Fast forward 43 years. Yes, forty-three years. On July 9, 2017, ELO (now billed as Jeff Lynne’s ELO) played Hyde Park again. This time, it was for the British Summer Time festival, and it was a huge deal.
Why such a gap? Well, Jeff Lynne famously hated touring. He said it was “too much bother.” So for decades, ELO was basically a studio-only band. Then, in 2014, Jeff got the itch again. And when he decided to come back, he went big.
How to buy BST Hyde Park 2026 tickets now: Dates, line-up, more | Music
The 2017 show was a victory lap. They played all the hits: “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Evil Woman,” “Livin’ Thing,” “Telephone Line.” And this time, the weather was perfect. Sunny, warm, with a gentle breeze. The universe finally cooperated.
The Greatest Comeback Story
If the 1974 show was about youthful exuberance, the 2017 show was about triumph. Jeff Lynne, now in his late 60s, stood on stage looking like a cool uncle who just discovered a time machine. He didn’t move much, but he didn’t have to. His voice was still perfect.
The crowd sang every word. There were people in their 50s crying, and teenagers who only knew ELO from Guardians of the Galaxy screaming along. It was a cross-generational lovefest.
And the best part? He played “Xanadu” with a full orchestra and a laser show that looked like a spaceship landing. It was absolutely ridiculous—and absolutely brilliant.
