Jeff Lynne’s ELO at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena: start time, tickets, potential setlist and what you need to know

It’s been a long time since we last had the chance to see Electric Light Orchestra live. Seven years, to be exact. The iconic British band have been keeping quiet for a while, but last year they made a huge announcement: their last ever performance will be at BST Hyde Park this year. 

Technically this is Jeff Lynne’s ELO, which was a re-formed version of the band that Lynne, the frontman, put together in 2014 with fellow band member Richard Tandy, who sadly passed away last May. Since then, Jeff is the only original member of ELO remaining, but that doesn’t mean he can’t put on a great show.

Of course, not everyone can fit in one date at Hyde Park, so fans were relieved when Jeff Lynne and co announced two homecoming gigs in their native Birmingham, more than 55 years since it all began. 

Their final concerts in Birmingham will take place this weekend (July 5-6) ahead of one night in Manchester and then their final farewell at Hyde Park next week. Here’s everything you need to know to have a great night belting out ‘Mr Blue Sky’ with 15,000 likeminded fans.

When are Jeff Lynne’s ELO playing at the Birmingham Utilita Arena?

ELO will play two nights in Birmingham – Saturday, July 5 and Sunday July 6.

What are the timings?

Doors will open at 6pm, so you can get to your seat any time from them. ELO will take to the stage around 8pm, and according to the Utilita Arena the show will end at 10.40pm, meaning the show will be just over two and a half hours long. That’s a proper goodbye.

What’s the setlist?

Jeff Lynne’s ELO did a US tour last year, so we have a vague idea of what their setlist might look like, although given that this is a special occasion, don’t be surprised if they change things up a little bit. Here’s what they played on their American tour:

1. One More Time
2. Evil Woman
3. Do Ya (The Move cover)
4. Showdown
5. Last Train to London
6. Believe Me Now
7. Steppin' Out
8. Rockaria!
9. 10538 Overture
10. Strange Magic
11. Sweet Talkin' Woman
12. Can't Get It Out of My Head
13. Fire on High
14. Livin' Thing
15. Telephone Line
16. All Over the World
17. Turn to Stone
18. Shine a Little Love
19. Don't Bring Me Down
20. Mr. Blue Sky

Who is supporting?

The band will be supported by Dhani Harrison, the only son of George Harrison – as if there wasn’t enough British musical heritage on the stage already. Dhani’s set will likely start around 7pm.

Can you still get tickets for ELO at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena?

These concerts are literally once-in-a-lifetime, so you won’t be surprised to know that they both sold out very quickly. There are a very limited number of resale tickets available from the venue’s website here, but you’ll have to be quick. 

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