‘Homecoming’ show for top tribute band
THE tribute band dedicated to the music of Birmingham’s Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra is celebrating.
The ELO Experience, formed in Hull over a decade ago, were the proud recipients of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 National UK Tribute Bands Awards.
“That was amazing,” says lead singer and founder member Andy Louis. “We have worked hard for years at this, introducing at least one new song per year.”
In 2012, they were named Britain’s best tribute band and have gone from strength to strength with great musicians and superb backdrops and animations, including a clever Lego video for The Diary Of Horace Wimp.
Andy became a lifelong ELO fan after hearing the 1979 album Discovery, which includes the songs Confusion, Shine A Little Love, Last Train To London and Don’t Bring Me Down.
“Everybody has a favourite album, one that was an integral part of their teenage years, and that was mine,” says Andy.
The band’s set contains all the ELO classics such as Sweet Talkin’ Woman, Wild West Hero, Turn To Stone and the anthemic Mr Blue Sky. They even do When I Was A Boy from the latest ELO album.
They also sometimes include a Traveling Wilburys song (the supergroup Lynne formed with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison).
“We also play a song from the reissue of Out Of The Blue called Latitude 88 North that always goes down well; and the version of Xanadu Jeff recorded in 2003 for the Flashback compilation.
‘‘But we do what we call an ‘umbrella’ show and try to do a balance of songs – those that will appeal to everyone, and some that will appeal to the die-hard ELO fans.”
Andy adds: “Jeff wrote some great slow ballads, but we like to go for the more upbeat songs, especially in the second half of the show.
“We can’t wait to go back to Birmingham as it’s where Jeff came from.”
The ELO Experience will be appearing at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre on Friday, March 1.