JEFF LYNNE’S ELO
There’s no denying that ELO are pop, but they are pop fuelled by firecracking pizazz: it’s forward-thinking, multicoloured, imaginative symphonic pomp, and tonight the music is augmented by a flurry of synths, stings and singers, and accompanied by a glittering light show and vivid visuals. Even the grumpiest music snob would struggle not to boogie when witnessing Jeff Lynne’s
ELO live.
The setlist on the first night of a two-day showcase at London’s 02 Arena is a consistent bang-pow of hit after hit, and hearing them all in succession is an incredible reminder of what a colossal songwriting talent Jeff Lynne is. It also shows just how much his kaleidoscopic mega anthems like Evil Woman, accompanied by a sultry crimson light show, and Livin’ Thing, set to psychedelic, flowery visuals, practically exude a potent puff of 70s nostalgia. That’s not to say it sounds dated, however, and in recent years, with Lynne’s music having graced film soundtracks from Guardians Of The Galaxy to American Hustle, you can bet that he’s gained a new generation of fans in the process.
It’s surprising that, given his ability to dream up such mammoth mega hits, Lynne is, as always, an unassuming figure, humbly thankful in the very few times that he addresses the crowd. He’s the opposite of a gregarious frontman, and often gets lost within the spectacle of the showcase, not to mention overshadowed by the stunning talent that surrounds him. He’s accompanied by a throng of musicians and backing singers, who take it in turns to shine, rightfully, in the spotlight, and their input elevates the songs to truly planetary heights.
There’s little post-70s, but Lynne also revisits The Travelling Wilburys with folk ditty Handle With Care, during which it’s difficult not to dwell on the fact that he’s now one of only two remaining Wilburys, alongside Bob Dylan. Then there’s When I Was A Boy, the misty-eyed melody from 2015’s Alone In The Universe album, far from an ELO-style boogie but definitely a clear indication that his songwriting is still strong.
However, there’s no denying that it’s the hits that get tonight’s audience on their toes. Shine A Little Love is a highlight, with emerald lasers zapping and gleaming in tune to the spacey swirls of sound, while Mr Blue Sky pops alongside – you guessed it – screens of soft blue skies and fluffy clouds as the audience belts back every word, before his multi-layered, exploratory cover of Roll Over Beethoven ends things with a jive and a bang. Now for the question everyone wants to know: when is someone going to make an
ELO musical?!
“EVEN THE GRUMPIEST MUSIC SNOB WOULD STRUGGLE NOT TO BOOGIE WHEN WITNESSING JEFF LYNNE’S ELO LIVE.”