Jeff Lynne’s ELO farewell show at Hyde Park will go ahead, new statement promises
After cancelling their penultimate farewell gig only minutes before it was set to begin, a new statement promises that Jeff Lynne‘s ELO will make their final show on July 13th.
A spokesperson for the festival organisers promised that the concert was going ahead. They wrote, “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.”
The original performance was cancelled via a statement on social media, in which 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.”
Fans who had managed to see Lynne the previous night, July 9th, had reported that he looked unwell. When the band opened their tour in Birmingham, Lynne walked out with a newly broken hand, meaning he has been unable to play the guitar on tour. He admitted on July 9th to the Manchester crowd that this was due to a “taxi incident”.
Their final night at Hyde Park was announced in a statement at the start of their Over and Out tour. Lynne discussed how important it was for him to finish in Hyde Park, saying, “My return to touring began at Hyde Park in 2014.”
He added, “It seems like the perfect place to do our final show. We couldn’t be more excited to share this special night in London with our UK fans.”
Alongside ELO on July 13th, huge musicians like The Doobie Brothers, Steve Winwood, and Dhani Harrison will provide support throughout the day. The sold-out show promises to celebrate the music legend, who plans to give up touring but will continue his production career full-time.
Story Update: Jeff Lynne cancels Hyde Park show
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.
A statement reads: “Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that he will not be able to perform at tomorrow’s BST Hyde Park show. 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 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 full story and details about refunds, here.
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