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Post by eloandy on May 9, 2020 20:20:43 GMT
I know you've probably devoted lots of time to this topic, apologies if there's an existing thread. How were these two fine gentlemen shown the exit? I read one on-line story that said they simply weren't reemployed (as freelancers i guess) so weren't technically sacked. Another story i read was that Jeff called a meeting at his house and by the end of the afternoon they were no longer in the group. Can anyone give a definitive answer on this topic? Thanks in advance.
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Post by galesgal on May 9, 2020 23:12:15 GMT
From interviews I have seen with Mel, he was informed by formal letter that his services were no longer required. I got the impression that he felt very bitter about it at the time, and I assume that Hugh was treated the same.
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Post by fourlittlediamonds on May 13, 2020 1:54:29 GMT
From a 2009 Interview with Mel:
Melvyn: Jeff had said he didn't want to tour again for a couple of years and I guess the whole shape of the band was changing with that album (Discovery) but the new ELO image wasn't formed yet, so the old ELO did the promo videos. It was the last time we were all together.
Martin: So was there an actual time when you were told that you were not needed any more for recording and were only required for gigs and TV etc
Melvyn: After the Discovery promo recordings, I received a short formal letter by post in Jan '80 (?) informing me that my services were no longer required. No phone calls, nothing else.
Martin: How did you feel about that
Melvyn: After nearly five years of working together, I'd rather not comment.
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Post by eloandy on May 26, 2020 15:05:04 GMT
From a 2009 Interview with Mel: Melvyn: Jeff had said he didn't want to tour again for a couple of years and I guess the whole shape of the band was changing with that album (Discovery) but the new ELO image wasn't formed yet, so the old ELO did the promo videos. It was the last time we were all together. Martin: So was there an actual time when you were told that you were not needed any more for recording and were only required for gigs and TV etc Melvyn: After the Discovery promo recordings, I received a short formal letter by post in Jan '80 (?) informing me that my services were no longer required. No phone calls, nothing else. Martin: How did you feel about that Melvyn: After nearly five years of working together, I'd rather not comment. Wow, that's brutal but sadly not surprising. Bev's book was published in 1980, (after the release of Xanadu), if Bev detected a change in the wind, those thoughts never made it into print, and there were detailed profiles of each band member. I remember being a little puzzled by the 'ELO in Concert' thumbnail photo on 'Discovery', (with all seven present) but at the same time the total lack of any mention of Mik, Hugh and Mel' by name. When 'Xanadu' appeared there was no mention at all. We're all wise after the event but i remember going to the 'Time' tour and being disappointed that they weren't there cos Hugh especially was worth the admission money on his own. Bev was obviously in the dark to a large extent on this one. Credit to Mel for 'keeping his council' on what must've been a very upsetting end to his time with ELO. When most of us think of ELO, it's that classic, seven piece line-up we think of. Very revealing little interview, thanks for posting it.
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Post by Timeblue on May 26, 2020 18:29:50 GMT
My thoughts exactly....
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Post by lasttrain929 on May 26, 2020 19:59:52 GMT
Couldn’t agree more Hugh was a great showman.
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