The Orchestra in Israel.

The Orchestra played two hugely successful concerts in Israel on Friday & Saturday 5-6 June 2009 in Binyamina and Ra`anana.

Eric Troyer's amusing, entertaining (and educational!) 'Orchestra Universe' Blog has details of many behind-the-scenes stories as well as pictures and video clips.

Drop by at ericleetroyer.com and check it all out!

Here's a YouTube clip of the band's unique cover of 'Twist & Shout' (a "twist on twist", as Kelly used to call it!) complete with Mik Kaminski's violin solo intro.

Standing in for Glen Burtnik at these shows was German singer and bass player Ralf Vorberger from Phil Bates' Electric Light Band.

For details about The ELB click - here.

A look back at The Orchestra's May 2009 mini-tour....

Although emotional and challenging in the aftermath of the terribly sad passing of Kelly Groucutt in February, The Orchestra's May 2009 'mini-tour' went ahead in tribute to the great man, with Glen Burtnik admirably taking on bass and vocal duties.

It is of course impossible to replace Kelly or even 'fill-his-shoes', but Glen has brought his own 'musical footwear' to the line-up. The tour was ultimately a triumph with the band giving some wonderfully dynamic performances to rapturous and supportive audiences.

In honour and tribute to a dearly departed friend and colleague, The Orchestra are clearly going from strength-to-strength and forging onwards.

Kelly wouldn't want it any other way.

Personally I was able to catch the band at Dudley Town Hall and, thanks to a standing venue that enabled dancing and easy trips to the bar throughout the whole show, I particularly enjoyed a 'tight but loose' gig at The M Club in Crewe. Check Jim Hoban's elonetwork site for a full detailed review plus pictures and video from Crewe by clicking - here.

This was all of course in addition to the hugely successful 'Evening Without Kelly Groucutt' tribute gig at The Robin2, Bilston. Jim Hoban's site again has a review and photos amongst many other goodies. Check out his concert reviews page - here.

Kelly's tribute show was a truly unique night that will live long in the memory. My highlights included a superb rendition of ELO's 'Poker' by The Groucutt Family, the appearance of Brum Beat legend Danny King and of course The Orchestra whose set rounded off the evening.

As the show concluded the band were joined on stage by The Groucutt family. A great set of photos from the night can be seen on flickr - here.

Kelly's "light shines on", not only with The Orchestra but also in the safe hands of his talented children and family.