Jeff Lynne's ELO: Wembley or Bust (2017) User Reviews

One of the best concert films I've seen

[maccas-56367 · 10/10 · 14 July 2019]

The closest I have got to seeing the incredible ELO in concert. This was an excellent concert, interceded with backstage footage and words of Jeff Lynne.

The production on this was fantastic, which should come as no surprise to those who know of Jeff Lynne's reputation as a perfectionist. The whole concert sounded exactly like the intricate recordings, but with a little extra energy, onstage presence, charisma and spectacular light show.

The crowd shots made me smile just as much as the music itself. The cross-generational crowd all looked incredibly happy - with paramedics and security dancing in the aisles among the fans. The entire atmosphere was one of fun, good times and joy. Who the hell needs Prozac when you can just put this on?!

If you're a musician, then you'll love this too - such is the level of musicianship and technical mastery going on from the diverse range of members making up Jeff Lynne's ELO. You can't help but tap your foot, dance, or sing along while watching. It wasn't until after, that I realised I had been smiling the whole time, with the occasional emotional moment thrown in for good measure.

Whether you're an ELO fan or just need a little pick-me-up in life, give this a spin. "Wembley or Bust" is one of the best concert films I've seen. Highly recommend.

Phenomenal Concert-Jeff Lynne's Performance Masterpiece

[inuvik6 · 10/10 · 31 July 2018]

Having been a huge ELO fan for the last 4 decades this performance at Wembley Stadium in front of 60,000+ fans is really the pinnacle of Jeff's musical career. The production is great and to hear him perform brings home how talented and under appreciated he's been for his 5 decades of musical influence. If you're a ELO fan you can't go wrong watching almost two hours of a brilliant performance.

Pure JOY on the faces of 60,000 at Wembley

[esusansmith · 10/10 · 25 September 2019]

Not exactly sure why I recorded this programme. While I knew some of ELO'S "greatest hits" , this wasn't really my mind of music. After watching it, I realise the genius of Jeff Lynne and his band mates. The music, both melody and lyric, is perfection. If this isn't "hip" enough for you musically, don't bother to watch. If you appreciate how music can actually move you, whether it's singing along, bringing tears at a particularly sweet guitar riff, or jumping up to dance because you can't STOP yourself (Roll Over Beethoven!), this is a show for you. Enjoy!

Phenomenal!!!

[mpoconnor7 · 10/10 · 19 June 2019]

This has to rank among the top half dozen finest concert films of all time. What is so amazing about this concert is that it sound so good, it sound like an ELO album; I never thought Jeff Lynne could possibly recreate the ELO sound on a concert stage like this. After watching this, I am so sad that I did not see ELO during their US tour, but I will make every effort to catch them if they tour the US again.

All the hits ... all the lights ... totally electric!

[Vic_max · 10/10 · 11 August 2018]

While I didn't attend Wembley, I did see him in 2018 during his US tour and it was pretty much the same show as Wembley. I now understand why the crowd in the video was so blown away: phenomenal visuals, pristine acoustics and of course -- pure ELO energy.

In this sold-out 60K seat stadium show, he sings just about every one of ELO's biggest hits (minus "Strange Magic") and lots of fan favorites. He also adds a couple of big ones from the movie Xanadu and the Traveling Wilburys.

Even though it's 4 decades since ELO hit it big, I'd have to say this is Jeff Lynne at his best. In the video, he himself says "this is the best time I ever had in music". If you enjoy ELO, you'll love this video and be inspired to catch him live.

Amazing!

[jimbokwright · 10/10 · 28 July 2018]

This was perfect for cranking up and trying out my new AV receiver. I'm not sure how many of the band are original or long time members but Jeff Lynne is such an amazing producer and musical arranger that the results are still magic.

Most excellent!!

[yanges-99684 · 10/10 · 1 August 2018]

Brings back a lot of memories from my early days. Sure could tell the audience really loved it!

A Rebirth of a Legend, Jeff Lynne!!

[elo-equipamentos · 10/10 · 4 January 2018]

Jeff Lynne was invited to put this show in Out of the Blue 78' tour in Wembley, somehow he didn't accept, he'd rather 8 nights at Wembley Arena, the times goes on and by promote Balance of Power's album were in openning act for Rod Stewart in Wembley for 50.000, now almost retired, he was born by a BBC's fan Chris Evans and after a successful Alone in Universe Tour in 2016, Jeff Lynne's ELO at last in front 60.000 fans made the best show ever in your long career, this instropective genius after all received a propper respect from the critics and have a redemption finally, my favorite band ever in a stunning acting, played at football's ground yours best hits, sorry for Richard Tandy absent by illness, maybe this year in upcoming new tour!!!

