Electric Light Orchestra
Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) is an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1970 by multi-instrumentalists Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, along with drummer Bev Bevan. The group emerged from the remnants of the psychedelic rock band The Move, with the intention of creating modern rock and pop songs infused with classical influences. ELO's music is characterized by a fusion of pop and classical arrangements, often incorporating string ensembles, vocoders, and other orchestral elements.
The band's debut album, released in 1971, featured the UK hit "10538 Overture." However, internal differences led to Roy Wood's departure in 1972 to form Wizzard, leaving Lynne to assume leadership. ELO's lineup frequently changed, but Lynne and Bevan remained constants until the band's initial disbandment in 1986.
Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, ELO achieved significant commercial success with a series of top-selling albums and singles. Their 1977 double album "Out of the Blue" was particularly successful, and they reached the top of the British charts with "Discovery" (1979) and "Time" (1981). The band's elaborate stage shows and iconic spaceship imagery contributed to their public persona.
After disbanding in 1986, ELO briefly reunited in 2000-2001 and then re-formed in 2014 as Jeff Lynne's ELO, with Lynne as the sole member following the death of longtime collaborator Richard Tandy in 2024. Over their career, ELO sold over 50 million records worldwide and earned numerous awards, cementing their legacy as pioneers of symphonic rock.
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