Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) was forced to cancel its Manchester performance at Co-op Live Arena on Thursday night, just moments before the opening act was set to begin, leaving thousands of fans disappointed—and increasingly concerned about the legendary frontman’s health.
The show was part of the band’s “Over and Out” farewell tour, with only one concert remaining—Sunday’s highly anticipated finale at BST Hyde Park. But the abrupt cancellation sent shockwaves through the crowd, many of whom had travelled far for what was meant to be one of ELO’s final curtain calls.
In a statement released on X, the band shared, “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 that he cannot perform this evening.”
Although the official announcement cited illness, murmurs of concern had already begun the previous night during ELO’s first Manchester performance. Several attendees took to social media describing the 77-year-old Lynne as visibly unwell.
Reports circulated that Lynne had sustained a recent hand injury in a taxi incident, which prevented him from playing guitar. During the show, he acknowledged the injury onstage. One fan posted on Facebook that the singer “had to be helped onto the stage” and was “missing his cues.”
ELO devotees, many of whom had held onto tickets since the tour was announced, expressed sadness and support in equal measure online. Some called the cancellation “heartbreaking,” while others praised Lynne’s commitment to performing despite his condition.
This tour marks a poignant chapter for Lynne, who announced last year saying “My return to touring began at Hyde Park in 2014. 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. As the song goes, ‘we’re gonna do it One More Time!’”
Formed in 1970 by Lynne, Roy Wood, and Bev Bevan, ELO became one of Britain’s most iconic rock bands, blending orchestral arrangements with rock and pop. After disbanding in 1986, Lynne revived the band in 2014 as Jeff Lynne’s ELO, joined by the late Richard Tandy. Their career has spanned decades, selling over 50 million records and earning 27 UK Top 40 singles, including enduring hits like “Mr. Blue Sky” and “Evil Woman.”
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