ELO keyboardist Richard Tandy dies at age of 76

ELO keyboardist Richard Tandy has died at the age of 76

Electric Light Orchestra keyboardist Richard Tandy has died at the age of 76.

The news was shared by the Birmingham rock group’s founder Jeff Lynne, who described Tandy as a “remarkable musician”.

Tandy was credited with helping to shape the sound of the band known for hits including Mr Blue Sky and Last Train to London.

Lynne wrote on social media: "It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my long-time collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy.

"He was a remarkable musician and friend and I'll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together.

"Sending all my love to Sheila and the Tandy family."

Tandy joined ELO following the release of the group's first album

Tandy was born in Birmingham and officially joined ELO after the release of the group's first album in 1972.

He initially played bass guitar but became the keyboardist after Roy Wood left.

He also played the Minimoog synthesiser, a Wurlitzer electric piano, the clavinet, Mellotron and piano, while also lending his voice to 1977's Mr Blue Sky.

Tandy was a core member of the band alongside Lynne and drummer Bev Bevan until they split in 1986.

When Lynne reformed the band as Jeff Lynne's ELO in 2014, Tandy joined again.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 2017, and was described as Lynne's multi-instrumentalist, co-orchestrator and valued musical partner.

Jeff Lynne has described Tandy as a "remarkable musician"

Bev Bevan, ELO's drummer from 1970 to 1986, said he first came across Tandy when he was with The Move in the late 60s.

He said the late musician was an amazing pianist and that there was no keyboard he could not play.

He told BBC Radio WM: "He was a really dedicated musician. He really studied his craft."

Bevan described Tandy as a quiet man, who was not a showman but played a key role in creating ELO's music.

He said: "His real forte was in the studio. He was Jeff Lynne's right-hand man and was with Jeff all the time in the studio. I couldn't drag them out."

Bevan added: "I have nothing but fond memories of him. He was a lovely, lovely guy."