Jeff Lynne, the 77-year-old frontman of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), canceled what was intended to be the band's final performance at the BST Hyde Park festival in London Sunday, due to a "systemic infection."
This concert was meant to conclude ELO's "Over and Out" farewell tour, marking the end of the band's 55-year legacy.
Lynne, who has been battling health issues, including a recent hand injury from a taxi incident that prevented him from playing guitar at earlier shows in Birmingham, expressed deep regret over the cancellation. In a statement, he said he was "heartbroken" and emphasized that the legacy of the band and its fans were foremost in his mind, but his doctors advised that performing was not possible, and the show could not be rescheduled.
The cancellation followed another last-minute cancellation in Manchester on July 10, 2025, also due to illness, which left fans concerned about Lynne's health after he appeared frail and needed assistance leaving the stage at a prior performance.
Despite these setbacks, Lynne has indicated that while this marks the end of ELO's touring, he plans to return to studio work, stating, "This is not a farewell to music. I am excited to return to the studio full-time, which is what I love!"
ELO, originally formed in 1970 by Lynne, Roy Wood, and Bev Bevan, is known for hits like "Mr. Blue Sky" and sold over 50 million records during its initial run. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
Lynne reformed the group as Jeff Lynne's ELO in 2014 with keyboardist Richard Tandy, who passed away in 2024, making Lynne the last original member.
Fans have expressed support and concern online, wishing Lynne a speedy recovery while lamenting the abrupt end to the farewell tour. Ticket holders for the Hyde Park show are being refunded, with further details provided by their ticket agents.
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