The performance was set to be his last ever in the UK
16:39, 12 Jul 2025Updated 17:21, 12 Jul 2025
The show is unlikely to be rescheduled any time soon(Image: (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame))
Jeff Lynne has had to pull out of what has been billed as his final ever UK performance due to ill health, shortly after cancelling a Co-Op Live gig.
The ELO frontman is not expected to reschedule the BST Hyde Park gig and is “currently in the care of a team of doctors who have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time,” per the festival.
The Mr Blue Sky star was expected to close the festival on Sunday with the Electric Light Orchestra, despite cancelling a show at the 23,500-capacity Co-Op Live arena on Thursday (July 10).
“We are advised that there are currently no concerns with regard to Sunday’s performance,” organisers initially insisted before reversing on the decision.
A full statement read: “Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that he will not be able to perform at tomorrow’s BST Hyde Park show.
Jeff Lynne and his band ELO had been preparing for his final farewell show in London.(Image: (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images))
“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.”
On Saturday, Stevie Wonder is set to headline the event but organisers are yet to confirm whether or not a replacement act will be performing in place of Jeff Lynne and ELO.
Fans were heartbroken at the news yet urged the 77-year-old musician to ‘rest and get well’.
“So sorry to hear this. But health first, always,” one user commented while another added “Oh gosh…..please rest and get well Jeff.”
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This show would have marked the end of the band’s Over and Out tour, which kicked off in North America, last year.
Its UK leg has visited Lynne’s hometown of Birmingham as well as performing the first of their anticipated two nights in Manchester, which was marred by frontman Jeff’s injury to his left hand which prevented him from playing guitar.
The MEN still scored the event four of out five stars, as ELO in their full flow impressed with lasers, backing visuals and their greatest hits.
The now-cancelled London show, part of the BST Hyde Park series, is billed to feature special guests such as the Doobie Brothers, Steve Winwood, and Dhani Harrison.