E.L.O. : Live on VH-1 'Storytellers' - 20th April 2001
I was lucky enough to obtain tickets for the VH-1 Storytellers live ELO concert on Friday 20th April in New York City, thanks to Rob Caiger and the wonderful internet mailing list 'Showdown' run by Lynn Hoskins. With only minimal time to arrange flights from the UK, hotel accommodation and everything else, my girlfriend Heidi (accompanying me on the trip) and I lived through a frantic few days (which included the last minute renewal of a lost passport!) before flying to the US the day before the show.
Once aboard our flight we learnt that we were on our way with Andrew Codd, who deserves special mention, as he was the only other ELO fan (apart from Rob of course) which we knew of, also flying over from England. Although I now believe one Russell Hayward also made the trip from the UK at the very last minute too.
After arriving at The Wellington Hotel on 7th Avenue and 55th Street we checked our distance from the VH-1 venue (it was way down on 18th Street so a cab ride would be needed!). After relaxing in the hotel, some much needed sleep and sight-seeing on the morning of the gig (taking in the top of the Empire State Building - more of which later) we ended up back at the hotel where messages from Rob and Andrew informed us of a gathering of fans in a bar called 'H2K' just a few minutes walk away from the VH-1 venue.
As we arrived in the bar it dawned on us that the place was quickly becoming a mini-swarm of ELO fans from many parts of the US and elsewhere, including of course the UK and also Germany.
We met many 'ELO friends' from the 'Showdown' list with whom I had previously only spoken to via the internet. Special mention here to Brian Carter, Lee (and Susan on the phone!) Murphy, Liz (Miss Klaatu), Jan Phillips (from Ohio!), Jill Rosenthal, Paul Leach, Bob Dunn, John O'Neill and Ken Sharp and friends all of whom we got chance to talk with or at least say 'Hi' too. We missed the chance to meet and talk with so many others who were present too (maybe next time!?).
The now familiar (promo copy) sounds of 'Zoom' could be heard on the sound system in the bar. Rob arrived a little later and treated us all by playing an acoustic (instrumental) demo of '10538 Overture' from the planned 2CD 'First Light' re-issue of ELO's debut album. Then we heard 'Beatles Forever' (the first time I and many others had heard this 'holy grail' for ELO fans) and lastly a totally fascinating alternative version of 'Heaven Only Knows' which I believe will make it onto the planned 'Balance Of Power' CD re-issue later this year.
At around 5pm we took the walk to the venue with a small group of others. Once outside obtained our tickets by showing ID and confirming that our names were down on the entry list with the VH-1 people (a little mad scramble ensued - but all good fun!). As we queued in line a little tiredness and jet-lag began to set in (especially for Heidi who had received some scheduled minor surgery on the day before our flight!) so the wait to gain entry, in Heidi's case particularly, became a little weary. However, as soon as we were through the door, the adrenaline and excitement kicked straight back in! As we stepped into the main room a VH-1 stage manager asked whether the two of us were together and on hearing our reply, directed us to sit in a prime position on the front row. Not only were we present at the most intimate ELO gig we were every likely to witness, but we were sat in the front row (seated, as it soon transpired, just a little to Jeff's right). Could this get any better!? There was no raised stage - all the band's equipment was set up ready on the same level as our seats and was right ahead of us just a couple of feet away!
The rest of the room quickly filled as many fans juggled with the concept of negotiating good seats. However, with an audience of only 200-250 - all the seats had to be classed as 'just great'! Bill Flanagan, the VH-1 producer, spoke and explained a little about the Storytellers concept and what was expected of the audience - plenty of enthusiasm and some good questions for Jeff during the planned 'Question and Answer' session (ideally some enquiries that would allow Jeff to explain a 'story' behind any particular ELO song) - as if any of the gathered fans needed encouragement in these areas! We learned that the US TV airing of the show would be either 2nd or 9th June. I asked about UK scheduling and was told that this would be under the control of VH-1 UK. So those affected should keep their eyes peeled on their local TV listings or the 'Showdown' list.
