The orchestra featuring Electric Light Orchestra & ELO ‘former members’ on the Blue Skies Forever Tour

Age limit: 15 years

Doors open: 19.10 | On stage: 19:30

Duration: 90 minutes

The bars in the Marble Foyer and the Gold Foyer are open from 6.30 pm

THE ORCHESTRA, featuring ELO and former members of ELO Part II

Band History

THE ORCHESTRA, starring former members of ELO and ELO Part II, is a band that follows on from the Electric Light Orchestra, formed by former members of ELO and ELO Part II. When it was first established as ELO Part II, the group comprised five ELO members and has since evolved into a true rock supergroup; it continues today as THE ORCHESTRA, carrying forward the music, legacy and spirit of ELO for audiences around the world.

The story begins in 1970 in Birmingham, England, where the Electric Light Orchestra began their journey as one of the world’s most popular rock bands. Their music was characterised by a unique blend of Beatles-style pop, classical arrangements and futuristic imagery. 

Mik Kaminski joined the band in 1973 with his legendary blue violin. ELO’s classic line-up was finalised in 1974 with the addition of bassist and singer Kelly Groucutt and orchestrator Lou Clark, who expanded the band’s distinctive orchestral rock sound with his inventive classical arrangements. Mik, Lou and Kelly went on to create an astonishing catalogue of hit albums that sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, including *Eldorado*, *Face the Music*, *A New World Record*, *Out of the Blue*, *Discovery* and *Xanadu*. 

Following the break-up of the original ELO line-up in 1986, drummer Bev Bevan formed ELO Part II in 1988 alongside English guitarist Pete Haycock, American keyboardist and songwriter Eric Troyer, and former ELO members Mik Kaminski, Louis Clark, Kelly Groucutt, and cellist Hugh McDowell. The band later recruited English guitarist Phil Bates. Groucutt, Bates, and Troyer were all accomplished lead and harmony singers, providing a wealth of vocal talent that took the classic ELO sound into new sonic territory. Bates left ELO Part II in 1998 and was replaced by American singer, songwriter, and guitarist Parthenon Huxley. 

In late 1999, Bev Bevan retired and was succeeded by the American drummer Gordon Townsend. In 2000, the band began touring as THE ORCHESTRA, emerging as a true rock supergroup—formed by former members of ELO and ELO Part II alongside celebrated musicians from other iconic rock acts. The new line-up released the acclaimed album *No Rewind*. The album features original songs by Kaminski, Troyer, Huxley and Groucutt, as well as a stunning rendition of ‘Twist and Shout’. In 2009, tragedy struck when THE ORCHESTRA’s bassist and much-loved frontman, Kelly Groucutt, passed away suddenly, just one day after performing a concert with the group in Berlin. His death came as a devastating shock to the band and to classic rock fans worldwide. Groucutt is honoured with a commemorative plaque at his childhood home. THE ORCHESTRA subsequently welcomed Glen Burtnik – an occasional member of ELO Part II and former Styx bassist, guitarist, songwriter and singer – to take Kelly’s place centre stage. 

Whilst Lou Clark’s multi-talented son, Louis Clark Jr., worked with ELO Part II in the 1990s, he became a permanent member of THE ORCHESTRA in 2011. The father-and-son duo lived the dream of performing together on stage around the world until Louis Clark Sr.’s death in 2021. Louis Jr. now carries on in his late father’s role as orchestral keyboardist and symphonic conductor, whilst also occasionally playing the cello and guitar. 

Multi-instrumentalist Cliff Hillis has been enriching THE ORCHESTRA’s dynamic sound with his vocals, guitar and bass since 2017. Electric violinist Susan Aquila, a five-time Grammy Award nominee, joined the band in 2025, bringing her dynamic style, electrifying stage presence and world-class experience from performing with artists including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Beyoncé, Billy Joel and Joe Jackson. In early 2026, Kaminski stepped back from touring and live performances with the band, whilst continuing his involvement with THE ORCHESTRA in a special capacity, helping to shape and support its musical legacy and artistic direction. On 30 January 2026, Parthenon Huxley passed away following a long illness, remembered not only for his talents as a singer, songwriter and guitarist, but also for the sense of humour and spirit that his bandmates cherished deeply. In January 2026, former ELO band member Dave Scott-Morgan (known as Dave Morgan during his time with ELO) joined THE ORCHESTRA, bringing a rich musical history and creative perspective, and now tours with the band on selected dates. Scott-Morgan was a member of the Electric Light Orchestra from 1981 to 1986 and appears on ELO’s *Secret Messages*, as well as Jeff Lynne’s *Armchair Theatre*. His collaborations also include work with ELO keyboardist Richard Tandy on the album *Earth Rise* and with ELO bass guitarist Martin Smith on *The BC Collection*. In 2024, the documentary *No Rewind: The Orchestra Starring ELO Former Members* was released, featuring rare behind-the-scenes footage of the band, stories of life on the road, and performances of every track from the album *No Rewind*. Edited together in a dynamic, music video style, the film is a fast-paced exploration of how this iconic band has earned its place in rock and roll history. Over the years, the members of THE ORCHESTRA have performed ELO’s greatest hits to millions of fans in over fifty countries, representing a rare convergence of rock veterans whose combined legacies span multiple platinum albums, Grammy recognition and decades of global touring.