September 20th, 2024 – In life, everything must come to an end—whether relationships, careers, or even the tours of legendary musicians. In March of this year, music icon Jeff Lynne announced that he and his legendary ELO are ending touring for good. It’s lights out for ELO as they close out North America with their Down and Out tour.
Photos + Article by Steve Cerf
This past weekend, Lynne and his band came to Philly for back-to-back sold-out performances at the Wells Fargo Center. Thousands of fans turned out to hear his greatest hits one final time. Lynne and his incredible band of musicians delivered a performance to remember!
Under the direction of music director and guitarist Mike Stevens, the band featured Lee Pomeroy on bass, Don Hepburn on drums, Marcus Byrne on keyboards, Milton McDonald on guitar, Jo Webb and Sharron Harris on additional keyboards, Melanie Lewis-McDonald and Iain Hornal providing backing vocals, and a string section consisting of Amy Langley, Jessie Murphy, and Jess Cox. The pristine sound throughout the night was a testament to their collective talent.
Jeff Lynne may not be the most charismatic frontman in music. The low-key Lynne stuck behind the microphone, barely moving except for his signature “thumbs up” after every few songs. However, his voice was pitch-perfect, delivering the megahits he’s penned over decades with flawless precision.
A towering video screen dominated center stage, so massive that it made the band appear infinitesimal by comparison. It showcased dazzling visuals perfectly synced to each song, including the iconic ELO spaceship, creating an unforgettable visual spectacle.
A particularly emotional moment came when they launched into the Beatles-like “Can’t Get It Out of My Head”. Couples swayed gently, arms draped around each other’s shoulders, some with heads resting together.
As the show concluded with “Turn to Stone”, “Shine a Little Love”, and “Don’t Bring Me Down”, I couldn’t see a single person who wasn’t on their feet. The night ended with one encore—”Mr. Blue Sky” —one of their most beloved songs. Its optimistic message provided a perfect ending to such a legendary band. With perfect timing for his final tour, Jeff Lynne leaves his impeccable musical legacy intact.
