This past Saturday, Jeff Lynne’s ELO kicked off “The Over and Out Tour” with a sold-out performance at Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms, CA. The 31-date trek, produced by Live Nation and set to travel to major cities across North America through the end of October,
Jeff Lynne began his “Over and Out” tour on Saturday (August 24, 2024), his first concert since last November. Jeff Lynne’s ELO, in what is billed as his final tour. The maestro behind the Electric Light Orchestra sat out not only the pandemic but also the years that followed. It’s thus his first tour in five years.
Lynne made his first stage performance in four years when he played a 10-song set at Joe Walsh’s VetsAid benefit concert on November 12th, 2023.
On this evening, Lynne and company performed a 21-song set with some fairly significant additions. While the ELO hits were there “Evil Woman,” “Livin’ Thing,” and “Turn to Stone” among them, the group also played such favourites as “Calling America,” (from 1982’s Balance of Power) “Strange Magic” and “Twilight.” .Lynne traditionally performs while wearing his trademark sunglasses and rarely speaks to the audience during his concerts. He now leaves the high notes to other members of his band. (He turned 76 last December.)
This performance was the first time Lynne had performed “Strange Magic” since 2016. The brief “Fire on High,” (from 1975’s Face the Music). which led into “Livin’ Thing,” was a good opportunity for the 12-piece band to step out a bit.
The original Electric Light Orchestra, acclaimed for its fusions of prog-rock, pop, and classical music, disbanded in 1986. From there, Lynne went on to become one of the most sought-after producers in rock music. The singer/guitarist/producer is the only remaining original member of Electric Light Orchestra in the line up and has led the band through two albums of new material—2015’s “Alone in the Universe” and 2019’s “From Out of Nowhere“
The Fat Angel Sings 