Jeff Lynne shortens ELO farewell tour by canceling last show at BST Hyde Park.

Jeff Lynne has cancelled what was supposed to be his final live performance, citing health issues. A report states that the Electric Light Orchestra lead singer was scheduled to headline Sunday’s BST Hyde Park concert in London, concluding the band’s farewell “Over and Out” tour. It would have signified 55 years since the establishment of ELO. However, on Saturday, organizers announced that Lynne is dealing with a “systemic infection” and will be unable to perform.

The event will not be rescheduled. The full occasion, featuring performances by Steve Winwood and The Doobie Brothers, has now been called off. Refunds will be issued to ticket holders. Lynne, 77, had previously withdrawn from a performance in Manchester earlier this week, canceling right before the start time.

He was able to show up in Birmingham a few days prior for what was marketed as a local farewell, yet he did not play the guitar. He injured his wrist in a recent taxi crash in London and was still healing.

In a statement, BST organisers said: “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.”

The cancellation results in an unforeseen conclusion to a tour intended to wrap up Lynne’s fifty-year career. He initially resumed live touring with a comeback performance at Hyde Park in 2014 and called this weekend’s event the ideal way to bid farewell.

“It seems like the perfect place to do our final show. We couldn’t be more excited to share this special night in London with our UK fans,” Lynne said ahead of the concert, as reported.

If Lynne does not perform again, it would signify the conclusion of a legendary journey. Lynne established ELO in 1970 alongside drummer Bev Bevan and vocalist Roy Wood. The group released several number-one albums before disbanding in 1986. Bevan proceeded to create ELO Part II, while Lynne distanced himself from live shows.

Aside from a short comeback in 2001, Lynne didn’t perform with ELO again until 2014, when the band was rebranded as Jeff Lynne’s ELO. Longtime collaborator and pianist Richard Tandy stayed with him until his death in 2024. Lynne was the only original member still standing.