Wow!! ELO - Roll over Beethoven REACTION - First time hearing

[@OriginalLictre]

Chuck Berry's genius in creating the original can't be denied, but I think "Roll Over Beethoven" absolutely needed more of an orchestral presentation than anybody before ELO was able to give it. ELO had the orchestral capabilities in place to truly bridge from classical orchestra style to screaming guitar and synthesizers.

[@davidmazon7516]

When this song first came out on the radio by Chuck Berry my aunt and her boyfriend wood get up and start dancing to. I mean they would jump up and down throw each other around no telling where they were bound. Then later on in my teens this song came out. It reminded me of my aunt but this song kicks ass. I never seen a cello played like that before in my life. Chuck Berry is the original.

[@notgivennotgiven7776]

I saw them do this live, and it was unreal. The violinist wore green, and his violin was green too. When they were jamming, he'd be running around in a circle while playing. And the chello players would be holding them like guitars. And one of the chello players was playing behind his head. Yeah, they definitely rocked. Peace

[@tonythegoodman]

Nice..bet that had everybody up on their feet..thx 4 sharing that..

[@bungalowmo]

Yep!!! Me too, way back in the day!

[@notgivennotgiven7776]

@@bungalowmo that was a Thursday or a Friday

[@chronomatt6990]

They were great live. Mik was known for his blue violin.

[@kns6958]

I almost wish I was alive then to see that performance.

[@imaliveinjesus]

Chuck Berry made this tune come to life. However, ELO has played this tune to the best of all recordings. Just my personal opinion.

[@roymoore3156]

I was fortunate enough to hear and see ELO live in Portland...tremendous show, and some of the most “fresh” sounding music of the age...I consider myself one of the most fortunate guys alive-the music of the 70’s knows no peer!

[@wallacecallow2255]

The part at 4:16, when the violin kicks in really takes the energy to the next level in the song! Then the piano sustains the momentum.

[@fabfour7397]

ELO is the best live band i have ever seen. Long live Jeff Lynne!

[@chronomatt6990]

Such a phenomenal version. Jeff and Co. went beyond a “cover” and made it their own. It’s nice Jeff was able to play this live as a tribute to Chuck when ELO was inducted in the Hall Of Fame.

[@josephthomas3912]

This is E.L.O. very early in their career stepping out there and saying - 'this is who we are and what we are all about'. The inclusion of Beethoven's 5th is pure genius. According to Jeff, while they were recording this, George Martin was in the studio down the hall producing Paul McCartney and Wings' "Live And Let Die". One day George stepped in and Jeff played him the final mix of this track. George loved it, and gave it his official blessing.

[@daveyjones6465]

Definitely my favourite version of this song 👍🏻

[@maryellenazack4466]

MOST EXCELLENT !

[@Nastyfinger1444]

ELO and the 1970s were a wonderful time to be alive.

[@randy8297]

The very foundation of the ELO concept.

[@danastearns7939]

they are just having an absolute ball playing this song!! so much energy.

[@Silverstreak1985]

Hard to sit still listening to this!

[@captainmoretokin2172]

1 word ''Perfect''

[@Newslies1]

It's nice to see someone of Jeff Lynnes talent's paying tribute to the roots of the rock movement.

[@walterpanovs]

Their first "hit" in the USA (after some UK success). It only made it to #42 but it broke them in the states and was the first time most of us heard them. Their goal was to carry on the orchestral rock of the Beatles.

[@Embur12]

Honestly love this better than the original!

[@puncht37]

Jeff Lynne in da house.

[@anneschreck5136]

I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed watching you fall for ELO and Jeff Lynne. They were such and influence on me back in the day, and did such unique and wonderful performances in diverse styles.

[@PaulOutdoors]

Harri and Cosmo have done it again. Thanks to you both for featuring this barnstormer and all of the genius contained within 👍😊

[@chrisakarazor9612]

Spectacular!

[@chucksmith6034]

This is my absolute favorite version of this song, ELO is excellent, Jeff Lynn is a fabulous composer and musician

[@CONNIECOLVIN-wg8bq]

This is just so incredible. Absolutely. Knocked the he’ll out of it Wow.

