Scholarship launched in musician's name

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) keyboardist Richard Tandy is to have a scholarship named after him at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC).

A donation by his wife Sheila earlier this year established the scholarship which will support first-year undergraduates studying keyboard, piano or guitar.

Tandy was born in Birmingham and officially joined ELO after the release of the group's first album in 1972. He died at the age of 76 in April 2024.

A charity auction and sweepstake, to raise money to help boost the number of students that can receive the scholarship, has been organised by ELO founder Jeff Lynne.

Tandy's final on-stage appearance was at the RBC's Bradshaw Hall in 2019 as part of his work championing students, the conservatoire said.

"Richard cared so much about music, and was thrilled to inspire other players and performers, especially those in Birmingham where he grew up," Tandy's wife said.

"He wanted the students at RBC to benefit from everything he achieved, and the scholarship will help so many young people follow their music ambitions."

Tandy was a core member of the band alongside Lynne and drummer Bev Bevan until they split in 1986.

When Lynne reformed the band as Jeff Lynne's ELO in 2014, Tandy joined again.

Fans can donate to win tickets to see the group's final concerts at their Over and Out tour next month with the proceeds helping train the next generation of musicians, RBC said.

Stephen Maddock, RBC principal, said scholarships and bursaries were becoming more vital than ever.

"The Tandy Scholarship, and the charitable donations that have made it possible, will provide opportunities for students for the next decade and more. This is a legacy that Birmingham and ELO fans can be proud of," he added.

Later this year, RBC will also officially open a Richard Tandy Production Suite containing some of his instruments, music equipment and memorabilia donated by his family.

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