ELO was rock
solid in Columbus
By Tim O'Brien (Columbus, OH) - I have seen many concerts in my career as an entertainment editor. But, last night in Columbus, Ohio was special for me. The concert was ELO and they hold place in my heart that is only matched by a few artists. There was something about them when I first heard them in the 1970s. It had to be the orchestra flavor, right? Or it was the production and writing of Jeff Lynne? It was both.
One thing I have noticed over the years of concert-going and reviewing is that audiences matter. I have been in Columbus, Ohio for just over a year now. I can honestly say the crowds are great. They love their music, and that helps the artists bring out their best.
The fans here in Columbus love their music, and that helps the artists bring out their best. Illinois crowds were rarely this enthusiastic.
Producing the ELO sound on stage is no easy task, but Jeff Lynne's ELO blew the roof off of Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus last night (July 30). From the outset with "Standing in the Rain" to the encore of "Roll Over Beethoven," it sounded as if the band did not age. But, of course they have, the audience have, and I have, too. It did not matter as each song sounded fresh and the compositions masterful.
ELO has always been about time and space. The O in ELO, as in orchestra, has to be commended for adding to the night. They were flawless and seemed to thoroughly enjoy performing before the packed house. All the favorites were there, and even a Traveling Wilbury's song was tossed in for good measure in "Handle With Care," featuring opening act Dhani Harrison (George's son).
But, the night belonged to Lynne and his legendary career. This was much about that as a concert itself. The audience knew they were watching a legend, who has weaved his way into so many facets on the music industry (all with success). One may not know how much music Lynne's has touched, but the concert was a testament to his career with ELO, a recent inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Even after the opening number did not convince anyone that this would be a special night, that was quickly put to rest when Lynne and company launched into "Evil Woman."
Set list
"Standin' in the Rain"
"Evil Woman"
"All Over the World"
"Showdown"
"Do Ya"
"When I Was a Boy"
"Livin' Thing"
"Handle With Care," with Dhani Harrison
"Rockaria!"
"Last Train to London"
"Eldorado Overture"
"Can't Get It Out of My Head"
"10538 Overture"
"Shine a Little Love"
"Wild West Hero"
"Sweet Talkin' Woman"
"Telephone Line"
"Don't Bring Me Down"
"Turn to Stone"
"Mr. Blue Sky"
Encore:
"Roll Over Beethoven"
solid in Columbus
By Tim O'Brien (Columbus, OH) - I have seen many concerts in my career as an entertainment editor. But, last night in Columbus, Ohio was special for me. The concert was ELO and they hold place in my heart that is only matched by a few artists. There was something about them when I first heard them in the 1970s. It had to be the orchestra flavor, right? Or it was the production and writing of Jeff Lynne? It was both.
One thing I have noticed over the years of concert-going and reviewing is that audiences matter. I have been in Columbus, Ohio for just over a year now. I can honestly say the crowds are great. They love their music, and that helps the artists bring out their best.
The fans here in Columbus love their music, and that helps the artists bring out their best. Illinois crowds were rarely this enthusiastic.
Producing the ELO sound on stage is no easy task, but Jeff Lynne's ELO blew the roof off of Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus last night (July 30). From the outset with "Standing in the Rain" to the encore of "Roll Over Beethoven," it sounded as if the band did not age. But, of course they have, the audience have, and I have, too. It did not matter as each song sounded fresh and the compositions masterful.
ELO has always been about time and space. The O in ELO, as in orchestra, has to be commended for adding to the night. They were flawless and seemed to thoroughly enjoy performing before the packed house. All the favorites were there, and even a Traveling Wilbury's song was tossed in for good measure in "Handle With Care," featuring opening act Dhani Harrison (George's son).
But, the night belonged to Lynne and his legendary career. This was much about that as a concert itself. The audience knew they were watching a legend, who has weaved his way into so many facets on the music industry (all with success). One may not know how much music Lynne's has touched, but the concert was a testament to his career with ELO, a recent inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Even after the opening number did not convince anyone that this would be a special night, that was quickly put to rest when Lynne and company launched into "Evil Woman."
Set list
"Standin' in the Rain"
"Evil Woman"
"All Over the World"
"Showdown"
"Do Ya"
"When I Was a Boy"
"Livin' Thing"
"Handle With Care," with Dhani Harrison
"Rockaria!"
"Last Train to London"
"Eldorado Overture"
"Can't Get It Out of My Head"
"10538 Overture"
"Shine a Little Love"
"Wild West Hero"
"Sweet Talkin' Woman"
"Telephone Line"
"Don't Bring Me Down"
"Turn to Stone"
"Mr. Blue Sky"
Encore:
"Roll Over Beethoven"
Thanks for a lovely night in Columbus! pic.twitter.com/VN6LfWYiiQ
— Jeff Lynne's ELO (@JeffLynnesELO) July 31, 2019
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