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It should be the triumphal end of a 55-year career. The “Over and Out” departure tour of Electric Light Orchestra. But at the second show in Manchester’s multi -purpose arena, mastermind Jeff Lynne (77) suddenly had to fit. The concert on Thursday evening (July 10) was canceled a few minutes before the start when the audience was already in the places.
Jeff Lynne struck healthy – show canceled
“Unfortunately, Jeff Lynne’s ELO’s appearance planned for tonight must be canceled in the co-op live for illness,” an official message was submitted to the band’s social media accounts. “Jeff is destroyed that he cannot play this evening. Further information will be announced as soon as possible.”
The tour of the tour in Lynnes hometown Birmingham was already bumpy. He had broken his hand. There and at the first gig in Manchester he still bit his teeth. According to the BBC, a “Taxi Crash in London” was the cause of the injury. “I had a guitar in my hand all my life, but not tonight,” Lynne told his fans. “Nothing would keep me away from you.”
Worrying fan reports – an idol at the limit
In the comment function of the Facebook account Elo, however, the situation is more drasty: “Jeff Lynne had to be helped on stage,” reports Andy L. “He missed his missions, forgot words and almost broke together after two thirds of the concert. They had to bring him a chair on which he could only keep up with”.
And further: “At the end of the concert, the band ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ had to sing for him, and his background singers seemed visibly shaken. At the end of the concert, the crew hurried onto the stage to help him off the stage.
“To be honest, I was close to tears,” writes John M. “It was a very sad sight how his condition visibly deteriorated before our eyes.”
“I hope he is fine – and there was no concert too much,” writes Tony C.
Will the grand finale take place in London?
On Sunday, July 13th, Elo as headliners are announced in the London Hyde Park, they are accompanied by seasoned warriors such as Stevie Winwood and the Doobie Brothers as supporters.
So far, it is unclear whether Lynne can then contest the Grande Finale.
Just as much: “My return to live concerts started in Hyde Park in 2014. It seems to be the perfect place to play our last show”, he announced this open-air show before the start of the tour. “We could not be more excited to share this special night in London with our fans in Great Britain. And as the song says: ‘We’Re gonna do it one more time!'”