Electric Light Orchestra’s Kelly Groucutt Dies
It has been announced that Kelly Groucutt, bassist with progressive-band-turned-hitmakers, Electric Light Orchestra, died yesterday (February 19th 2009) of a heart attack aged 63. Born Michael William Groucutt in 1945 and raised in Coseley, West Midlands, he joined the band in 1974 and played on the albums Face the Music (1975) through to Secret Messages (1983).
Kelly Groucutt was responsible for the distinctive high-pitched backing vocals present on many later Electric Light Orchestra songs, particularly from the album A New World Record (1976) onwards. These are especially prominent on ‘Telephone Line’ from A New World Record, ‘Sweet Talkin’ Woman’ from Out of the Blue (1977) and ‘The Diary of Horace Wimp’ from Discovery (1979).
In more recent times he toured as part of ELO Part II, with other former band members including ELO and The Move drummer, Bev Bevan.
His management released the following statement:
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to wife Anna and Kelly’s family. He touched all of our lives with his love, kindness and generosity as well as his talent for music and song. He was a true and wonderful friend who loved every second of life, and he will be greatly missed by us all.”
Kelly Groucutt’s official website
As way of tribute, the aforementioned ‘The Diary of Horace Wimp’ in all its glory:
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