On the web since February 1998 with over 18,970,000 visitors. Keep checking back for the latest on all E.L.O. and related artists, concert photos and reviews, video footage, news, downloads, and much more.
Carl Wayne (1943 - 2004)
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Kelly Groucutt (1945 - 2009)
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Louis Clark (1947 - 2021)
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Hugh McDowell (1953 - 2018)
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Wilf Gibson (1945 - 2014)
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Mike Edwards (1948 - 2010)
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Rick Price (1944 - 2022) Photo (c) Mike Ottley
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Pete Haycock (1951 - 2013)
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28/11/2023
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 - 2025 'Up Close & Personal' solo gigs by Phil Bates.
14/10/2023
Website Links & Gigs pages updated with a new Official Facebook group for Jo & Phil Bates musical activities including upcoming gigs and new song downloads. Video Section and Concert Photos 2023 sections updated with photos and videos from the superb Quill ft Bev Bevan gig at The Robin, Bilston on Thursday 12th October. News & Gossip 2013-23 page updated.
25/09/2023
Website Links page updated with a new Official Facebook group for Phil Bates 'Up Close & Personal' tour dates and updated news. News & Gossip 2013-23 page updated. Video Section and Concert Photos 2023 sections updated with photos and videos from Phil Bates 'Up Close & Personal' solo gig at the Old Bank House, Tamworth on Saturday 23rd September.
22/09/2023
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 & 2024 'Up Close & Personal' solo gigs by Phil Bates.
03/09/2023
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 gigs for The Orchestra (ft Former ELO & ELO Part 2 Members) and 2023 & 2024 'Up Close & Personal' solo gigs by Phil Bates.
04/08/2023
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 gigs for The Orchestra (ft Former ELO & ELO Part 2 Members) and Phil Bates solo shows.
27/07/2023
Former ELO Part 2 & The Orchestra vocalist and lead guitarist, Phil Bates has announced a series of 'Up Close & Personal' solo shows in the UK throughout 2023 and 2024. An updated list of gigs is on the Gigs page. Website Links, Gigs & News & Gossip 2013-23 pages updated with a link to the updated Quill (ft Bev Bevan) 50th anniversary website including upcoming 2023 gigs.
26/07/2023
Video Section updated. I have just added a wonderful new video onto my Youtube channel today. The Orchestra (ft Former Members of ELO & ELO Part 2) live in Reno, NV from back in 2003 - Click here to view.
The footage was released officially on dvd by the band back in 2006 but was only available for a very short time at those concerts.
The concert features the late Kelly Groucutt and Louis Clark, Eric Troyer, Mik Kaminski, Parthenon Huxley and Gordon Townsend performing alongside a full orchestra and the Reno and Reed High School choirs, conducted by Lou.
It is a really well produced recording by George Reed and features songs from the bands 'No Rewind' album, including 'Jewel & Johnny', 'No Rewind', 'If Only' and 'Twist & Shout'.
17/05/2023
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 gigs for The Orchestra (ft Former ELO & ELO Part 2 Members).
11/03/2023
Website Links & News & Gossip 2013-23 pages updated with a link to the all-new official website for The Orchestra.
09/02/2023
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 gigs for The Orchestra (ft Former ELO & ELO Part 2 Members). News & Gossip 2013-23 page updated with links to great footage from Phil Bates Band gigs in Lithuania during December, a couple of live shows for former ELO drummer Bev Bevan, a 'new' album release by former ELO guitarist Dave Scott Morgan which was produced by former ELO keyboard player Richard Tandy, plus news about Parthenon Huxley's Kickstarter campaign for his upcoming new album 'As Good As Advertised'.
03/12/2022
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 gigs for The Orchestra (ft Former ELO & ELO Part 2 Members). Video Section updated with lots of my own footage and the link to the full pro-filmed footage from The Orchestra's superb gig at the Christmas Sessions held in the Kongresshaus, Biel, Switzerland on 24th November 2022. News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated. Concert Photos 2022 page updated with photos from The Orchestra's gig in Biel, Switzerland. Tour Programmes page updated with a new 2022 programme by The Orchestra (ft Former ELO & ELO Part 2 Members).
24/08/2022
Website Links updated with an updated website link for UK tribute band Explosive Light Orchestra.
15/08/2022
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with news that Renaissance Records USA are releasing a remastered edition of The Orchestra's 2001 album 'No Rewind' on 19th September 2022 with pre-orders being taken now. The initial release will be on cd and will feature the original 10 tracks all fully remastered along with a hidden bonus track that was only previously included on the original limited edition release back in 2001. There are plans to release the album on vinyl for the first time in Spring 2023. Gigs page also updated with an up to date list of 2022 - 2023 gigs for The Orchestra.
22/06/2022
Gigs page updated. Video Section updated with details on how to view Phil Bates and Band performing the music of ELO at the Dino Top Festival in Poland on 28th May 2022. The festival was broadcast live by TVP3 and Phil and his band performed a 75 minute headline set. News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with links to reviews, photos and live acoustic radio performance by The Orchestra from 1st June 2022 and their gig in Tel Aviv, Israel. Concert Photos 2022 page created.
18/05/2022
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with the sad news that former Wizzard and The Move bassist, Rick Price, passed away on 17th May 2022.
07/05/2022
ELO Tour Dates 1978 page updated. Collectors Items page updated with an image of an ELO gig ticket from 27th March 1976 at Greensboro Coliseum, NC, USA. Website Links updated. Books page updated. Gigs page updated.
11/02/2022
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with news of gigs in Florida next month and four rescheduled Israel gigs for The Orchestra in June 2022 and a gig featuring former ELO members Martin Smith and Dave Scott-Morgan with Morganisation on 18th March 2022 (rescheduled from 18th December 2021).
11/11/2021
I have added a new page featuring The Orchestra Newsletter which was produced online by the late Jane Wilkinson from Spring 2009 to Summer 2011. I have made a number of these newsletters available to download.
