ELO bassist Kelly Groucutt died of a heart attack on Thursday (February 19th) at age 63 at Worcester, England's Royal Hospital, according to The Chicago-Tribune.
Groucutt is survived by his wife Anna, four children and two grandchildren. A tribute to Groucutt appeared on his official website (kellygroucutt.sitesled.com) saying in part, "Our hearts and thoughts go out to Anna and Kelly's family. He touched all of our lives with his love, kindness and generosity as well as his talent for music and song. He was a true and wonderful friend who loved every second of life and he will be greatly missed by us all."
Groucutt recorded and toured with the band between 1974 and 1983 and played on such Jeff Lynne-written classics as "Evil Woman," "Don't Bring Me Down," "Sweet Talkin' Woman," "Telephone Line," "Do Ya," "Mr. Blue Sky," "Strange Magic," "Hold On Tight," and "Livin' Thing," among many others.
ELO drummer and co-founder Bev Bevans told NME.com, "He was a larger than life character who made a huge impact on people's lives. He was a nice man. He always took time out to talk to people and would never refuse to give anyone an autograph. It's a great shame."
