July 2017 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia was a night that perfectly blended nostalgia with pure musical craftsmanship as Electric Light Orchestra took the stage. From the moment fans entered the arena, the anticipation was electric. ELO has always been known for their symphonic approach to rock, blending orchestral elements with rock rhythms, and this show promised nothing less than a full-scale celebration of their iconic catalog. Fans of all ages filled the seats, many waving light sticks or wearing vintage ELO shirts, eager to relive classic hits while experiencing some surprises along the way.
The evening opened with “Standin’ in the Rain,” a song that immediately set the tone with lush strings, layered harmonies, and that unmistakable ELO grandeur. Even in the first moments, it was clear that this would be a meticulously crafted performance, with every note and visual element designed to immerse the audience fully. From the swirling lighting effects to the precise orchestration, the energy in the arena built quickly, as the audience responded with cheers and applause that carried over the intro like a rolling wave.
The momentum continued seamlessly into “Evil Woman,” a song that showcased the band’s ability to combine pop sensibilities with orchestral sophistication. The vocal harmonies were pristine, and the interplay between strings, keyboards, and drums was flawless, highlighting ELO’s signature sound. “All Over the World” followed, a crowd-pleaser that had fans singing along from the first chorus, reinforcing just how timeless these tracks are. Each performance was both faithful to the original recordings and vibrant with the energy of a live show, breathing new life into decades-old classics.
As the set moved into “Showdown” and “Do Ya”—a cover of The Move—the band’s versatility was evident. The transition from ELO’s own catalog to a beloved cover was seamless, demonstrating their deep musicality and willingness to surprise the audience. Jeff Lynne’s vocals, as always, were smooth and precise, navigating the complex arrangements with ease. The stage production enhanced the experience, with dynamic lighting and video elements highlighting each song’s mood, from rock-driven excitement to lush, orchestral elegance.
One of the more intimate moments of the evening came with “When I Was a Boy.” The stripped-down instrumentation allowed Lynne’s vocals and lyrics to take center stage, creating a rare quiet moment in an otherwise high-energy show. It was a reminder that ELO’s brilliance lies not only in spectacle but in their ability to craft songs with emotional depth. Following this, the arena erupted once again with “Livin’ Thing,” a track that combines infectious rhythm with soaring harmonies, reminding everyone why ELO’s music has endured for decades.
A notable highlight of the night was the collaboration with Dhani Harrison for “Handle With Care,” the Traveling Wilburys cover. Harrison’s presence added an exciting layer to the performance, and the interplay between his vocals and Lynne’s was electric. The song’s rich harmonies and melodic hooks resonated throughout the Wells Fargo Center, giving the audience a unique moment they likely hadn’t experienced before. This collaboration highlighted the band’s continued relevance and ability to innovate, even while primarily revisiting a classic repertoire.
The show continued with a string of ELO favorites: “Rockaria!,” “Last Train to London,” and “Eldorado Overture.” The latter was particularly special, marking its first performance by the Jeff Lynne-led ELO since March 2nd, 1978. Fans erupted in recognition, and the orchestral arrangement was executed flawlessly, transporting the audience back to the band’s heyday. Lynne’s attention to detail was evident in every measure, and the performance showcased both his musicianship and his deep respect for the band’s history.
Tour debuts and rare live performances made the evening even more memorable. “Can’t Get It Out of My Head” made its tour debut, offering a moment of pure emotional resonance as the haunting melody and reflective lyrics drew the audience into a quieter, almost meditative space. “10538 Overture” followed, reminding everyone of the band’s very roots and the clever songwriting that defined ELO from the start. These moments of nostalgia were balanced perfectly with high-energy hits like “Shine a Little Love” and “Wild West Hero,” which came after a brief band introduction, allowing the audience to connect with the performers behind the legendary music.
The middle portion of the set continued to deliver one crowd favorite after another. “Sweet Talkin’ Woman” and “Telephone Line” were executed with the precision and polish expected of a veteran band, yet they still retained a sense of joy and spontaneity. The arrangements were faithful but fresh, with strings, keyboards, and percussion blending seamlessly to create a full, immersive sound. The audience responded with singing, clapping, and cheers, reinforcing the communal joy of experiencing these songs live.
As the set neared its finale, the energy in the arena escalated dramatically. “Don’t Bring Me Down” and “Turn to Stone” brought the familiar driving rhythms that had fans on their feet, dancing and singing along. The iconic “Mr. Blue Sky” served as the perfect penultimate number, its sunny optimism amplified by a stunning light show and the audience’s collective enthusiasm. The song’s layered orchestration and memorable melodies made it impossible not to feel uplifted, demonstrating why ELO remains a touchstone in the history of rock.
The encore provided a fitting capstone to the night: “Roll Over Beethoven,” a Chuck Berry cover that connected ELO’s rock roots with the broader history of the genre. The energy was contagious, with Lynne and the band feeding off the audience’s excitement, closing the show on a triumphant high note. By the end of the performance, fans were left exhilarated, fully aware that they had witnessed a masterclass in live performance, combining technical skill, emotional resonance, and stagecraft with decades of timeless music.
Throughout the evening, Jeff Lynne and the band demonstrated why ELO remains a beloved live act. Their precision, musicality, and ability to engage the audience made every song feel fresh and vital. The balance of high-energy numbers, rare live performances, and moments of introspection created a dynamic flow, ensuring that the audience remained captivated from start to finish. Every element of the show—from lighting to video interludes to orchestration—served the music, never overshadowing the core of what makes ELO remarkable: songs that combine rock energy with classical sophistication.
Fans left the Wells Fargo Center buzzing with excitement, talking about the rare moments, the flawless performances, and the sheer joy of hearing classic hits performed live. The July 2017 ELO show wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of a band that has created music capable of spanning generations, a night of impeccable musicianship, and a shared experience that reminded everyone why live rock can be transformative. Jeff Lynne’s leadership, the band’s tight performance, and the careful pacing of the setlist made this a concert to remember, a night where nostalgia met contemporary excellence in a seamless, unforgettable blend.
Setlist:
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Standin’ in the Rain (ELO cover)
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Evil Woman (ELO cover)
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All Over the World (ELO cover)
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Showdown (ELO cover)
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Do Ya (The Move cover)
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When I Was a Boy
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Livin’ Thing (ELO cover)
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Handle With Care (Traveling Wilburys cover) (with Dhani Harrison)
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Rockaria! (ELO cover)
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Last Train to London (ELO cover)
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Eldorado Overture (ELO cover)
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Can’t Get It Out of My Head (ELO cover)
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10538 Overture (ELO cover)
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Shine a Little Love (ELO cover)
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Wild West Hero (ELO cover)
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Sweet Talkin’ Woman (ELO cover)
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Telephone Line (ELO cover)
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Don’t Bring Me Down (ELO cover)
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Turn to Stone (ELO cover)
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Mr. Blue Sky (ELO cover)
Encore:
21. Roll Over Beethoven (Chuck Berry cover)