Former ELO legend Bev Bevan announces end of the Move: ‘This will be the last time’

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The Move, a band that dates back to 1966 and served as a precursor to the Electric Light Orchestra, is calling it quits, according to stalwart drummer Bev Bevan. He says he’s ready to continue on to other projects, including the Bev Bevan Rock Band.

“We are having a good time, playing to fans old and new,” Bevan says, as the Move continues a farewell tour. “However, I am sad to say that this will be the last time. The reason is that the future is already getting chocabloc with other projects that I am really excited about.”

Bevan has been carrying the Move torch since 2004, when he reformed the group after the death of original vocalist Carl Wayne. Over the years, the often-unjustly overlooked group also included Jeff Lynne, Chris “Ace” Kefford, Rick Price and Roy Wood, among others. Founding guitarist Trevor Burton reunited with Bevan in 2007.

“Trevor and I got back together a few years ago on a show called Brum Rocks ‘Live,'” says Bevan, who later worked with Black Sabbath. “It was there that we decided to go with an idea that Carl Wayne had had a few years before and put the band back for a few gigs. So we started to do a few festivals and the odd one off date here and there in between our other commitments. Then finally, some five years later, we have managed to get a full tour in and it has been fantastic. The memories of gigging with Carl, Roy, Ace, Rick and Jeff have come flooding back. Trevor has been literally blowing the roof off.”

The group initially disbanded in 1972, as Wood, Lynne, Bevan and late-period Move member Richard Tandy split to form ELO. One of the Move’s best-known songs, “Do Ya,” was eventually re-recorded under the Electric Light Orchestra banner, as well.

Now, Bevan says both he and Burton was ready to start leading their own groups again. Bevan has also been working as a percussions with Quill. “Many thanks to everyone who has been to a Move show since that debut show at the Belfry on 23rd of January 1966, and to all of those who are coming along to these last few shows,” he adds. Hey — it’s been a blast!”

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