Jeff Lynne cancels Electric Light Orchestra concert due to illness
- Jeff Lynne's ELO cancelled their concert in Manchester on July 10 due to his illness.
- Lynne had previously expressed concerns about his health during the band's performance on July 9.
- The cancellation raised concerns, but organizers expect the band's farewell gig to go ahead on July 13.
In the UK, Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) was scheduled to perform at the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester on Thursday, July 10. Just moments before the gig was set to start, organizers announced its cancellation due to the frontman’s illness. Jeff Lynne, 77, expressed his devastation over the inability to perform. The cancellation marked a significant point in the band’s tour, known as the 'Over and Out' tour, which was meant to culminate in a farewell concert at BST Hyde Park on Sunday, July 13. Fans who attended ELO’s performance the night before noted that Lynne appeared unwell, as he had previously injured his hand in an incident involving a taxi. This limitation prevented him from performing with a guitar, and fans reported observing him struggling during the preceding show. The incident added to concerns about Lynne's health, as he had to be assisted onto the stage and reportedly missed cues. The band members, including original members and those who joined over the years, have been a significant part of music history, being known for their fusion of classical and rock elements. Following the sudden cancellation, the band’s representatives expressed optimism that Lynne would recover and perform at the upcoming festival, which had been described as their final show. Organizers claimed to have received reassurances that there were no worries about the performance at BST Hyde Park despite the previous day's unsettling events. As anticipation for the farewell concert mounted, fans remained hopeful that Lynne would be fit to take the stage, marking the end of an era for ELO, which has a rich history dating back to 1970. The band's legacy includes numerous top-charting hits and an enduring influence on popular music, earning them an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. They have sold over 50 million records worldwide, which underscores the significance of Lynne's contributions as both an artist and a producer. His journey with ELO began in Birmingham, and although the band originally disbanded in 1986, Lynne successfully revived it in 2014, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new listeners alike.