05/11/2021
ULS Fanzine page updated with better images and now downloads available of all 10 issues of Part 2 Unlimited / Under London Skies fanzine produced between 1996 and 2003.
04/11/2021
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with news of three upcoming gigs for The Orchestra in January 2022, a gig featuring former ELO members Martin Smith and Dave Scott-Morgan with Morganisation on 18th December, plus details of a new album released today by Quill who feature former ELO drummer Bev Bevan.
21/10/2021
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with news of three upcoming gigs for The Orchestra, plus news that Renaissance Records USA are releasing a 2cd Anthology set by Electric Light Orchestra Part 2 & The Orchestra on 21st November 2021. Click on the following link for more information - Anthology cd.
12/09/2021
Concert Photos 2021 updated with screen shots from the video livestream featuring Phil Bates Band & Berlin String Ensemble performing the Music of ELO at the Seaside Festival in Spiez, Switzerland on 4th September 2021. Video Section also updated with details on how to view this great performance by Phil and the band.
28/08/2021
Concert Photos 2021 updated with screen shots from the video livestream of The Orchestra (ft Former Members of ELO)'s appearance at the W Festival, Ostend, Belgium on Thursday 26th August 2021. Video Section also updated with some footage from the same gig.
05/08/2021
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with news of a solo gig for Phil Bates in October, and great footage from The Orchestra's gig in Huelva, Spain on 30th July.
24/06/2021
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with news about The Orchestra who will be performing live at the Parque Juan Ceada (Zafra) in Huelva, Spain on Friday 30th July. Tickets for the show are on sale now from Huelva Tickets. Video Section also updated with lots of footage from Roy Wood, The Orchestra and ELO Part 2, including four full shows from 1999, 2007,2010 and 2015! Plus news of Renaissance Records USA are releasing remastered editions of the two Electric Light Orchestra Part 2 albums from the early 1990's. Both albums feature bonus tracks and are being released on cd this week and on vinyl in the autumn. Links for the albums are as follows.....
Electric Light Orchestra Part 2 - 'Electric Light Orchestra Part 2' cd / vinyl
Electric Light Orchestra Part 2 - 'Moment Of Truth' cd / vinyl
14/02/2021
Very sad news that Louis Clark has passed away yesterday, 13th February. Lou's wife, Gloria posted the following message - "Sadly today Louis, Jemma, Rachel and I had to say goodbye to the most loved, loving and kind man we know. He will be missed in a way that words cannot express. He had been ill for many months. He fought hard, but his time had come. He passed very peacefully surrounded by love. This morning he watched premier league soccer and listened to The Beatles, two things he loved. This afternoon I told him I loved him, he said I love you too, and we kissed. He was gone five minutes later.
We love this man forever and always
He was a good man, loved by many and will be greatly missed by all. We want to thank family, friends and fans who have always loved and supported him."
RIP Louis, thanks for the music.
22/12/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from The Orchestra (ft Former Members of ELO)'s gig at the Kulttuuritalo (Hall Of Culture), Helsinki, Finland on Friday 13th December 2019. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage from the same gig.
20/11/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from the Phil Bates solo concert at the Ruthin All Styles Folk & Acoustic Music Club event held at The Feathers, Ruthin, Wales on 14th November. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage from the same fantastic gig.
10/11/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from the fantastic Earthrise orchestral concert at the Birmingham Conservatoire on 9th November. A wonderful performance of Dave Scott-Morgan and Richard Tandy's 1992 'Earthrise' album by Dave, Mandy, Alex and the Birmingham Conservatoire orchestra, and so great to see Richard throughout the event. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage from the same fantastic gig.
13/10/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from the Phil Bates Trio concert at The Keys, Huddersfield on 12th October. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage from the same fantastic gig.
09/07/2019
News & Gossip 2013-19 page updated.
06/07/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from The Orchestra (ft Former Members of ELO)'s '8th man', Cliff Hillis performing two sets with Greg Maragos and also Starbelly at the Cavern Club, Liverpool on 17th May. Also screen shots from Phil Bates Band performing the Music of ELO on German tv show ZDF Fernsehgarten on 9th June and my own photos from the Trevor Burton Benefit show at the Robin 2, Bilston on 23rd June. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage of Roy Woods Rock & Roll Band at the Robin 2 on 23rd June and Cliff Hillis footage from the Cavern Club, Liverpool on 17th May.
23/03/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from Jasper Carrott's Stand Up & Rock show at Kendal Leisure Centre on Saturday 23rd March 2019, the show featuring Bev Bevan on drums.
19/03/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from The Orchestra (ft Former Members of ELO)'s gig at the opening evening of the 2019 Retro Festival held at the 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof, Lucerne, Switzerland on 13th March 2019. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage from the same gig.
24/12/2018
Concert Photos 2018 updated with a selection of screen shots from Roy Wood's Rock & Roll Band appearances on U.K. television this week.
06/11/2018
Concert Photos 2018 updated with my own photos from Jeff Lynne's ELO concerts at Vienna Stadthalle, Austria on Sunday 23rd September 2018 and Newcastle Metro Radio Arena on Tuesday 9th October 2018 and a first-ever U.K. gig for Phil Bates Band with the Berlin String Ensemble performing the Music of ELO at the We Love The 70's event at Butlins, Skegness on Sunday 4th November 2018. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage from the Newcastle and Skegness gigs.
25/08/2018
Concert Photos 2018 updated with my own photos from The Orchestra's superb set at the Rewind South Festival, Henley-On-Thames, UK on Saturday 18th August. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage of the band from the same concert.
23/02/2018
Video Section updated with ELO Part 2's appearance on the National Lottery Show in April 1999, where the band performed 'Sweet Talking Woman' live in the studio and Bev Bevan started the lottery draw.
20/02/2018
Website Links updated.
