The Orchestra

The Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) began in Birmingham, England, in 1970, using their fusion of Beatlesque pop, classical arrangements, and futuristic iconography to become one of the world's most popular rock bands. In 1973, Mik Kaminski joined with his legendary blue violin. The classic ELO lineup solidified in 1974 with the addition of bassist/singer Kelly Groucutt and orchestrator Lou Clark. Mik, Lou, and Kelly contributed to an astonishing library of hit records, including Eldorado, Face the Music, A New World Record, Out of the Blue, Discovery, and Xanadu, selling over 50 million copies. After the original ELO disbanded in 1986, drummer Bev Bevan formed ELO Part II in 1988 with Kaminski, Clark, Groucutt, cellist Hugh McDowell, and later Pete Haycock, Eric Troyer, and Phil Bates. In 1998, Parthenon Huxley replaced Bates. In 1999, Gordon Townsend replaced Bevan, and the band began touring as THE ORCHESTRA in 2000, releasing the album No Rewind. In 2009, Kelly Groucutt passed away, and Glen Burtnik joined. Lou Clark's son, Louis Clark Jr., became a permanent member in 2011, carrying on his father's role after Lou Sr.'s passing in 2021. Multi-instrumentalist Cliff Hillis now joins on select shows. The 2024 documentary No Rewind: The Orchestra Starring ELO Former Members chronicled the band. THE ORCHESTRA has performed ELO's greatest hits for millions of fans in over fifty countries.

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