Welcome to The ELO Network
  • Home
  • About
  • Video Section
  • Audio Section
  • Gigs
  • Website Links
  • ELO Books
  • The Fan Zone
  • Tour Programmes
  • News & Gossip 2013-18
    • News (Jan - Dec 2012)
    • News (Jan - Dec 2011)
    • News (Jan - Dec 2010)
    • News (Jan - Dec 2009)
    • News (June - Dec 2008)
    • News (July - Aug 2006)
    • News (Jan - June 2006)
    • News (July - Dec 2005)
    • News (Jan - June 2005)
    • News (July - Dec 2004)
    • News (Jan - June 2004)
    • News (Jan - June 2000)
    • News (July - Dec 2003)
    • News (Jan - June 2003)
    • News (July - Dec 2002)
    • News (Jan - June 2002)
    • News (July - Dec 2001)
    • News (Jan - June 2001)
    • News (July - Dec 2000)
    • News (July - Dec 1999)
    • News (Jan - June 1999)
    • News (July - Dec 1998)
    • News (Feb - June 1998)
  • Concert Photos
    • Concert Photos 2018
    • Concert Photos 2017
    • Concert Photos 2016
    • Concert Photos 2015
    • Radio 2 Live : Hyde Park 2014
    • Jeff Lynne Walk Of Stars 2014
    • Concert Photos 2014
    • Concert Photos 2013
    • Concert Photos 2012
    • Concert Photos 2011
    • Concert Photos 2010
    • Concert Photos 2009
    • Concert Photos 2008
    • Concert Photos 2005
    • Concert Photos 2004
    • Concert Photos 2003
    • Concert Photos 2002
    • Concert Photos 2001
    • Concert Photos 2000
    • Concert Photos 1999
    • Concert Photos 1998
    • Concert Photos 1994
    • Concert Photos 1993
    • Concert Photos 1981
  • Concert Reviews
    • BBBV - The Cavern 13/03/2010
    • BBBV - Huddersfield 15/11/2009
    • Orchestra - Glasgow 03/11/2009
    • Orchestra - Newcastle 02/11/2009
    • Orchestra - Liverpool 30/10/2009
    • Orchestra - Buxton 12/10/2009
    • Orchestra - Crewe 16/05/2009
    • Kelly G Tribute - Robin 2 11/05/2009
    • Orchestra - Edinburgh 09/05/2009
    • BBBV - Huddersfield 01/03/2009
    • BBBV - The Cavern 15/11/2008
    • Orchestra - Blackpool 06/10/2008
    • Phil Bates - Tamworth 30/06/2006
    • Orchestra - Edinburgh 24/06/2006
    • Orchestra - York 21/06/2006
    • Orchestra - Manchester 21/05/2006
    • Orchestra - Guatemala 09/12/2005
    • Bev Bevans Move - Glasgow 15/10/2005
    • Phil Bates Band - Germany Sept 2003
    • Magic - Glasgow 22/02/2003
    • Magic - Redditch 15/02/2003
    • George Harrison Tribute - RAH 29/11/2002
    • Orchestra - Kansas 08/06/2002 (2)
    • Orchestra - Kansas 08/06/2002 (1)
    • Orchestra - New York 28/05/2002
    • Phil Bates - Tamworth 24/03/2002
    • Roy Wood's Army - Carlisle 30/11/2001 (2)
    • Roy Wood's Army - Carlisle 30/11/2001 (1)
    • Orchestra - October 2001 UK Tour
    • Orchestra - Nottingham 20/10/2001
    • Orchestra - Manchester 14/10/2001
    • Orchestra - Blue Ash 03/07/2001
    • ELO - CBS, Los Angeles 23 & 24/05/2001
    • ELO - VH1 'Storytellers' 20/04/2001
