Richard Tandy, the longtime keyboardist of Electric Light Orchestra, has died at the age of 76.

ELO leader Jeff Lynne announced Tandy’s death on Wednesday, May 1st. “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 & friend and I’ll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together,” Lynne wrote.

Tandy was an integral member of Electric Light Orchestra, appearing on all but two of the band’s studios albums. Originally hired as their live bassist, Tandy ultimately became ELO’s full-time keyboardist in 1972. His playing on instruments including the Minimoog, Clavinet, Mellotron, and piano became a signature of the band’s sound as heard on albums including 1977’s Out of the Blue. He also contributed backing vocals and worked hand-in-hand with Lynne on various song arrangements.

Electric Light Orchestra broke up in 1986. However, in 2014, Lynne and Tandy resurrected the group under the banner Jeff Lynne’s ELO. Over the ensuing decade, they released two more albums and toured extensively.

Tandy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Electric Light Orchestra in 2017.

Jeff Lynne’s ELO recently announced a farewell tour set to kick off in August 2024.

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 & friend and I’ll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together.
Sending all my love to Sheila & the Tandy family.
Jeff… pic.twitter.com/beOF3JR39E

— Jeff Lynne’s ELO (@JeffLynnesELO) May 1, 2024