
ELO star Jeff Lynne issues health update after cancelling huge farewell gig in Hyde Park
The 77-year-old musician was taken ill just minutes before his band were due to take the stage in Manchester last Friday and it led to the Sunday show in London being pulled.
3
Now, Jeff has issued a statement on Instagram, telling fans: "I am now at home recuperating.
"I was absolutely gutted to have to cancel the final two shows.
"I send my heartfelt thanks to all of the fans as well as my band and crew for all their support and love."
Fans continued to share their well wishes.
One commented: "We love you, Jeff! Get well soon."
Another said: "I hope you get better soon, Jeff. I just wanted to let you know that apologies are not needed. Your music has been the soundtrack to my life from the 60s to the present day. Thank you for the memories."
A third posted: "You've dedicated years to the music industry and have given us great memories, music and entertainment through it all, we all love and support you no matter what. Get better soon."
Jeff's Electric Light Orchestra were set to headline a stellar day of classic rock in the capital featuring The Doobie Brothers, Steve Winwood and Dhani Harrison.
It would have been the culmination of their Over And Out Tour, which began last March.
However, he was unable to perform on the advice of doctors following a "systemic infection".
A statement from organisers said: "Following the news that Jeff Lynne's ELO will not be able to perform at BST Hyde Park due to medical reasons, Sunday 13 July's event will sadly be cancelled.
"Ticket holders will be refunded and contacted directly by their ticket agent with further details."
It added: "Tonight's performance marks the final night of an incredible edition of BST Hyde Park and we look forward to seeing everyone next year."
It remains uncertain if Jeff and the band will plan another farewell gig in the future.
Jeff, who formed ELO in 1970 with Roy Wood, previously said how Hyde Park held a special place in his heart.
He said: 'My return to touring began at Hyde Park in 2014. It seems like the perfect place to do our final show.
'We couldn't be more excited to share this special night in London with our UK fans. As the song goes, 'we're gonna do it One More Time!''
Earlier this month, Jeff was forced to play without a guitar in his home city of Birmingham after breaking his hand.
He told fans on the night, "nothing would keep me away from you".
Last May, the band suffered tragedy when keyboard player Richard Tandy died.
Jeff led the tributes for his friend, who first joined the band in 1971, saying: "He was a remarkable musician and friend and I'll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together.
"Sending all my love to Sheila and the Tandy family."
3
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
31 minutes ago
- The Sun
New hot-air balloon that doubles as pub to take flight in UK in days
Scroll down to find out how to get involved SKY HIGH New hot-air balloon that doubles as pub to take flight in UK in days THREE in 10 Brits are holding back from doing what they want to do in life due to fear of judgement from others. A study of 2,000 adults found 51 per cent wish their life was more spontaneous while 25 per cent feel 'stuck' in their daily routine. 2 The UK's first pub in the sky Credit: Simon Jacobs/PinPep And 45 per cent admit to being creatures of habit. As a result, 67 per cent admit they do the same thing every August Bank Holiday, despite 46 per cent wishing they could be more spontaneous during the extended weekend. The research was commissioned by Beavertown, which is encouraging Brits to do something different this bank holiday weekend, by inviting them to apply to a competition to take a flight in The Skulloon Tavern, a one-of-a-kind hot air balloon that also doubles as a pub. It will take flight on Saturday, August 23, and give Brits a chance to visit the pub in a way that is a little more out there. Tom Rainsford, spokesperson for Beavertown said: 'We are a nation of people holding ourselves back. 'But we believe life gets a lot more interesting when you stick your neck out, embrace spontaneity, and dare to do things differently.' It also emerged nearly two thirds (64 per cent) claimed to have not done the one thing they've always dreamed of ‒ because they always play it safe. With 65 per cent labelling themselves as 'risk-averse'. Other reasons included a fear of failure (30 per cent) or simply not wanting to step out of their comfort zone (21 per cent). Other words respondents used to describe themselves included cautious (57 per cent), reserved (48 per cent), and predictable (25 per cent). As a result, 22 per cent have stuck to the same routine for a long period of time, according to data. And while 36 per cent describe their daily routine as comforting and 16 per cent find it fulfilling, 51 per cent wish they could be more spontaneous. Tom Rainsford added: 'Too often, we stick to what we know out of habit or convenience but exciting things rarely happen when we play it safe.' 'That's why we're shaking things up this bank holiday - with almost a third of the UK listing a trip to the pub as their non-negotiable bank holiday plan, we thought we'd give you the chance to enjoy a pint a bit further north of your usual beer garden.' 'Why settle for ground-level plans when you can take things to a whole new height?'


BBC News
31 minutes ago
- BBC News
Masterchef contestant Penelope 'thrilled' show went ahead
The first contestant to leave this year's MasterChef says the latest series "should have been shown, absolutely" despite Hester, from Dorset, was the first to be eliminated from the series which was filmed before its presenters, Gregg Wallace and John Torode, were New Zealand-born writer, who lives in the north of the county, said: "Reality television lives and dies on its contestants and I was really thrilled it went ahead."She said she was now considering applying for other shows, including the Great British Bake Off and Great British Sewing Bee. Speaking on Radio Solent's Dorset Breakfast show, she said: "I met the other contestants, and they're all absolutely delightful people and they come from all walks of life."I've been a presenter on a television show, so presenters come, they go. "But, you know, contestants are what reality television [is about], the guts of it."Ms Hester said she was initially relieved after being eliminated from the show, but disappointed not to make it to the quarter said: "I'd quite like to have a go at Bake Off and I also I sew."I quite like to have a go at the Sewing Bee as well."MasterChef presenters Wallace and Torode were dismissed last month after a report into conduct on the cooking show upheld complaints against BBC decided to broadcast the series, saying it was "the right thing to do" for the chefs who took part. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.


