Fans of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) were left disappointed after BST Hyde Park cancelled its final day due to health concerns surrounding lead singer and frontman Jeff Lynne. The 77-year-old withdrew from the band’s headline slot just days before the event, citing a “systemic infection”.
Lynne had hinted at ELO’s potential farewell performance at BST earlier this year, but his decision has been made despite feeling “heartbroken” about not being able to perform. The frontman will focus on his health and rehabilitation instead.
BST announced that ticketholders would be refunded and contacted directly by their ticketing agent. Lynne was previously injured in a taxi crash and had recovered enough to perform at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena earlier this month, but the health concerns proved too severe for him to carry out the scheduled performance at BST.
ELO is known for its eclectic blend of musical genres and innovative use of instruments, producing hits like Mr. Blue Sky, Livin’ Thing, Telephone Line, and Evil Woman. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 and received numerous accolades, including an OBE in 2020 for services to music.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg6r295re0o