18/02/2018
Concert Photos 2018 updated with my own photos from Quill featuring Bev Bevan's gig at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Saturday 17th February. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage of the band from the same concert.
19/12/2017
Concert Photos 2017 updated with my own photos from the the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band gig at The Sage, Gateshead on 18th December.
12/08/2017
Concert Photos 2017 updated with my own photos from The Orchestra's appearance at the Rewind North 80's Festival at Capesthorne Hall, nr Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK on Sunday 6th August. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage of the band at the same festival.
22/07/2017
Concert Photos 2017 updated with my own photos from The Orchestra's headline appearance at the Lahden Yot Festival held in Lahti market square, Finland on Saturday 15th July. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage of the band at the same festival.
01/07/2017
Concert Photos 2017 updated with my own photos from Jeff Lynne's ELO gig at Sheffield Arena on 21st June, and also photos from The Orchestra's 12th set at Epcot, Florida back in April. Video Section also updated with some of my video footage from Jeff Lynne's ELO gig at Sheffield Arena on 21st June. Tour Programmes section updated with the addition of Jeff Lynne's ELO 2017 U.K. tour programme.
17/01/2017
News & Gossip 2013-17 page updated.
17/01/2017
Website Links updated.
01/01/2017
Concert Photos 2016 updated with some screen shots of Roy Wood performing on the Jools Holland Hootenanny show on BBC2 tv last night as the New Year started. Roy performed 'See My Baby Jive' and 'Blackberry Way' and also in the end of show sing-a-long.
7/12/2016
Concert Photos 2016 updated with my own photos from the the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band gig at Holmfirth Picturedrome on 15th December. Video Section also updated with some of my video footage from the same gig.
17/11/2016
Tour Programmes section updated with the addition of The Orchestra's latest official tour programme.
12/11/2016
Newspaper & Magazine Articles section updated with new magazine articles and interviews by Jeff Lynne, Mik Kaminski, Louis Clark, Bev Bevan and Roy Wood. Video Section also updated with one of my videos of the Phil Bates Acoustic Trio performing the late Leonard Cohen's song 'Dance Me To The End Of Love' live at the Robin 2, Bilston on 16th March 2014.
30/10/2016
Concert Photos 2016 updated with my own photos from the Bev Bevan's Zing Band concert at the Palace Theatre, Redditch on 29th October.
26/07/2016
Concert Photos 2016 updated with photos from The Orchestra (featuring former members of ELO & ELO Part 2)'s fantastic gig at the Gran Fair De Valencia held in the Jardines De Real, Valencia, Spain on 24th July. Video Section also updated with videos from The Orchestra's gig in Valencia, Spain on 24th July.
27/06/2016
Concert Photos 2016 updated with screen shots from the live BBC television coverage from Jeff Lynne's ELO performance at the Glastonbury Festival on 26th June.
15/04/2016
Concert Photos 2016 updated with photos from Jeff Lynne's ELO at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena on 14th April. Video Section also updated with videos from Jeff Lynne's ELO gig at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena on 14th April.
09/04/2016
Gigs page updated, with news of more Roy Wood gigs in November and December. Concert Photos 2015 and Concert Photos 2016 updated with lots of new photos from gigs I have attended in the past year featuring Roy Wood's Rock & Roll Band, The Orchestra (featuring former members of ELO & ELO Part 2), Phil Bates, Trevor Burton Band, Steve Gibbons Band and of course Jeff Lynne's ELO). Video Section also updated with videos from Roy Woods Rock & Roll Band, Steve Gibbons Band, Bev Bevan as part of the 'Stand Up & Rock' tour, Phil Bates, The Orchestra and Jeff Lynne's ELO. Website Links updated. Tour Programmes updated. ELO Books updated with news of a new book about Jeff Lynne.
09/05/2015
Gigs page updated, with news of more Roy Wood gigs in November and December.
25/04/2015
Gigs page updated, with news of Roy Wood gigs in November and December. Concert Photos 2015 updated with my own photos from the wonderful Kelly Groucutt Blue Plaque presentation at the former family home in Coseley plus photos from the evening celebration concert at Newhampton Arts Centre on Sunday 29th March. Photos, screen shots and links also added from Jeff Lynne's induction on Hollywoods Walk Of Fame presentation on Thursday 23rd April. Video Section also updated with videos from the Kelly Groucutt Blue Plaque concert at Newhampton Arts Centre on Sunday 29th March.
14/03/2015
News & Gossip 2013-15 and Gigs pages updated. Concert Photos 2015 updated with my own photos from the Phil Bates solo gig at The Marina, Liverpool on Thursday 12th March. Video Section also updated with videos from the same fantastic concert.
14/02/2015
News & Gossip 2013-15 page updated.
25/01/2015
News & Gossip 2013-15 page updated with the sad news of the recent passing of former E.L.O. violinist Wilf Gibson.
04/01/2015
Video Section updated with my own footage of 'New York City' performed by the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band at Holmfirth Picturedrome on Wednesday 17th December 2014. News & Gossip 2013-15 and Gigs pages updated.
27/12/2014
News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated and ELO Books section updated with news of a new Roy Wood book now available via Amazon for Kindle and in paperback.
20/12/2014
Concert Photos 2014 updated with my own photos from the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band gig at Holmfirth Picturedrome on Wednesday 17th December. Video Section also updated with videos from the same great concert.
06/10/2014
News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated and Concert Photos 2014 updated with my own photos from our trip to Teltow near Berlin to see Phil Bates and Band performing Electric Light Orchestra Classics as headliners at the Teltower Stadtfest on Friday 3rd October. Video Section also updated with videos from the same fantastic concert.
27/09/2014
Concert Photos section updated with some superb photos taken by Michael Regent of Jeff Lynne's appearance at the BBC Radio 2 Festival In A Day concert at Hyde Park, and published here on my website exclusively.