Before we knew it, the crew was in full action and the TV cameras were rolling. ELO started to take the stage to emphatic applause and the first of countless standing ovations. Several fans took the chance to shake Richard Tandy's hand as he walked to the grand piano and his stack of awaiting keyboards. The crowd was as one shouting 'Jeff-Jeff-Jeff-Jeff' and then, as the rest of the band took up position 'ELO-ELO-ELO' - encouraged warmly by Rosie Vela (backing/harmony vocals) - Jeff's girlfriend and, it seems at least a partial inspiration for Jeff's return to ELO music.
Jeff then took centre stage. In many years of attending innumerable and diverse live shows I have never before experienced the unique and intimate feeling of communal warmth for an artist as was present at this gig. This small audience shared a common passion, not only in anticipation of the show, but right throughout it - and no doubt the 'afterglow' from this continues, even weeks afterwards. As the concert finally began, this emotion kick-started the most euphoric and rapturous reception for both Jeff Lynne and Richard Tandy and the new band line-up - marking the return after so many years of ELO. You could literally feel the warmth, respect and excitement that spread through the crowd who were simply united in a natural and wholehearted appreciation. This seemed especially significant given the importance that Jeff's music has meant as a soundtrack or backdrop to the lives of so many ELO devotees. None of us I'm sure could really believe what we were witnessing.
After a brief word of thanks and a hello from a genuinely taken-aback and grateful Jeff Lynne, the band ripped into 'Do Ya'. What a great opener. We were on out feet, singing, clapping and dancing along - the constraints of the TV filming ruled out the latter, but after each number the whole crowd rose to give repeated cheers, applause and a standing ovation. The new band sounded tight, the classic ELO 'sound' rang true and was present in abundance - Jeff's voice and guitar to the fore. The harmonies (special mention to Rosie Vela) were absolutely spot-on. After years of personal admiration for the live performances of 'ELO Part 2', I found myself suddenly taken to a very different level by hearing the man himself play the classic ELO songs once more. The whole performance was just incredible and I think Jeff was again more than a little surprised by the level of support and genuine appreciation from the audience. During the opening numbers I'm sure that around the room quite a few tears of joyful emotion were shed!
The new 8-piece ELO line-up that featured at the show was as follows:
Jeff Lynne: Lead vocals, lead guitar (electric and acoustic) and python-esque good humour!
Richard Tandy: Grand piano, various keyboards and ear-to-ear smiles!
Rosie Vela: Harmony and backing vocals and general delicious-ness!
Marc Mann: Rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals and cool headgear!
Matt Bissonette: Bass guitar
Greg Bissonette: Drums
Peggy Baldwin: Cello
Nancy Stein-Ross: Cello
The rest of the set mixed a selection of the classic, most well-known ELO hits with tracks from the new album 'Zoom'. Mid-show the 'Question and Answer' session took place. The full set-list was as follows:
Do Ya
Evil Woman
Showdown
Telephone Line
Livin' Thing
Alright
State Of Mind
Mr Blue Sky
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
Don't Bring Me Down
Moment In Paradise (two run-throughs due to a VH-1 technical problem!)
Encore: Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
As stated above, the audience responded with a standing ovation after EVERY song! Having heard beforehand that Jeff and Richard were both very nervous about playing a live ELO concert for the first time in 15 years (and in front of TV cameras too!), I'm sure that the audience played a little part in helping Jeff and the band relax and turn in a quite magnificent performance.
It is very hard to select particular highlights from the show, as the whole gig was simply too wonderful for words and every second was worth our long trek from the UK! However, I will try and summarise the rest of our experience and personal memories..
Firstly, the new 'Zoom' material sounded tremendous live and was authentically reproduced with great vitality. 'Alright' and 'State Of Mind' really rocked and Jeff noted with good humour and more pleasant surprise that many fans knew the words (at this time the 'Zoom' tracks are not yet officially available) and were happily singing along. We were lucky enough to get to hear the quite beautiful 'Moment In Paradise' twice (Jeff had no problems hitting the high notes on this number on either occasion!).
