Fans of the legendary group Electric Light Orchestra are devastated that the Hyde Park show will not be rescheduled.
Jeff Lynne, 77, was set to perform what was billed as his last-ever live show at the London-based park. Tickets to the event, which also featured the Doobie Brothers and Dhani Harrison on the lineup, had sold out. But the show was cancelled following the cancellation of a gig in Manchester just two days before. Lynne, who told the crowd at the UK tour kick-off show in Birmingham that he had broken his hand in a taxi cab crash, was reported to be suffering a systemic infection. Refunds are to be issued to those who had tickets to the Hyde Park show, though many remain heartbroken that they never saw what was billed as the last show of Lynne’s career. It is not believed the Hyde Park performance will be rescheduled.
A fan took to the r/ELO subreddit and shared their sadness at the cancellation, writing: “Should we be worried about Jeff? Do you think the final show will be rescheduled?” One fan replied: “No, it will not be rescheduled. They flat out said – no reschedule would be done / available.”
Another fan added: “It won’t be rescheduled as you obviously saw and I’d just say let’s hope Jeff is ok and don’t worry too much.” A third shared: “The Hyde Park show won’t be rescheduled, and it may well be that we have seen the last of Jeff Lynne as a live performer.
“But knowing him, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wanted to do one more show. Not saying it will happen, just saying what I think he’d want to do. Maybe when he’s better, there’s a way for him to do a final send-off show in a fashion comfortable for him. If not, that’s fair enough, he’s had a wonderful live career.”
A statement from BST Hyde Park and Lynne confirmed the show would not be rescheduled. The statement, released on Friday, July 11, 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.”
Though the show will no longer go ahead, fans are hoping they have not seen the last of Lynne as a live act. The Evil Woman hitmaker confirmed that, while he was set to retire from the stage, he would not be stopping his work in the studio.
He told MOJO Magazine last year: “This is not a farewell to music. I am excited to return to the studio full-time, which is what I love.”
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I was ment to attending hyde park with my son. Absolutely devastated, that show,was cancelled, I understand why. Been a fan, since the 70,s. I do hope I can see jeff perform just once in my life time. Get well soon. Thanku for all.the amazing memories
I travelled over from Ireland (would have travelled to Mars for this gig) and i was sickened Jeff was injured… my main thoughts are his health, I would personally like to know how he’s doing as there has been no update on his health… I know its none of our business, but I genuinely worry because of his age! Love on ye Lad, be well! Love from this superfanatic!
Jeff was not well on the Wednesday when we went to Manchester.
The reasoning behind why he did appear god only knows. It was heartbreaking to his fan base to see him literally lost on stage.
If you have a broken hand you don’t clap!
We all sincerely hope and pray that whatever is wrong can be put right.
A humble legend deserves all the tlc he needs.
Thanks for the memories
Mat.
So lucky to see Jeff at his final performance in Birmingham. Fantastic night, the band were awesome.
I consider to be privileged to see Jeff and ELO on Wednesday night in Manchester, which we know now, was his last live appearance. Love love love him and the contribution he has made to music and the influence he has had on many bands. Amazing career and long may it go on, producing and writing. I pray Jeff makes a full recovery and everything crossed that he will do one final show. 🥰
I was at Coop Arena last wednesday to see Jeff Lynne and his ELO.What a show it was too.Been a lifelong fan and its the first time ive seen him live,i hope Jeff makes a full recovery.
We intended to see ELO in Manchester on the Thursday but circumstances meant we went Weds instead & how blessed were we to attend what turned out to be their final live event. The music was superb but in all honesty his fellow musicians looked a bit ‘concerned’ most of the time & it was upsetting to see Jeff looking so lost (which we initially put down to his being without his guitar) but then needing a chair for the final few songs & overhead asking “what’s next” twice as if he couldn’t wait to get it done with & needing to be helped ftom the stage at the end far too unwell for any encore. Our hearts go out to him having heard about his ‘systemic infection’ and we wish him a swift recovery & happy retirement from live appearances whilst enjoying continuing in the studio. Thanks for the memories Jeff Lynne & ELO; you’ve been the soundtrack of my life since the ’70s! ❤️
I was lucky enough to see Jeff at the Hollywood Bowl in California and at his final show in Los Angeles both amazing.
Not one person was sitting during the concerts
I wish him a speedy recovery and many Blue Skys.
Sending Love to Jeff for all he has done for music fans everywhere! Take care❤️❤️
I have loved his work since he was with Roy in the Move. I now fear that for his doctors to categorically say that he won’t ever reschedule that something is horribly wrong long term. He was a hero performing on Wednesday when he was obviously very ill but probably did himself no favours. Thanks for the music and memories Jeff. You’ve earned your retirement mate.
It was so sad that Jeff was not well enough. I was fully prepared for a very emotional send off, just listening to his songs catches me sometimes. Thank you for the music Jeff. Hope you make a full recovery.
It was great to see Jeff and the band on Saturday night in Birmingham. The music is obviously outstanding but it was apparant even then that Jeff was not himself and was experiencing difficulties- and not just because he couldn’t play guitar. The band at times looked more concerned and they never had that carefree enjoyment of simply playing some of the best music ever produced. I also had tickets for the following week at BST but to be honest, after Saturday in Birmingham , I questioned then whether he would be fit enough to make the gig and wasn’t surprised in the slightest that it didn’t go ahead. Instead I watched a rerun of Wembley or Bust at full volume from 8.30pm on Sunday night!…Such a shame for Jeff and all of his fans that the show never happened however Jeff’s health is obviously the most important thing now. Get well very soon.