Customer Reviews

Electric Light Orchestra Story

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book covers all the history of the Electric Light Orchestra from the authors origins at school, the bands predecessing groups, and the history of the band through its most successful years.. Because it is written by a band member there are some amazing personal photographs and a chance to see the band froman insiders point of view. Any true fan of ELO must see a copy of this book.

I got lucky one afternoon and found this book on the bargain table of a bookshop in Inverness, Scotland in 1985. My paperback {limp edition} cost me .75p {75 pence}. The cover is a bit freaky, but the insides are great. I grabbed this book up before some other punter beat me to it.

This is the story of rock drummer Bev Bevan, drummer for The Electric Light Orchestra and good friend of Jasper Carrott. From Bev's early days in Birmingham playing in bands with Denny Laine in 1963, to massive Wembly Arena watching from behind the curtains as Tony Curtis introduces ELO to a packed house in 1978. It is the story of a rock drummer, as told by that rock drummer.

Much like: Ian Hunter's fantastic book ~ "Reflections of a Rock Star" it is a highly personal read, and like Ian's book, you are transported into Bev's world on stage, backstage, in the studios and on the road with a living breathing rock band. It is almost put together as a scrapbook of all his memories of his first 33 years {in 1978.} But, with some many wonderful and rare photos included from the 1950's, 60's and 70's, it is much more than that. Bev, talks of all his fellow musicians from the past, and gives lot's of insight about the other chaps in ELO as well. He talks of his favorite Move & ELO records and will tell you which ones that he is not fond of as well.

A very young Sharon Arden, is in a photograph holding a gold record for: "Discovery", the ELO record that sold several million copies in 1979. That very same lass later married some guy named Ozzie, and had a few children. Backstage dinners of fish & chips, a dog named Pongo, the dramas with Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood and encounters with Brit Ekland {she was everywhere in the 1970's.}

The story is fun to read and photos are real cool. I have refered to this book many times over to get my facts straight when the subject of The Electric Light Orchestra is brought up. The real story is right here in Bev's wonderful book.

I have entertained two offers to sell my copy of this book for good sums of cash {a wee bit more than .75p!} But, I turned those offers down, as I really like this book, and I want to hang onto this for a few more decades. For me out of the hundreds of books that I have seen on the subject of rock music, Ian Hunter's book is the best, and this one by Bev Bevan is: number two, hand's down.

This is a rock story as told from the inside. Bev, has written an honest account of what his world looks like, from the drummers stool.
Five Stars !!!

This book is great!Even without going over the whole history of this great band,the book covers alot of ground on the early and middle years.The concert photos and the photos of the guys during "DOWN TIME" are a good part of the history that you just do not get from the records.There are good bits on "THE MOVE" as well as photos and other info on what became "THE BIG 7" and a part on "The author at work".This book does cover the beginnings of what became the legend that was THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA. A VERY GOOD READ ABOUT A GROUP THAT,UNLIKE OTHER GROUPS,DIDN'T HAVE ALOT OF BOOKS ABOUT THEM.

I got this book back in 1981 and still look at it every year. Bev Bevan wrote a damn fine book here. I like when Bev and Jeff shared a room on the road in '77 and Jeff smokes way to early in the morning for Bev's taste! Sadly since this book was released ELO has lost 2 members, the gentle bass player Kelly Groucutt and cellist Mike Edwards.

Bev is doing radio in England and has The Move featuring Bev Bevan, Jeff Lynne has a solo record coming hopefully soon, and Roy Wood still does a show once and awhile.

Overall this book is full of information and great looking photos.

A too personal view of a good band (maybe overproduced band). Actually Bev was an awfull and very boring drummer (for those who know) and he is funny comparing himself to Ringo as he could not do a single decent break in any song Jeff wrote but anyway you get to know several things about the rock star life. It was too early written so we don't get the chance to know why he did this stupid ELO II project without Jeff. Just a happy reading. This front cover is the worst ever!