Greg Bissonette on drums was simply awesome - of particular note was a very cool fifties-style 'rock-abilly' type drum break during 'Don't Bring Me Down'. Richard Tandy was an absolute revelation - he received a well-deserved and rapturous acknowledgement throughout the show. When he took the lead vocal on the vocoder during 'Mr Blue Sky' the place went nuts! His just terrific and powerful piano solo on (if I recall correctly) 'Ma-Ma-Ma Belle' was equally well received. It was great to see Richard grinning from ear-to-ear throughout the gig and enjoying the whole experience as much as we all were. Jeff switched from electric to acoustic guitar for a couple of numbers and from the ELO back-catalogue, my personal favourite 'Can't Get It Out Of My Head' was a stand-out track in a collection of stand-out live renditions of songs old and new.
The 'Question and Answer' session was great fun and seemed to be thoroughly enjoyed by Jeff and the audience alike (although we were all a little nervous, Jeff was in *very* good humour!). He told a few stories and picked out a number of fans from the crowd who were able to ask him a question.
I was fortunate enough (eventually!) to get handed the microphone by a VH-1 stage-hand after Jeff had pointed me out about 3 times! Firstly I simply asked if ELO was planning to come and play in the UK - the answer was 'Yes' (and hopefully to other parts of Europe too). With Jeff's permission I managed to sneak in a second question and asked about the story behind the lyrics to 'Can't Get It Out Of My Head' (just prior to the band playing the very same song right after the Q&As ended). Jeff's explanation revealed that the 'Bank job in the city' line refers to a lowly clerk who yearns for a beautiful vision ('the Ocean's Daughter') who appeared in a dream which he subsequently 'can't get out of (his) head' - fitting in with the overal story of the lonely day-dreamer theme on the 'Eldorado' concept album. Heidi was then picked and cleverly phrased a question about what exactly it was that 'Horace' (Wimp) did on Saturday! Rosie laughed and revealed that this was also her favourite track and Jeff replied that Horace (as it was a Saturday) went to a football (soccer) match (to watch Birmingham City naturally!). This I can relate to personally (though I'd have to swap the Blues for my own more lowly Division 3 heroes - the mighty Cheltenham Town FC! Ha!).
Many other questions came up and covered a wide range of topics. Some of my favourites were as follows; "How did Jeff get the 'helicopter guitar' sound on 'Kuiama'?" (with a by-now familiar dry wit, Jeff acknowledged that 'helicopter guitar' chords were "tricky"!). Also, "Who or what was 'A' in 'King Of The Universe'?" - the answer (more or less) simply "something very good"! Jeff was asked about working with Brian Wilson and stated that it was an enjoyable and positive experience. He shared with us his delight at working with The Beatles (and revealed that even though he had met and worked with so many of his heroes, he felt that they were all still "up on a pedestal" and that for him their stature had not diminished at all as a result). He also hinted that a key reason for his return to ELO music was that Rosie had helped him realise it 'could be fun' again. This after he had previously, in and before 1986, felt a little trapped by the expectations and pressures around at that time.
Once the final rapturous applause that followed the encore had faded away, the fans began to slowly file out of the room (some just beating me to the prize of a set list or stage notes!). Many of the audience, myself and Heidi included, personally thanked Rob Caiger for securing their tickets and making possible our access to such a special and prestigious event.
Before we left it was particularly heart-warming to hear Bill Flanagan announce that he genuinely believed that our participation and reaction had contributed to what he felt had been the finest and most enthusiastic VH-1 studio audience to date. He meant it too!
Although many fans hung around after the show and were lucky enough to meet up with Jeff and Richard (and Rosie too) to secure an autograph, a hand-shake or share an exchange of words (and from what I hear Jeff was extremely friendly and accommodating of everyone), Heidi and I decided that we would simply and quietly drift away to privately reflect and share our personal memories of a very special concert. One which we felt had almost been played especially just for the two of us - and thanks to the jet-lag and excitement of the whole event we were 'bloody knackered' (and needed a drink!).
With many sincere thanks to Jeff Lynne and ELO, Lynn Hoskins, Rob Caiger and everyone else who made this 'trip-of-a-lifetime' a reality. To add a final personal footnote I would like to take you back to the start of the this story and our trip to the top of the Empire State Building where Heidi agreed to my marriage proposal and we became officially engaged! You see, just as I assume Jeff Lynne to be, I'm just a hopeless old romantic too!
Jeff Cooper (with significant assistance from Heidi Dyer), Cheltenham, England, UK.
