Electric Light Orchestra keyboardist Richard Tandy dies aged 76

Music
02 May 24

LONDON - 1st MAY: Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) posed on the set of a video shoot to promote singles from the album 'Discovery' in May 1979. Left to Right: Mik Kaminski, Hugh McDowell, Melvyn Gale, Jeff Lynne, Richard Tandy, Kelly Groucutt and Bev Bevan. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns)

Dylan Cardona

The news was announced by ELO leader Jeff Lynne who paid tribute to his "dear friend"

Richard Tandy, the keyboardist in Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), died at 76. His death was announced by ELO leader Jeff Lynne, who paid tribute to a "remarkable musician".

"It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my long-time collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy," Lynne wrote on social media. "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."

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.
Jeff… pic.twitter.com/beOF3JR39E

— Jeff Lynne's ELO (@JeffLynnesELO) May 1, 2024

Tandy, born in Birmingham, helped shape the sound of the British rock band, best known for hits such as 'Mr. Blue Sky' and 'Last Train To London.' He joined ELO after the release of the band's first album in 1972 and initially played bass guitar but became the keyboardist after Roy Wood left.

Tandy played several instruments, including the Minimoog synthesiser, a Wurlitzer electric piano, the clavinet, Mellotron, and piano. He also lent his voice to the 1977 hit 'Mr. Blue Sky.'

"He was a core member of the band through its ever-evolving line-ups, alongside Lynne and drummer Bev Bevan," according to a statement.

The band split in 1986, but Tandy rejoined when Lynne reformed the group as Jeff Lynne's ELO in 2014. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 2017.

Tandy was described as Lynne's "multi-instrumentalist, co-orchestrator, and valued musical partner."

(1/2) In Memoriam: Keyboardist Richard Tandy was an integral part of the sound of 2017 Inductees Electric Light Orchestra. Featured on every one of the band’s albums since 1973’s ELO 2, Tandy co-arranged many of the string parts featured throughout the group’s catalog. pic.twitter.com/MDkl6KcHCw

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) May 2, 2024