15/09/2014
News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated. Concert Photos section updated with screen shots taken from the television coverage of the Radio 2 Festival In A Day live in Hyde Park concert on Sunday 14th September, featuring Chrissie Hynde, Bellowhead, Kacey Musgraves, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith, Billy Ocean, Blondie and headliners Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra with the BBC Concert Orchestra.
09/09/2014
News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated and Audio Section updated with a special radio broadcast by Absolute Radio 70's on 7th September 2014 featuring music and interview from 2012 with Jeff Lynne.
11/08/2014
Website Links updated.
04/07/2014
Website Links updated.
03/05/2014
Concert Photos 2014 updated with my own photos from The Move's gig at Riverside Lodge, Morpeth on 1st May. News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated with lots of latest news including Jeff Lynne's live performances with Dave Grohl, Joe Walsh and Dhanni Harrison at 'The Beatles : The Night That Changed America - A Grammy Salute' concert show broadcast on ITV1 last night. Video Section also updated with videos from The Move's gig at Riverside Lodge, Morpeth on 1st May.
18/03/2014
Concert Photos 2014 updated with my own exclusive photos from Jeff Lynne's Broad Street Walk of Stars event in Birmingham on 13th March which I was fortunate enough to have been invited to attend. Also photos from the Phil Bates Acoustic Trio gigs at The Keys, Huddersfield on 15th March and at the Robin 2, Bilston on 16th March added. News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated with lots of latest news particularly about the recent Jeff Lynne appearances in the U.K. Video Section also updated with videos from the Phil Bates Acoustic Trio gigs in Huddersfield and Bilston.
08/03/2014
News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated with news on Jeff Lynne's doctorate award from Birmingham City University on Wednesday, his interview and chat on the Chris Evans radio show yesterday and his appearance as main guest on 'The One Show' on BBC1 last night. Also news on Phil Bates upcoming gigs in the U.K. over the next few weeks.
02/03/2014
Concert Photos 2014 added with photos and a review of The Orchestra's gig at The Plug, Sheffield on 28th February. 'All Over The World', 'Showdown', 'Hold On Tight', 'Livin' Thing', 'Do Ya' and 'Don't Bring Me Down' performed live at The Plug, Sheffield and filmed by myself, added to the Video Section.
23/02/2014
News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated with news on Jeff Lynne's Broad Street Walk Of Stars event in March.
19/02/2014
Rare professionally-filmed footage of E.L.O. Part 2 performing 'Eldorado Overture', 'Can't Get It Out Of My Head', 'Last Train To London', 'The Diary Of Horace Wimp' and 'Ticket To The Moon' live in Kiev, Ukraine on 14th March 1999 added to the Video Section.
18/02/2014
Two new rare videos of E.L.O. Part 2 performing '1000 Eyes' and 'Honest Men' on Peter's Pop Show, ZDF Germany on 16th November 1991 added to the Video Section.
16/02/2014
The following pages have been updated - News & Gossip 2013-14 and Gigs. New page added/updated telling the story of Jeff Lynne's involvement with The Chads back in 1965.
07/02/2014
Collectors Items page added, Video Section updated, Audio Section updated, Newspaper & Magazine Articles section added, Album Reviews Section added with reviews of albums by E.L.O., E.L.O. Part 2, P Hux, Paul McNulty and The Chads. I have also added a new section called 'Blast From The Past' with screenshots of E.L.O. and related artists websites from the past which sadly no longer exist.
04/02/2014
The following page has been updated - News & Gossip 2013-14. All 50 gig reviews now uploaded to the Concert Reviews pages.
26/01/2014
Concert Reviews pages uploaded. Over 50 gig reviews to be uploaded over the next few days. 40 reviews from 1997 up to 2010 now available to read including gigs by E.L.O., The Orchestra, Phil Bates, Roy Wood, Bev Bevan's Move, Magic, E.L.O. Part 2 and Beatles, Blues & Blue Violin ft Phil Bates, Tina McBain and Mik Kaminski.
23/01/2014
The following page has been updated - News & Gossip 2013-14.
26/12/2013
Added lots of screen shots to Concert Photos 2013 page, of Roy Wood and his band from their appearance on 'Pointless Celebrities' tv show broadcast on BBC1 on 21st December.
23/12/2013
Added a new site Search box - this can be found in the top right hand corner.
22/12/2013
The following page has been updated with lots of rare tracks, full concerts and remixes to listen to and download - Soundclips.
20/12/2013
The following pages have been updated with photos and videos from the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Bands' gig at Sheffield City Hall Ballroom last night. - Concert Photos 2013 and Videos.
08/12/2013
The following pages have been updated - Gigs with new links added, ELO Books with new books added, Website Links updated with some new links, and Concert Photos 2013 with images from The Orchestra's gig in Ecuador last night.
04/12/2013
The following pages have been added & updated - Shop and Website Links.
03/12/2013
The following pages have been added - Concert Photos 1999, 2000 and 2001.
02/12/2013
The following pages have been added - Concert Photos 2002 and 2003.
01/12/2013
The following pages have been added - Concert Photos 2013 and Mr Blue Sky section fully updated.
30/11/2013
The following pages have been added - Mr Blue Sky section, Concert Photos 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2011.
28/11/2013
The following pages have been added - Concert Photos 1993, 1994, 1998 and 2009.
27/11/2013
The following pages have been added - Concert Photos 1981.
26/11/2013
The following pages have been added - Concert Photos 2012.
25/11/2013
The following pages have been added or updated - About, News & Gossip, Videos, Website Links, ELO Books, Tour Programmes and ULS Fanzine.
24/11/2013
The ELO Network is re-launched after a 6 month 'sabbatical'. Please note the new website address and please pass on details to all of your friends and contacts who are interested in all things E.L.O. & related. I will be continually updating the site over the coming months with the return of all the items previously on the site plus lots of new stuff too. The site is now designed to work on desktops, laptops, tablets and mobiles and should work on the majority of browsers. To contact me, check out the icons in the top right-hand corner for Email and Facebook (only accessible for friends) and my Youtube channel. Please let me know your thoughts on the new site, and any requests, modifications, etc.
