In a truly rock ‘n’ roll moment, Jeff Lynne, the mastermind behind Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), defied the odds and opened the band’s final tour with a broken hand. The 77-year-old legend took to the stage at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on July 5, sans guitar, yet delivered a stellar 22-song set that left fans buzzing. Despite the injury, Lynne’s spirit was unbroken. ‘I’ve had a guitar in my hand all my life, but not tonight,’ he told an appreciative audience, who responded with cheers of encouragement. ‘Nothing would keep me away from you,’ he added, signaling his unwavering dedication to his fans.
The evening was a musical journey through ELO’s storied career, featuring classics like ‘Mr. Blue Sky,’ ‘Livin’ Thing,’ and ‘Evil Woman.’ Fans were in for a treat when Dhani Harrison joined Lynne on stage for two Traveling Wilburys hits, ‘Handle With Care’ and ‘End of the Line,’ adding a touch of rock royalty to the night.
While Lynne remained tight-lipped about the cause of his injury, social media sleuths speculated that a taxi door was the culprit. Regardless of the mishap, Lynne’s performance was nothing short of triumphant. The Over And Out Tour marks a significant milestone for ELO, with upcoming shows in Manchester and a grand finale at London’s Hyde Park on July 13. Hyde Park holds special significance as the site of ELO’s live revival in 2014. ‘My return to touring began at Hyde Park,’ Lynne reminisced. ‘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!’’
The setlist was a testament to ELO’s enduring legacy, featuring beloved tracks such as ‘Do Ya,’ ‘Telephone Line,’ and ‘Don’t Bring Me Down.’ For fans unable to attend, videos of the performance, including the iconic ‘Mr. Blue Sky,’ have surfaced online, capturing the electric atmosphere of the night.
As the tour continues, Jeff Lynne’s resilience and passion for music remain evident, proving once again that even a broken hand can’t stop a rock legend from doing what he loves.
