Is there a better live musical experience than Jeff Lynne’s ELO? Absolutely not.
WASHINGTON – Fans were thrilled six years ago when Jeff Lynne brought his Electric Light Orchestra to the U.S. for the first time in decades.
Though Lynne rarely ventures out of his beloved studio, he created a stunning show filled with captivating visuals and possibly the clearest sound ever experienced at a rock concert.
Guess what? He’s back, delivering sound perfection as always!
The Over and Out Tour seems to be a poignant farewell, especially considering Lynne’s age (76) and his non-touring nature. The tour consists of 31 dates and will end on October 26 in Los Angeles. At the Capital One Arena in D.C. on Wednesday, Lynne, still sporting his signature shaggy hair and tinted glasses, focused more on the music than the chatter, offering lots of humble thanks to the audience. Who needs to talk anyway when you can enjoy a brisk 90-minute set filled with rich ‘70s and ‘80s hits?
ELO’s setlist was a thrilling ride through ’70s hits
The concert kicked off with the aptly titled “One More Time” from ELO’s 2019 album “From Out of Nowhere,” but mostly featured a collection of their iconic ‘70s songs, blending chart-topping hits like “Don’t Bring Me Down” with fan favorites like “Showdown.”
The impressive musical recreations were enhanced by a spectacular visual display. The concert featured lasers, videos, and imaginative visuals, such as an animated witch transforming into a startling eyeball during “Evil Woman” and brilliant green lasers that filled the arena like ribbons during “Telephone Line.”
The band featured familiar faces from previous tours, including talented string players Jessie Murphy (violin), Amy Langley, and Jess Cox (cello), along with exceptional vocalists Iain Hornal and Melanie Lewis-McDonald, who excelled on the lively “Rockaria!”
One surprise addition to the setlist was “Believe Me Now,” which was added a few weeks prior to the concert. This instrumental track from ELO’s widely popular 1977 album “Out of the Blue” serves as an intro to the equally beautiful “Steppin’ Out,” featuring chord progressions that are simply breathtaking.
Jeff Lynne and ELO bid farewell with joy
This feeling of delight resonated throughout the show, enhancing the experience of enjoying these timeless masterpieces one last time.
The sharp opening riff of “Do Ya,” the upbeat “Last Train to London,” and the ethereal “Strange Magic” all delivered with accuracy and warmth, creating a magical atmosphere.
The crowd illuminated the arena with phone lights during “Can’t Get it Out of My Head,” a modern replacement for the lighters that used to dominate concerts decades ago when the song first came out.
But nothing could quite compare to the highlight of the concert – the musical triumph known as “Turn to Stone.” The vocal interplay by Hornal and Lewis-McDonald received its own round of applause, leading up to a thrilling musical crescendo that captivated everyone in the venue.
A close contender for the best moment was the concert’s finale, “Mr. Blue Sky.” This upbeat anthem exuded rays of optimism and felt as bright as sunshine. Bassist Lee Pomeroy danced through the lively rhythm reminiscent of The Beatles while Lynne and his band harmoniously layered their vocals, delivering a pop gem that left everyone smiling.