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 - 2025 'Up Close & Personal' solo gigs by Phil Bates.
14/10/2023
Website Links & Gigs pages updated with a new Official Facebook group for Jo & Phil Bates musical activities including upcoming gigs and new song downloads. Video Section and Concert Photos 2023 sections updated with photos and videos from the superb Quill ft Bev Bevan gig at The Robin, Bilston on Thursday 12th October. News & Gossip 2013-23 page updated.
25/09/2023
Website Links page updated with a new Official Facebook group for Phil Bates 'Up Close & Personal' tour dates and updated news. News & Gossip 2013-23 page updated. Video Section and Concert Photos 2023 sections updated with photos and videos from Phil Bates 'Up Close & Personal' solo gig at the Old Bank House, Tamworth on Saturday 23rd September.
22/09/2023
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 & 2024 'Up Close & Personal' solo gigs by Phil Bates.
03/09/2023
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 gigs for The Orchestra (ft Former ELO & ELO Part 2 Members) and 2023 & 2024 'Up Close & Personal' solo gigs by Phil Bates.
04/08/2023
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 gigs for The Orchestra (ft Former ELO & ELO Part 2 Members) and Phil Bates solo shows.
27/07/2023
Former ELO Part 2 & The Orchestra vocalist and lead guitarist, Phil Bates has announced a series of 'Up Close & Personal' solo shows in the UK throughout 2023 and 2024. An updated list of gigs is on the Gigs page. Website Links, Gigs & News & Gossip 2013-23 pages updated with a link to the updated Quill (ft Bev Bevan) 50th anniversary website including upcoming 2023 gigs.
26/07/2023
Video Section updated. I have just added a wonderful new video onto my Youtube channel today. The Orchestra (ft Former Members of ELO & ELO Part 2) live in Reno, NV from back in 2003 - Click here to view.
The footage was released officially on dvd by the band back in 2006 but was only available for a very short time at those concerts.
The concert features the late Kelly Groucutt and Louis Clark, Eric Troyer, Mik Kaminski, Parthenon Huxley and Gordon Townsend performing alongside a full orchestra and the Reno and Reed High School choirs, conducted by Lou.
It is a really well produced recording by George Reed and features songs from the bands 'No Rewind' album, including 'Jewel & Johnny', 'No Rewind', 'If Only' and 'Twist & Shout'.
17/05/2023
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 gigs for The Orchestra (ft Former ELO & ELO Part 2 Members).
11/03/2023
Website Links & News & Gossip 2013-23 pages updated with a link to the all-new official website for The Orchestra.
09/02/2023
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 gigs for The Orchestra (ft Former ELO & ELO Part 2 Members). News & Gossip 2013-23 page updated with links to great footage from Phil Bates Band gigs in Lithuania during December, a couple of live shows for former ELO drummer Bev Bevan, a 'new' album release by former ELO guitarist Dave Scott Morgan which was produced by former ELO keyboard player Richard Tandy, plus news about Parthenon Huxley's Kickstarter campaign for his upcoming new album 'As Good As Advertised'.
03/12/2022
Gigs page updated with latest 2023 gigs for The Orchestra (ft Former ELO & ELO Part 2 Members). Video Section updated with lots of my own footage and the link to the full pro-filmed footage from The Orchestra's superb gig at the Christmas Sessions held in the Kongresshaus, Biel, Switzerland on 24th November 2022. News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated. Concert Photos 2022 page updated with photos from The Orchestra's gig in Biel, Switzerland. Tour Programmes page updated with a new 2022 programme by The Orchestra (ft Former ELO & ELO Part 2 Members).
24/08/2022
Website Links updated with an updated website link for UK tribute band Explosive Light Orchestra.
15/08/2022
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with news that Renaissance Records USA are releasing a remastered edition of The Orchestra's 2001 album 'No Rewind' on 19th September 2022 with pre-orders being taken now. The initial release will be on cd and will feature the original 10 tracks all fully remastered along with a hidden bonus track that was only previously included on the original limited edition release back in 2001. There are plans to release the album on vinyl for the first time in Spring 2023. Gigs page also updated with an up to date list of 2022 - 2023 gigs for The Orchestra.
22/06/2022
Gigs page updated. Video Section updated with details on how to view Phil Bates and Band performing the music of ELO at the Dino Top Festival in Poland on 28th May 2022. The festival was broadcast live by TVP3 and Phil and his band performed a 75 minute headline set. News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with links to reviews, photos and live acoustic radio performance by The Orchestra from 1st June 2022 and their gig in Tel Aviv, Israel. Concert Photos 2022 page created.
18/05/2022
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with the sad news that former Wizzard and The Move bassist, Rick Price, passed away on 17th May 2022.
07/05/2022
ELO Tour Dates 1978 page updated. Collectors Items page updated with an image of an ELO gig ticket from 27th March 1976 at Greensboro Coliseum, NC, USA. Website Links updated. Books page updated. Gigs page updated.
11/02/2022
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with news of gigs in Florida next month and four rescheduled Israel gigs for The Orchestra in June 2022 and a gig featuring former ELO members Martin Smith and Dave Scott-Morgan with Morganisation on 18th March 2022 (rescheduled from 18th December 2021).
11/11/2021
I have added a new page featuring The Orchestra Newsletter which was produced online by the late Jane Wilkinson from Spring 2009 to Summer 2011. I have made a number of these newsletters available to download.
05/11/2021
ULS Fanzine page updated with better images and now downloads available of all 10 issues of Part 2 Unlimited / Under London Skies fanzine produced between 1996 and 2003.
