Jeff Lynne's ELO Delivers Stellar Final U.S. Performance in Phoenix

Jeff Lynne performing at Footprint Center in
Phoenix, AZ on Oct. 29.
Photo credit: Footprint Center (@FootprintCNTR)

Jeff Lynne's ELO, Rooney

Where: Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona

When: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024

Next: Jeff Lynne's ELO is scheduled to perform several dates in England in July 2025. Learn more HERE.

Jeff Lynne's ELO brought their aptly-pegged "Over and Out" North American Tour to a dramatic close at a packed Fingerprint Center in Phoenix last night (Oct. 29, 2024). Although the orchestral pop-rock ensemble is scheduled to perform in England next summer, Lynne and company closed out their high-profile U.S. tour that began back on Aug. 24 in Palm Desert, CA with the highly-anticipated Arizona date.

For those like yours truly who made the long trek to the Valley of the Sun, catching this historic concert was definitely well worth the effort. Since Jeff Lynne's ELO was launched in 2014 — a welcome return of the iconic songcraft and symphony-styled rock approach forged by Lynne with Electric Light Orchestra from 1970 to 1986 — there has been universal praise of this latest chapter in Lynne's wide-ranging career as a successful singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. 

From left, Iain Horns, Jeff Lynne and Mike
Stevens on Oct. 29, 2024.
Photo credit: Footprint Center (@FootprintCNTR)

The Oct. 29 concert featured Lynne with a top-tier group of musicians and singers who collectively brought a parade of classic rock favorites to life. Fans erupted once the collective came on stage at 9:10 p.m.; bona fide classics were unleashed one after another, with the songs elevated not only by Lynne's signature style but by the talents of the players and energy evident in the arena.

Since the Beatles disbanded 55 years ago, no other hitmaker has carried the sonic torch of the Fab Four with the palpable skill and might of Lynne, and that combination of melody, artfulness and ambition was heard across the 90-minute concert. The concert kicked off with a performance of "One More Time," a marvelous Chuck Berry-inspired cut from the Jeff Lynne's ELO 2019 album From Out of Nowhere. The lyrics from that original track provided the perfect prelude to this special night: "Come on baby, time to rock and roll / Get on board, and we'll soon be gone / Everybody gonna feel real fine / We're gonna do it one more time."

Indeed, while many in the crowd undoubtedly felt the reflective weight of the occasion, there was also the thrill of hearing so many great songs performed with such perfection. While Lynne was the central figure of the night, backup singers Iain Horns and Melanie-Lewis McDonald were critical in enhancing the songs' lush vocal harmonies and layers. Kudos to Lynne's musical director Mike Stevens, exceptional drummer Donavan Hepburn, bassist Lee Pomeroy, violinist Jessie Murphy and a field of other great players whose contributions impressed across the fast moving 20-song set.

The parade of memorable early set gems included the soaring "Evil Woman," muscular rocker "Do Ya" (the latter a favorite from The Move), disco-tinged "Last Train to London," and ambitious symphonic sortie "10538 Overture."

Jeff Lynne's ELO performing "Can't Get It Out of My Head" in Phoenix, AZ 
on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

The night's magic continued via the wistful rocker "Strange Magic," poignant "Can't Get It Out of My Head" intensified by members of the audience using their lit phones to create a constellation of white lights inside the Footprint Center, a flawless "Livin' Thing," melodic masterpiece "All Over The World," and powerful anthemic rocker "Don't Bring Me Down," the latter which closed out the regular set. The troupe returned to the stage to perform "Mr. Blue Sky," an inspired and captivating finish to a night that this fan will never forget. 

Perhaps the most emotional moment of the night came after the introduction of the other band members when Stevens introduced Lynne and the crowd jumped to their feet and cheered and applauded loudly at length to honor a visibly emotional Lynne immediately before the performance of "Fire on High."

Opening for Jeff Lynne's ELO was Los Angeles-based power pop band Rooney, an outstanding young outfit headed by singer-songwriter/guitarist Robert Schwartzman. The quintet performed a slew of great originals blending melodic rock, alt rock and indie dance rock during a lively 45-minute set, showcasing songs that were both well crafted and melodically catchy. Highlights included the power pop cut "If It Were Up To Me," jubilant ear candy nugget "Why," subtle "Stay Away" with its rich arrangement and winning harmonies, driving "Don't Be a Hero," and propulsive modern rocker "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?"

 

Jeff Lynne's ELO setlist at Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ on Oct. 29, 2024

One More Time / Evil Woman / Do Ya / Showdown / Last Train to London / Believe See Now / Steppin' Out / Rockaria! / 10538 Overture / Strange Magic / Sweet Talkin' Woman / Can't Get It Out of My Head / Fire on High / Livin' Thing / Telephone Line / All Over the World / Turn to Stone / Shine a Little Love / Don't Bring Me Down / Mr. Blue Sky

Rooney setlist at Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ on Oct. 29, 2024

Blueside / If It Were Up To Me / Why? / Stay Away / Don't Be a Hero / Tell Me What We've Learned / Are You Afraid? / Do You Believe / I Should've Been After You / When Did Your Heart Go Missing? / I'm Shakin'

Review by Robert Kinsler