The Sun
31 minutes ago
- The Sun
Lydia Bright slammed for ‘parent-shaming' as she shares medical advice online
It comes after she opened up about co-sleeping with her fuce year old called out Lydia Bright slammed for 'parent-shaming' as she shares medical advice online TOWIE alum Lydia Bright has been called out for "parent shaming" after sharing medical advice online. The reality TV star, 34, came under fire following her latest Instagram post, which documented a day in her life as a busy mum. Advertisement 6 TOWIE alum Lydia Bright has been called out for 'parent shaming' Credit: Splash 6 It came after she shared medical advice online Credit: PA 6 Lydia linked the rise in ADHD diagnoses to an increased use of screen time Credit: Instagram It showed Lydia playing with her five year old daughter Loretta and cooking together while calling out the increased use of screen time among kids. The former TOWIE fan favourite admitted she was "far from the perfect parent" yet hailed the "routines" she sticks to with Loretta to keep her away from tablets, including "books before bed." Lydia partnered with organisation Health Pros for Safer Screens for her video, yet some fans took issue with one claim in which she linked increased screen time to a "27 per cent rise children struggling with speech and language." She added: "ADHD diagnoses have soared by 56 per cent and one in four 10 year olds are now living with obesity." Advertisement Fans weren't impressed with the link to ADHD, which is a common condition that affects people's behaviour. The disorder, which is often diagnosed in childhood, often sparks symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The ADHD Foundation reveals that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common childhood conditions. One angry follower was quick to comment on Lydia's post and wrote: "Screens don't cause ADHD. The ADHD is already there, so tired of this false narrative just so you can post an ad. Inaccurate and offensive." Advertisement A second posted: "ADHD is genetic, this will make parents feel awful by saying that screen time caused it!" A third mused: "I have to comment but as far as I am aware ADHD isn't related to screen time, it's genetics." Lydia Bright reveals daughter, five, is still co-sleeping One then wrote: "Throwing ADHD in the mix is not good. The only reason ADHD diagnosis is up is because it's being recognised now unlike a few years ago they said it was bad parenting. "Please only post the truth it's important. I agree with you too many parents can you screen time and it's not good for children." Advertisement Another mused: "I'm sorry you haven't been given the correct information about ADHD having specialised and worked with children and young adults. "It's going to offend the hard working parents and guardians alike . ADHD isn't related to screens!" What is neurodiversity? You may have heard of autism and ADHD before. These conditions come under the umbrella term of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is a term that refers to the natural variation in how human brains work. It is rooted in the idea that neurological differences, such as those associated with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette's syndrome, and other conditions, are a normal and valuable part of human diversity rather than deficits or disorders that need fixing. Rather, society should find ways to be more inclusive and accommodating, such as in schools and the workplace. Here's a closer look at two of the key conditions: ADHD ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals focus, regulate their impulses, and manage their energy levels. Symptoms depend on the type; inattention causes challenges with focusing, organisation and time management, hyperactivity causes excessive energy or restlessness, and impulsivity causes a person to act without thinking or struggle to wait their turn. People can be predominately one type or a mix of the two and symptoms are varied and unique to individuals. While living with ADHD is challenging, people often find unique strengths within their condition, such as the ability to hyperfocus on something they find interesting, problem-solving skills and creativity. Autism Autism is described as a "spectrum" because it encompasses a wide range of traits and abilities. Common features include difficulty with social communication, such as reading facial expressions or tone, repetitive behaviours and routine, sensitivity to stimulation of the senses, e.g. bright lights or loud noises, and detailed, literal thinking. Autism can be challenging, including due to a lack of understanding. But there are key strategies to help those with it thrive. In her caption, Lydia offered more insight in her new collaboration. She wrote: "We're in the middle of a public health crisis that isn't being talked about. Ad* Advertisement "I believe so many parents aren't aware of the developmental, behavioural, physical, and emotional risks of excessive screen time in early childhood. "That's why I've teamed up with @healthprosforsaferscreens to help share the facts. This isn't about guilt tripping, we're all doing our best with the knowledge and tools we have. "But I believe that if parents really knew the dangers that would make different choices. "Which is why I think their free Summer of Connections e-book is a must-read for parents. Advertisement "It's packed with evidence, information and realistic ideas to help families reduce screen time and support new routines, rituals and healthier childhood development. "Head to my stories or bio to download. *Partnering with #healthprosforsaferscreens to raise awareness of screen harms." FAN SLAM Recently, Lydia was mum-shamed for admitting she still co-sleeps with her daughter instead of her partner. She previously came under fire over a sweet video she posted of her five-year-old little girl. Advertisement In the sweet clip, Loretta - whom she shares with her ex-boyfriend Lee Cronin - could be seen fast asleep next to her mum. However, some cruel trolls said she should not be letting her child sleep next to her, if she wants to find a new man. She was also mum-shamed after letting her daughter climb on plane seats. Advertisement 6 Fans were quick to flag the condition is genetic 6 Lydia told of the 'routines' she uses with daughter Loretta to reduce screen time in her new Instagram campaign Credit: instagram/lydiabright