University News Last updated 12 November
A near-packed-out Bradshaw Hall celebrated the life and legacy of the late Electric Light Orchestra keyboardist Richard Tandy – raising a further £9,000 for a scholarship fund to support aspiring pianists, keyboardists, and guitarists at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC)
Presented under the banner Face the Music, the concert on Friday 7 November featured several of Tandy’s former ELO bandmates, including Bev Bevan and Dave Scott-Morgan.
“I was delighted with the show and Richard would have been, too,” said Sheila Tandy, who established the Richard Tandy Scholarship Fund with ELO co-founder Jeff Lynne following her husband’s passing in 2024.
Compered by Roger Spencer, the concert brought together family, friends, fans, and former ELO bandmates of Tandy, including Scott-Morgan, Bevan, Mel Gale, Steve Gibbons, Richard Goldblatt, Phil Hatton, Bill Hunt, Dave Pritchard, and Martin Smith.
Offering intimate glimpses into Tandy’s creative genius, there were also messages from Roy Wood, Mike de Albuquerque, and Margaret Raymond, a vocalist on the Face the Music album.
A number of Tandy’s own instruments were used through the evening – including his Mini Moog, Wurlitzer, and Fender Stratocaster, famously used to record the guitar melody on Strange Magic.
A particularly moving highlight came when Scott-Morgan led the world premiere of a previously unperformed and unreleased song written by Tandy, seamlessly blending original recordings from Tandy’s home studio with live performances by RBC students and alumni.
The main performance featured Big Horizon alongside RBC alumni and students, including the RBC Orchestra, which was conducted by Louis Clark Jr.
Rising soprano Sydney Suffield shone in the show’s finale, delivering a show-stopping performance of Rockaria – with Bevan guest appearing on the drums.
One attendee, posting on Facebook, wrote: “A magical evening that will live long in the memory. Fabulous to hear and see the songs with an orchestra, choir and talented musicians.”
Another added: “A perfect evening to celebrate ELO's Richard Tandy - at a great venue. The RBC choir & orchestra were awesome alongside the amazing Big Horizon. The vocals, the music, the guests and the tributes were spot on.”
Concert-goers were able to explore a special exhibition celebrating Tandy’s career, including memorabilia, instruments, and studio equipment.
The RBC is also home to the Richard Tandy Production Suite, which houses instruments and studio equipment used by Tandy, along with a collection of his gold and platinum records.
The Richard Tandy Scholarship Fund, which has now generated more than £40,000 to support future generations of musicians, continues to accept donations via JustGiving.
Pictured: Bev Bevan performing on the drums during the concert at Bradshaw Hall