[@chronomatt6990]

Roll Over became ELO’s official encore song during every live concert. Jeff plays lead guitar on it and tends to extend his part and really cranks it. One of best live performances was about 6 years ago at the Hollywood Bowl with a coordinated fireworks finale. It’s available on KZbin.

[@unrulyjulie4382]

Bev absolutely kills the drums on this one!

[@sheilawrightson2380]

Just love Elo and chuck berry. Together marvellous.

[@RobertBreedon-c3b]

The first time I ever heard this was blown away with the big sound blasting out of the speakers the fiddle is amazing in this but so is the whole song. Jeff Lynne pays Homage to all the early greats in this Chuck Berry classic

[@josephbishop3590]

I was 13 when this song broke in the U.S. and it instantly catapulted ELO to the top of my MUST SEE acts. I finally got my chance to see them in the summer of 78 at the Colosseum in Biloxi Mississippi. I was in the middle of Air Force technical training and when I heard ELO was coming there I scored some tickets and asked the prettiest girl I ever saw to go with. This was exactly my second concert ever, so had very little understanding of what, when, where and how bands drew up a 'setlist'. I waited and waited and waited for this song to be performed knowing how big a hit it was for them. Getting near the end and I was getting antsy. They finished their performance and I'm sitting there like, "WTF"?? My date reminded me "There's going to be an encore. I'm sure they'll play it then." Sure enough...out comes Jeff and the rest of the band... but no ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN! I was pissed... grabbed my date and headed for the stairs. I was halfway to my car when they came back out for a second encore and listened to my favorite song in the parking lot. One of my rare regrets in life. BTW... the girl got away. Number 2 on my short list of regrets.

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

LOL...great story!

[@itsme_mandyp]

Ive seen this LIVE with a fireworks show at the Hollywood Bowl...Amazing...

[@timwhitnell7145]

This song is almost 50 years old and it still rocks. Such a great concept at the start to make that transition from the classical and classic sound snippet of Beethoven's 5th Symphony to rock. I love how Jeff throws in a few Little Richard woo-hoos. The drummer - I'm assuming Bev Bevan - is going off as well. Fantastic sound production besides Lynne's usual incredible arrangement. Jeff Lynne should be considered as talented a songwriter, and especially arranger/producer, as Paul McCartney.

[@michaelnorman3393]

With respect to Chuck, and the Beatles, this is the best version. (imho) Thank you Harri, and Cosmo! 💕

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

My pleasure. And I agree 100%.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

What a tribute to the 3 B's. Beethoven, Berry and Beatles!! Loved this song since the early 70's when I was so young.

[@Nuerth]

This is one of the greatest Chuck Berry songs a lot of artists done covers of it including The Beatles

[@personalcheeses8073]

Good stuff. So much energy

[@jennywren7822]

Harri, you've got to watch 2 live versions, British tour 2018 and North American tour 2019. Out of this world all live with an Orchestra Jeff Lynne's another GENIUS... You'll love them. .

[@joelliebler5690]

The first time I heard this son almost 50 years ago it became my favorite cover and pleasantly shocked me how different it was from Chuck’s original version.

[@debjorgo]

Now this is what ELO sounds like! It's the first song I heard from them and probably the best! As big a fan I am of Chuck Berry and the Beatles, this song has to be the best version. Another ELO song with sort of the same theme is Rockaria!.

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Harri reacted to, "Rockaria", not long ago. You can find it in his video archives.

[@debjorgo]

@@Cosmo-Kramer Aah! I had it in my watch later folder.

[@caseyhazelman2390]

Jeff Lynne nailed this arrangement.

[@davidpalmer7175]

I saw them do this song live in 1979. It WAS the loudest thing I've ever heard in my life.

[@peternicholson4839]

Saw Jeff doing this a few years ago, I'd forgotten how good it was, as I was around when ELO done it the first time round...LEGENDS

[@christinelegate8137]

This is a fantastic version of this song and was a big hit for them. They are an amazing band.

[@dsusan17]

I swear I thought I could hear the spirit of Little Richard and Chuck Berry! Great pick and reaction!

[@Grateful_Dad_54]

I saw them do this 'Live' in the mid-70s when I was in Germany. These guys rocked!

[@speedinon]

Lucky man!

[@susieq9801]

Was that when they appeared on stage as a giant space ship lifted up to reveal the band? That was when I saw them but I'm too OLD to recall the year!

[@Grateful_Dad_54]

@@susieq9801 Not that I recall. I'm pretty sure I saw them in a relatively small venue.

[@jollyrodgers7272]

Yeah, this is the ultimate cover of that great Chuck Berry classic! They pulled out all the stops. What I liked about The Beatles' cover, it was a George Harrison lead.

[@simply_psi]

You should take a listen to 10538 Overture by ELO it is awesome

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

It's coming next month.

[@simply_psi]

@@Cosmo-Kramer I can't fault your taste Cosmo, keep them recommendations coming in

[@fabfour7397]

@@Cosmo-Kramer The Hyde Park version and the Wembley Stadium versions are great. The story of the Prisoner is great...

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

@@fabfour7397 Agreed. But the studio is coming first. And I will add the lyrics to my video, as I agree the story is great, chilling.

[@gazza8127]

What an innovative musical genius Jeff Lynne was and still is, the way he fused pure rock n roll and classical music and made it popular was nothing short of astounding. Kudos to Jeff and this song's original creator the great Chuck Berry. Check out this great live version recorded at London's Hyde Park in 2014 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4PHl2OErdyHppY Cheers

[@yaynocows8240]

Never go wrong with ELO 🎸💡🎻

[@IZZY_EDIBLE]

Do DO YA?!!

[@shelter9236]

You should try and get to a live show, it's a production with a ship and the lights all over the place.

[@bobbit8987]

I am SOOO glad you got as big a kick out of the song as I do Everytime I hear it.

[@TomGorham]

That Beethoven guy was a real character. I'm sure he is rolling over in his grave seeing how his music evolved into this masterpiece of modern rock. LOL

[@debjorgo]

Hope Ludwig got his hearing back.

[@TheCosmicGenius]

The opening notes are from the overture to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

[@flanflinger37]

Even with all the songs he’s got in his catalog Jeff still closes his gigs on his recent tours with this track, what a finale. Another great selection from Cosmo and brilliant reaction from Harri. Keep ‘em coming 👍

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Thanks, Phil, glad you're digging them. More ELO to come!

[@flanflinger37]

@@Cosmo-Kramer Would you ever recommend Harri listen to Roy Wood’s back catalog?. Just thinking he’d love California Man, Forever and some of Wizzard’s tracks.

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

@@flanflinger37 To be honest, probably not. And not because I think he wouldn't like them--he probably would like them, as you said. It's just that these reactions cost $, and when I'm done with his ELO tour, I'm going to pivot to other favorite artists of mine, a long list that Roy Wood is not very high up on. But never say never.

[@timwhitnell7145]

One of my biggest regrets when it comes to music was not going to many more concerts and in particular those of my two favourite bands, Supertramp and ELO, when I was a teen in the late 1970s and both groups were in their prime. I still listen to the early catalogues (best music) of both bands regularly.

[@Imadrummin]

WARNING: Do not plan on sleeping for at least 4-6 hours after listening to this. The best. The dynamic duo of Harri and Cosmo does it again. ELO, soooo awesome.

[@GinMae]

Thanks, Harri! Of course, you gotta think of Chuck... but Damn! the incredible instrumentation and Jeff Lynne is so amazing... more, please!

[@johnandrews3151]

The single edit version of Roll Over Beethoven was the first top 40 hit for ELO in the USA. It was a top 30 hit and peaked around position 26 or in that range. Very underrated but most of the instrumentals were cut out for the single release. This version, of course, is the album version. Very epic and fitting for ELO!

[@tonyfred123]

Absolutely a musical masterpiece. I saw them do it live in Memphis TN in the mid 70s during the ELO Spaceship tour. One of the most fantastic concert events ever. I still get chills when I hear it. So glad you found it. Truly a work of art.

[@susieq9801]

I'm sure you are aware that Beethoven was deaf and eventually couldn't even hear his own compositions but conducted orchestras playing them nevertheless. Jeff Lynne is a genius arranger/producer.

[@kennydenson4139]

Yes!

[@mikemiller3069]

Do you know what Beethoven is REALLY doing in his grave? Decomposing! 🤣

[@lhpl]

I'd think he's completely done with de composin' by now.

[@jgsheehan8810]

ELO are a great band and do a great version of this. I also like George Harrison singing this when in The Beatles. Probably my top 2 versions that I’ve heard. Funny that George & Jeff Lynne became such good friends.

[@terrayork5840]

Rockaria! One of the best elo songs.

[@josephhall1241]

Great Performance and Reaction Harri. Loved it, Thanks

[@keymack2477]

Thank you Harri - thank you Cosmo!! I have been (not so) patiently waiting for someone to react to this one, and you win Harri!! You can collect your prize at the host desk on your way out!!

[@johnlong9534]

This was recorded 50 years ago. I think Beethoven would be proud. You can hear the influence of Little Richard in here too.

[@simonfootie6255]

I've seen it live 3 times

[@ffjsb]

ELO puts the Beat in Beethoven... Bev Bevan's drumming is incredible, and it's awesome how they go around and there's a feature of every instrument, guitar, piano, strings, and even the bass gets in at the beginning. Shout out to Chuck Berry for the original, but ELO took this song to it's pinnacle.

[@rcherry1978]

Thanks Harri for the great reaction to what I consider ELOs signature song and a song they usually used to close their live shows back in the day.A little back story Chuck Berry originally wrote the song as a tongue and cheek response to his sister Lucy using the family piano to play classical music much to the chagrin of her brother Chuck who many consider the father of Rock and Roll Jeff couldn't resist to have turn at covering it being that Chuck Berry's was a big influence and his biggest influence of all The Beatles had already covered it.Thanks again Harri and of course You too Cosmo for keeping that ELO reaction train running from your amigo THE BIGGEST ELO FAN

[@caseyhazelman2390]

Overused but appropriate in this case genius. Great pick brother Harri.

[@cosmiccat6708]

Best version hands down. I had the same reaction as you when I first heard this back when it was released as a single, an admittedly shorter version, but it was still "Wow, what is this?". It's what got me into ELO, all those years ago!!!

[@pattiaustin1808]

Harri, I love your choices of music to listen to, but I maybe love even more watching you listen. You’re right here - ELO knocked this one out of the park. Thanks!

[@ceciliarueda4871]

Beatles Versión versus ELO versión Winner ELO in My opinión. More ELO pls

[@AliasMark69]

HIGH Harri, everything ELO touches is genius. Another great tune and reaction. Have a Splendid Successful Day

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Harri, thanks for the terrific reaction! I agree, this is one of those covers that surpasses the original, as well as all over covers of the song. When you add it to your personal playlist, be sure to grab the full-length US album version, which is 8 minutes. The single edits, in both the US and the UK, cut out way too much great instrumentals. As for your question about whether or not Jeff made any money from his ELO career, he absolutely did, it made him a multi-millionaire. Jeff founded the band, wrote all the songs, and was the band's lead guitarist and lead singer. He was in charge of who got paid what. Sure, during the '70s, he had 6 other musicians in the band (1 drummer, 1 keyboardist, 1 bassist, 1 violinist, and 2 cellists), and he hired out full orchestras for several of his albums once the money started rolling in around 1974, beginning with the concept album you reacted to, Eldorado. Plus, Jeff spent a bundle on elaborate live concerts that included state-of-the-art laser light shows, and even a full-size spaceship on the band's 1978 Out Of The Blue tour, which required a couple tractor trailers to cart that thing all across North America, to be set up and taken down in city after city after city. But, all those expenses aside, ELO made tons of money from records sales and box office receipts, the lion's share of which went into Jeff's pocket--and rightly so, the man was a genius. ps~I hope you saw the brief ghost image of Chuck Berry I put over the photos of Jeff and Ludwig at the end of the song. Cheers! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[@HarriBestReactions]

Yep..i saw Lord Berry 😀

[@kentclark6420]

Even with all the money involved, it's hard to believe the grandiose schemes that humans are able to pull off, and that all of these things actually occurred! Roger Water's performances of 'The Wall' are other examples.

[@richteezer1]

I believe Jeff's personal wealth has now topped £100 million, despite allegedly being ripped off by his record company.

[@jackiesconiers4230]

Thanks for keeping great music alive! This is awesome!

[@jeanjennings2290]

Listen to rock aria another great all song.

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Harri reacted to, "Rockaria", five weeks ago, on March 18th. You can do a search for it in his video archives. Great song!

[@debbiechang5781]

I always loved the Beatles’ cover of this great song, but this is just fantastic. Cosmo, thanks for the extensive ELO education you continue to provide for us. I love reading the intro blurbs for your requests. 🌺✌️

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Thanks, Debbie! I'm pleased to hear that my Intros are appreciated. :) I definitely put a lot of time into them, as well as creating the photo and video montages that accompany the songs. And while I didn't do it for this song, the lyrics which I add over those visuals in many of the videos. Very time consuming, but it's a labor of love, and thank you for acknowledging my efforts to present these songs in appealing and educational little packages. (In my next ELO request, I added the lyrics, and did a little something special with part of them, as a mini-tribute to one of ELO's unsung heroes. Coming soon.)

[@debbiechang5781]

@@Cosmo-Kramer I look forward to seeing it 🌺✌️

[@margaretrobinson4480]

watch it on wembley concert its just as good x

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

Thanks harri,great call.😂

[@JK-ld8cd]

just saw them live a couple years ago, before u know what.... Still awesome

[@anthonybutler6365]

One of the best live groups of all time I must have seen them at least ten times and while the group no longer have any of the original musicians and backing singers they reproduce the music of the original group bang on and that is down to Jeff

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Richard's still around.

[@anthonybutler6365]

@@Cosmo-Kramer thanks for letting me know Richard is still around Cosmo he is such an amazing musician and Jeff and Richard were best friends but he hasn’t performed with Elo for a few years now, I remember him playing guitar with a group called Stax pre Elo days

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

@@anthonybutler6365 If ya haven't seen him and Jeff in an acoustic set, just the two of them, at Jeff's Bungalow Palace, you should check a few of those songs out.

[@anthonybutler6365]

@@Cosmo-Kramer yeah I’ve seen a few of those there so good

[@daleflix]

The drums come in with that roll and always makes me think of the song “Wipe Out “ by the Safaris

[@highpath4776]

Didnt Jeff and Roy Wood really come up with the Idea of doing Roll Over Beethoven but Jeff's incarnation of ELO really knocked it !

[@JeffLynnesELO2025Tour]

Roy left before the second album of ELO. Like you said Jeff really knocked it!

[@BlitherVids]

Harri, you do great reaction videos. Great song selections. I just subscribed.

[@michaelbannon2525]

My favorite intro to this song

[@ivansavoie3190]

Saw them in 73 open for Edgar Winter, also before them was I believe it was James Montgomery. Though I was there for Edgar Winter this stood out as did the Cello player on top of the speaker cabinets which had to be at least 15 to 20 ft.high. to be honest this is all I remember from whole concert, that and the bus rid from Hamilton Ontario to Toronto.

[@ralphschmitt5859]

I LOVE this version of this song! So upset I’m at work and can’t listen right now. Looking forward to later tonight. You’re the best Harri P.S. “MacArthur’s Park” by Richard Harris is a great listen.

[@personalcheeses8073]

I love that song. There’s just something about it. So off the wall

[@sharoneimen9815]

I knew you’d love it!

[@rayjennings3637]

This is sooo good! Loved it since I first heard it all those years ago. I've sampled the guitar intro for the ringtone on my phone. It always gets a smile or a laugh of appreciation if my phone goes off when I'm out! So much so, that I never pick up the call until it's at least half-way through the second repeat! Superb. There never has been and there never will be a better version!

[@speedinon]

Really enjoy how you love different genres of music.

[@richardfordham931]

Some of the guys in this band were in a band in the 60s call The Move. If you haven't heard them yet they are a treat. Lemon Tree is a good starter.

[@mudhens4ever]

Love your reactions again, Harri!

[@CCDzine]

ELO was mostly Jeff Lynne, soup to nuts.

[@webbtrekker534]

Everyone seems to think Johnny Be Good is so good but the moment this came out I knew this was the superior song. I was a teenager when both songs came out. This beats JBG hands down in my book!

[@pete3883]

those cats can play

[@kathryndunn9655]

I think it was Beethoven no 5 that was a bit sounded like chuck berry!!

[@damonhines8187]

Made an impression despite my initial skepticism and instinctual reserve when it came on the radio in '73 or whatevs.