04/11/2021
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with news of three upcoming gigs for The Orchestra in January 2022, a gig featuring former ELO members Martin Smith and Dave Scott-Morgan with Morganisation on 18th December, plus details of a new album released today by Quill who feature former ELO drummer Bev Bevan.
21/10/2021
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with news of three upcoming gigs for The Orchestra, plus news that Renaissance Records USA are releasing a 2cd Anthology set by Electric Light Orchestra Part 2 & The Orchestra on 21st November 2021. Click on the following link for more information - Anthology cd.
12/09/2021
Concert Photos 2021 updated with screen shots from the video livestream featuring Phil Bates Band & Berlin String Ensemble performing the Music of ELO at the Seaside Festival in Spiez, Switzerland on 4th September 2021. Video Section also updated with details on how to view this great performance by Phil and the band.
28/08/2021
Concert Photos 2021 updated with screen shots from the video livestream of The Orchestra (ft Former Members of ELO)'s appearance at the W Festival, Ostend, Belgium on Thursday 26th August 2021. Video Section also updated with some footage from the same gig.
05/08/2021
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with news of a solo gig for Phil Bates in October, and great footage from The Orchestra's gig in Huelva, Spain on 30th July.
24/06/2021
News & Gossip 2013-22 page updated with news about The Orchestra who will be performing live at the Parque Juan Ceada (Zafra) in Huelva, Spain on Friday 30th July. Tickets for the show are on sale now from Huelva Tickets. Video Section also updated with lots of footage from Roy Wood, The Orchestra and ELO Part 2, including four full shows from 1999, 2007,2010 and 2015! Plus news of Renaissance Records USA are releasing remastered editions of the two Electric Light Orchestra Part 2 albums from the early 1990's. Both albums feature bonus tracks and are being released on cd this week and on vinyl in the autumn. Links for the albums are as follows.....
Electric Light Orchestra Part 2 - 'Electric Light Orchestra Part 2' cd / vinyl
Electric Light Orchestra Part 2 - 'Moment Of Truth' cd / vinyl
14/02/2021
Very sad news that Louis Clark has passed away yesterday, 13th February. Lou's wife, Gloria posted the following message - "Sadly today Louis, Jemma, Rachel and I had to say goodbye to the most loved, loving and kind man we know. He will be missed in a way that words cannot express. He had been ill for many months. He fought hard, but his time had come. He passed very peacefully surrounded by love. This morning he watched premier league soccer and listened to The Beatles, two things he loved. This afternoon I told him I loved him, he said I love you too, and we kissed. He was gone five minutes later.
We love this man forever and always
He was a good man, loved by many and will be greatly missed by all. We want to thank family, friends and fans who have always loved and supported him."
RIP Louis, thanks for the music.
22/12/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from The Orchestra (ft Former Members of ELO)'s gig at the Kulttuuritalo (Hall Of Culture), Helsinki, Finland on Friday 13th December 2019. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage from the same gig.
20/11/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from the Phil Bates solo concert at the Ruthin All Styles Folk & Acoustic Music Club event held at The Feathers, Ruthin, Wales on 14th November. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage from the same fantastic gig.
10/11/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from the fantastic Earthrise orchestral concert at the Birmingham Conservatoire on 9th November. A wonderful performance of Dave Scott-Morgan and Richard Tandy's 1992 'Earthrise' album by Dave, Mandy, Alex and the Birmingham Conservatoire orchestra, and so great to see Richard throughout the event. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage from the same fantastic gig.
13/10/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from the Phil Bates Trio concert at The Keys, Huddersfield on 12th October. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage from the same fantastic gig.
09/07/2019
News & Gossip 2013-19 page updated.
06/07/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from The Orchestra (ft Former Members of ELO)'s '8th man', Cliff Hillis performing two sets with Greg Maragos and also Starbelly at the Cavern Club, Liverpool on 17th May. Also screen shots from Phil Bates Band performing the Music of ELO on German tv show ZDF Fernsehgarten on 9th June and my own photos from the Trevor Burton Benefit show at the Robin 2, Bilston on 23rd June. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage of Roy Woods Rock & Roll Band at the Robin 2 on 23rd June and Cliff Hillis footage from the Cavern Club, Liverpool on 17th May.
23/03/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from Jasper Carrott's Stand Up & Rock show at Kendal Leisure Centre on Saturday 23rd March 2019, the show featuring Bev Bevan on drums.
19/03/2019
Concert Photos 2019 updated with my own photos from The Orchestra (ft Former Members of ELO)'s gig at the opening evening of the 2019 Retro Festival held at the 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof, Lucerne, Switzerland on 13th March 2019. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage from the same gig.
24/12/2018
Concert Photos 2018 updated with a selection of screen shots from Roy Wood's Rock & Roll Band appearances on U.K. television this week.
06/11/2018
Concert Photos 2018 updated with my own photos from Jeff Lynne's ELO concerts at Vienna Stadthalle, Austria on Sunday 23rd September 2018 and Newcastle Metro Radio Arena on Tuesday 9th October 2018 and a first-ever U.K. gig for Phil Bates Band with the Berlin String Ensemble performing the Music of ELO at the We Love The 70's event at Butlins, Skegness on Sunday 4th November 2018. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage from the Newcastle and Skegness gigs.
25/08/2018
Concert Photos 2018 updated with my own photos from The Orchestra's superb set at the Rewind South Festival, Henley-On-Thames, UK on Saturday 18th August. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage of the band from the same concert.
23/02/2018
Video Section updated with ELO Part 2's appearance on the National Lottery Show in April 1999, where the band performed 'Sweet Talking Woman' live in the studio and Bev Bevan started the lottery draw.
20/02/2018
Website Links updated.
18/02/2018
Concert Photos 2018 updated with my own photos from Quill featuring Bev Bevan's gig at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Saturday 17th February. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage of the band from the same concert.
19/12/2017
Concert Photos 2017 updated with my own photos from the the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band gig at The Sage, Gateshead on 18th December.
