Jeff Lynne's ELO Cancels What Was Billed as Final Show Ever at BST Hyde Park Due to a ‘Systemic Infection'
'Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that he will not be able to perform at tomorrow's BST Hyde Park show,' read a statement from Lynne's reps. 'Jeff has been battling a systemic infection and is currently in the care of a team of doctors who have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time nor will he be able to reschedule. The legacy of the band and his longtime fans are foremost in Jeff's mind today — and while he is so sorry that he cannot perform, he knows that he must focus on his health and rehabilitation at this time.'
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The concert, announced back in October of 2024, was the final stop after the legendary rock group ended its Farewell Tour in North America.
ELO, originally founded as The Electric Light Orchestra in 1970, was co-founded by Lynne along with The Move frontmen Roy Wood and Bev Bevan. The group pioneered a fusion of rock with orchestral instrumentation, releasing such iconic hits as 'Mr. Blue Sky,' 'Don't Bring Me Down,' 'Evil Woman,' 'Livin Thing,' 'Turn To Stone' and 'Telephone Line.' The band split in 1986, but Lynne marched on as a solo act and producer. He went on to collaborate with artists such as George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh and Bryan Adams.
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'I go to my local pub naked - the experience is liberating'
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BST Hyde Park Cancels Final Day After ELO Withdraws Due to Jeff Lynne's Health Issues
Organizers of London's annual BST Hyde Park concert series have canceled the event's final day on Sunday (July 13) after Jeff Lynne's ELO withdrew due to medical reasons. On Saturday (July 12), organizers announced that Lynne — whose performance was set to be his final live show — would not appear as planned. More from Billboard Sabrina Carpenter Brings Out Duran Duran for 'Hungry Like the Wolf' at BST Hyde Park Oasis Storm Back to U.K. No. 1 Following Reunion Tour Boost Watch Justin Bieber Have a 'Sweet Spot' Dance Party With Sexyy Red in New Video 'Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that he will not be able to perform at tomorrow's BST Hyde Park show,' read a statement posted on the festival's website. 'Jeff has been battling a systemic infection and is currently in the care of a team of doctors who have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time nor will he be able to reschedule.' Organizers added, 'The legacy of the band and his longtime fans are foremost in Jeff's mind today — and while he is so sorry that he cannot perform, he knows that he must focus on his health and rehabilitation at this time.' Later that day, organizers updated the announcement to confirm that the entire July 13 program would be canceled following Lynne's withdrawal. The lineup was set to include special guests The Doobie Brothers, Steve Winwood and Dhani Harrison. Full refunds will be issued to ticket holders. 'Tonight's performance marks the final night of an incredible edition of BST Hyde Park and we look forward to seeing everyone next year,' the updated statement said. Saturday's lineup featured performances by Stevie Wonder, Ezra Collective, Thee Sacred Souls, Elmiene, Corinne Bailey Rae, and others. Jeff Lynne's ELO concert at BST Hyde Park was announced in October 2024 and billed as the group's final performance following their Over and Out farewell tour in North America and a run of dates in the U.K. On Thursday (July 10), the act's second-to-last concert at Manchester's Co-op Live was canceled at the last minute, with audience members already seated in the venue. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
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