Jeff Lynne issues health update after cancellation of final ELO shows
ELO frontman Jeff Lynne has issued a health update, days after he was forced to cancel the band’s final ever two shows, including at London’s Hyde Park.
The Birmingham band had been scheduled to give their farewell performance on July 13th, but this was cancelled due to Lynne battling a “systematic infection,” and was being cared for by doctors, a previous statement explained.
The illness had also caused the band to cancel their gig last-minute at the Co-op Live in Manchester three nights earlier.
Now, Lynne has taken to social media to update fans on his recovery. He said in a statement on X: “I am now at home recuperating. I was absolutely gutted to have to cancel the final two shows.”
The ‘Mr Blue Sky’ singer added: “I send my heartfelt thanks to all of the fans as well as my band and crew for all their support and love.”
The confirmation of Lynne’s ongoing recovery comes despite the fact that the two gigs in Manchester and London will not be rescheduled, which was announced at the time of their cancellation.
Although it marked a sudden and somewhat sad ending to ELO’s performing career, “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,” organisers said.
Indeed, because of Lynne’s illness, ELO were only able to complete one performance of their UK farewell tour, taking to the stage at the Utilita Arena in their native Birmingham on July 9th.
However, even that gig didn’t quite end up going to plan, with Lynne appearing at the gig with a broken hand and unable to play the guitar, forcing him to explain to fans that he had been involved in an accident while riding in a taxi.
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