12/08/2017
Concert Photos 2017 updated with my own photos from The Orchestra's appearance at the Rewind North 80's Festival at Capesthorne Hall, nr Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK on Sunday 6th August. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage of the band at the same festival.
22/07/2017
Concert Photos 2017 updated with my own photos from The Orchestra's headline appearance at the Lahden Yot Festival held in Lahti market square, Finland on Saturday 15th July. Video Section also updated with some of my own footage of the band at the same festival.
01/07/2017
Concert Photos 2017 updated with my own photos from Jeff Lynne's ELO gig at Sheffield Arena on 21st June, and also photos from The Orchestra's 12th set at Epcot, Florida back in April. Video Section also updated with some of my video footage from Jeff Lynne's ELO gig at Sheffield Arena on 21st June. Tour Programmes section updated with the addition of Jeff Lynne's ELO 2017 U.K. tour programme.
17/01/2017
News & Gossip 2013-17 page updated.
17/01/2017
Website Links updated.
01/01/2017
Concert Photos 2016 updated with some screen shots of Roy Wood performing on the Jools Holland Hootenanny show on BBC2 tv last night as the New Year started. Roy performed 'See My Baby Jive' and 'Blackberry Way' and also in the end of show sing-a-long.
7/12/2016
Concert Photos 2016 updated with my own photos from the the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band gig at Holmfirth Picturedrome on 15th December. Video Section also updated with some of my video footage from the same gig.
17/11/2016
Tour Programmes section updated with the addition of The Orchestra's latest official tour programme.
12/11/2016
Newspaper & Magazine Articles section updated with new magazine articles and interviews by Jeff Lynne, Mik Kaminski, Louis Clark, Bev Bevan and Roy Wood. Video Section also updated with one of my videos of the Phil Bates Acoustic Trio performing the late Leonard Cohen's song 'Dance Me To The End Of Love' live at the Robin 2, Bilston on 16th March 2014.
30/10/2016
Concert Photos 2016 updated with my own photos from the Bev Bevan's Zing Band concert at the Palace Theatre, Redditch on 29th October.
26/07/2016
Concert Photos 2016 updated with photos from The Orchestra (featuring former members of ELO & ELO Part 2)'s fantastic gig at the Gran Fair De Valencia held in the Jardines De Real, Valencia, Spain on 24th July. Video Section also updated with videos from The Orchestra's gig in Valencia, Spain on 24th July.
27/06/2016
Concert Photos 2016 updated with screen shots from the live BBC television coverage from Jeff Lynne's ELO performance at the Glastonbury Festival on 26th June.
15/04/2016
Concert Photos 2016 updated with photos from Jeff Lynne's ELO at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena on 14th April. Video Section also updated with videos from Jeff Lynne's ELO gig at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena on 14th April.
09/04/2016
Gigs page updated, with news of more Roy Wood gigs in November and December. Concert Photos 2015 and Concert Photos 2016 updated with lots of new photos from gigs I have attended in the past year featuring Roy Wood's Rock & Roll Band, The Orchestra (featuring former members of ELO & ELO Part 2), Phil Bates, Trevor Burton Band, Steve Gibbons Band and of course Jeff Lynne's ELO). Video Section also updated with videos from Roy Woods Rock & Roll Band, Steve Gibbons Band, Bev Bevan as part of the 'Stand Up & Rock' tour, Phil Bates, The Orchestra and Jeff Lynne's ELO. Website Links updated. Tour Programmes updated. ELO Books updated with news of a new book about Jeff Lynne.
09/05/2015
Gigs page updated, with news of more Roy Wood gigs in November and December.
25/04/2015
Gigs page updated, with news of Roy Wood gigs in November and December. Concert Photos 2015 updated with my own photos from the wonderful Kelly Groucutt Blue Plaque presentation at the former family home in Coseley plus photos from the evening celebration concert at Newhampton Arts Centre on Sunday 29th March. Photos, screen shots and links also added from Jeff Lynne's induction on Hollywoods Walk Of Fame presentation on Thursday 23rd April. Video Section also updated with videos from the Kelly Groucutt Blue Plaque concert at Newhampton Arts Centre on Sunday 29th March.
14/03/2015
News & Gossip 2013-15 and Gigs pages updated. Concert Photos 2015 updated with my own photos from the Phil Bates solo gig at The Marina, Liverpool on Thursday 12th March. Video Section also updated with videos from the same fantastic concert.
14/02/2015
News & Gossip 2013-15 page updated.
25/01/2015
News & Gossip 2013-15 page updated with the sad news of the recent passing of former E.L.O. violinist Wilf Gibson.
04/01/2015
Video Section updated with my own footage of 'New York City' performed by the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band at Holmfirth Picturedrome on Wednesday 17th December 2014. News & Gossip 2013-15 and Gigs pages updated.
27/12/2014
News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated and ELO Books section updated with news of a new Roy Wood book now available via Amazon for Kindle and in paperback.
20/12/2014
Concert Photos 2014 updated with my own photos from the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band gig at Holmfirth Picturedrome on Wednesday 17th December. Video Section also updated with videos from the same great concert.
06/10/2014
News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated and Concert Photos 2014 updated with my own photos from our trip to Teltow near Berlin to see Phil Bates and Band performing Electric Light Orchestra Classics as headliners at the Teltower Stadtfest on Friday 3rd October. Video Section also updated with videos from the same fantastic concert.
27/09/2014
Concert Photos section updated with some superb photos taken by Michael Regent of Jeff Lynne's appearance at the BBC Radio 2 Festival In A Day concert at Hyde Park, and published here on my website exclusively.
15/09/2014
News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated. Concert Photos section updated with screen shots taken from the television coverage of the Radio 2 Festival In A Day live in Hyde Park concert on Sunday 14th September, featuring Chrissie Hynde, Bellowhead, Kacey Musgraves, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith, Billy Ocean, Blondie and headliners Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra with the BBC Concert Orchestra.
