ELO sign deal for new album

Electric Light Orchestra have signed a deal with Columbia Records to release their first new material in 15 years.

And mainman Jeff Lynne has vowed he’ll stick to his original values with the fresh work.

The news comes after Lynn led the first ELO concert in 30 years at London’s Hyde Park in 2014 – and later confirmed he was writing again.

In November he told Classic Rock the band were a “going concern,” adding: “It really felt nice to finally have my name in it, and not just by hiding behind those letters all the time. It gave me a lot more confidence.”

The band’s website says: “At the time of ELO’s formation, Lynne said the goal was to create modern rock and pop songs – a goal that remains true 30 years later with the creation of new material.”

Jeff Lynne: "ELO is a going concern again"

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.