Fans of the rock band Electric Light Orchestra are left disappointed not by Jeff Lynne cancelling the Hyde Park show, but by the use of generative artificial intelligence.
Previous performances from the group saw Lynne, 77, and the band perform in front of an artificially generated backdrop. Criticism of the Over and Out shows in the United States and United Kingdom was shared by fans on various social media platforms. Many found the use of artificially generated images to be a great disappointment, while others were simply unmoved by their inclusion. Fans of the band have since taken to the r/ELO subreddit to share their disappointment at the use of generative artificial intelligence, and say only one reason makes sense as to why the band would use it. A post to the subreddit saw one user ask: “Why is ELO using so much AI in its latest projects? Like the last tour they did, for example.”
One user replied: “Cause it cuts cost, that’s literally it. It’s a shame because of how much art that he can use, but instead just does some generic AI images. The ONLY song that should have AI art is if they played 2095, since that’s literally about an AI girlfriend.”
Another user added that the lacklustre imagery leaves a “bitter aftertaste” in the mouths of fans who have been listening to the band for decades. They wrote: “I’ve never seen an exact breakdown, but the video screens on the most recent tour leg consisted of live footage, new animations, recycled content and some AI-generated material.
“At a push, I’d say the latter made up somewhere in the region of a quarter to a third of what went out to audiences, though naturally, being a creator myself, I’d rather there was none at all, since it’s very unlikely that all of the artists whose work was sourced for this were fairly compensated, and I can’t imagine the cost of producing all that was carbon offset, not that to do so justifies the initial environmental cost.
“For someone who has spent decades pursuing his idea of perfection, either Jeff fully endorsed this approach or it was outsourced without his knowledge. Either way, it’s left a bitter aftertaste during what should be the victory lap of a musician I consider one of my greatest inspirations.”
Some are reasoning that Lynne may not have been aware of the artificially generated images. Others, though, are convinced it was his choice to use the style seen in recent Over and Out tour dates.
One user wrote: “If he was onboard with it, I like to think it’s simply because of his age. Old people LOVE AI, and Jeff Lynne would be the type to enjoy the new technology.
“From a viewer’s perspective, it’s lazy in every way. During Livin’ Thing especially, there’s an ELO coloured butterfly that flies around, and when it flies in front of the AI backgrounds, it’s just so painfully obvious.”
Others have reasoned the images are used with a tighter budget in mind. One user suggested: “Everyone is using it now and it keeps getting better. It’s strictly a budget thing. Of course I wish real artists were employed.”
Another suggested they would happily take the artificially generated images if it meant another show from Lynne. They wrote: “I’ll take bad AI anytime if he decides to do a new final tour in America.”
It remains unlikely Lynne will tour again after cancelling his BST Hyde Park show just days after being left “heartbroken” when cancelling the second night of his Co-Op Live Arena shows. A statement from BST Hyde Park regarding the cancellation 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 and 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 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.”
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Nothing like kicking a man when he is down 😡 if you have nothing positive or nice to say leave! He could have just decided not to tour at all, rather than one last musical celebration with his fans.
I agree 💯, I for one loved the spaceship background, Evil Woman images, and all the lights and background images! IT WAS FANTASTIC!! THANK U JEFF AND ELO! Prayers! Get well soon !
I was lucky enough to see ELO in Birmingham and enjoyed every minute. To me any AI used or any other props were simply irrelevant, I was there to see and hear Jeff and the band, and it was fantastic.
I was at the gig in manchester on 10/11/25 when it was cancelled at the last minute, and although I’m disappointed ,( it was a 66th birthday present for the 11th) I reckon that most genuine ELO fans would wish Jeff got his health back rather than see a lacklustre performance. So sorry that fans that travelled a long way , and didn’t get to see him . But that’s life and his health comes 1st.
Dear Mr Lynne, I care not a fig how you decide to use whatever you like whenever you like . I do care that you get better so that you can enjoy your life as much as I have enjoyed, and still enjoy , your music. So thank you dear chap , your just great xx
I don’t know why people are getting so riled up about this. I saw the show in Cincinnati and thought the visuals were stunning and relevant to the song being played at the time. Especially on Evil Woman and Last Train to London. This is coming from a fan who spent many hours on rainy days in the 70’s listening to ANWR and OOTB and studying the LP jacket and liner with microscope precision. Haters gonna hate I guess
We saw them their 2nd night in Birmingham – Jeff’s last show in brum6 and his last but one show of the tour unfortunately. It was a great show, great music, lights and effects. Very pleased we went, all best wishes to Jeff.
I saw them in 2018 and again in 2024. I honestly didn’t even pay attention to the video screen as I was all eyes on the band and light show. These AI naysayers poopooing Jeff’s concert are idiots.