Kelly Groucutt
(1945 - 2009)

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Profile:
Kelly Groucutt

Birth:
September 8, 1945

Passing:
February 19, 2009


Memorial
Kelly was an amazing artist. He leaves us with some fantastic contributions to music, and will be missed by so many. Rest in Peace Kelly.

Kelly Groucutt was a member of a band called "Sight and Sound" before being recruited in 1974 for ELO's Eldorado tour. He soon established himself as a fan favourite by taking over lead vocal duties on a few songs as well as gaining a great rapport with live audiences. His distinctive voice can also be best heard on later ELO songs such as "Nightrider" (1975), "Poker" (1975), "Above the Clouds" (1976), "Sweet Is the Night" (1977), and "The Diary of Horace Wimp" (1979). While he did not perform the operatic vocals in the studio, Groucutt often displayed his vocal talents by replicating them during live performances of "Rockaria!" (1976).
The first Electric Light Orchestra album to feature Kelly on bass guitar and as a backing vocalist was 1975's Face the Music. He continued contributing on the following albums A New World Record (1976), Out of the Blue (1977), Discovery (1979), Xanadu (1980) and Time (1981).
In 1982 he released his self titled, solo debut album, Kelly. This album featured fellow ELO members Bev Bevan, Richard Tandy, Mik Kaminski and their orchestral co-arranger and conductor Louis Clark. In 2001 this album was remastered for CD.
Kelly remained with ELO until the onset of the recording sessions for 1983's Secret Messages album. It was at this juncture that Kelly left the band, unhappy with royalty payments during his tenure, and made the decision to sue management and band leader Jeff Lynne. A settlement for the sum of £300,000 was reached out of court prior to proceedings. He is credited with playing bass on Secret Messages, although it has been stated from an official source that he only played on four songs.
In 2006 Kelly married his second wife, long time girlfriend Anna-Maria Bialaga. He has four children and two grandchildren.
He has taken part in some of the many ELO spin-off groups: OrKestra, ELO Part 2, and The Orchestra. He toured worldwide with The Orchestra (Former members of ELO and ELO Part II) and also took part in tours as part of a local, little known band called Session 60.
Kelly Groucutt died of the afternoon of 19th February 2009 of a heart attack. We miss him, thank you Kelly.

Stories
Concert In Juarez Mexico
Last summer, 2008, I met with my cousin Lou Clark & the rest of the band. As usual I had a blast with Kelly & them all, that I ended up going with them to Chihuahua the following day to enjoy another ...
Letty Olivas (friend & fan) wrote
February 25th, 2009

Guest Book Wall (What is this?)
iLasting Staff
February 20th, 2009
"Our sincere condolences for your loss. We're here for you if you have any questions about using our service."

Jack Weatherly
(fan)
February 20th, 2009
"Kelly, I can't tell you how many times I've listened to your music. So many memories. Thank you."

Jordan Cargill
(huge fan)
February 20th, 2009
"I've seen them live about 4 times and have all their music. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and for enriching all of our lives with such awesome music. You will never be forgotten."

jeff brooks
(fan)
February 20th, 2009
"Kelly was my favorite live performer. I loved the way he gave his all on stage, and the way he treated us ordinary people off stage. I was fortunate enough to share many jokes with him (His were better than mine, we both agreed.) He even teased me the last time I saw him perform on the 8th of Oct. of 2008. He was a great singer & excellent bassist as well. My whole family is deeply saddened as we all took many pictures with him thru the years. God Bless Kelly."

Lynn Bowers
(Fan)
February 20th, 2009
"I will miss Kelly very much. I grew up with ELO in the 70's and Kelly had alot to do with why I loved ELO so much. His contribution was underrated. As I sit here typing this it is just so hard to beleive that I'll never get to see him perform again. So sad.....my old world is gone for dead....I can't get it out of my head."

An ELO Music Lover
(Fan)
February 20th, 2009
"Thank you for the Music, thank you for the memorable gigs, thanks for keeping the music alive! RIP Kelly, peace and love to the Family you leave behind."

Jesus Fornes
(great fan from Spain)
February 20th, 2009
"Thanks for all that you gave us. You were one of the greatest in the history of recent music. We'll love u forever. The one and only bassist. I could know you and it was fantastic. I'll miss you, no doubt. Rest in peace dear friend."

