Truly, 2095" - a thought provoking novel adaptation of ELO's classic 1981 concept album "Time" - and another ELO related literary jewel to add to the growing ELOBF reading list! Brian assures me that his new book is full of ELO references including some 200 "Easter eggs" for fans familiar with the typology, symbology and lyrical content in the ELO universe.

"Yours Truly, 2095" author Brian Paone

This time travelling synopsis of the book makes it all the more a 'must buy' for the many fans and followers of ELO/Jeff Lynne:

"As a victim of a time-travel conspiracy, Jeff wakes up trapped in the year 2095. The only familiar face is J0; an unprecedented robotic copy of the wife he left behind in 1981. But can she be trusted? J0 could be the only key to unlock Jeff’s journey home, but it will require her to do something against her programming - something human. During Jeff’s perilous journey through the future, he will have to discover the truth about J0’s origins in order to uncover the reality of his own destiny. With a one-way ticket to the moon in his pocket, Jeff must race against the clock to seize his last chance to return home to his time. A time without hover cars, Justice Computers, and TeleSkins - a time over one hundred years ago."

"Yours Truly, 2095" by Brian Paone (ISBN 978-09913091-60) will be released as an eBook &/or audiobook on Friday 1st May and in paperback and/or Kindle format on Monday 1st June via Ingram. The paperback edition can be ordered via the authors official website, amazon.com, amazon.co.uk (and other reputable vendors) via these links thus:

brian-paone-aob2.squarespace.com/yours-truly-2095
www.amazon.co.uk/Yours-Truly-2095-Brian-Paone/dp/0991309162
www.amazon.com/Yours-Truly-2095-Brian-Paone/dp/0991309162

ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) recommends "Yours Truly, 2095" by Brian Paone to those enlightened folks who like ELO/Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, The Move, Brum Beat', The Beatles and related artistes.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 12-Apr-2015

Bryan Adams: New Jeff Lynne Produced Album Almost Ready

Bryan Adams is looking forward to his second best album ever ... with a little help from Jeff Lynne!

#887: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! In a recent interview with Richard Bienstock for Rolling Stone magazine, based largely around his hugely successful 1984 "Reckless" album and the ensuing 30th anniversary tour, Bryan Adams was asked an interesting question as to his next project "Get Up" - a new album of original songs produced by Jeff Lynne - as 'revealed' by KJS/ELOBF last year:

RB/Rolling Stone: Looking forward, what do you have coming up after this tour?

Bryan Adams: I'm just about finished recording a new album. It's being produced by Jeff Lynne. I think it could be the best album I've ever made ... next to Reckless, of course!

Source: www.rollingstone.com/music/features/bryan-adams-on-reckless-glory-days-one-dollar-contract-20150409

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 11-Apr-2015

Caught Live (13): The ELO Experience @ The Artrix 10/04/15

The ELO Experience ... in "Midnight Blue" of course!

#886: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! Nearly six months after last seeing The ELO Experience at Cannock, the thirty mile trip to see them again at the compact and impressive Artrix Theatre in Bromsgrove last night (Friday 10th April) was well worth the effort. Every seat in the house was filled as the Hull based septet reproduced the studio sound and, of course, the immense musical legacy of ELO/Jeff Lynne (not forgetting Chuck Berry) to an appreciative and responsive audience.

The ELO Experience: "Can't Get It Out Of My Head"

Admittedly, my primary goal for the night was to witness "Out Of The Blue" album (and, of course, the second ELO EP) track "Across The Border" performed live for the first time but there were a couple more surprises in store for me in another slick performance by the band as they also delivered superb versions of "Midnight Blue" and "Tightrope" within their fantastic new set (at the expense, I think, of "Standin' In The Rain", "Big Wheels" and "Calling America"). This was my thirteenth ELO Experience gig (some have seen more and many a few less) but it was, ironically, lucky for me to be able to enjoy the craft of this great tribute act. If they're near you, go see 'em folks!

The ELO Experience: Rolling Over Beethoven

Set list: "All Over The World" ~ "Evil Woman" ~ "Telephone Line" ~ "The Diary Of Horace Wimp" ~ "Midnight Blue" ~ "Xanadu" ~ Can't Get It Out Of My Head" ~ "Showdown" ~ "Wild West Hero" ~ "Across The Border" ~ "Confusion" ~ "Livin' Thing" ~ "Prologue" ~ "Twilight" ~ "Sweet Talkin' Woman" ~ "Tightrope" ~ "Shine A Little Love" ~ "10538 Overture" ~ "Turn To Stone" ~ "Last Train To London" ~ "Rock 'n' Roll Is King" ~ "Rockaria!" ~ "Hold On Tight" ~ "Roll Over Beethoven" ~ "Don't Bring Me Down" ~ "Mr. Blue Sky"

The ELO Experience: Taking a well deserved bow

The ELO Experience are: Andy Louis (Lead vox/guitar) ~ Steve Hemsley (Keyboards/vox) ~ Pete Smith (Bass/vox) ~ Jan Christiansen (Lead guitar/vox) ~ Tony Lawson (Drums) ~ Viv Blackledge (Cello) ~ Clare Little (Cello) ~ Liz Stacey (Violin)

The ELO Experience continue to tour the UK extensively and you can view all their Tour Dates, sign their Guest Book &/or find out what they are currently up to via their official website thus:

www.elotribute.com

ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) recommends The ELO Experience to those enlightened folks who enjoy the music of ELO/Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, The Move, 'Brum Beat', The Beatles and related artistes.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 11-Apr-2015

There You Are: Pugwash Tour Dates

#885: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! If you love ELO/Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, The Move, The Idle Race &/or The Beatles, then you're almost certainly likely to also like ELOBF recommended artist Pugwash, headed up by their affable founder Thomas Walsh with a little help from his friends Tosh Flood, Shaun McGee and Joey Fitzgerald. You'll therefore also be pleased to know that after two successful US tours, the Dublin based quartet have announced some selected UK dates during late May. Please consider checking out these confirmed dates thus:

Saturday 23rd May
Pugwash @ The Trades Club, Hebden Bridge
Tickets: £15 each (*plus booking fee)
thetradesclub.com/events/pugwash

Sunday 24th May
Pugwash @ Sumo, Leicester
Tickets: £10 each (*plus booking fee)
sumoleicester.co.uk

Monday 25th May

Pugwash (Acoustic) @ The Pack Horse, Hayfield
Free entry
www.thepackhorsehayfield.com/Whats_On.html

Friday 29th May
Pugwash @ The Barfly, Camden Town
Tickets: £12.50 each (*plus booking fee)
www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/pua2905

Saturday 30th May
Pugwash @ Westway Cinema, Frome
Tickets: £10 each (*plus booking fee)
www.songkick.com/concerts/22689828-pugwash-at-westway-cinema

Sunday 31st May
Pugwash @ The Joiners, Southampton
Tickets: £12 each (*plus booking fee)
joiners.vticket.co.uk/product.php/241/pugwash

ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) recommends Pugwash to those enlightened folks who enjoy the music of ELO/Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, The Move, 'Brum Beat', The Beatles and related artistes.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 05-Apr-2015