Jeff Lynne's ELO, 2016 review: Birmingham

Jeff Lynne's ELO makes a joyous return to Birmingham

In the words of the iconic ELO anthem Mr. Blue Sky, please tell us why you had to hide away for so long?

It’s been 30 years since Jeff Lynne last played his home city of Birmingham with his band.

He’s kept us waiting a very long time, but it was worth it.

Just like Mr. Blue Sky, we’re so pleased to be with you, look around see what you do – everybody smiles at you.

And everyone in the Genting was, including Mr Lynne himself who declared: “I’ve had the best time ever.”

He seemed genuinely thrilled and surprised to be having such success again, adding: “It’s so wonderful to come back to your home town and have such a brilliant reception.”

For someone who says “I’m not really that big a live player” and prefers making records, the boy from Pype Hayes was really enjoying putting on a performance.

He’s supported by 11 great musicians on stage, with a special cheer reserved for the drummer from Saltley.

They include keyboardist Richard Tandy, the only other original member of ELO who now looks like he should be working in a library but who has rock running through his fingers.

Then there’s the string section and backing vocals to add the orchestrations and harmonies which provide that familiar, rich and full ELO sound.

We even sang along to music from the new album Alone in the Universe, the first new music from ELO in 15 years, especially the Beatles-esque When I Was A Boy about growing up here in Birmingham.

The concert built to a brilliant finale, with the excitement growing from the joyous Shine A Little Love.

That was followed by the spinetingling Wild West Hero, Turn to Stone, Don’t Bring Me Down, Sweet Talkin’ Woman and Telephone Line before the truly wonderful Mr. Blue Sky.

Projecting the emblem of Birmingham City FC on to the stage during that was a nice touch.

The encore was the song traditionally played at all ELO concerts, Roll Over Beethoven. I suspect it’s chosen more because the musicians like to play it than for the audience. Personally I could listen to Mr. Blue Sky again, all night long.

At 68 Jeff is still a living legend, one of the greatest musicians of our era.

ELO are back playing the Genting tonight and will return to Birmingham to play the Barclaycard Arena on June 24, two days before Glastonbury.

Welcome home, bab. I’ll remember you this way.

Setlist:

16-04-2016

Tightrope
Evil Woman
Showdown
All Over the World
When I Was a Boy
Livin' Thing
Ain't It a Drag
Can't Get It Out of My Head
Rockaria!
10538 Overture
Secret Messages
Steppin' Out
Shine a Little Love
Wild West Hero
(preceded by band introductions)
Telephone Line
Turn to Stone
Don't Bring Me Down
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Mr. Blue Sky
Encore:
Roll Over Beethoven
(Chuck Berry cover)

17-04-2016

Tightrope
Evil Woman
Showdown
All Over the World
When I Was a Boy
Livin' Thing
Ain't It a Drag
Can't Get It Out of My Head
Rockaria!
10538 Overture
Secret Messages
Steppin' Out
Shine a Little Love
Wild West Hero
(preceded by band introduction)
Telephone Line
Turn to Stone
Don't Bring Me Down
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Mr. Blue Sky
Encore:
Roll Over Beethoven
(Chuck Berry cover)