If you’ve seen a spaceship hovering over a stage recently, you know the deal. Jeff Lynne is basically the wizard behind the curtain of the Electric Light Orchestra, but the "band" part of the name is a bit of a moving target.
People always ask: "Who is actually in ELO right now?"
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It’s a fair question. Back in the '70s, it was a gang of guys with afros and cellos. Today, it’s a high-precision machine officially called Jeff Lynne's ELO. As of 2026, the dust has largely settled on their massive "Over and Out" farewell tour, which culminated in that historic Hyde Park show in July 2025.
But even though the "farewell" has happened, the legacy of the musicians who brought those symphonic rock layers to life is more relevant than ever.
The One and Only: Jeff Lynne
Let’s be real. Jeff Lynne is the band. He’s the lead singer, the songwriter, the producer, and the guy who probably spends 20 hours a day obsessing over the exact frequency of a snare hit.
In the studio, Jeff often plays almost everything himself. He’s like a one-man army. But you can't play 15 instruments at once on stage in front of 50,000 people. Well, you could, but it would look pretty weird.
That’s why he assembled what many fans call the "Best ELO Lineup Ever" for the final touring years. These aren't just session players; they’ve become the face of the band for a whole new generation.
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The Modern Touring Heavyweights
When you watch a live clip from 2024 or 2025, you aren't seeing the guys from the Out of the Blue album cover. You’re seeing a hand-picked group of virtuosos.
Mike Stevens is the name you need to know first. He’s the musical director. Basically, he’s the guy Jeff trusts to make sure "Mr. Blue Sky" sounds exactly like the record. He plays guitar, adds backing vocals, and even pulls out a harmonica when needed.
Then there’s the rhythm section. Donavan Hepburn on drums is an absolute powerhouse. He has to balance the rock 'n' roll energy with the strict timing required for those orchestral backing tracks. Lee Pomeroy handles the bass, and if you’ve ever paid attention to his playing, the man is a legend in his own right, having played with Rick Wakeman and It Bites.
The Wall of Sound
To get that thick, lush ELO sound, you need more than just a bass and drums.
- Milton McDonald: Lead guitar. He nails those iconic Harrison-esque slides.
- Marcus Byrne: Keyboards and piano. He’s the one handling those complex synth layers.
- Jo Webb: Keyboards and guitar.
- Shannon Harris: Keyboards.
- Iain Hornal: A secret weapon. He provides those high-register backing vocals that are so essential to the ELO vibe. Honestly, without Iain, the vocal harmonies just wouldn’t pop the same way.
What Happened to the Strings?
You can’t have ELO without strings. It’s illegal.
In the current era, the "string section" isn't a rotating door of local orchestral hires. It’s a dedicated trio. Jessie Murphy on violin, and the duo of Amy Langley and Jess Cox on cellos.
They bring that 1970s "rockestra" feel to the modern stage. Watching them headbang while playing classical instruments is half the fun of the show.
The Heartbreaking Absence of Richard Tandy
We have to talk about Richard Tandy. He was Jeff’s right-hand man since 1972. His keyboards defined the sound of Discovery and Time.
Sadly, Richard passed away in May 2024.
His absence was felt deeply during the final "Over and Out" dates. While the current keyboardists are phenomenal, Tandy was the only bridge back to the original glory days who stayed by Jeff's side for decades. His passing effectively marked the end of the "classic" ELO era, making the current touring members more of a "tribute to the vision" rather than a continuation of the old brotherhood.
Why 2026 Feels Different
So, where are we now? The "Over and Out" tour was billed as the final hurrah. Jeff Lynne is famously private. He’s 78 now.
While the official word is that the touring is done, the members of his backing band haven't just disappeared. In fact, several of them—including Mike Stevens, Jo Webb, and Lee Pomeroy—released an album under the name Big Horizon at the end of 2024.
It’s almost like the "current ELO band members" have formed their own solar system around the sun that is Jeff Lynne.
The "Other" ELO: The Orchestra
This is where it gets confusing for some. If you see a poster in 2026 for a band called The Orchestra, that’s not Jeff Lynne.
That group features former members like Mik Kaminski (the guy with the famous blue violin) and occasionally players from the ELO Part II era. They are great musicians, and they keep the songs alive, but they are a separate entity from the "official" Jeff Lynne's ELO.
The Verdict on the Current Lineup
Is the current lineup "real" ELO?
Fans argue about this constantly. Some purists say it died in 1986. Others say it’s whoever Jeff says it is.
Personally? I think the 2014–2025 lineup was the most technically proficient version of the band to ever exist. They didn't just play the songs; they curated them. They treated the setlist like a museum exhibit of the greatest pop-rock ever written.
Next Steps for Fans in 2026:
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- Check out Big Horizon: If you miss the sound of the live ELO band, their debut album In The Beginning is the closest thing you'll get to that specific chemistry.
- Watch the Hyde Park 2025 Footage: Official releases of the final show are the best way to see the current members in their prime.
- Follow the Solo Projects: Musicians like Iain Hornal often tour their own material, which carries a lot of that Lynne-inspired DNA.
The spaceship may have landed for now, but the people who flew it are still out there making music.