A new BBC special will celebrate the lasting legacy of the Electric Light Orchestra as Jeff Lynne prepares for his band’s final live performance in Hyde Park this summer.
ELO: The Fans’ Story pays tribute to one of Britain’s most iconic bands, whose genre-blending sound helped shape the musical landscape of the 1970s and 1980s.
Formed in Birmingham in 1970, ELO achieved 26 UK Top 40 singles and inspired generations of musicians.
In this special, a line-up of artists including Dan Gillespie-Sells, Sharleen Spiteri, Dave Stewart, Jack Savoretti, Neil Hannon, Gruff Rhys, Pete Waterman, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Francis Rossi, Claire Richards, Graham Gouldman, Tanita Tikaram and Chesney Hawkes share what the band’s music has meant to them.
Radio 2 presenters Liza Tarbuck, Gary Davies, Michael Ball and Sophie Ellis-Bextor also feature, offering personal reflections on ELO’s unique sound and timeless appeal. Their stories are accompanied by a mix of the band’s biggest hits and lesser-known gems from their vast catalogue.
The programme also recalls ELO’s triumphant comeback at Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park in 2014. It marked Jeff Lynne’s first live performance in 28 years and saw him perform favourites like Sweet Talkin’ Woman, Mr Blue Sky and Don’t Bring Me Down to a crowd of 50,000, alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra.
ELO: The Fans’ Story will be available on BBC Sounds from 11 July and airs on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday 13 July from 4am to 5am.
