|
Post by 88keys on Nov 14, 2021 16:39:52 GMT
I've never seen an explanation for why Bev quit ELO Part 2 in 1999? All I've read is that he sold his rights to the ELO name to Jeff, then quit the band. Did he quit cause he sold the rights, or did he sell the rights cause he quit?
|
|
|
Post by orioles70 on Nov 14, 2021 17:58:39 GMT
I've always assumed that Jeff approached Bev with an offer to take the "Easy Money" or get sued. In exchange for the payment, Bev couldn't continue to use the ELO name.
In 1999, Jeff was getting ready to release new material and tour again under the ELO name. He didn't want Confusion with another ELO out there on tour and he may have hoped or even expected that Part II would fold without Bev or the name.
Jeff likely underestimated the resolve of the rest of the band to keep at it. Bev didn't want to push Kelly out and he probably felt like he couldn't deny Jeff the right to use the ELO name. It was a tough situation that needed a really good mediator instead of lawyers.
Consider the Pink Floyd split. David Gilmour and Roger Waters have both continued to tour playing Pink Floyd material. Jeff was well known enough that he didn't need to buy out Bev's stake in the name. On the other hand, he knew that Armchair Theatre didn't sell that well and he kept getting slighted as "that other guy in the Wilbury's",
with a bit more confidence, Jeff could have decided to ignore Part II and tour as Jeff Fucking Lynne, the genius behind ELO! He would have saved himself some money and Part II could have kept on using the ELO letters. Instead, Jeff paid Bev and then still wound up going to court with the Part II guys until they agreed to become The Orchestra.
The ELO soap opera may finally get aired in Bev's autobiography - "As the Wurlitzer Turns"
|
|
|
Post by Chippa on Nov 14, 2021 18:43:58 GMT
Wasn't there an agreement between Jeff and Bev that ELOP2 could use the ELO name as long as Bev was part of the lineup? It's been forever since I've read anything about the situation, but when Kelly died in 2009, Bev commented that he and Kelly hadn't spoken in nearly ten years. I wonder if there was tension between the two regarding Bev leaving the band and selling his share of the ELO IP?
|
|
|
Post by Timeblue on Nov 14, 2021 20:03:17 GMT
Roll on Bevs book.....
|
|
|
Post by Chippa on Nov 14, 2021 21:45:56 GMT
Does he have a book in the works? I wasn't aware. fluffy will have to get herself a personally autographed copy.
|
|
|
Post by Timeblue on Nov 14, 2021 21:55:34 GMT
Does he have a book in the works? I wasn't aware. fluffy will have to get herself a personally autographed copy. He's supposed to be bringing out his biography in the next year or so but I'm not holding out much hope that we'll see it anytime soon.....
|
|
|
Post by BSJ on Nov 14, 2021 22:04:03 GMT
Between Bevey and Damey, those two knuckleheads need to get their shit together and release whatever it is they'll working on, because between them and some of their hardcore fans, we ain't that young anymore.
|
|
|
Post by Timeblue on Nov 15, 2021 15:28:53 GMT
Between Bevey and Damey, those two knuckleheads need to get their shit together and release whatever it is they'll working on, because between them and some of their hardcore fans, we ain't that young anymore. Well said
|
|
|
Post by 88keys on Nov 17, 2021 16:25:58 GMT
After reading the replies, as well as more stuff online, I think it might be safe to conclude that Kelly Groucutt was salty about Bev quitting ELO Part 2, forcing them to change the name of the band. I still wonder what Bev's underlying reason for leaving was.
|
|
|
Post by soonerorlater on Nov 17, 2021 16:32:55 GMT
I have a vague recollection of an interview with Bev of that era and I'm pretty certain he said that he'd always intended to call time on ELO Part II when he reached a specific age. In 1999, that would have been 55.
|
|
|
Post by fluffy on Nov 17, 2021 17:52:30 GMT
Bev will be 77 next week and I am celebrating his birthday like I do every year.
|
|
|
Post by Timeblue on Nov 17, 2021 18:14:47 GMT
We never doubted that you wouldn't...
|
|
|
Post by fireonhigh on Nov 17, 2021 18:35:57 GMT
I must admit almost all images and videos of Bev on tour in 1999 he looked unhappy and while there in person his spirit and enthusiasm seemed virtually non existent, and to me as I remember it was no real surprise he pulled the plug.
|
|
|
Post by Chippa on Nov 17, 2021 19:33:55 GMT
Maybe when Bev does release his book, someone here could reach out and see if he'd be willing to do an interview for this forum.
|
|
|
Post by Timeblue on Nov 18, 2021 7:24:57 GMT
I know someone who would like to do this..
|
|