Tribute
groups and performers can be dangerous territory. For every quality one, you
could fill the rest of your fingers and toes with those that, let’s say, are not
of such quality. Therefore trepidation is always likely to be lurking when
seeing any for the first time and to take on the Electric Light Orchestra could
be considered an even riskier challenge.
During
the seventies and into the eighties, Birmingham
Andy
Louis in the role of Jeff Lynne (all dark glasses and hair) as lead vocal and rhythm
guitar is an immediate and dynamic presence on stage. Providing exceptional
vocal similarity to Lynne, as well as being a wonderfully witty, charismatic
character. His repartee with the rest of the group is fun and he has a
confident air with the audience as well. The rest of the group is of equally
impressive quality from Jan Christiansen and Pete Smith on lead and bass guitar
respectively and amusingly willing to join in with Louis’ guitar showdown
antics. Tony Lawson on drums and percussion is excellent, while Steve Hemsley
is superb on keyboard and as Louis comments he has “a voice of an angel”. A
wonderful departure also from the familiar all male line-up of ELO are the
ladies of the strings. Viv Blackledge and Clare Little provide via their
cello’s that wonderful ELO distinct sound. While latest recruit Liz Stacey is a
revelation on violin.
The
standard band layout on stage is complimented with a cleverly used projection
screen providing a cute Lego animation during The Diary Of Horace Wimp, crowd
pleasing comedy during Rock ‘n’ Roll Is King and inspirational footage during
Hold On Tight. The lighting is also used well throughout, giving a stadium air
to proceedings.
The
set performed covered the majority of ELO’s most famous songs and all were of
an exceptional quality. Among the best were Telephone Line which was superbly
done complete with that key telephone sound, as well as the first half closing
Livin’ Thing. Last Train To London also had a lovely audience pleasing
addition. Many other familiar songs were covered including the classics
Confusion, Evil Woman and Turn To Stone and of course Mr Blue Sky. Also the
slightly less familiar Standin’ In The Rain and Summer Lightning were performed.
As with any show like this the crowd interaction is key and while it’s clear that other than a few pockets of activity; one gentleman in a box was dancing nearly the whole of the show; the
The
whole evening was an absolute pleasure and I am almost certain that if ever the
legend that is Jeff Lynne were to see The ELO Experience perform, I think he
would be pleased to see his superb legacy living on in such well loved, well
performed way. It is certain that the crowd of Northampton
Performance reviewed: Saturday 6th September at the Royal & Derngate (Derngate), Northampton.
The ELO Experience performed at the Royal & Derngate (Derngate) on Saturday 6th September and are currently touring until Wednesday 3rd December. Full details can be found on their website here: http://www.elotribute.com/