ELO have a history coloured by success, numerous line-up changes, internal squabbling, greater success and bitter legal disputes. In most people’s minds Jeff Lynne was the beating heart of the band and when he stopped, ELO was no more. The problem remains for lovers of ELO, that they still want to hear Lynne’s music played live. As with many much-loved bands of the 70’s there are two options when the original band is no more: tribute bands or off shoots including ‘original members’. The Orchestra is a bit of both.

Their long stage name – “The Orchestra: Former members of ELO and Electric Light Orchestra Part II”, gives a hint at what this incarnation of ELO is going to be and part of me wishes they were called simply, “ELO but without the members you know”. However, this is still rather cumbersome and emphasizes the fact that this is not a band authorised by the bearded one.

It is with these thoughts tapping at the back of mind that I go to the great Alexandra Theatre. I am hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Thankfully what greets me is an accomplished set of musicians with a palpable respect for the music and an unfaltering desire to perform them before an audience. I have read cynical reviews on the internet, describing the Orchestra as a fourth rate tribute of ELO, who lack the original band’s passion and to steer clear of them. I admit that the voice at the back of my head did wonder what separates this band from a tribute outfit, and I couldn’t come up with many arguments apart from the band does contain Louis Clark and Mik Kaminski from one of the original ELO line-ups of the 70’s.

So these thoughts are going around my head as music swirls around the Alex theatre. I am looking at a stage of proper ‘muso’ musicians and my heart is melting. I suddenly don’t mind how this band came to be, or that Jeff Lynne isn’t there, these guys are flying the flag and doing it with real gusto. It is the songs of course that have won me over and the fact that they sound just like the ELO I remember from my youth. Hit after hit comes powering across the sea of swaying grey heads in front of me: ‘Evil Woman’, ‘Showdown’, ‘Livin’ Thing’, ‘All Over the World’, ‘Sweet Talking Woman’, ‘Last Train To London’, ‘Wild West Hero’… and every song is meticulously crafted to give that ELO sound. The vocal harmonies delivered by Eric Troyer, Glen Burtnik and Phil Bates are stunning. They effortlessly sing complex melodic lines so precisely that if you looked away for a moment, you honestly would not be able to tell the difference between that and the recorded version. If I had a hat I would have taken it off to them then and there. It is awesome.

After an hour in which you kept being surprised how many great songs ELO recorded, there is an intermission followed by the point in the show when the band show their audience that they are not just a Jeff Lynne cover’s band and play their own songs. I have to admit this is not a highlight of the evening for me, as now I just want more ELO songs, however, the interlude does allow the band members to talk and you really warm to them, in a kind of neighbourly way, as opposed to audience vs rock stars. There is also a great version of George Harrison’s ‘If I Needed Someone’ with vocals from the drummer Gordon Townsend, followed by a slowed down bluesy version of ‘Twist and Shout’, which sort of works depending on your musical tastes.

The 2nd half for real kicks in again with another list of ELO diamonds and also Mik Kaminski’s ‘Violinski’ which has a back drop of Mik on Top of the Pops when he had a little more hair. Mik dances across the stage now like a young Michael Flatley, far removed from his normal stationary leaning stance. He is noticeably loving it, as are the audience. The great songs just keep coming, the highlights being ‘Shine A Little Love’, ‘Telephone Line’, ‘Roll Over Beethoven’, ending with towering versions of ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ and ‘Don’t Bring Me Down’. The audience have been on their feet for the last part of the show, as the performers’ passion is contagious. When the sing-a-long section added to ‘Don’t Bring Me Down’ finally finishes it is just too soon: I could comfortably listen to this all night. There are moments however, when the band do ‘the extended version so we can fit in a few solos’ thing, which is bordering on being self-indulgent, but I am just nit-picking now. When an audience rocks the way the Alex rocked tonight, the least I can do is show respect, and as a musician myself, I wish my audiences were half as enthusiastic as the lady in red, in the centre of Row O.

As an impartial witness to the night’s proceedings I can see why there will be those who believe any incarnation of ELO without Jeff Lynne is wrong, however, when you hear his songs played with such care, professionalism and above all, love, it would take a heart of stone not to be moved by The Orchestra’s commanding performance tonight. There is a place for this band in the world, despite what Mr Lynne may think, and it is on stage playing these songs. Perhaps if Jeff ever decides to play live again, the audience here would have to think carefully where their loyalties lie…. until that day my vote will stay with these guys.

Review - Al Neilson
Photos - Christine Tellier