    • Orchestra - Copenhagen 27/10/2000
    • Orchestra - New York 02/09/2000
    • Orchestra - Irvine 24/08/2000
    • Orchestra - Madrid 21/07/2000
    • Orchestra - Costa Mesa 14/07/2000
    • Orchestra - 'Maddies', PA 06/07/2000
    • ELO Part 2 - Arlington Heights 03/07/2000 (2)
    • ELO Part 2 - Arlington Heights 03/07/2000 (1)
    • ELO Part 2 - Charleston 01/06/2000
    • ELO Part 2 - Tucson 21/05/2000
    • ELO Part 2 - Richardson 22/04/2000
    • ELO Part 2 - Toledo 20/04/2000
    • ELO Part 2 - Corpus Christi 15/01/2000
    • ELO Part 2 - Atlantic City 15/11/1999
    • ELO Part 2 - Kansas City 04/09/1999
    • ELO Part 2 - RAH, London 28/051999
    • ELO Part 2 - Carlisle 15/05/1999
    • ELO Part 2 - Blackpool 19/10/1997
  • Album Reviews
    • ELO - The Light Went On Again
    • ELO - Eldorado, Live in Japan 1978
    • ELO - Twilight, Live in Germany 1982
    • ELO - Hold On Tight, Live in London 1982
    • ELO Part 2 - Live At The Whisky 1991
    • ELO Part 2 - The Light Shines In Buenos Aires
    • ELO Part 2 - Live in Manchester 1999
    • ELO Part 2 - Time After Time
    • ELO - Live 1974, 1976 & 1978 (Record Collector)
    • ELO - Afterglow (Record Collector 1994)
    • ELO - Zoom (BBC TV Teletext)
    • ELO - Zoom (Channel 4 Teletext)
    • P Hux - Purgatory Falls
    • Various Artists - Into The Light
    • The Chads - 1964 to 1999
    • Paul McNulty - Into The Red (Mojo Magazine)
  • Collectors Items
  • Newspaper & Magazine Articles
    • ELO 'Look In' Article 1978
    • History of The Chads
  • 'Blast From The Past'
  • ULS Fanzine
  • Mr Blue Sky
    • Brumbeat Article - NME Magazine 1974
    • Roy Wood's letter - 'Melody Maker' Magazine 1974
    • Jeff Lynne Interview
    • Face The Music Album Review
    • Jeff Lynne Interview - 'Melody Maker' Magazine 1975
    • Jeff Lynne & Bev Bevan Interview 1975
    • Jeff Lynne Interview - 'Daily Express' 1976
    • ELO Article - 'Melody Maker' Magazine 1977
    • Bev Bevan - 'The ELO Story' Review
    • Jeff Lynne Interview - EQ Magazine 1991
    • Lou Clark Interview - 2nd April 1996
    • Radio 1 30th Anniversary Article 1997
    • Phil Bates - 'Sound On Sound' Magazine, May 1997
    • Phil Bates - 'Agony & Ecstasy' Review
    • Roy Wood Interview - BBC Radio 2, 5th December 1997
    • The Don Arden Story
    • Dave Morgan - 'Long Way Home' Review
    • Dave Morgan Interview - 4th March 1999
    • Richard Tandy Interview - April 1999
    • Dave Morgan - 'Reel Two' Info & Review
    • ELO Tour Dates 1972
    • ELO Tour Dates 1973
    • ELO Tour Dates 1974
    • ELO Tour Dates 1975
    • ELO Tour Dates 1976
    • ELO Tour Dates 1977
    • ELO Tour Dates 1978
    • ELO Tour Dates 1981
    • ELO Tour Dates 1982
    • ELO Tour Dates 1986
  • Contact / Disclaimer
Picture
The Orchestra live at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall - 30th October 2009

