Jeff Lynne has announced the death of Electric Light Orchestra’s keyboardist Richard Tandy at the age of 76. The ELO frontman paid his respects to the “remarkable musician” who was instrumental in crafting the iconic sound of the band, known for classic tracks like ‘Mr Blue Sky’ and ‘Last Train To London’.

Taking to social media, Lynne said: “It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my long-time collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy. He was a remarkable musician and friend and I’ll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together.

“Sending all my love to Sheila and the Tandy family.” A Brummie by birth, Tandy joined ELO following their debut album in 1972, initially as a bass guitarist before taking over keyboard duties after Roy Wood’s departure. His mastery of instruments such as the Minimoog synthesiser, Wurlitzer electric piano, clavinet, Mellotron, and piano was pivotal in establishing ELO’s distinctive, futuristic sound.

Tandy contributed vocals to the 1977 smash hit ‘Mr Blue Sky’. He remained a member through various iterations of the band alongside Lynne and drummer Bev Bevan until their disbandment in 1986 and was there when Lynne revived the band as Jeff Lynne’s ELO in 2014.

His contributions were formally recognised when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with ELO in 2017, where he was celebrated as Lynne’s “multi-instrumentalist, co-orchestrator and valued musical partner”.