'You know it's wrong': Jeff Lynne criticised by fans after cancelling Machester show moments before it was due to begin

Jeff Lynne's ELO embarked on their 'Over and Out' farewell tour earlier this year, and played a sold-out homecoming gig at the Utilita Arena Birmingham last weekend.

Fans said they were told the performance at the Co Op Live arena would not be going ahead not long before its support act was due to take to the stage.

In a statement posted on X, which had the replies turned off, Jeff Lynne's ELO page said the show had been cancelled "due to illness".

"Unfortunately due to illness, tonight's scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Co-op Live will not be going ahead. Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening," the statement said.

X user @martin_youldon posted: "(The) fact you turned off comments says you know it’s wrong."

Another X user @halligan_ethan branded the legendary singer "Mr Blue Skive."

Other fans said they were concerned for 77-year-old Birmingham music legend Lynne, who had been performing without his guitar since Saturday after injuring his hand in a taxi crash.

Some had commented that he did not look well during the first of the two planned gigs on Wednesday.

"I’m so sorry to hear that tonight’s gig in Manchester has had to be cancelled," X user @DavidSowden8 said. "I was there last night and was concerned that Jeff was struggling somewhat. I hope that you recover soon Jeff and that you will be fit and well in no time."

Another user @dmuir187 said: "Oh no :( I was at the show last night and it was brilliant!!! Best night of my life, but Jeff had to sit down the last few songs. Hope he feels better soon <3"

Thousands of fans waited for the group to take to the stage before they received written notes saying that the legendary band had cancelled their show at the last minute and would not take to the stage.

Lynne is set to play sold-out show in Hyde Park on Sunday, but that could now also be at risk of cancellation.