ELO’s BST Hyde Park Finale Canceled as Jeff Lynne Withdraws Due to Illness
Fans eagerly anticipating the final day of BST Hyde Park were left with disappointment as the festival announced the cancellation of its closing event. Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) was scheduled to headline, but the iconic frontman, aged 77, had to withdraw at the last minute due to significant health concerns.
A statement released by ELO cited that Lynne stepped back from the performance on the advice of his doctors. He is reportedly suffering from a “systemic infection” that renders him unable to perform. This unfortunate turn of events comes shortly after the band also canceled a gig at Manchester’s Co-Op Live arena for a similar reason, underscoring the severity of Lynne’s current health status.
The BST Hyde Park performance was particularly anticipated, as last year, Lynne had hinted that it might be ELO’s final ever performance. He had previously expressed that the London festival seemed like “the perfect place to do our final show,” adding a layer of poignant significance to the cancellation.
The band’s statement conveyed Lynne’s deep regret, stating he was “heartbroken” not to be able to perform. ELO emphasized that Lynne 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 statement further elaborated on Lynne’s commitment to his fans, noting, “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.”
BST Hyde Park confirmed that all ticketholders for the canceled day will receive a full refund. Attendees will be contacted directly by their respective ticketing agents with further information.
This cancellation follows a recent instance where Lynne demonstrated remarkable resilience. Earlier in July, he performed at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena despite a previous injury sustained in a taxi crash, embodying the spirit of his hit song “Don’t Bring Me Down.” However, the more recent cancellation of the band’s July 10th show in Manchester, attributed to “illness,” foreshadowed the current unfortunate situation.
Jeff Lynne, a highly influential figure in the music industry as a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer, originally formed ELO in Birmingham in 1970 alongside Roy Wood and Bev Bevan. The band became renowned for its unique fusion of musical genres, seamlessly blending classical influences with contemporary pop and rock, and incorporating a diverse array of instruments into their distinctive sound. Their enduring hits include timeless classics such as “Livin’ Thing,” “Telephone Line,” and “Evil Woman.”
ELO initially disbanded in 1986, but Lynne successfully revived the band in 2014. A significant milestone in their comeback was a concert at BST Hyde Park on September 14, 2014, where Lynne performed alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra, revisiting many of the band’s greatest hits.
The band’s lasting impact has been recognized through various accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. Two years prior, Lynne received a prestigious star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2020, he was honored with an OBE for his significant contributions to music.