Fans anticipating a performance of “Mr. Blue Sky” under a summer sky by Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) at BST Hyde Park will be disappointed by the news of the final day’s cancellation.
The cancellation follows Lynne’s last-minute withdrawal from his headline slot due to health concerns, according to BST Hyde Park.
ELO released a statement noting the 77-year-old musician stepped back on his doctors’ advice, citing a “systemic infection.”
This decision follows the recent postponement of a performance at Manchester’s Co-Op Live arena for similar health-related reasons.
Last year, Lynne suggested the BST Hyde Park appearance could be ELO’s final performance, stating, “It seems like the perfect place to do our final show.”
According to the band, Lynne expressed feeling “heartbroken” about being unable to perform. He 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 continued, “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.”
BST has announced that ticketholders will receive full refunds and will be contacted directly by their respective ticketing agents.
Earlier this month, Lynne displayed resilience, embodying the spirit of ELO’s hit “Don’t Bring Me Down,” when he performed at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena despite injuries sustained in a taxi accident.
However, the band’s 10 July show in Manchester was canceled “due to illness” shortly before they were scheduled to take the stage.
Lynne, a multifaceted singer, instrumentalist, and producer, co-founded ELO in Birmingham in 1970 alongside Roy Wood and Bev Bevan.
The band is known for blending genres, including classical, pop, and rock, incorporating a diverse range of instruments into their music.
Other enduring hits include “Livin’ Thing,” “Telephone Line,” and “Evil Woman.”
ELO initially disbanded in 1986, but Lynne revived the project in 2014. On September 14 of that year, he collaborated with the BBC Concert Orchestra for a comeback performance at BST Hyde Park, showcasing the band’s greatest hits.
ELO was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, two years after Lynne received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his contributions to music.
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