Tandy was one of three core members of ELO along with Bev Bevan and Jeff Lynne. <\/p>
Richard Tandy, the keyboardist in Electric Light Orchestra who was responsible for helping to shape the signature sound of the band, has died at the age of 76, it has been confirmed.<\/span><\/p>\n Tandy\u2019s bandmate Jeff Lynne announced<\/a> the news in a statement on social media, writing: \u201c<\/span>It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my long-time collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n He continued: \u201cHe was a remarkable musician & friend and I\u2019ll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together. Sending all my love to Sheila & the Tandy family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Born in Birmingham in 1948, Tandy first met ELO bandmate Bev Bevan at school.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n He was recruited by Bevan to play harpsichord on The Move\u2019s 1968 single Blackberry Way, before joining<\/span>\u00a0ELO in 1972, following the release of the rock band\u2019s debut album, The Electric Light Orchestra.<\/p>\n Along with Bevan and Lynne, Tandy became one of three core members who remained in the band until it disbanded in 1986.<\/span><\/p>\n Tandy initially played bass, but then took over as keyboardist following the departure of co-founder Roy Wood, and helped to shape the band\u2019s futuristic sound with his performances on the piano, <\/span>Wurlitzer electronic piano, Minimoog synthesiser, the Clavinet and Mellotron.<\/span><\/p>\n Tandy joined the band again when Lynne reformed it as Jeff Lynne\u2019s ELO in 2014.<\/span><\/p>\n When asked by <\/span>Rolling Stone<\/span><\/a> in 2015 why Tandy was the only original member he brought back when the group reformed, Lynne responded: \u201cRichard is my lifetime man in the group.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n He continued: \u201cHe\u2019d be in the studio with me when other people wouldn\u2019t be. It\u2019s just my choice. He\u2019s a great musician, a great piano player and I really enjoy his company.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 alongside Bevan, Lynne and Wood.<\/span><\/p>\n Tributes have been flooding in for Tandy on social media following the news of his passing.<\/span><\/p>\n I started my career at Hospital Radio in Newcastle and and used to play this song relentlessly (much to the dismay of my boss @davembe<\/a> ) so RIP Richard Tandy of Electric Light Orchestra – Hold On Tight (Official Video) https:\/\/t.co\/S3BvTSvVgX<\/a> via @YouTube<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Joe Morrison (@joefooty) May 2, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote>