On This Day in 2010: Mike Edwards of Electric Light Orchestra Died in Freak Accident When Hay Bale Struck His Van

Early Career and Accident

On September 3, 2010, Mike Edwards, one of the early members of Electric Light Orchestra, died in a strange accident in southwest England. While driving in Devon, he was hit by a giant hay bale that had rolled down a hill and crushed his van.

The hay bale weighed around 1,300 pounds (600 kilograms) and seemed to move without warning. The crash happened on the A381 road between Harbertonford and Halwell, right near where he lived.

Background and Band Years

Mike Edwards was born May 31, 1948, in West London. He became a first-rate cellist and joined Electric Light Orchestra in 1972. He played with ELO until January 1975.

During his time with the group, he became known for unusual stage acts. For example, he once played his cello with an orange or grapefruit instead of a bow. After his solo, his cello would even explode, thanks to pyrotechnics.

Life After the Band

After leaving the group, Edwards moved away from rock music. He became a music teacher and adopted the name Swami Deva Pramada when he became a follower of Osho and embraced Buddhist practices.

He continued composing and performing. He took part in many musical groups and taught the cello in Devon. He also helped form local music ensembles, sharing his talent in early music and classical scenes.

Reaction and Legacy

Jeff Lynne, who co-founded ELO, remembered Mike Edwards warmly:

“Mike Edwards was unlike your average balaclava wearing cellist in a rock group. He was a very good natured chap who mixed politeness and reserve with wild and wacky stage performances. Even though he left the group over 35 years ago I occasionally think about him on stage in his woolen balaclava playing his cello solo with an orange. Now that was pretty original. Mike was a great cellist but most of all a real gentleman. The wild and strange middle bit in ‘Showdown’ is actually Mike Edwards double tracked over and over adding odd notes all the time. I love that bit.”

His death was ruled an accident, and in 2012, a court cleared the farmers who were linked to the hay bale’s placement of wrongdoing