The Orchestra former ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCESTRA MEMBERS

THE ORCHESTRA Starring ELO and ELO Part II Former Members
Band History
THE ORCHESTRA Starring ELO and ELO Part II Former Members is a successor band to Electric Light Orchestra, formed by former members of ELO and ELO Part II. At its inception as ELO Part II, the group featured five ELO members and has since evolved into a true rock supergroup, continuing today as THE ORCHESTRA, carrying forward the music, legacy, and spirit of ELO for audiences around the world.
The story begins in 1970 in Birmingham, England, where the Electric Light Orchestra began their journey as one of the world's most popular rock bands. Their music was defined by a unique fusion of Beatlesque pop, classical arrangements, and futuristic iconography.
Mik Kaminski joined the band in 1973 with his legendary blue violin. The classic lineup of ELO solidified in 1974 with the addition of bassist and singer Kelly Groucutt and orchestrator Lou Clark, who expanded the band's distinctive orchestral rock sound with his inventive classical arrangements. Mik, Lou, and Kelly played their way onto an astonishing library of hit records that sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, including Eldorado, Face the Music, A New World Record, Out of the Blue, Discovery, and Xanadu.
Following the breakup of the original ELO line-up in 1986, drummer Bev Bevan created ELO Part II in 1988 alongside English guitarist Pete Haycock, American keyboardist and songwriter Eric Troyer, and former ELO members Mik Kaminski, Louis Clark, Kelly Groucutt, and cellist Hugh McDowell. The band later recruited English guitarist Phil Bates. Groucutt, Bates, and Troyer were all accomplished lead and harmony singers providing an abundance of vocal riches that carried the classic ELO sound into fresh sonic territory. Bates departed ELO Part II in 1998 and was replaced by American singer, songwriter, and guitarist Parthenon Huxley.
In late 1999 Bev Bevan retired and was succeeded with American drummer Gordon Townsend. In 2000, the band began touring as THE ORCHESTRA, emerging as a true rock supergroup—formed by former members of ELO and ELO Part II alongside celebrated musicians from other iconic rock acts. The new lineup released the acclaimed album No Rewind. The album features original songs by Kaminski, Troyer, Huxley, and Groucutt, as well as a stunning interpretation of "Twist and Shout." In 2009 tragedy struck when THE ORCHESTRA's bassist and beloved front man, Kelly Groucutt, passed away suddenly, just one day after performing a concert with the group in Berlin. His death was a devastating shock to the band and to classic rock fans worldwide. Groucutt is honored with a commemorative plaque at his boyhood home. THE ORCHESTRA subsequently welcomed occasional ELO Part II member and former Styx bassist, guitarist, songwriter, and singer Glen Burtnik to fill Kelly's spot center stage.
While Lou Clark's multi-talented son, Louis Clark Jr., worked with ELO Part II in the 1990s, he became a permanent band member with THE ORCHESTRA in 2011. The father and son team lived the dream of performing together onstage around the world until Louis Clark Sr.'s passing in 2021. Louis Jr. now carries on in his late father's role as orchestral keyboardist and symphonic conductor, along with the occasional romp on cello and guitar.
Multi-instrumentalist Cliff Hillis has added rich vocals, guitar, and bass to THE ORCHESTRA's dynamic sound since 2017. Electric violinist Susan Aquila, a five-time Grammy Award nominee, joined the band in 2025 bringing her dynamic style, electrifying stage presence, and world-class experience from performing with artists including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Beyoncé, Billy Joel, and Joe Jackson. In early 2026, Kaminski stepped back from touring and live performances with the band, while continuing his involvement with THE ORCHESTRA in a special capacity, helping to shape and support
its music legacy and artistic direction. On January 30, 2026, Parthenon Huxley passed aw
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