A landmark week as ELO reach the end of their tenure as a major live act with concerts in Birmingham, Manchester and London. Julie and I drove up to the Midlands yesterday to enjoy a hometown performance for the legendary Jeff Lynne and to catch up with violinist Jess Murphy who has been with the band in recent years. It was also an ideal opportunity to see Dhani Harrison with his band, as he was to be the noteworthy support band for the mini-tour.
Dhani kicked off proceedings at the Utilita Arena with an highly engaging set of experimental prog/dance/rock, which would have made the trip worthwhile on its own. With this edition of ELO on top form and delivering a setlist of jukebox classics too, the combination delivered a totally memorable evening.
ELO setlist:
One More Time
Evil Woman
Do Ya
Showdown
Last Train to London
Believe Me Now
Steppin’ Out
Rockaria!
10538 Overture
Strange Magic
Sweet Talkin’ Woman
Handle With Care (with Dhani Harrison)
End of the Line (with Dhani Harrison)
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
Encore: Mr. Blue Sky
Julie and I were staying in Coventry overnight and on Sunday morning we made the relatively short journey to the beautiful village of Cottesbrooke in Northamptonshire. This had been home to my grandmother on my mother’s side and we visited All Saints Church to seek the resting place for my great grandparents, John and Elizabeth Seamark.
