Draft:Steve Woolam
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Steve Woolam | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1949 Bilston, England, UK |
| Died | 1971 (aged 21–22) |
| Instrument | Violin |
| Years active | 1960s–1971 |
| Formerly of | Electric Light Orchestra |
Steve Woolam (1949—1971[1]) was a British violinist. He was the original violinist for Electric Light Orchestra, and played on their first album.[2] Woolam took his own life a few months after joining ELO.
Early life
[edit]Woolam originally came from Bilston. Woolam's family were violin players, including his father Joe who taught him how to play.[1] By age eleven, Woolam was a grade eight in violin playing.[1] He attended Birmingham University in 1969 and after graduating worked in Dudley.[1]
Electric Light Orchestra
[edit]Steve joined Electric Light Orchestra in early 1971 and played violin on the first album, The Electric Light Orchestra, that same year.[1] Woolam is only credited for playing violin on tracks produced by Jeff Lynne, which includes the bands first single "10538 Overture", released after Woolams departure, in 1972.[1][3] Woolam was fired from ELO shortly after the release of the album.
Death
[edit]Woolam left the music business behind him after leaving ELO and worked on a construction site for a few months. In late 1971, Steve Woolam took his own life by jumping off of the roof he was working on.[1][4] There were many things that led to his death, mainly that he had met a woman who drained him of his money and got him on drugs; Woolam's nephew confirmed that his booting from ELO was not a motive however he and Steve's family believe that a falling out with Roy Wood had contributed to his suicide.[1]
Discography
[edit]Albums
- The Electric Light Orchestra — ELO — 1971[5]
Singles
- "10538 Overture" — ELO — 1972[5][6][a]
Notes
[edit]- ^ Released as a single after Woolam's death
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h "Steve Woolam". 10538overture.dk. Archived from the original on 2025-08-02. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
- ^ Lester, Paul (2016-04-01). "Electric Light Orchestra: Where Are The Former Members Now?". Louder. Archived from the original on 2025-08-11. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
- ^ Afterglow liner notes
- ^ The Electric Light Orchestra Story - Bev Bevan - page 39 (1980)
- ^ a b "Steve Woolam Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & Mor..." AllMusic. Archived from the original on 2025-07-26. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
- ^ Marchese, Joe (2018-09-27). "Review: Electric Light Orchestra, "The U.K. Singles Volume One: 1972-1978" - The Second Disc". theseconddisc.com/. Archived from the original on 2024-12-11. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
