Roy Wood on why he left ELO in 1972

Roy Wood co-founded ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) but left the band soon after their debut album. His departure wasn’t just about “musical differences"—there was much more to the story!

In a recent interview, Roy explained in his own words what happened. He talked about the band's tour in Italy and what occurred when they returned to the UK.

#roywood #elo #electriclightorchestra #jefflynne #wizzard #themove

[cybervision_]

we are all blessed that ELO survived after the Don Arden era

[filtonkingswood]

Ive been a quiet Roy Wood fan for years. Such a talented and down to earth man.

[maxwellfan]

Two of the most innovative British musicians, performers and songwriters.

[liamoconnor]

I met Roy a few times, over the years. A really down to earth guy...no airs to him, at all. I remember going into the Eagle, on Hill Street, for a pint, one night and seeing Roy, sitting on his own, in the corner, having a quiet drink....and he was number one in the charts, at the time. I can't imagine too many top artists being that 'normal'.

[MrMjp]

Very enlightening and very sad. They were both incredibly talented, but together they might have achieved even more, if that was possible.

[davidpalmer]

I was fortunate enough to see the original ELO at the University of East Anglia just before Roy left. The support band was Sparks, on their first UK tour.

[bigblue]

he always came across as a right nice bloke Roy, great musician, , ,

[sandraharding]

Roy and Jeff are two of the best artists in the World. Every group they performed with were as brilliant as they are

[longjonwhite]

At last the story can be told!
Thank God for this video, I’ve been losing sleep over this question for over 5 decades now.

[Tellhimhesdead-my]

Roy and Jeff, two legends but Don Arden urrrgh! He`s Sharon Osbournes dad - a classic case of the apple doesn`t fall far from the tree.

[chrisjohnson]

Proper, proper musician, songwriter and legend of British music history.

[grahamrock]

Roy, thank you so, so much for being YOU...inspirational from the early days, ALL your Songs, however interpreted, will stand the "Test of Time".
I will never forget those close encounters at 'La Dolcé Vita' in Smallbrook Queensway and certainly not when I had the privilege of shaking your hand standing on the Forecourt of Davenports Brewery OFF LICENCE, in Bath Row.
Wonderful, wonderful times...thank you again...stay safe, Friend G.A.R.

[andywilliams]

Roy has a wonderful talent, my first memory of his music was hearing Fire Brigade on the radio, marvellous.

[iansteel]

Love Roy, The first record I ever bought was 'Califonia Man' by the move! Check out that tune!

[mrbluesky]

Hi yes it's what Roy told me in the pub in Glasgow before his gig at the kings 2017 and really nice guy wayted 50 years to meet then again same year at the pavilion. Best year

[snoosnoo]

Roy and Jeff - two geniuses and the very best of blokes, as ever stuck with the very lowest form of life as a manager. I wonder what Brum's Lennon & McCartney could have achieved together.

[davidmacgregor]

Rick Price was in a Birmingham band called Mongrel when Roy recruited him into Wizzard, other Mongrel members who joined Wizzard were Keith Smart on Drums and Charlie Grima on Drums and Percussion. Three other ELO guys left with Roy to form Wizzard, they were, Bill Hunt on keyboards, Hugh McDowell and Trevor Smith on Cello. The Wizzard lineup was completed by Mike Burney on Alto and Baritone Saxophones and Nick Pentelow on Tenor Saxophone, they both came from The Daltons. R.I.P. Mike Burney, Hugh McDowell and Rick Price.

[eamonmcdermott]

Don Arden was a complete gash and his daughter hasn't fallen far from the tree.

[robplatt]

Wizard and Slade were my favourite groups as a kid.
I can't imagine a world without Wizard
Or a world without Mr blue sky.
Glad to hear they stayed mates.

[michaelmamp]

I loved Roy's work on Annie Haslam's solo album ANNIE IN WONDERLAND...a truly beautiful album!!