Cyndi Gallucci
(Friend / Fan)
February 20th, 2009
"I will never forget the day I met Kelly some 12+ years ago. My ex-husband was a huge fan and a bass player himself. We drove over 2 hours to see them play at a small club. He wanted to go around back after the show to see if he could meet Kelly. We did, and what an amazing friend he turned out to be. Over the years and many times traveling to see the band brought such joy to my life. You would never see Kelly down no matter what was going on in his life, he always had a kind word and a smile for his fans. He loved Anna with all his heart and he cherished his children. I will miss him dearly as I know the rest of his family, friends and fans will. God Bless You Kelly....you are in Heaven playing in a band of Angels. We will miss you!!
Cyndi"

Steve Kane
(Fan)
February 20th, 2009
"Thanks Kelly for staying loyal to all ELO fans around the world, you kept the music alive, and thruough your great contributions you will live forever "

Jerod Daniel
(Fan)
February 20th, 2009
"Thank you for your music!

I consider myself very lucky to have seen him perform live and to meet him afterwards.

I will enjoy music of ELO forever.
"

Alastair McLoughlin
February 20th, 2009
"Kelly was an integral part of the ELO sound - a great bass player and vocalist and just an all-round nice guy. You are already sorely missed. So sad. "Though you ride on the wheels of tomorrow....you 21st Century Man". "

Keith Sinclair
(Acquaintance)
February 20th, 2009
"I was always proud to tell folks of the times my path crossed with Kelly G. All those gigs across the Midlands and with ELO Part II. "The Fox" was a great cut. He was a great singer and all round musician. We wouldn't have heard those ELO hits live in the 90's without him. Top memory was his playing me a song in 1992 following the death of my son. Encore ... Kelly "

VICTOR BARBA
(Friend/fan)
February 20th, 2009
"My dear friend Kelly:
As always I said to you: apologies for my bad English... I saw you in the last show in Berlin, the day before you go, and we laughed in the hotel... I miss you..I will never forget you..You were so kind with the fans..I always have admired you, and I always will do. I am sure that you are with the angels..
I´LL NEVER FORGET YOU. THANKS FOR BEING PART OF MY LIFE
Victor&Isabel
"

Michael Kriegsman
(Fan)
February 20th, 2009
"Place long sigh here.

Thank you for all the music, Kelly. You were a true showman and a spectacular guy.

Best,
Mk"

RON SMITH
February 20th, 2009
"R.I.P. I always Loved ELO a sad loss"

Mike DeAngELO
(fan)
February 20th, 2009
"To the family of Kelly Groucutt,

My most sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you. Kelly was a true musician and had a great voice. I picked up the "Kelly" album many years ago on vinyl and it has always been one of my favorites. The "Kelly sound" contributed so much to the "ELO sound". My wife, my kids and I all saw Kelly at The Tropicana in Atlantic City, NJ when he was with ELO Part II. We still have the hats and tee shirts we bought there and will wear them tomorrow in tribute to this great man. ELO has been my favorite band since the mid 70's and I'm glad we got to see Kelly, Bev, Mik and the others in ELO Part II. This is indeed a "Moment of Truth" for us all and we will miss Kelly and his contributions to music until the day we join him up there in that big concert hall in the (Mr. Blue) sky."

Diana Wheeler
(radio dj & fan)
February 20th, 2009
"I loved Kelly's work with ELO. My deepest sympathies to his family, and those who worked with him. Condolences to fellow fans too. This is such sad news. R.I.P Kelly Thanks for so many years of great music! You will be missed by so many!"

Stephanie K
(Fan)
February 20th, 2009
"I have been a big fan of ELO since 1979. I use to listen to their albums every day (the time of vinyl). I was very sad to learn of Kelly's passing. My deepest sympathy goes to his family. Rest in Peace, Kelly, you are greatly missed."

caz mixon
(ELO fan for over 20 years)
February 20th, 2009
"Such sad news.Kelly will be missed and always loved by all his fans worldwide..my love goes out to his family and friends.thanks for the great sounds Kelly."

Melanie JJacks
February 20th, 2009
"The mortal music world has lost another brilliant musician. The smiles his music brought me will linger on."

Ro Reyes
(Brit music fan)
February 21st, 2009
"Elo...felo...fello...fellow..one of the muscians-
as how I view my own daughter in her music efforts...not to be dismissed...ELO- surely in my memory up there with the Beatles, Stones,the music that sets our hearts to pine for inspiration-yeah. "

Letty Olivas
(Friend & Fan)
February 21st, 2009
"I had the honor to meet Kelly many years ago & I instantly became a fan. A fan of the person I had the pleasure of getting to know, as I was already a fan of ELO. My sincere condolences to cousin Lou Clark & the rest of band. We loved the time we spent with you in Mexico just 5 months ago. We are in shock & so sad by the loss of Kelly...not only a great musician but an all around great guy!! U will be missed Kelly! Letty Olivas & Family El Paso, Texas"

Dave C
(Fan)
February 21st, 2009
"Thanks for contributing to some of the best music in rock. I played 'air bass' along with you for years as I grew up on ELO. Rock On."

