Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 10, 2025 · Entertainment

Jeff Lynne's ELO Show Cancelled: Concerns Over Frontman’s Health

Concern has grown for Electric Light Orchestra's frontman Jeff Lynne, after the band cancelled their show in Manchester at the last minute on Thursday night

BREAKING: Jeff Lynne's ELO Concert Axed Due to Frontman's Illness - Fans Left Fuming

In a shocking turn of events, Jeff Lynne's ELO concert in Manchester was abruptly cancelled due to frontman Jeff Lynne's illness, leaving thousands of fans feeling betrayed and frustrated. The 77-year-old rock legend had been struggling with a broken hand, which he revealed during the band's previous show on Wednesday night.

As the clock struck 8:15 PM on Thursday evening, the Co Op Arena was filled with anticipation as fans waited for Jeff to take the stage. But just as it seemed like the concert was about to begin, the lights went dark and a somber announcement echoed through the venue: "Unfortunately due to illness tonight's scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Co-Op Live will not go ahead."

A statement shared on social media revealed the show had been cancelled due to 'illness,' with some fans saying they were given just 15 minutes notice

Fans were left stunned and outraged by the sudden cancellation, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment. "Hoping people get compensated for Jeff Lynne ELO tonight," one disgruntled fan tweeted. "There's being unwell and then there's cancelling 15 minutes before coming on. People will have hotels booked, transport, drinks, merchandise... The concert that never was. Cancelled with 45 minutes to go."

Others were left feeling sympathetic towards Jeff's health issues, but still fuming about the short notice. "Get well soon Jeff Lynne," one fan wrote. "However, I read comments that he didn't look well last night. If they called it off why couldn’t his team? But hey, got some drinks and merchandise sales out of us!"

It's not the first time Jeff has had to deal with health issues on tour. Earlier this week, he revealed that he suffered a broken hand in a taxi accident in London. "I was in London and a taxi dashed off from where he was coming from and smashed my hand," Jeff told the crowd during Wednesday's show. "It really hurt at the time. That's why I haven't got a guitar - I normally would have."

One fan shared a snap of a written notice they received revealing that the concert had been cancelled

The cancellation has sparked concerns about Jeff's health, with some fans worried that his age may be catching up with him. But despite the setback, ELO is still set to play their final show at BST Hyde Park 2025 on Sunday.

Jeff Lynne's ELO has been touring the world, performing hits like "Mr. Blue Sky" and "Don't Bring Me Down." The band's farewell tour is a chance for fans to say goodbye to an iconic group that has sold over 50 million records worldwide during their initial 13-year run.

Many fans shared their upset that the concert had been axed, with some complaining they'd been given just '15 minutes notice'

ELO are currently in the middle of their farewell tour, and Jeff revealed last year they're set to play their final show at BST Hyde Park 2025 on Sunday (pictured in 2015)

During his first Manchester show on Wednesday, Jeff himself revealed he'd suffered a broken hand earlier in the week (pictured in Birmingham on Sunday)

Some fans also shared their concerns for the performer

Jeff co-founded the band with Roy Wood and Bev Bevan in Birmingham in 1970 (Bev, Hugh McDowell, Richard Tandy, Mike Edwards, Mik Kaminsky, Mike DeAlbuquerque and Jeff in 1973)

Jeff has been the longest serving member of the rock group, which has gone through many different incarnations over the years (pictured with Bev and Richard in 1985)

Following a brief reunion in 2000, Jeff finally re-formed the group as Jeff Lynne¿s ELO alongside the band's original keyboardist Richard Tandy (pictured in 1975)

Richard had joined ELO as a bassist in 1972 before becoming the band's full-time keyboardist. However, he tragically passed away earlier this year at the age of 76, with Jeff announcing the news in May (pictured in 2015)