ELO (the Electric Light Orchestra) was one of the most successful bands in the world in the 1970s and 1980s, scoring hit after hit.

On Friday night, The ELO Experience, a Hull-based eight-piece band, played to a packed house in York. The band, formed in 2006 from their love of Jeff Lynne’s ground-breaking music, won the National Tribute Awards in 2013. I can see why.

For over two hours, the band played non-stop hits, faithfully paying homage to their heroes, seeing the audience rise from its seat in what was a truly electric atmosphere. Whilst the majority of the fans were expectedly representative of ELO’s golden era, it was pleasing to see a new, younger fan base having an equally fantastic time.

As an ELO spaceship took off from the stage, the lightshow began and the band burst into All Over the World. This was followed by hit after hit, including Evil Woman, Telephone Line, Wild West Hero, Rock ‘n’ Roll is King, and Sweet Talkin’ Woman.

With the nasal sound of Jeff Lynne, mimicked excellently by Andy Louis, sporting an unashamedly obvious black wig, and home-grown Yorkie talent Pete Smith on bass, the band seamlessly layered the ubiquitous sound of electric and classical instruments alongside vocal harmonies, creating that wall of sound which made ELO unique.

Hold on Tight had the entire audience singing along in French, while the space-age effects demanded of Twilight were accompanied by a sea of blue glowsticks.

Last Train to London became a Last Train to York and The Diary of Horace Wimp had the audience glued to a LEGO film. But the highlight of the evening was a perfect rendition of Mr. Blue Sky, which had the audience on its feet.

- Gary Duncan