Jeff Lynne has already had his, what’s believed to be, final show.
Lynne, the frontman of the British rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), was supposed to have his last live performance — and headline — at the BST Hyde Park festival on Sunday and was closing out his “Over and Out” farewell tour. However, it’s canceled due to his health issues.
On his Instagram, a statement was posted, which 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 an 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 continues, “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 band formed in Birmingham in 1970 by its co-founders Lynne, Roy Wood and Bev Bevan. However, they split in 1986. Lynne briefly returned in 2001 but officially rejoined the band in 2014, when it revamped, which included him and pianist Richard Tandy.
At the time of their farewell tour, Lynne was the last original member as Tandy died in 2024. He was 76. Lynne paid tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator on social media, writing, “It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my long-time collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy. He was a remarkable musician & friend and I’ll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together.”