A scheduled performance by Jeff Lynne’s ELO in Manchester was abruptly cancelled shortly before its commencement.
Attendees reported being informed that the concert at the Co-op Live arena would not proceed, with the announcement coming just before the support act was slated to take the stage.
In a statement released on X, the official Jeff Lynne’s ELO account cited “illness” as the reason for the cancellation.
“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,” the statement read.
One couple, who traveled from Liverpool for the event, expressed their disappointment, calling the situation “a load of rubbish.”
“They could have told us earlier, but they haven’t. It’s very poor.”
“And you know what’s even more poor? [George Harrison’s son] Dhani Harrison was the support act. They could have let him play. I would have been happy to see Dhani Harrison, but we got nothing.”
Other fans voiced concerns for Lynne, the 77-year-old Birmingham music icon, who had been performing without his guitar since Saturday following a hand injury sustained in a taxi accident.
Some observers had noted that Lynne appeared unwell during the first of the two scheduled performances on Wednesday.
“I just hope he’s OK,” remarked one fan who traveled from Aberdeen.
“In the 1970s, my first cassette album was ELO, and I was looking forward to seeing Jeff Lynne, but the guy’s ill, so what can you say? I just hope he’s OK.”
ELO achieved significant success in the 1970s with hits such as “Living Thing” and “Mr. Blue Sky.”
Lynne has also garnered acclaim as a producer, notably working on the Beatles’ comeback singles “Free As A Bird” and “Real Love” in the 1990s.
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