Jeff Lynne, co-founder and leader of Electric Light Orchestra, received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) on October 10, 2020, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
“I am extremely humbled and grateful to be awarded this honour for my services to music. To be recognised for my work is an extraordinary privilege,” Lynne posted on his social media pages.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Jeff has received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
“I am extremely humbled and grateful to be awarded this honour for my services to music. To be recognised for my work is an extraordinary privilege.” -Jeff Lynne pic.twitter.com/6KvXJ65xoV
— Jeff Lynne’s ELO (@JeffLynnesELO) October 10, 2020
The news comes after Lynne’s announcement earlier this year that he has canceled the 2020 ELO tour of Europe and U.K. The May 15 announcement cited the Coronavirus pandemic. The 15 dates, dubbed the “From Out of Nowhere Tour,” for his recent studio album, were first announced on Jan. 24. Several days later, he revealed his opening act would be Dhani Harrison, George’s son.
Last year, Lynne teased “Where will the ship land?” on his social media platforms. News of the 2020 run came – forgive the pun – out of the blue.
The concerts were to be his first European and U.K. dates since 2018. No North American dates had been scheduled; the band did a run there last summer. When Lynne does tour again, tickets will be available at Ticketmaster.com and here.
In the cancellation announcement, Lynne wrote, “The safety of everyone including my crew, the people who work in support of the shows and of course, you, the fans, must come first.”
Fans at an ELO concert can expect a set of classic rock crowd pleasers: “Evil Woman,” “Telephone Line,” “Don’t Bring Me Down” and “Sweet Talkin’ Woman,” among them.
During each of the 2019 concerts, Lynne welcomed Harrison, son of his friend and bandmate, George Harrison, to perform the Traveling Wilburys’ “Handle With Care.” Dhani sang his father’s parts of the song.
Related: Our 2018 review of Jeff Lynne’s ELO in New York
From Out of Nowhere, released last Nov. 1, follows 2015’s Alone in the Universe, which initiated a burst of activity from the maestro. Since then, Lynne has resumed touring with a new edition of the Electric Light Orchestra.
Watch them perform an ELO favorite at London’s Wembley Stadium
Jeff Lynne’s ELO 2020 Tour Dates (Canceled)
Sep 19 – Oslo, Norway – Telenor Arena
Sep 21 – Stockholm, Sweden – Ericsson Globe Arena
Sep 23 – Herning, Denmark – Jyske Bank Boxen
Sep 26 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclaycard Arena
Sep 27 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena
Sep 29 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena
Sep 30 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle
Oct 02 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Oct 05 – London, UK – O2 Arena
Oct 06 – London, UK – O2 Arena
Oct 11 – Birmingham, UK – Arena Birmingham
Oct 13 – Birmingham, UK – Arena Birmingham
Oct 16 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Arena
Oct 18 – Belfast, Ireland – SSE Arena
Oct 19 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena
Oct 21 – Glasgow, UK – SSE Hydro Arena
Related: Listings for 100s of classic rock tours
3 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationTickets booked for Belfast. Last year was best concert EVER, so cannot wait for this one.
Most bands are only “postponing”, which means Ticketmaster can hold onto your money indefinitely until official cancellations.
With no defined time when the masses can cease self-isolating, and no idea how large concert audiences will be able to congregate with expected social distancing rules, Jeff Lynne is showing great integrity by officially canceling and allowing full refunds go back to fans.
Bravo, Jeff…
Yes bravo Jeff x