Review kindly provided by Jeff Cooper - April 2001
I was lucky enough to obtain tickets for the VH-1 Storytellers live ELO concert on Friday 20th April in New York City, thanks to Rob Caiger and the wonderful internet mailing list 'Showdown' run by Lynn Hoskins. With only minimal time to arrange flights from the UK, hotel accommodation and everything else, my girlfriend Heidi (accompanying me on the trip) and I lived through a frantic few days (which included the last minute renewal of a lost passport!) before flying to the US the day before the show.
Once aboard our flight we learnt that we were on our way with Andrew Codd, who deserves special mention, as he was the only other ELO fan (apart from Rob of course) which we knew of, also flying over from England. Although I now believe one Russell Hayward also made the trip from the UK at the very last minute too.
After arriving at The Wellington Hotel on 7th Avenue and 55th Street we checked our distance from the VH-1 venue (it was way down on 18th Street so a cab ride would be needed!). After relaxing in the hotel, some much needed sleep and sight-seeing on the morning of the gig (taking in the top of the Empire State Building - more of which later) we ended up back at the hotel where messages from Rob and Andrew informed us of a gathering of fans in a bar called 'H2K' just a few minutes walk away from the VH-1 venue.
As we arrived in the bar it dawned on us that the place was quickly becoming a mini-swarm of ELO fans from many parts of the US and elsewhere, including of course the UK and also Germany.
We met many 'ELO friends' from the 'Showdown' list with whom I had previously only spoken to via the internet. Special mention here to Brian Carter, Lee (and Susan on the phone!) Murphy, Liz (Miss Klaatu), Jan Phillips (from Ohio!), Jill Rosenthal, Paul Leach, Bob Dunn, John O'Neill and Ken Sharp and friends all of whom we got chance to talk with or at least say 'Hi' too. We missed the chance to meet and talk with so many others who were present too (maybe next time!?).
The now familiar (promo copy) sounds of 'Zoom' could be heard on the sound system in the bar. Rob arrived a little later and treated us all by playing an acoustic (instrumental) demo of '10538 Overture' from the planned 2CD 'First Light' re-issue of ELO's debut album. Then we heard 'Beatles Forever' (the first time I and many others had heard this 'holy grail' for ELO fans) and lastly a totally fascinating alternative version of 'Heaven Only Knows' which I believe will make it onto the planned 'Balance Of Power' CD re-issue later this year.
At around 5pm we took the walk to the venue with a small group of others. Once outside obtained our tickets by showing ID and confirming that our names were down on the entry list with the VH-1 people (a little mad scramble ensued - but all good fun!). As we queued in line a little tiredness and jet-lag began to set in (especially for Heidi who had received some scheduled minor surgery on the day before our flight!) so the wait to gain entry, in Heidi's case particularly, became a little weary. However, as soon as we were through the door, the adrenaline and excitement kicked straight back in! As we stepped into the main room a VH-1 stage manager asked whether the two of us were together and on hearing our reply, directed us to sit in a prime position on the front row. Not only were we present at the most intimate ELO gig we were every likely to witness, but we were sat in the front row (seated, as it soon transpired, just a little to Jeff's right). Could this get any better!? There was no raised stage - all the band's equipment was set up ready on the same level as our seats and was right ahead of us just a couple of feet away!
The rest of the room quickly filled as many fans juggled with the concept of negotiating good seats. However, with an audience of only 200-250 - all the seats had to be classed as 'just great'! Bill Flanagan, the VH-1 producer, spoke and explained a little about the Storytellers concept and what was expected of the audience - plenty of enthusiasm and some good questions for Jeff during the planned 'Question and Answer' session (ideally some enquiries that would allow Jeff to explain a 'story' behind any particular ELO song) - as if any of the gathered fans needed encouragement in these areas! We learned that the US TV airing of the show would be either 2nd or 9th June. I asked about UK scheduling and was told that this would be under the control of VH-1 UK. So those affected should keep their eyes peeled on their local TV listings or the 'Showdown' list.
