Jeff Lynne cancels huge farewell show at Hyde Park hours after statement promises go-ahead
Just hours after a statement from BST festival promised that Jeff Lynne‘s final show would go ahead, the musician has officially pulled the plug on it, disappointing 65,000 fans.
The news comes after Jeff Lynne’s ELO cancelled their penultimate farewell gig only minutes before it was set to begin in Manchester. However, the July 13th show was set to go ahead, a spokesperson promised in a recent statement, writing, “As reported, Jeff Lynne was unwell and unable to perform on Thursday, 10th July. We are advised that there are currently no concerns with regards to Sunday’s performance.”
A social media statement cancelled the July 10th performance. Jeff Lynne’s ELO wrote, “Unfortunately, due to illness, tonight’s scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead. Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening. More information will become available as soon as possible.”
A new social media statement has revealed that Jeff Lynne’s ELO will not make the very final performance, nor will it be rescheduled. It began, “Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that he will not be able to perform at tomorrow’s BST Hyde Park show.”
It added, “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 statement did not shy away from the huge emotional burden this will leave on the legend, adding, “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.”
The statement ended by urging fans to go to a website address for refund information. The website currently shows the same statement, and adds, “Further information for ticketholders will be available on this page shortly.”
Huge musicians like The Doobie Brothers, Steve Winwood, and Dhani Harrison were set to provide support throughout the day. The sold-out would have been one final celebration of Lynne’s career, though he plans to continue his production career full-time.
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