TRIBUTE bands can be rather risky. They mean well, but quite often fall short of the desired effect.

One tribute band that doesn't fall short is The ELO Experience.

Fronted by Andy Louis, this group of ELO fans from Hull are all respected musicians in their own right are year celebrating their tenth anniversary of bringing the music of Jeff Lynne and ELO to theatres around the country.

The core band has five members: Andy on lead vocals and guitar; musical director Steve Hemsley, who supplies the keyboard sounds and orchestral effects; bassist Pete Smith, Jan Christiansen on lead guitar and Tony Lawson on drums.

They also boast a string section and their own version of the famous ELO 'flying saucer'.

All the band are long-standing fans of ELO.

"It's the incredible music from a true genius," said Andy. "The arrangements and vocal harmonies are just delightful and the melodies are so catchy. It's no wonder that the audiences just want to sing and dance along to them."

From humble beginnings they now have a state of the art light show and background films.

Andy tells me why they started.

He said: "Simply, ELO was missing from the live scene, so we thought we'd try to recreate the sight and sound of ELO and we did it 'cos Jeff wasn't around.

"When we started we were the only ELO tribute band around and we feel that we've had a reasonably good impact. We take the music really seriously, but we don't take ourselves too seriously, hence the wig I wear. We like to put a bit of humour into it."

Even now, ELO tribute bands are thin on the ground.

"It could be that the music is difficult to do correctly and they're all quite testing vocally," said Andy. "You have to really put the work in."

The band has quite a work-load and they appear to be getting busier.

"Actually, we're having to hold it back these days. We only do about 75 to 80 shows a year, it suits us and gives us the opportunity to pursue other things which helps keep things fresh.

"We're getting more and more pressure to take our show abroad, but we want to carry on just as we are."

Over the years, the band has developed a set-list which covers the whole of ELO's career, with hits like Showdown, 10538 Overture and Roll Over Beethoven and the band tries to introduce at least one new song every year.

But that throws up a problem.

"We have to play the hits – which is why the people come to see us – and once you put new stuff in, you have to leave other songs out.

"Once you get the hits, it's difficult to add anything else. We chop and change but you have to stick to what people want."

Jeff Lynne has recently announced a series of UK concerts, so does Andy have his ticket?

"No! We're working and can't get to any of the shows," he said. "Our gigs are all planned a year in advance, so we can't get to one.

"Mind you," he adds impishly, "He never comes to see us."

"I have to say though, that it was a real honour to meet Jeff a couple of years ago. It's fantastic that he's back touring."

The ELO Experience will play Burnley Mechanics on Saturday (01282 664400), and the Palace Theatre, Manchester on Thursday, April 28 (0844 871 3019)