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If you want to catch them live, “The Over and Out Tour” suggests now is the time with only six US shows remaining (TX, AZ, CA). If you’re reading this mulling it over, get on with it. It’s worth it.
The Electric Light Orchestra, for those of a certain era, was a staple on FM radio, ultimately gaining 15 Top 20 songs in the U.S. These are largely gathered in a greatest hits collection, and that may suit some just fine. The richer part of ELO is listening to their albums, a thing quite different than playing an album. Their music features lush orchestration often including a string section, electric guitars, and drums in a melodic fusion of pop, rock and classical elements. There is genius involved, and Mr. Blue Sky: The Story of Jeff Lynne & ELO (2012) is worthy of an hour of attention to learn about the pressures, creative process and successes involved.
That their music has catchy melodies and musical complexity is something not often heard. That Lynne was able to create that marriage again and again is amazing. But keep in mind that the music is painstakingly recorded, with upwards of 50 tracking layers in a single song, many overdubbing the same instruments for a fuller, textured sound, including Lynne’s voice.
That’s a tall order to play live and have an audience hear the music as it should be heard. To put it simply, it can’t be done. Jeff Lynne’s ELO tries, featuring a stage full of talent: Keyboards (2), piano, bass guitar, electric /acoustic guitar (2), male and female backup singers, drums, cello (2), violin and, of course, Jeff Lynne on guitar and vocals, fills the stage with 13 players and live music aplenty. But it’s still not enough to do the music justice.
So, if you’re going to the concert to hear the works of ELO played entirely live, bring a spirit of charity as some of the music, and, yes, some of Lynne’s vocals, are piped in. The music requires it. It’s all the songs you would want to hear, and at this arena, the sound was excellent. ELO isn’t a rock show. It’s an arena experience to hear the music in the company of thousands of others, at a volume louder than you can manage at home. While there are no rock star stage theatrics, the lights, lasers and animated backdrop provide plenty of entertainment, but your eyes will likely track frequently back to Lynne.
Lynne himself didn’t say a whole lot, but his humility is evident. He’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has a star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He’s won a Grammy as a producer. And he’s a Wilbury.
So when he steps back from his mic, shrinks his shoulders just a tad and gazes around the arena absorbing the enormous applause, you can tell he’s uncomfortable with that but also entirely appreciative of his fans. It’s a great show and a great opportunity to hear a legend perform his work before he, or we, are over and out.
Setlist:
Encore:
