New music scholarship honours ELO’s Richard Tandy — with VIP tickets up for grabs

Fans of legendary Birmingham band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to support the next generation of musicians — and see the band’s final shows in style.

To celebrate the life and legacy of ELO’s late keyboardist Richard Tandy, who passed away in April, a new scholarship in his name has been launched at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC).

The fund will support first-year undergraduates at Birmingham City University studying keyboard, piano or guitar — the very instruments that earned Tandy a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In support of the scholarship, ELO co-founder Jeff Lynne has launched charity auctions for the band’s farewell tour — with VIP front-row tickets up for grabs for shows in Birmingham (6 July) and Manchester (10 July).

The auctions close on 12 June.

A separate grand prize sweepstake is also live for ELO’s sold-out finale at BST Hyde Park (13 July), where fans can donate for a chance to win two Gold VIP Hydeaway Tickets. Entries close on 29 June 2025.

Richard Tandy’s final stage performance took place at RBC’s Bradshaw Hall in 2019, where he performed and co-produced the Earthrise concert and album with fellow ELO bandmate Dave Scott-Morgan and RBC students.

An initial donation from his wife, Sheila Tandy, helped launch the scholarship earlier this year.

Sheila Tandy said: “Richard cared so much about music, and was thrilled to inspire other players and performers, especially those in Birmingham where he grew up.

“He wanted the students at RBC to benefit from everything he achieved, and the scholarship will help so many young people follow their music ambitions.”

Stephen Maddock, Principal of RBC, added: “Scholarships and bursaries are more vital than ever for helping young musicians perfect their craft.

“The Tandy Scholarship will create opportunities for students for the next decade and beyond. This is a legacy that Birmingham and ELO fans can be proud of.”

Jeff Lynne, who received an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University in 2014, personally helped organise the charity initiatives to raise support for the fund.

Click here for full details and to place a bid or enter the sweepstake.