25-07-2025
Rock legend cancels band's final show ever because of illness
Jeff Lynne had to cancel Electric Light Orchestra's (ELO) last show ever due health issues, according to the musician.
ELO's final show on the 'Over and Out' farewell tour, was supposed take place at Hyde Park in London on Sunday, July 13.
However, Lynne canceled the show the day before because of 'a systematic infection,' according to a statement on ELO's X page.
'Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that we will not be able to perform at tomorrow's BST Hyde Park Show,' the statement read. 'Jeff has been battling a systematic infection and is currently in the care of a team who have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time nor will be able to reschedule.'
It continued, '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."
Ticket holders were directed to BST Hyde Park's website for refunds.
ELO's penultimate show was also canceled due to Lynne's health. The band's show Thursday night, July 10 at Co-Op Live in Manchester, England was set to be the second-to-last show on the 'Over and Out' farewell tour, but the concert was axed just minutes before showtime, according to NME.
'Unfortunately due to illness tonight's (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead,' a statement on ELO's X page read. 'Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening. More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.'
Lynne has reportedly been struggling with his health while on tour. The musician broke his hand at the start of the final leg of the 'Over and Out' tour on July 5, Ultimate Classic Rock reported.
Concertgoers have also shared concerns about the 77-year-old's health on social media. One fan wrote in a July 9 Facebook post that Lynne 'had to be helped onto the stage' and was 'missing his cues, forgetting words and almost collapsed two thirds of the way through' a concert they were at.
'They had to bring him a chair and he was struggling to stay on it. By the end of the concert the band had to sing Mr Blue Sky for him and his backing singers looked visibly shaken up,' the fan wrote. 'At the concert end the crew rushed onto the stage to help him off. So sad to see my musical hero in such a state. How on earth he will manage tomorrow's Mcr gig and Hyde park on Sunday I cannot imagine. Thanks Jeff for the fantastic music and enjoy your retirement. So So sad.'
The final performance would have marked the end of a 55-year run for ELO, which formed in 1970 in Birmingham, England.
The band released its eponymous debut album in 1971. ELO gained traction throughout the '70s and in the 1980s with hits like 'Evil Woman,' 'Turn to Stone,' 'Strange Magic' and 'Don't Bring Me Down,' which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard reported.
ELO has since released 15 studio albums, with 'From Out of Nowhere' in 2019 being their most recent. Several of the band's albums, including 1977's 'Out Of The Blue,' have been certified platinum status in the U.S. by the RIAA.
The band split up in 1983 after Lynne began feuding with manager Don Arden but the breakup was finalized in 1986 because of contractual agreements.
ELO reunited for a short period from 2000 to 2001 but didn't begin touring again consistently until 2014. ELO made its United States performance debut in 2018 after being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
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Read the original article on MassLive.
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