Jeff Lynne Releases First Statement After Cancelling ELO’s Final Two Shows
via BBC Radio 2 / YouTube
Fans Shocked by Sudden Cancellations
Electric Light Orchestra fans were disappointed when the group canceled their last two concerts. The band had been wrapping up their farewell tour, and many were looking forward to the final shows. Lead singer Jeff Lynne has now broken his silence about the cancellations, sharing how upset he was.
“I am now at home recuperating,” Lynne, 77, wrote in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) on July 18. “I was absolutely gutted to have to cancel the final two shows. I send my heartfelt thanks to all of the fans as well as my band and crew for all of their support and love.”
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Health Issues Behind the Decision
ELO’s scheduled performances on July 10 and July 13 were canceled due to a serious infection Lynne was battling. His doctors told him that performing was not safe at the time. The news surprised fans, especially since one of the cancellations happened just minutes before showtime.
“Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that he will not be able to perform at tomorrow’s BST Hyde Park show,” a rep from British Summer Time at Hyde Park said. “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.”
— Jeff Lynne’s ELO (@JeffLynnesELO) July 18, 2025
Focus Shifts to Recovery
The statement went on to explain how much Lynne values his fans and the band’s long legacy. “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 July 13 concert had been canceled a full day ahead of time, while the July 10 show was called off right before the band was due to go on stage. The concert organizers announced that anyone who had purchased tickets would be given a refund.
Looking Back at ELO’s History
Jeff Lynne formed ELO in 1970 with Roy Wood and Bev Bevan. The group became famous for mixing rock music with orchestral instruments, and they released hits like “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Strange Magic,” and “Don’t Bring Me Down.”
Though the original members went their separate ways in 1986, Lynne brought the band back as Jeff Lynne’s ELO in 2014. He went on to release two albums: Alone in the Universe in 2015 and From Out of Nowhere in 2019.