Vinicius Augusto Almeida
(Fan)
February 22nd, 2009
"Thanks Kelly for your contribution to rock music and the pop, you were one of my inspirations to play bass

I Just have to thank you for your music,Kelly.

Vinícius Almeida,from Brasília,Brazil"

m dodson
(fan)
February 22nd, 2009
"Kelly YOU like the other bandmembers made ELO,you will be greatly missed,RIP and thank you for all the great tunes"

Ori Lubin
(Maried)
February 23rd, 2009
"I'm a huge fan of ELO since my childhood in the mid 70's.

Kelly's(RIP) backing vocals cntribute a lot to the sound of ELO.

I never was at ELO concert but was waiting for the Orkestra booked concert in Tel Aviv at June... now without Kelly it seems worthless.

Ori (fan from Israel) "

Donna Hall
February 24th, 2009
"So sad to hear of your passing, me and my family have seen you live so many times, each one a unique experience, never to be repeated. My condolences to all your family"

Jesus Martinez
(Huge Fan)
February 24th, 2009
"Kelly you were an inspiration to all of us. Your kind heart was evident on how you treated your fans. You leave a legacy that will shine forever.
Until we meet on the other side....."

Tim J
(Fan)
March 1st, 2009
"What can I say that hasn't already been said. I'd been wanting to see the band ever since the televised Wembley 'spaceship' gig way back when but it wasn't until 2007 that I finally managed it at St Georges Hall in Bradford. It was a last minute booking so the seats were terrible, we were right at the back up high and we were roasting in the heat. But then the lights dimmed and slowly that now famous intro built up to Twilight. Suddenly, the heat and the bad seats didn't matter anymore. It was all about the music. Something that Kelly played a huge part in creating. A unique sound that has stood the test of time and surely will continue to do so. Bringing entertainment and joy to millions of people all over the world... that's not a bad legacy to leave behind... not bad at all Kelly."

Ross Brown
(Fan)
March 4th, 2009
"Your presence on stage heped make ELO the greatest band of all time. It was a priviledge seeing you perform live with Part 2 and the Orchestra. You will be sadly missed and never forgotten. RIP Kelly."

ANGELA BAKER
March 10th, 2009
"I remember growing up in Gough Road Coseley the same as Kelly and seeing this lad on a sunday morning sitting outside his dads house with a guitar, he never lost his roots, a sad loss to the music world."

rob morton
(friend)
March 22nd, 2009
"Kelly done a few bookings for me one being my friends 6oth surprise Birthday party and what a lovely man he was. If any one reading this has a copy of the track THE FOX i would appreciate if they could e-mail it to me as my friend who lives abroad would love a copy of this as Kelly sang it at his wedding. thank you e-mail to recordwriter@hotmail.co.uk"

rob morton
(friend)
March 22nd, 2009
"Kelly done a few bookings for me one being my friends 6oth surprise Birthday party and what a lovely man he was. If any one reading this has a copy of the track THE FOX i would appreciate if they could e-mail it to me as my friend who lives abroad would love a copy of this as Kelly sang it at his wedding. thank you e-mail to recordwriter@hotmail.co.uk"

jamie nye
(fan)
April 21st, 2009
"I never got to meet Kelly,nor was I lucky enough to see him live in concert, but I have listened to him play and sing since 1975. He always put on a hell of a show,giving 110% in his bass playing and his Vocals. Most people on this planet will leave some kind of MARK to prove they existed, Kelly in fact was and IS a mark. Farewell my Good man, You did Good ! R.I.P. and Thank-You.. J."

Ed Clark
(fan)
May 3rd, 2009
"So Sorry to hear about Kelly's passing..I am
a hugh fan of ELO,.I saw them perform on the
"Out Of The Blue Tour"/The Big Night in Houston,
Tx. 1978..This was my first concert, Ever!..Thank
You, for the Great Music, Kelly, (RIP)."

Cr kinsman
(big fan)
May 12th, 2009
"I am just hearing the news now. Once I realized who ELO were I was hooked. I seen them many times in the 70s. When part 2 came locally I was able to sneak in some conversation while waiting outside their bus after the show. I love Kelly's solo work. Now Heaven's band just got better!"

kevin o neill
(fan)
October 16th, 2009
"Heard the sad news about kelly passing on. He was one of the reasons why ELO were one of the greatest groups ever.He lives on though, through the music. Sad loss indeed."

