Electric Light Orchestra & Cutting Crew

Electric Light Orchestra Experience feat. Phil Bates

Phil Bates — former lead singer and guitarist of ELO — Electric Light Orchestra (part II) plays all hits

All Over The World Rock 'n Roll Is King Calling America Xanadu Hold On Tight Don't Bring Me Down... and many more...

Phil Bates was born in Tamworth, England and began his musical career at the age of 12. Many years later, 1978 to be exact, he played with his band Trickster as support on the legendary ELO “Spaceship World Tour”. In the 80s and 90s, he also worked with artists such as Billy Ocean and Alvin Stardust.

In 1993, Phil Bates became the lead singer and guitarist of Electric Light Orchestra Part II, the official successor to the Electric Light Orchestra led by Bev Bevan.

Phil Bates toured the world with ELO Part II. When Bev Bevan sold ELO naming rights to Jeff Lynne in 1999, the band was renamed “The Orchestra”, Phil remained lead singer and guitarist until 2011.

Since 2011, he has continued the ELO legacy with his own band. After Jeff Lynn retired in 2025, the ELO Experience Show with Phil Bates is the only live performance of these great ELO songs worldwide.

With over 1,000 concerts on many continents, Phil demonstrates the incredible magic that ELO music continues to do at Experience feat. Phil Bates has people all over the world.