Jeff Lynne's ELO cancel UK show just moments before they were due to go on stage
11 July 2025, 10:27
Jeff Lynne is "devastated" as one of ELO's last ever shows is cancelled shortly before stage time.
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Jeff Lynne's ELO is currently on the final leg of its Over and Out farewell tour, having played their last US shows before coming back to the UK for a triumphant pair of homecoming concerts in Birmingham.
But last night's planned concert (July 10) at Co-op Live in Manchester was called off at the last minute with thousands of fans already in the building.
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"Unfortunately due to illness, tonight's (Thursday 10th July 2025) schedule performance of Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead," read a statement on the band's social media.
"Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening.
"More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase."
Electric Light Orchestra - Mr. Blue Sky (Official Video)
At Jeff Lynne's ELO's pair of shows at Birmingham's Utilita Arena, Lynne didn't play guitar due to a broken hand.
"I've had a guitar in my hand all my life but not tonight. I was riding in a taxi in London that slammed on its brake to avoid an accident and I broke my hand," Lynne told the audience at that show.
"That's why I can't play guitar today... but nothing could keep me from you today."
Fans have reported that at the first Manchester show, Lynne remained seated for the last three songs and the band didn't have an encore break before the final performance of 'Mr Blue Sky'.
It's not yet clear if the illness that caused the second show's cancellation was related to Lynne's broken hand.
The second show in Manchester was supposed to be the band's penultimate concert. Jeff Lynne's ELO is still currently booked to play their farewell show at London's Hyde Park this Sunday, on July 13, 2025.
