An Electric Light Orchestra fan has spoken out on what they believe was an “uninspired” show from Jeff Lynne.
Fans were quick to jump to the frontman’s defence as he plays through the Over and Out farewell tour – set to conclude next year at Hyde Park – but the original poster, user Express_Project_8226, noticed a few problems with the tour they attended.
Taking to the Electric Light Orchestra subreddit, they wrote: “Anyone feel Jeff Lynne didn’t deliver 100% with his singing? His onstage delivery and presence was uninspired and blah tbh, he even swatted the crowd as he left the stage while the crowd was applauding like he knew he wasn’t his best and I was in the fifth row) and the backup singers/instruments, AI and light show and stage set added significantly to the overall experience.
“When you listen to ELO’s recordings, Jeff Lynne’s voice is so smooth and the falsettos wow. I’d give the shows 10/10 but Jeff Lynne’s overall performance and delivery about an 8/10 (Sacramento 7/10). Big credit to him for writing those songs tho! I also went to Elton John’s farewell concert a couple years ago and he was better.”
Members of the forum were less than impressed with this assessment and suggested the “swatting” was waving from the 76-year-old frontman. One user suggested: “‘Swatting the crowd’ was probably him waving goodbye. He’s 76, he’s not going to sing like he did even five years ago, I thought his singing was fantastic.”
Now that the Over and Out U.S. tour is over
byu/Express_Project_8226 inelo
Another user explained what they thought of Lynne’s stage presence and, while admitting the frontman “messed up the lyrics” a few times, the overall show was phenomenal. They wrote: “I thought his mannerisms were beyond adorable. He is a shy and humble man and is visibly uncomfortable receiving the lavish and enthusiastic praise he deserves.
“He’s not going to stand up there and bow and make a big deal out of himself or beg for more applause. He gives his precious thumbs up and smiles and kind of waves his hand around because he is awkward and sweet and shy. Even if you go back and watch his concerts from the 70s, his style has always been just to stand there and play. He’s not Mick Jagger and I love that about him.”
While many leapt to Lynne’s defence, others suggested he may not be performing at the top of his game. “I don’t think it’s Jeff at his performing prime, but that was maybe decades ago,” one user wrote. “As a relatively young fan (early 30s) I’m just grateful I got to see him live at all, much less twice.”
Others said there was an inevitable change to Lynne’s vocal range, with one suggesting this new style of singing is to be expected at his age. They wrote: “I disagree. I saw him several years ago in Chicago, and this week at the final US show in Phoenix. His vocals, while older and thinner, were still spot on. And as many people have said, he’s in his late 70s.”
I attended the Chicago concert and other than an error by the person or persons on the mixing board, the concert was flawless.
The only error was during the song “Do ya”
where you were supposed to hear, But I, I, I never seen nothing like you.
All you heard was I never seen nothing like you.
But the rest of the concert was spot on, flawless.
My best friend & I, ELO fans since we were 12 years old, saw him in Atlanta and it was a dream come true!! We waited 48 years for this night and we will never forget it!! We love you, Jeff❤️🎸🎵🎤
Can’t believe he doesn’t have Scotland on his list of UK tour. So disappointed because I had a tickets for a concert cancelled due to covid. Not getting to the farewell gig is so bad.
He was FANTASTIC IN DETROIT!!!!!!!
He did really well in Indianapolis. For me, the best part of the concert wasn’t a technical analysis of his performance. It was an affordable (!) once in a lifetime chance to see a man whose music has meant the world to me since I first heard “Sweet Talking Woman” on the radio back in the 70s. The arena was filled to capacity with love for this man and his music. Go back and listen to his early stuff from Face the Music or Eldorado. It still holds up.
Did someone just compare Jeff Lynne to Elton Johanne. Buahahaha!
I saw ELO open for Deep Purple in 1974. It was rather epic.
Small world. That was my first concert. November 24, 1974 at the Long Beach Arena. Deep Purple (David Coverdale/Glenn Hughes lineup), ELO and Jojo Gunne. I don’t remember anything about Jojo Gunne, but ELO and Purple were awesome.
It was perfect in Phx although it was cancelled one week and people came from afar …. Super show with cellos and violin, wow
Thats crazy! We saw the show in Sacramento and Ive seen almost everyone from the era and it was one of thebest concerts I hsve ever seen.
Saw ELO in Philadelphia for his over and out tour. It was fantastic! Those criticizing Jeff and the band need to do what they do at their age.
Well I saw McCartney in Sydney last year and it was crap !!!
Have never been privileged enough to see Jeff………I watched the Wrbley or
Bust and he was sensational…. . He is a genius…..
I flew from Australia for both LA gigs. Waited 47 years and me and my wife loved it.
Some people you just can’t please