If you haven't experienced ELO live before, prepare to be amazed. Led by Jeff Lynne - otherwise known as the human jukebox - this band has recently delighted audiences with critically-acclaimed albums and sold out shows; so much so, that they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this month, much to their deservingness.
Roy Wood and the members of Birmingham-born The Move were determined to create music unlike anything anyone had done before - using violins, cellos, string basses and horns alongside guitars and vocals - and so created Electric Light Orchestra; their first two records became hits thanks to both catchy pop songs and avant garde orchestration techniques.
Following on the success of ELO's first two LPs was their groundbreaking double album A New World Record released in 1976 - which quickly became one of America's best-selling records and led to two hit singles "Shine A Little Love" and "Don't Bring Me Down."
After A New World Record was released in 1984, however, the band began to break up. They officially disbanded in 1986 and Lynne went on to produce music by some of music's top artists like George Harrison, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison as well as being part of The Traveling Wilburys all-star group during that era. He eventually released his solo album Armchair Theatre in 1990 before writing hit songs for Olivia Newton-John's film Xanadu.
Jeff Lynne remains busy even as he steps back from public view, having formed a new version of ELO in 2015 and released two critically-acclaimed albums since. Additionally, he produced other artists such as Del Shannon as well as co-writing/producing Walk Away Joe's final song.
Jeff Lynne's ELO has announced they are returning to North American tour venues for their inaugural Over and Out tour since 1975, beginning Sept 20, 2024 at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center.
Tickets go on sale March 20 at 10 am, and a selection of VIP packages is also available.
This show will be the last chance for fans of ELO to experience its modern lineup before they retire for good. Hopefully, their performance will be just as enjoyable and we can't wait to witness it for ourselves! Stay tuned as more details about this upcoming performance become available.