The ELO Experience at the Preston Guild Hall Review
Reviewed by Catherine Joyce
Last night (Friday 7 April 2017) we went to see The ELO Experience at Preston Guild Hall. We have been fans of ELO for many years and we were both very excited about seeing this tribute band. A lot of money has been spent recently on Preston Guild Hall and the surrounding Guild Hall Arcade, totally revitalising the place and there are ambitious plans to elevate the complex back to its previous former glory. They are attracting new shows and bands and have an exciting programme of events this summer. The addition of excellent restaurants and bars gives theatre goers the opportunity to make a night of it and it is fantastic seeing the place alive again. The conveniently located Bus Station car park provides the perfect place to park and the connecting walkway direct into the Guild Hall means you don’t even need to brave the weather.
The ELO Experience have been touring for 11 years and last night they put on an amazing performance, playing all the old favourites as well as some lesser known tracks from the 1977 “Out of the Blue” double album. Opening to the distinctive ELO sound of Cellos and Violins, the ELO Experience took to the stage with “All Over the World.” My feet started tapping at the start of this song and didn’t stop all night!
The band is fronted by lead vocalist Andy Louis, who does a great impersonation of Jeff Lynne in both his voice and the trademark hair! Andy is joined at the front of stage by lead guitarist Jan Christiansen and Bass player Pete Smith. Liz Stacey on violin leads the string section consisting of herself and two cellists. Musical director Steve Hemsley plays the all important keyboards and backing vocals and Tony Lawson completes the band on drums and percussion.
The whole band really seemed to be enjoying themselves on stage – especially the two cellists but it was Liz Stacey’s performance on her blue violin that really stood out, the audience really responding to each of her solos. Much of the time the band went straight from one number to the next but occasionally Andy took a few moments to talk to the audience and added a touch of friendly humour to the night. He also encouraged audience participation even including singing along to the French lyrics in “Hold on Tight”.
The sound and lighting, including video projection, was great, nothing too fancy but perfectly complementing the performance. The opportunity for the audience to purchase blue glow sticks in the interval added to the atmosphere and looked quite stunning in the second half of the show.
Fans don’t just want a “Greatest Hits” show so this performance included some of the album tracks from the hugely successful 1977 double album “Out of The Blue” as well as our favourites Xanadu, Roll Over Beethoven, Evil Woman and The Last Train To London which changed its destination to Preston to the delight of the audience!
The band are currently touring until November so there is plenty of opportunity for fans old and new to share the ELO Experience. We had a great night out and would thoroughly recommend the show.
Rating: 5/5
The ELO Experience are currently on tour around the UK, for more information and tour dates visit www.elotribute.com.
For other shows at the Guild Hall or Charter Theatre in Preston visit www.prestonguildhall.co.uk
The Guild Hall & Charter Theatre, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 1HT | 01772 804444
