Richard Tandy, keyboardist of the British rock band Electric Light Orchestra has died at the age of 76.

Richard Tandy, the keyboardist of the British rock band Electric Light Orchestra, has passed away at the age of 76. His death was announced by Jeff Lynne, the band's leader, in a message posted on social media. "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my long-time collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy," wrote Jeff Lynne.

"He was a remarkable musician and friend, and I will cherish the memories we had together for the rest of my life. My love goes out to Sheila and the Tandy family," he added.

No cause of death was specified, but according to the American magazine Variety, the musician had been ill for several years.

Born on March 26, 1948, in Birmingham, Richard Tandy joined Electric Light Orchestra after the release of the group's first album in 1972. Initially a bassist, he later became the keyboardist after a member of the British rock formation departed.

Thanks to the funky, classical, and soulful sounds of his synthesizer, the musician contributed to many of the band's hits such as "Evil Woman," "Strange Magic," "Livin' Thing," or "Telephone Line." Richard Tandy's voice is also heard repeating "Mr. Blue Sky" in the famous eponymous hit of the band released in 1977.

He collaborated musically with Jeff Lynne on many projects, among them songs for the Electric Dreams soundtrack, Lynne's solo album Armchair Theatre and Lynne-produced Dave Edmunds album Information.

In 2017, Richard Tandy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Electric Light Orchestra alongside Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, and Bev Bevan, co-founders of the group.

It's worth noting that Electric Light Orchestra has sold over 50 million records worldwide, and the band, which disbanded in 1986, briefly reunited in 2001 with Jeff Lynne and Richard Tandy for a tour.