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Artist News Obituaries
ELO bassist dies
By CMU Editorial | Published on Monday 23 February 2009
Kelly Groucutt, who was bass player in ELO from 1974 until 1983, has died from a heart attack at the age of 63.
Born in Cosely, Staffordshire, Groucutt began his career at fifteen, initially as a singer with a variety of different bands, but he picked up the guitar as his career progressed. He joined ELO for the band’s ‘Eldorado’ tour, and quickly endeared himself to fans, enjoying a good rapport with audiences, and taking over lead vocals on some tracks.
After almost a decade with the band, Groucutt became unhappy with his royalty payments, so left the group and sued band leader Jeff Lynne, a case settled out of court for £300k. During his time with the band he also released a solo album, ‘Kelly’, which featured performances by a number of his ELO colleagues.
The BBC quote his friend Mike Sheridan, of Mike Sheridan And The Nightriders, as saying that he was “gob smacked” by Groucutt’s sudden death. He added: “When I heard the news this afternoon I just couldn’t believe it. He seemed to be such a fit guy”.
He’s survived by a wife, four children and two grandchildren.
