Editing Electric Light Orchestra (section)

== History ==

=== Formation and early years (1970–1972) ===
ELO was formed by Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood (both formerly of [[The Move]]), and drummer Bev Bevan. The concept was to create rock songs with classical strings and orchestral arrangements — essentially a "modern" light orchestra with electric instruments.

Their self-titled debut album was released in 1971. Roy Wood left after the second album to form [[Wizzard]], leaving Jeff Lynne as the main creative force.

=== Peak success (1973–1980) ===
With Lynne at the helm, ELO released a string of critically and commercially successful albums, including:
* ''On the Third Day'' (1973)
* ''Eldorado'' (1974) – a concept album
* ''Face the Music'' (1975)
* ''A New World Record'' (1976)
* ''Out of the Blue'' (1977) – their most successful double album, featuring the hit "Mr. Blue Sky"
* ''Discovery'' (1979)

The band became known for elaborate stage shows featuring a large string section and spaceship-like stage designs. Key hits from this era include "Can't Get It Out of My Head", "Evil Woman", "Strange Magic", "Turn to Stone", and "Shine a Little Love".

=== Later years and break-up (1981–1986) ===
Albums such as ''Time'' (1981) and ''Secret Messages'' (1983) continued their success, though with a shift toward more electronic sounds. The band effectively disbanded after the 1986 album ''Balance of Power''.

=== Reformations and Jeff Lynne's ELO (2000–2025) ===
Jeff Lynne briefly reformed ELO in 2000–2001 for a new album and tour. In 2014, he revived the band as '''Jeff Lynne's ELO''', releasing the album ''Alone in the Universe'' (2015) and embarking on major world tours. Longtime keyboardist Richard Tandy remained involved until his death in 2024.

The band completed their farewell "Over and Out" tour in 2025, marking the end of live performances.