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ELO: The Fans' Story

As Jeff Lynne's ELO prepare to take a bow with their farewell concert this summer, Radio 2 looks back at their incredible legacy spanning 6 six decades.

As Jeff Lynne’s ELO prepare to take a bow with their farewell concert in Hyde Park this summer, Radio 2 looks back at their incredible legacy spanning six decades, hearing from a wide variety of artists who have been inspired by them.

Formed in Birmingham in 1970, the Electric Light Orchestra went on to become one of the most recognisable bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s, with an extraordinary run of 26 UK Top 40 singles.

Radio 2 played a special part in the band’s success in recent years, as they made their much-anticipated comeback and first live performance for 28 years back in 2014 at Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park. In front of 50,000 people, Lynne delivered a rousing and crowd-pleasing string of hits, including Sweet Talkin’ Woman, Mr Blue Sky and Don’t Bring Me Down, accompanied by the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Concert Orchestra.

Contributing to the show are: Dan Gillespie-Sells of The Feeling, Sharleen Spitteri of Texas, Dave Stewart, Jack Savoretti, Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals, Pete Waterman, Gilbert O’ Sullivan, Francis Rossi of Status Quo, Claire Richards of Steps, Graham Gouldman of 10cc, Tanita Tikaram and Chesney Hawkes. And we’ll hear from Radio 2’s very own Liza Tarbuck, Gary Davies, Michael Ball and Sophie Ellis-Bextor as they tell us why they love ELO’s music so much, all soundtracked with some of their biggest hits to the deeper cuts.

Release date:

56 minutes

On radio

Sun 13 Jul 2025 04:00

Broadcast

  • Sun 13 Jul 2025 04:00