Richard Tandy, longtime Electric Light Orchestra keyboardist, dies at 76
Richard Tandy, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 as Electric Light Orchestra's longtime keyboardist, has died. He was 76.
The British rock band's founder, Jeff Lynne, shared Tandy's passing on social media Thursday.
"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," Lynne wrote in an Instagram post.
Lynne also included several photos and a video of the two from over the years.
A cause of death was not revealed.
When Lynne revived the group as Jeff Lynne’s ELO in 2014 nearly 30 years after they disbanded in 1986, Tandy was one of the only prior members to return.
The following year, in 2015, Lynne and Tandy performed with Ed Sheeran at the 57th Grammy Awards, with stars in the audience including Paul McCartney singing and dancing along as they played "Evil Woman" and "Mr Blue Sky."
ELO was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 alongside Joan Baez, Pearl Jam, Tupac Shakur, Yes, Journey and Nile Rodgers. During the ceremony, Lynne took to the stage to honor Chuck Berry with a performance of "Roll Over Beethoven."
In 2021, ELO celebrated 50 years since Lynne, drummer Bevan and Roy Wood (who exited in 1972) formed the band in Birmingham, England.
In March, the band – known for hits such as "Strange Magic" and "Don't Bring Me Down" – announced its final tour, The Over and Out Tour, would be performing across North America from August through October.