LONDON – The final day of the 2025 American Express presents BST Hyde Park festival was abruptly cancelled, leaving tens of thousands of ticket holders disappointed after headline act Jeff Lynne's ELO pulled out due to concerns over the frontman's health.

The announcement came late on Saturday evening, just hours before the gates were due to open for the event on Sunday, July 13. Organisers AEG Presents confirmed that the entire day's schedule, which also included performances from MIKA, The Feeling, and other artists, would not go ahead. All ticket holders will be issued a full refund.

The sudden cancellation of a major London festival day is a rare occurrence and underscores the significance of the health concerns surrounding the 77-year-old rock icon.

A 'Difficult But Necessary' Decision

In a statement posted on their official social media channels, Jeff Lynne's ELO expressed deep regret over the withdrawal. "Due to a health concern with Jeff Lynne, we are very sorry to announce that we will not be able to perform at BST Hyde Park on Sunday 13th July," the statement read. "This is a decision we have not taken lightly, and we apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience caused to all the fans."

The band did not provide specific details about Lynne's condition but emphasized that the decision was made to prioritize his well-being.

Festival organisers echoed the sentiment in their own announcement. "Following the news that Jeff Lynne's ELO are unable to perform, we are sorry to announce that the final day of American Express presents BST Hyde Park will be cancelled," an AEG Presents spokesperson confirmed. "We were looking forward to a fantastic final day of the festival, and we are devastated for the fans, the artists, and everyone who has worked so hard to deliver this event."

Disappointment and Support from Fans

The news was met with a wave of disappointment online from fans, many of whom had travelled from across the UK and internationally for the sold-out show. The irony of being unable to hear ELO's iconic hit "Mr. Blue Sky" under what were forecast to be clear summer skies was not lost on many.

Social media platforms were flooded with messages of frustration regarding travel and accommodation costs, particularly given the late notice of the cancellation.

However, the disappointment was widely tempered with messages of support and well-wishes for Jeff Lynne. "Health must come first," wrote one user on X, formerly Twitter, a sentiment that was shared by many. "Gutted about the gig, but sending all the best to Jeff Lynne for a speedy recovery."

Refund Process and Logistical Impact

Organisers have acted swiftly to address the concerns of ticket holders. A statement on the official BST Hyde Park website clarified that all attendees for the Sunday show would receive a full refund automatically from their point of purchase. They advised that refunds could take time to process and asked for patience.

The cancellation represents a significant logistical and financial undertaking for AEG Presents, involving the complex process of issuing tens of thousands of refunds and managing the stand-down of a major event infrastructure.

For now, the focus remains on the well-being of a musician whose work has been a staple of the British music scene for over five decades. The empty stage in Hyde Park serves as a sober reminder that even in the meticulously planned world of major live events, the human element remains the most critical and unpredictable factor.