09/09/2014
News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated and Audio Section updated with a special radio broadcast by Absolute Radio 70's on 7th September 2014 featuring music and interview from 2012 with Jeff Lynne.
11/08/2014
Website Links updated.
04/07/2014
Website Links updated.
03/05/2014
Concert Photos 2014 updated with my own photos from The Move's gig at Riverside Lodge, Morpeth on 1st May. News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated with lots of latest news including Jeff Lynne's live performances with Dave Grohl, Joe Walsh and Dhanni Harrison at 'The Beatles : The Night That Changed America - A Grammy Salute' concert show broadcast on ITV1 last night. Video Section also updated with videos from The Move's gig at Riverside Lodge, Morpeth on 1st May.
18/03/2014
Concert Photos 2014 updated with my own exclusive photos from Jeff Lynne's Broad Street Walk of Stars event in Birmingham on 13th March which I was fortunate enough to have been invited to attend. Also photos from the Phil Bates Acoustic Trio gigs at The Keys, Huddersfield on 15th March and at the Robin 2, Bilston on 16th March added. News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated with lots of latest news particularly about the recent Jeff Lynne appearances in the U.K. Video Section also updated with videos from the Phil Bates Acoustic Trio gigs in Huddersfield and Bilston.
08/03/2014
News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated with news on Jeff Lynne's doctorate award from Birmingham City University on Wednesday, his interview and chat on the Chris Evans radio show yesterday and his appearance as main guest on 'The One Show' on BBC1 last night. Also news on Phil Bates upcoming gigs in the U.K. over the next few weeks.
02/03/2014
Concert Photos 2014 added with photos and a review of The Orchestra's gig at The Plug, Sheffield on 28th February. 'All Over The World', 'Showdown', 'Hold On Tight', 'Livin' Thing', 'Do Ya' and 'Don't Bring Me Down' performed live at The Plug, Sheffield and filmed by myself, added to the Video Section.
23/02/2014
News & Gossip 2013-14 page updated with news on Jeff Lynne's Broad Street Walk Of Stars event in March.
19/02/2014
Rare professionally-filmed footage of E.L.O. Part 2 performing 'Eldorado Overture', 'Can't Get It Out Of My Head', 'Last Train To London', 'The Diary Of Horace Wimp' and 'Ticket To The Moon' live in Kiev, Ukraine on 14th March 1999 added to the Video Section.
18/02/2014
Two new rare videos of E.L.O. Part 2 performing '1000 Eyes' and 'Honest Men' on Peter's Pop Show, ZDF Germany on 16th November 1991 added to the Video Section.
16/02/2014
The following pages have been updated - News & Gossip 2013-14 and Gigs. New page added/updated telling the story of Jeff Lynne's involvement with The Chads back in 1965.
07/02/2014
Collectors Items page added, Video Section updated, Audio Section updated, Newspaper & Magazine Articles section added, Album Reviews Section added with reviews of albums by E.L.O., E.L.O. Part 2, P Hux, Paul McNulty and The Chads. I have also added a new section called 'Blast From The Past' with screenshots of E.L.O. and related artists websites from the past which sadly no longer exist.
04/02/2014
The following page has been updated - News & Gossip 2013-14. All 50 gig reviews now uploaded to the Concert Reviews pages.
26/01/2014
Concert Reviews pages uploaded. Over 50 gig reviews to be uploaded over the next few days. 40 reviews from 1997 up to 2010 now available to read including gigs by E.L.O., The Orchestra, Phil Bates, Roy Wood, Bev Bevan's Move, Magic, E.L.O. Part 2 and Beatles, Blues & Blue Violin ft Phil Bates, Tina McBain and Mik Kaminski.
23/01/2014
The following page has been updated - News & Gossip 2013-14.
26/12/2013
Added lots of screen shots to Concert Photos 2013 page, of Roy Wood and his band from their appearance on 'Pointless Celebrities' tv show broadcast on BBC1 on 21st December.
23/12/2013
Added a new site Search box - this can be found in the top right hand corner.
22/12/2013
The following page has been updated with lots of rare tracks, full concerts and remixes to listen to and download - Soundclips.
20/12/2013
The following pages have been updated with photos and videos from the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Bands' gig at Sheffield City Hall Ballroom last night. - Concert Photos 2013 and Videos.
08/12/2013
The following pages have been updated - Gigs with new links added, ELO Books with new books added, Website Links updated with some new links, and Concert Photos 2013 with images from The Orchestra's gig in Ecuador last night.
04/12/2013
The following pages have been added & updated - Shop and Website Links.
03/12/2013
The following pages have been added - Concert Photos 1999, 2000 and 2001.
02/12/2013
The following pages have been added - Concert Photos 2002 and 2003.
01/12/2013
The following pages have been added - Concert Photos 2013 and Mr Blue Sky section fully updated.
30/11/2013
The following pages have been added - Mr Blue Sky section, Concert Photos 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2011.
28/11/2013
The following pages have been added - Concert Photos 1993, 1994, 1998 and 2009.
27/11/2013
The following pages have been added - Concert Photos 1981.
26/11/2013
The following pages have been added - Concert Photos 2012.
25/11/2013
The following pages have been added or updated - About, News & Gossip, Videos, Website Links, ELO Books, Tour Programmes and ULS Fanzine.
24/11/2013
The ELO Network is re-launched after a 6 month 'sabbatical'. Please note the new website address and please pass on details to all of your friends and contacts who are interested in all things E.L.O. & related. I will be continually updating the site over the coming months with the return of all the items previously on the site plus lots of new stuff too. The site is now designed to work on desktops, laptops, tablets and mobiles and should work on the majority of browsers. To contact me, check out the icons in the top right-hand corner for Email and Facebook (only accessible for friends) and my Youtube channel. Please let me know your thoughts on the new site, and any requests, modifications, etc.