NASHVILLE |FROM: TODD BRODGINSKI/MITCH SCHNEIDER
ELO’S FIRST PERFORMANCE IN 15 YEARS
TO AIR ON VH1 “STORYTELLERS”
FRIDAY, JUNE 15,
A FEW DAYS AFTER THE RELEASE OF ‘ZOOM’ ON EPIC;
PBS TAPING IN LOS ANGELES SCHEDULED FOR MAY 23 & 24
ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA‘s first performance in 15 years will premiere on VH1’s acclaimed “Storytellers” series Friday, June 15 at 9:00 PM ET/PT. With ELO sonic architect JEFF LYNNE at the helm, the special mixes classic hits such as “Do Ya,” “Telephone Line,” “Evil Woman,” “Strange Magic,” “Livin’ Thing” and “Can’t Get It Out Of My Head” with songs from ZOOM, ELO‘s first album of new material in 15 years that’s set for a June 12 release on Epic.
The ZOOM songs featured on “Storytellers” are “Moment in Paradise” and “Alright,” the album’s first single. Backed by a band that features ELO‘s distinguished keyboardist Richard Tandy, LYNNE charges into the new songs on “Storytellers” as well as the ELO favorites with his trademark melodic peaks. The special was filmed in late April in New York City.
Meanwhile, ELO are rehearsing for an upcoming PBS special set to tape in Los Angeles Wednesday, May 23 and Thursday, May 24. That performance will air as a major program during the channel’s late August fund-drive and will feature the group’s full stage production, including the legendary ELO spaceship.
Both the PBS and VH1 “Storytellers” specials are setting the stage for a major ELO North American tour that’s set to roll out in early September (dates TBA).
Interviewed after the completion of ZOOM, the British singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer was asked about what has distinguished the music of ELO. “I don’t think my music has ever fit into a current musical landscape. I’d like for it to stand out as something different. I try to give the music as much care as possible.” With the classic ELO widescreen elements in full effect-the layered harmonies, ringing guitars, melodic rushes, string arrangements and rootsy-rock stylings-LYNNE admirably achieves his mission.
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