Jean Smith
(Fan)
October 31st, 2009
"Went to see the Orchestra in Liverpool last night and found out about Kelly's passing. So sad, we saw him last year, he was a great person with a great personality. The show was excellent but he sure was missed. "

lothar ingo Mair
(Biggest Fan On Earth Of E)
June 7th, 2010
"Kelly Groucutt, I hope you can have your Peace now, after making us happy with the beautiful Music with the band Electric Light Orchestra.

Hey you with the pretty face! Rest In Peace M8.

Lothar From Holland Amsterdam"

Hover your mouse over the wall images to see each guest book entry.

Guest Book (39 entries)
Kelly Groucutt, I hope you can have your Peace now, after making us happy with the beautiful Music with the band Electric Light Orchestra.

Hey you with the pretty face! Rest In Peace M8.

Lothar From Holland Amsterdam
lothar ingo Mair (Biggest Fan On Earth Of E)
June 7th, 2010
Went to see the Orchestra in Liverpool last night and found out about Kelly's passing. So sad, we saw him last year, he was a great person with a great personality. The show was excellent but he sure was missed.
Jean Smith (Fan)
October 31st, 2009
Heard the sad news about kelly passing on. He was one of the reasons why ELO were one of the greatest groups ever.He lives on though, through the music. Sad loss indeed.
kevin o neill (fan)
October 16th, 2009
I am just hearing the news now. Once I realized who ELO were I was hooked. I seen them many times in the 70s. When part 2 came locally I was able to sneak in some conversation while waiting outside their bus after the show. I love Kelly's solo work. Now Heaven's band just got better!
Cr kinsman (big fan)
May 12th, 2009
So Sorry to hear about Kelly's passing..I am
a hugh fan of ELO,.I saw them perform on the
"Out Of The Blue Tour"/The Big Night in Houston,
Tx. 1978..This was my first concert, Ever!..Thank
You, for the Great Music, Kelly, (RIP).
Ed Clark (fan)
May 3rd, 2009
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Candles

"HAD THE HONOUR OF MEETING THE MAN TWICE.. HE GOT MY LEATHER ELO PAINTED JACKET SIGNED BY THE REST OF THE BAND. A GENUINE HONEST MAN AND A BLOKE YOU WOULD BUY A PINT FOR ANY TIME ANY DAY! DID I MENTION A GENIUS BASS AND VOCALIST!"
John Michael O'Hare
August 11th, 2010
"I will forever remember the ELO concert on Feb 17th 1978 at Football Pk in Adelaide, SA. Thankyou Kelly for inspiring me to play Bass.. you will be sadly missed."
jo tripodi
January 17th, 2010
"Kelly thank you for the best music ever. I will never forget.You live on trough your music. God bless."
Bradley Dunham
August 16th, 2009
"i'm in shock!! looking up elo stuff online as usual(fan for 30yrs)and find kelly has gone, my god what a voice, i bought your solo album years ago, it was excellent.god bless you kelly."
john mathieson
March 30th, 2009
"Kelly I had the chance to meet this fantastic man and what an entertainer he was. He done my friends wedding in Kings Heath at Kings Heath cricket club and the song the FOX just blew every one away, rest in peace Kelly you were a true pro !!!"
ROB MORTON
February 24th, 2009
"Cannot believe you are no longer with us, was only last year me and my family saw you live in Peterborough, so sad for your family too, am speechless"
Donna Hall
February 24th, 2009
"We are all deeply saddened to have lost a great musician, but most importantly a friend.Condolence to Anna & family, Cousins Lou & Gloria & all the guys. We will miss U Kelly...RIP Letty Olivas & all your extended family in El Paso, Texas"
Letty Olivas
February 22nd, 2009
"Kelly,grew up with your music and still sounds fantastic today.A sad loss to the music industry,but you will never be forgotten.Rest In Peace friend."
Nigel Pearce
February 22nd, 2009
"Kelly, you were not only a great bassist and singer, you were also a great person. I am glad that I had the chance to meet you. Thank you for your music. Rest in peace; you will never be forgotten."
Beth Gatlin
February 21st, 2009
"My sister Lynda and I are saddened by the shocking loss of Kelly, but also so thankful for all the joy he has brought to our lives through his music and happy spirit, and this will live on forever!"
Terry Blue
February 21st, 2009

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