Here is my review of The Orchestra's brilliant gig at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Friday, October 30th 2009.

Well, what should have been a routine 120-mile trip down the M6 to Liverpool turned into a 4 hour marathon. Due to roadworks, accidents and just the amount of traffic on the roads on a Friday afternoon, it took over 2 hours to travel just 11 miles from junctions 36 down to 33. We eventually arrived at the car park close to the Philharmonic Hall at 7:15pm. Into the venue, toilet, we just got to our front row seats in the Grand Circle as the lights dimmed and the band took to the stage (some would say perfect timing).

Looking around this modern venue, it appeared to be very close to a full-house. We all started to clap and cheer as the band started off with 'Rock & Roll Is King', which was followed by 'All Over The World'. Loud applause and cheering followed as Mik came into the spotlight as the band performed the classic 'Livin' Thing'.

Next up was the return of 'Strange Magic', nicely sung by Eric. Phil then came to the front to introduce the next song which has never been performed live by either E.L.O, E.L.O. Part 2 or The Orchestra and that only the 'die-hard' E.L.O. fans would know the song - 'Four Little Diamonds' from the album 'Secret Messages'. With Mik Kaminski taking to the keyboards, this was a stunning performance and a great choice of song which received huge applause and cheers.

'Wild West Hero' up next followed 'Showdown' with stunning guitar and vocals by Phil. 'Sweet Talking Woman' which was next got a loud cheer from us all, as many of the audience finally stood up, singing and clapping along to the track. Lou Clark then came down to the front to introduce the band members, including his drinking buddy of the past 35 years Mik Kaminski.

'Twilight' next, followed by the return of the early E.L.O. hit '10538 Overture'. Again an absolutely stunning performance of one of my favourite E.L.O. songs with a surprise twist at the end with the song ending with the outro of The Beatles track 'Dear Prudence'.

Next up was the huge South American hit 'Last Train To London' with the audience still up dancing and clapping along followed by 'Do Ya' with Eric Troyer front of stage on guitar with Phil & Glen. Phil then told the audience this was the end of the first part of the show, and as Kelly would have said, 'go and have a few drinks and the second part of the show will sound even better'!!

After the break, Glen came to the front to introduce the second half of the show and saying how honoured he was to be performing in the home city of The Beatles. Glen on acoustic guitar performing his song 'Watching The World Go By', assisted by Phil on second acoustic guitar. Phil then introduced the next songs from E.L.O. Part 2, 'One More Tomorrow' written and sung by Phil, and '1000 Eyes' written and sung by Eric Troyer and my favourite E.L.O. Part 2 song. Both songs received loud applause from the audience.

The 'singing drummer' Gordon Townsend then took centre stage and like Glen, chatted for a while about how great it was to be performing in such a historic place, with all the band being hugely influenced by The Beatles. Gordon then produced a fantastic vocal performance of the George Harrison penned Beatles song 'If I Needed Someone'.  Loud applause from the audience for this one.

Mik Kaminski then came under the spotlight with his violin solo which then blended into Eric's unique re-working of 'Twist And Shout'. Again the audience cheering to this superb song.  Phil then introduced Mik back to the microphone to introduce his 1979 number 17 hit single with the band Violinski, 'Clog Dance'. This got most of the audience back on their feet clapping along.

More of the classic E.L.O. songs folllowed next with everybody dancing and clapping along to 'Ma Ma Ma Belle' and 'Evil Woman'. 'Telephone Line' slowed things down for a moment with great vocals from Eric. Then another new addition to the set list 'Calling America', which had a surprise ending with a snippet from the Paul McCartney & Wings track 'Jet' with Glen taking to the keyboards. Superb.

More hits followed with the crowd clapping and singing along to 'Hold On Tight', 'Turn To Stone', 'Roll Over Beethoven' and into the final song 'Mr Blue Sky' which received loud cheers and applause as the band took their bows.

The audience clapped and cheered until the band returned with 'Don't Bring Me Down'. Lots of audience participation with this the last song with Phil, Glen, Eric and Mik urging everybody to get on their feet and sing along especially for the great man Kelly who was looking down on us. The band then came to the front to receive a standing ovation.

Another superb concert by the band. Glen and Gordon in particular really enjoying themselves. Looking forward to our next gig in Newcastle on November 2nd, as we headed back off to the car for the 120 mile trip back home to Carlisle, arriving back home just after 1am.

The Set List
.......

Intro
Rock & Roll Is King
All Over The World
Livin' Thing
Strange Magic
Four Little Diamonds (inc. Dear Prudence)
Wild West Hero
Showdown
Sweet Talking Woman
Lou Clark introduces the band members
Twilight
10538 Overture (with a touch of Dear Prudence)
Last Train To London
Do Ya

break

Watching The World Go By (ft Glen Burtnik & Phil Bates)
One More Tomorrow / 1000 Eyes
If I Needed Someone (ft Gordon Townsend on vocals)
Twist & Shout
Mik Kaminski comments
Clog Dance
Ma Ma Ma Belle
Evil Woman
Telephone Line
Calling America (inc. Jet)
Hold On Tight
Turn To Stone
Roll Over Beethoven
Mr Blue Sky

encore
Don't Bring Me Down

Review, photos & video clips (c) Jim Hoban - 30th October 2009