Jeff Lynne’s ELO takes final performance to Manchester - REVIEW
- Natasha Judge
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Jeff Lynne’s ELO ‘Over and Out’ tour took its closing performance to Manchester at the Co-op Live arena.
The ‘Over and Out’ tour was due to have a second evening in Manchester before completion in London, but dates were cancelled due to the ill health of Lynne.
Opening on track ‘One More Time’ felt full circle that the audience were getting to hear these iconic timeless tracks for a final time.
Throughout the evening Lynne kept expressing his gratitude to the audience, as he played to a sold out crowd.
After the first few tracks he addressed to the audience that he was without a guitar, due to an injury he had obtained whilst in London the week before. Though despite this, he did still mimic the guitar playing motion with his other hand, as it must come second nature to him.
A real highlight of the evening was Jeff welcoming Dhani Harrison, George Harrison’s son, back onto stage to perform two tracks of the Traveling Wilburys. The excitement of hearing ‘Handle With Care’ and ‘End of the Line’ was seen throughout the crowd, with people continuing to sing along to Lynne’s legacy.
The closeness between the Dhani and Jeff was clear to see, and it was incredibly touching that he was able to perform on his late father’s tracks. Dhani Harrison had been the support earlier in the evening, and he fondly greeted Lynne on stage, and was visibly grateful to be sharing a stage with him.
Notably, Harrison’s vocals were exceptionally good during the Wilbury’s songs, and if he were to ever perform the tracks of ELO himself, it would be an excellent choice.
Having always had an attention to detail and being ahead of his time, Jeff’s staging was nothing short of spectacular. The graphics had been carefully thought out for each song, whilst keeping the renowned spaceship the central centre stage.
During the final three songs of the evening Lynne was seated due to what looked like a painful leg injury. This however did not stop him delivering a belter closing track list of ‘Shine a Little Love’, ‘Don’t Bring Me Down’ and the iconic ‘Mr. Blue Sky’.
It was worrying to see him in visible pain, but his showmanship was commendable as he was determined in finishing the show. The appreciation of Lynne was felt from the floor to the raised seating, as ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ received a standing ovation and sing along from audience members young and old.
After the cancellation of the second night in Manchester, Lynne’s team issued a statement.
“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 long-time 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.”
We here at Tune wish Jeff Lynne rest and a speedy recovery, and echo our gratitude for his contributions to the music industry, and for battling through and still putting on a great performance, despite injury.
Further updates on Jeff Lynne’s ELO can be accessed here.
Setlist
One More Time
Evil Woman
Do Ya
Showdown
Last Train to London
Believe Me Now
Steppin’ Out
Rockaria!
10538 Overture
Strange Magic
Sweet Talkin’ Woman
Handle With Care
End of the Line
Can’t Get It Out of My Head
Fire on High
Livin’ Thing
Telephone Line
All Over the World
Turn to Stone
Shine a Little Love
Don’t Bring Me Down
Mr. Blue Sky
Comments