Electric Light Orchestra News

(8/16/01, 6 p.m. ET) -- The stock-market downturn has had an unfortunate effect on the Electric Light Orchestra--the band has been forced to cancel its fall tour, and financial reality was one of the reasons given. A statement from the band's management reads, "ELO wanted to put on the grand spectacle with a massive stage and light show that the group is known for. And that's just not logistically or economically possible in this marketplace at this time." The statement adds, "ELO regret any inconvenience this may have caused fans," and that refunds are available at the point of purchase.

It's quite a disappointment for bandleader Jeff Lynne, who told LAUNCH that the rehearsals were going very well: "I'm really pleased with the way it sounds. With the rehearsals we've done, it sounds really good...I'm very pleased with it."

The only way to see ELO live this year is on TV--either the PBS fundraising special, which is running across the country as part of the stations' pledge drives, or on a repeat of the Storytellers show the band did earlier this year for VH1.

The canceled Electric Light Orchestra itinerary:

September 7 - Albany, NY - Pepsi Arena

September 8 - Mansfield, MA - Tweeter Center Boston

September 11 - Toronto, ONT - Molson Amphitheatre

September 12 - Cleveland, OH - Cleveland State University

September 14 - Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum

September 15 - Philadelphia, PA - First Union Arena

September 18 - St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center

September 19 - Rosemont, IL - Allstate Arena

September 21 - Columbus, OH - Ohio State University

September 22 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre

September 26 - Rochester, NY - Blue Cross Arena

September 28 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center

September 29 - State College, PA - Bryce Jordan Center

October 2 - Atlanta, GA - Lakewood Amphitheater

October 3 - Nashville, TN - Gaylord Entertainment Center

October 5 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Arena

October 6 - North Little Rock, AR - Alltel Arena

October 9 - Houston, TX - Woodlands Pavilion

October 10 - Dallas, TX - Smirnoff Music Center

October 12 - Phoenix, AZ - Arizona State Fair

October 13 - Inglewood, CA - The Forum

October 16 - Fresno, CA - Selland Arena

October 17 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheater

October 19 - Chula Vista, CA - Coors Amphitheater

October 20 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden

-- Bruce Simon, New York

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