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Died On This Date (May 1, 2024) Richard Tandy / Longtime Electric Light Orchestra Keyboardist

themusicsover May 1, 2024 0 Comments

Richard Tandy
March 26, 1948 – May 1, 2024

As reported by Susan Knox at The Mirror, Richard Tandy, the renowned keyboardist of Electric Light Orchestra, has passed away at the age of 76. Jeff Lynne, Tandy’s longtime collaborator and close friend, announced his death in a heartfelt Facebook post stating, “It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my long-time collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy,” Lynne wrote. Describing Tandy as a “remarkable musician & friend,” Lynne expressed his deep appreciation for their shared lifetime of memories. He sent his love and condolences to Sheila & the Tandy Family.

A native of Birmingham, Tandy was the only other constant member alongside Lynne in all three line-ups of ELO. Joining shortly after the band’s formation in 1971, Tandy remained a pivotal member until Lynne disbanded the group in 1986 following the release of Balance Of Power. Lynne and Tandy revived ELO briefly in 2000 with the album Zoom, and again in 2014 during the band’s final reunion. These successful comebacks showcased their enduring musical partnership. Tandy’s contribution to ELO was profound. He played on nearly all of the band’s studio albums, initially hired as a live bassist before transitioning to become the band’s full-time keyboardist by 1972. His mastery of instruments like the Minimoog, Mellotron, Clavinet, and piano helped shape ELO’s distinctive sound. Tandy also contributed backing vocals and collaborated with Lynne on song arrangements.

In 1985, Tandy founded the Tandy Morgan Band with Dave Morgan and Martin Smith. His achievements culminated in his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, honoring his legacy as a vital member of ELO.

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Died On This Date (April 24, 2024) Mike Pinder / The Moody Blues

themusicsover April 24, 2024 0 Comments

Mike Pinder
1941 – April 24, 2024

As reported by Tom Breihm at Stereogum, Mike Pinder, the original keyboardist of the highly successful British band the Moody Blues, has passed away at the age of 82. He was the last surviving founding member of the group, following the recent death of his former bandmate Denny Laine also of Wings. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Growing up in Birmingham, Pinder teamed up with local musicians to form the M&B 5 in 1964, which later became known as the Moody Blues. Their rendition of Bessie Banks’ “Go Now” quickly soared to the top of the UK charts in 1965. Pinder took the lead vocals on James Brown’s “I Don’t Mind” for their debut album the same year.

As the band evolved, shifting from blues covers to a more psychedelic sound, Pinder delved into the ethereal possibilities of the Mellotron and contributed vocals and songwriting on more experimental tracks like the raga-infused “Om” in 1968.

In 1971, Pinder collaborated with his friend John Lennon on several tracks for Lennon’s solo album Imagine. The Moody Blues’ breakthrough in the US came with the 1972 re-release of their single “Nights In White Satin,” which reached No. 2 on the charts. Their ambitious album Seventh Sojourn was recorded at Pinder’s studio the same year.

Following a hiatus in 1974, Pinder relocated to California and released his solo debut The Promise in 1976. He briefly returned to the Moody Blues for their 1978 album Octave but departed after its completion, replaced by Patrick Moraz.

In California, Pinder worked as a consultant for Atari and released two more solo albums in the 1990s. In 2018, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Moody Blues.

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