Jeff Lynne Charts A New Solo Hit As ELO Comes To A Sad Ending

Electric Light Orchestra, otherwise known as ELO or Jeff Lynne’s ELO, was set to perform its final show this past Sunday, July 13. Sadly, the concert was canceled, as the rocker is reportedly battling a systemic infection, and doctors told him he could not go on.

Fans must be heartbroken, as the statement also made clear that there would be no makeup date for the group. Those who love the hitmaking act will not have a chance to see the musicians play live together one more time, as the end has come for the band.

In anticipation of what was supposed to be one of the most exciting concerts of the year, fans across the United Kingdom spent the past few weeks consuming many of ELO’s albums and compilations, and even one of Lynne’s own solo projects. This week’s charts show just how beloved the group still is.

Five ELO Albums Return to the Charts

Five albums by ELO appear on at least one chart apiece in the U.K. this week. All of them live on the Official Album Downloads list, as it appears that many longtime lovers of the group wanted to own the group’s albums and compilations, and wanted to do so quickly.

All five projects have to reenter every tally on which they appear, including the downloads list, as they hadn’t been present before anticipation of the act’s final show reached a fever pitch.

Two ELO Compilations Hit New Peaks

Two ELO projects — All Over the World: The Very Best of ELO and The Essential: Electric Light Orchestra — don’t just break back onto the Official Album Downloads chart, they hit new high points. The former stalls one spot away from running the show, while The Essential comes in at No. 20.

Jeff Lynne Scores a Solo Win

Lynne earns a new solo success alongside ELO’s many comebacks. The rock musician’s Long Wave arrives on the Official Album Downloads chart at No. 25. The title’s debut in between several of ELO’s compilations earns Lynne his first appearance on the tally.

“Mr. Blue Sky” Mounts a Comeback

Just one smash hit by ELO appears on any chart in the U.K. this week. “Mr. Blue Sky,” which remains a fan favorite, returns to the Official Singles Downloads list at No. 59 and the Official Singles Sales tally at No. 63. The cut hits a new loftiest placement on the general sales roster as it returns.