Before we knew it, the crew was in full action and the TV cameras were rolling. ELO started to take the stage to emphatic applause and the first of countless standing ovations. Several fans took the chance to shake Richard Tandy's hand as he walked to the grand piano and his stack of awaiting keyboards. The crowd was as one shouting 'Jeff-Jeff-Jeff-Jeff' and then, as the rest of the band took up position 'ELO-ELO-ELO' - encouraged warmly by Rosie Vela (backing/harmony vocals) - Jeff's girlfriend and, it seems at least a partial inspiration for Jeff's return to ELO music.
Jeff then took centre stage. In many years of attending innumerable and diverse live shows I have never before experienced the unique and intimate feeling of communal warmth for an artist as was present at this gig. This small audience shared a common passion, not only in anticipation of the show, but right throughout it - and no doubt the 'afterglow' from this continues, even weeks afterwards. As the concert finally began, this emotion kick-started the most euphoric and rapturous reception for both Jeff Lynne and Richard Tandy and the new band line-up - marking the return after so many years of ELO. You could literally feel the warmth, respect and excitement that spread through the crowd who were simply united in a natural and wholehearted appreciation. This seemed especially significant given the importance that Jeff's music has meant as a soundtrack or backdrop to the lives of so many ELO devotees. None of us I'm sure could really believe what we were witnessing.
After a brief word of thanks and a hello from a genuinely taken-aback and grateful Jeff Lynne, the band ripped into 'Do Ya'. What a great opener. We were on out feet, singing, clapping and dancing along - the constraints of the TV filming ruled out the latter, but after each number the whole crowd rose to give repeated cheers, applause and a standing ovation. The new band sounded tight, the classic ELO 'sound' rang true and was present in abundance - Jeff's voice and guitar to the fore. The harmonies (special mention to Rosie Vela) were absolutely spot-on. After years of personal admiration for the live performances of 'ELO Part 2', I found myself suddenly taken to a very different level by hearing the man himself play the classic ELO songs once more. The whole performance was just incredible and I think Jeff was again more than a little surprised by the level of support and genuine appreciation from the audience. During the opening numbers I'm sure that around the room quite a few tears of joyful emotion were shed!
The new 8-piece ELO line-up that featured at the show was as follows:
Jeff Lynne: Lead vocals, lead guitar (electric and acoustic) and python-esque good humour!
Richard Tandy: Grand piano, various keyboards and ear-to-ear smiles!
Rosie Vela: Harmony and backing vocals and general delicious-ness!
Marc Mann: Rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals and cool headgear!
Matt Bissonette: Bass guitar
Greg Bissonette: Drums
Peggy Baldwin: Cello
Nancy Stein-Ross: Cello
The rest of the set mixed a selection of the classic, most well-known ELO hits with tracks from the new album 'Zoom'. Mid-show the 'Question and Answer' session took place. The full set-list was as follows:
Do Ya
Evil Woman
Showdown
Telephone Line
Livin' Thing
Alright
State Of Mind
Mr Blue Sky
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
Don't Bring Me Down
Moment In Paradise (two run-throughs due to a VH-1 technical problem!)
Encore: Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
As stated above, the audience responded with a standing ovation after EVERY song! Having heard beforehand that Jeff and Richard were both very nervous about playing a live ELO concert for the first time in 15 years (and in front of TV cameras too!), I'm sure that the audience played a little part in helping Jeff and the band relax and turn in a quite magnificent performance.
It is very hard to select particular highlights from the show, as the whole gig was simply too wonderful for words and every second was worth our long trek from the UK! However, I will try and summarise the rest of our experience and personal memories..
Firstly, the new 'Zoom' material sounded tremendous live and was authentically reproduced with great vitality. 'Alright' and 'State Of Mind' really rocked and Jeff noted with good humour and more pleasant surprise that many fans knew the words (at this time the 'Zoom' tracks are not yet officially available) and were happily singing along. We were lucky enough to get to hear the quite beautiful 'Moment In Paradise' twice (Jeff had no problems hitting the high notes on this number on either occasion!).
