University News Last updated 17 July
The memory of Electric Light Orchestra’s (ELO) keyboardist is being honoured with the opening of a new production suite at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC).
Richard Tandy, who died at the age of 76 in April 2024, also has a scholarship established in his name, which was made possible by a donation from his wife Sheila and a fundraising campaign led by ELO founder, Jeff Lynne.
Dave Scott-Morgan, ELO guitarist from 1981-86, and co-founder of the Tandy-Morgan Band with Richard in 1985, hopes the suite will inspire the generation of musicians: “Richard is proof that anyone can plant a small seed and have it grow into a giant oak.
“Richard was a gifted musician in his own right but his greatest work was the support and influence he brought to the creative process in the studio.
“A great encourager behind the scenes, and a masterful and reliable arbiter of musical and lyrical taste.”
The new Richard Tandy Production Suite houses instruments and studio equipment used by Tandy, along with a collection of his gold and platinum records.
“ELO are one of Birmingham’s most famous musical exports,” said RBC Principal, Stephen Maddock. “Their creative combination of classical and pop genres was part of the soundtrack to my youth.
“I’m absolutely delighted that there is now a permanent tribute to Richard Tandy and the band here at RBC.
“We want our students to be inspired to see Richard’s collection of gold and platinum discs and try his instruments and studio equipment to be creative and inventive with music.”
For the opening ceremony, a range of Tandy’s stage clothing and ELO memorabilia was on display. A larger exhibition is planned for later this year, to coincide with a special concert in tribute to his musical legacy.
“Students today may not have heard of ELO, but I’m sure their parents will have!” said friend of Richard Tandy, Martin Smith, who joined ELO for their 1986 tour on bass guitar.
“The production suite or scholarship could help grow the next Richard Tandy or ELO.
“Seeing the exhibition was illuminating and really unexpected. It was wonderful to see and remember the clothing and memorabilia from the 1980s.”
Tandy had his final on-stage appearance at RBC in 2019 during the Earthrise concert.
RBC Studios Manager, Matthew O’Malley, who helped to organise both the concert and the new suite, reflected on Tandy’s career: “Richard was at the heart of ELO’s creative force, blending his deep appreciation for classical music with ground-breaking synthesizer technology.
“RBC proudly serves as the custodian of this extraordinary legacy.
“With access to instruments and equipment spanning four decades, our students will have a unique opportunity to research, experiment, and explore the challenges of sound design – recreating and innovating the iconic tones heard on countless classic hit records.”
More than £20,000 was raised for the Richard Tandy Scholarship through Jeff Lynne’s ELO Over and Out tour this year.
Scholarships and bursaries at RBC support students in financial hardship, ensuring that young musicians from any background can bring their creativity and talent to audiences around the world.
The Richard Tandy scholarship will support first-year undergraduate students at RBC, particularly those playing keyboard, piano or guitar - instruments Richard played with such passion.
Photo: (L-R) Martin Smith, Dave Scott-Morgan, Stephen Maddock