ELO’s Final Flight: Jeff Lynne Takes New York on One Last Musical Mission

Madison Square Garden came alive as Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) took the stage for the second night of their final tour, “The Over and Out Tour,” on September 17, 2024.

Earlier this year, Lynne surprised fans by announcing this would be ELO’s last time hitting the road, a bittersweet moment for those who have loved their records for decades. The North American leg of the tour began in Palm Desert, California on August 24 and has been traveling to major cities like Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The tour will wrap up in Inglewood, CA on October 26.

As a longtime fan of Lynne and his work with ELO, the opportunity to see him perform live at the iconic Madison Square Garden was a dream come true. The band’s 1976 album A New World Record has been one of my favorite albums for years—alongside Eldorado and Out of the Blue, which are legendary in the world of rock. Being at the show felt extra special; it was the fulfillment of a lasting desire to experience the magic of ELO in person. An encounter that, while costly, will never be available again once this tour ends.

It was especially touching because of the recent passing of ELO’s keyboardist, Richard Tandy, who died on May 1, 2024, at the age of 76. Lynne honored Tandy on social media, calling him “a remarkable musician and friend.” While it was sad not to see Tandy on stage, his presence was felt throughout the duration, especially during songs like “Telephone Line,” a track that holds personal meaning for me. I remember first discovering it as a kid and feeling an instant connection; hearing it in-person was incredible.

The evening kicked off with Los Angeles-based band Rooney as the opener. Their set was lively and fun, with frontman Robert Coppola Schwartzman sharing how special it was to be a part of ELO’s farewell tour.

“We’re huge fans of ELO, and it’s an honor to travel with them,” he said. One line struck me:

“This is the last time the spaceship will land in New York, and you get to be a part of that.”

The realization that this truly would be ELO’s final gig in New York added a layer of emotion to the affair. The ‘spaceship’ refers to the iconic red, yellow and blue circular design that has been central to ELO's imagery since the 70s, appearing on album covers and related artwork. For “The Over and Out Tour,” a massive replica of the spaceship dominated the stage design, towering over Lynne and his band, while surrounding screens and lights enhanced the visual spectacle.

Once Lynne and the band took the stage, the energy inside the Garden was charged. Fans of all ages, some who grew up with ELO’s music and others–like me–who discovered  it later, sang and danced along to every song. 

The setlist was packed with hits spanning the decades, starting with “One More Time” and moving through classics like “Evil Woman,” “Livin’ Thing,” and “Showdown.” The renditions of “Sweet Talkin’ Woman” and “Last Train to London” were standouts for me, with “Steppin’ Out” bringing out that emotional zing to the evening.

One of the most unforgettable moments was “Turn to Stone,” which was met with humongous cheers and perky singing from the crowd. The encore was, of course, the iconic “Mr. Blue Sky,” a tune that has become synonymous with ELO’s upbeat, orchestral sound. It’s a 70s staple and the band’s biggest hit–with well over 1 billion streams on Spotify. Everyone knows this one! As the final notes of the piano outro played, I couldn’t help but tear up—knowing I had just witnessed one of the greatest live events of my life.

All night long, the Garden felt like one big party, with fans celebrating together to the sound of their favorite ELO songs. Whether you were high up in the rafters or near the stage, everyone was singing along, bouncing balloons between groups of fans, and just soaking in the “strange magic” of the moment. It was an experience unlike any other—a true concert bucket list item.

As the night ended and the band took their final bow, it was hard to believe that this was the last time Jeff Lynne’s ELO would be seen in New York. But what a way to go out—with a performance that will be remembered by everyone lucky enough to be there! 

“The Over and Out Tour” might mark the end of an era—but Lynne and ELO’s music will continue to inspire and connect fans for years and years to come.