Greg Bissonette on drums was simply awesome - of particular note was a very cool fifties-style 'rock-abilly' type drum break during 'Don't Bring Me Down'. Richard Tandy was an absolute revelation - he received a well-deserved and rapturous acknowledgement throughout the show. When he took the lead vocal on the vocoder during 'Mr Blue Sky' the place went nuts! His just terrific and powerful piano solo on (if I recall correctly) 'Ma-Ma-Ma Belle' was equally well received. It was great to see Richard grinning from ear-to-ear throughout the gig and enjoying the whole experience as much as we all were. Jeff switched from electric to acoustic guitar for a couple of numbers and from the ELO back-catalogue, my personal favourite 'Can't Get It Out Of My Head' was a stand-out track in a collection of stand-out live renditions of songs old and new.
The 'Question and Answer' session was great fun and seemed to be thoroughly enjoyed by Jeff and the audience alike (although we were all a little nervous, Jeff was in *very* good humour!). He told a few stories and picked out a number of fans from the crowd who were able to ask him a question.
I was fortunate enough (eventually!) to get handed the microphone by a VH-1 stage-hand after Jeff had pointed me out about 3 times! Firstly I simply asked if ELO was planning to come and play in the UK - the answer was 'Yes' (and hopefully to other parts of Europe too). With Jeff's permission I managed to sneak in a second question and asked about the story behind the lyrics to 'Can't Get It Out Of My Head' (just prior to the band playing the very same song right after the Q&As ended). Jeff's explanation revealed that the 'Bank job in the city' line refers to a lowly clerk who yearns for a beautiful vision ('the Ocean's Daughter') who appeared in a dream which he subsequently 'can't get out of (his) head' - fitting in with the overal story of the lonely day-dreamer theme on the 'Eldorado' concept album. Heidi was then picked and cleverly phrased a question about what exactly it was that 'Horace' (Wimp) did on Saturday! Rosie laughed and revealed that this was also her favourite track and Jeff replied that Horace (as it was a Saturday) went to a football (soccer) match (to watch Birmingham City naturally!). This I can relate to personally (though I'd have to swap the Blues for my own more lowly Division 3 heroes - the mighty Cheltenham Town FC! Ha!).
Many other questions came up and covered a wide range of topics. Some of my favourites were as follows; "How did Jeff get the 'helicopter guitar' sound on 'Kuiama'?" (with a by-now familiar dry wit, Jeff acknowledged that 'helicopter guitar' chords were "tricky"!). Also, "Who or what was 'A' in 'King Of The Universe'?" - the answer (more or less) simply "something very good"! Jeff was asked about working with Brian Wilson and stated that it was an enjoyable and positive experience. He shared with us his delight at working with The Beatles (and revealed that even though he had met and worked with so many of his heroes, he felt that they were all still "up on a pedestal" and that for him their stature had not diminished at all as a result). He also hinted that a key reason for his return to ELO music was that Rosie had helped him realise it 'could be fun' again. This after he had previously, in and before 1986, felt a little trapped by the expectations and pressures around at that time.
Once the final rapturous applause that followed the encore had faded away, the fans began to slowly file out of the room (some just beating me to the prize of a set list or stage notes!). Many of the audience, myself and Heidi included, personally thanked Rob Caiger for securing their tickets and making possible our access to such a special and prestigious event.
Before we left it was particularly heart-warming to hear Bill Flanagan announce that he genuinely believed that our participation and reaction had contributed to what he felt had been the finest and most enthusiastic VH-1 studio audience to date. He meant it too!
Although many fans hung around after the show and were lucky enough to meet up with Jeff and Richard (and Rosie too) to secure an autograph, a hand-shake or share an exchange of words (and from what I hear Jeff was extremely friendly and accommodating of everyone), Heidi and I decided that we would simply and quietly drift away to privately reflect and share our personal memories of a very special concert. One which we felt had almost been played especially just for the two of us - and thanks to the jet-lag and excitement of the whole event we were 'bloody knackered' (and needed a drink!).
With many sincere thanks to Jeff Lynne and ELO, Lynn Hoskins, Rob Caiger and everyone else who made this 'trip-of-a-lifetime' a reality. To add a final personal footnote I would like to take you back to the start of the this story and our trip to the top of the Empire State Building where Heidi agreed to my marriage proposal and we became officially engaged! You see, just as I assume Jeff Lynne to be, I'm just a hopeless old romantic too!
Jeff Cooper (with significant assistance from Heidi Dyer), Cheltenham, England, UK.
Review kindly provided by Jeff Cooper - April 2001