Jeff Lynne

British rock star, writer and producer. Some rockmag critics slam his output as being too excessive, but he's more versatile than you might think. He's mostly noted as being the singer, guitarist, songwriter and de facto leader of the unique Electric Light Orchestra, which existed from around 1971 to 1988. They had a string of great hits, were one of the first bands to utilize synthesizers a lot (along with Pink Floyd and others), use a lot of backwards messages on their albums (they got a lot of flak over that by ignorant buttheads. Their 1983 album "Secret Messages" is a reply to that) and they were one of the first bands to use laser shows in their concerts (as well as a model starship). Jeff, an avowed Beatlemaniac got to produce the fine 1987 "Cloud Nine" album by George Harrison. Then he, George, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty formed the supergroup Travelling Wilburys and they had some hits. He also worked with the other Wilburys on their later albums. Also, in 1990 he released his own solo album "Armchair Theater" which highlights his love and roots for 50s rock. When the 3 surving Beatles (the "Threetles" - George, Paul and Ringo) needed help in producing their new songs based on a demo tape John made before he was killed, Jeff Lynne was called in to help. After that he worked with the Threetles on their solo work. There was a temporary ELO reunion of some sorts, but the post-9/11 climate scared many people and the reunion tour was squelched.