Many thanks for Chris Evans to prove to Jeff that he was wrong!!!

Resume:

First watch: 2017 / How many: 3 / Source: Blu-ray / Rating: 9.5

Overlooked mega-band

[kbarnhart-48446 · 9/10 · 13 December 2018]

Very nice showing of concert footage, and behind the scenes kind of pseudo-documentary. Excellent concert and sound. Band stays true-to-form of the original releases, with only a small amount of pre-recorded orchestral and vocals. i.e. most is live. So many hits, and iconic ones at that, that have appeared in movies and other media over the past 40 years. ELO, often gets overlooked,flies under the radar so-to-speak, but that doesn't make their impressive catalog of timeless material any less relevant. Highly recommended.

You can't beat a bit of ELO

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 17 December 2017]

Our favourite Brummie with the permanent shades is back and it is hard to believe he is now 70 years old.

Jeff Lynne's ELO is still going strong, soft melodic rock with an orchestral backing, a light show and classic songs including the odd Travelling Wilbury tune. I feel sorry for the backing singer who had to emulate Roy Orbison and then sing out of tune like Bob Dylan.

The concert had the classic ELO songs including Mr Blue Sky and the crowd lapped it up.

It was just a shame that Richard Tandy was not with the band at Wembley singing Groos.

a true genius at work

[mttiro · 10/10 · 20 October 2021]

Jeff Lynne's musical genius shows in all of his terrific songs. His backing band adds vigor and texture to every song, bringing vocal and instrumental mastery to the stage at the UK's largest stadium.

PS--it's my understanding that Wembley Stadium holds 90,000, even for concerts. Why does the description say "a sold-out crowd of 60,000"? There were a lot more than 60,000 at that concert.

Sounds great... but way overproduced...

[candidsounds · 1/10 · 23 July 2020]

This doesn't sound or feel like a real live concert. I would bet money that the audio was pretty much completely re-recorded in the studio. While it sounds "great" on one level, it doesn't have the energy of a live performance. The entire film looks staged - more like an MTV video than a live concert. Having said all that - I am a fan the music. But watch the Last Waltz for a "real" live concert film.

Understated EXCELLENCE

[keithlinstead · 10/10 · 26 December 2021]

I was fortunate enough to be there the night this was filmed, this production is the next best thing to being there. I have and will watch it over & over & over... Thanks for the memories Jeff & ELO.

ELO sounds as good as ever

[mpoconnor7 · 10/10 · 12 September 2018]

One of the finest rock concert performances I've ever seen on film. At times I thought I was listening to their albums, every note sounded so perfect.

Wow! Great Concert Video

[tlake-64169 · 10/10 · 18 February 2019]

Just ran acrossed this while searching Amazon Prime. Turned it on to just see what it was all about and watched the whole thing, reminiscing on what I was doing when I saw them in the 70's.

Must watch!

One hit after another

[ghovany · 10/10 · 20 August 2018]

I am amazed by the size of their catalog. It was one rack yet after another. It seem like it would go on forever.

A Must Watch

[lisathescot · 10/10 · 15 July 2021]

What can I say? It was ELECTRIC!!! The energy came through the airwaves!

AMAZING!!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!!

[tandrlv · 10/10 · 12 December 2019]

I saw ELO at The World Series of Rock in Cleveland, Ohio back in 1978. GREAT MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of THE best concerts!

[paulking-2 · 10/10 · 20 January 2024]

My partner and I have watched this concert around 6 times so far and each time we're blown away with the music and the fantastic crowd! Each song comes on and there isn't a lull in the buzz you feel watching a true genius at work with these talented musicians. The stadium is perfect for the concert.

I've followed ELO since Out of the Blue came out. British music at its best. Seeing all age groups getting up and dancing and singing to these classic songs is truly wonderful.

Roll over Beethoven is truly awesome and a perfect end for what is a breathtaking event. You're left on a high when it ends. Thank you Jeff for your music.

DullELO

[stwmby · 4/10 · 27 August 2021]

The whole point of a gig is the music.

We'll that's obvious: but what makes that gig special is the interaction, the connection, the meeting of performer(s) and audience.

Within this concert there is practically zero communication between Jeff and the audience, other than the occasional thank you.

Theres no rocking out, no going off grid off road off piste, and certainly not off key

And there's the pity - it's the human aspect of a gig that makes the performance memorable - warts n all makes it what it is: a moment captured in time in the company of your hero

I went to the first Madstock in Finsbury Park, back in '92. Madness were so professional it was like 30,000 or so people listening to a huge record player.

Boring

This Wembley Stadium gig (so often the venue for plastic performances) is so note perfect, so in tune, so happy smiley, yet also so lacking in warmth, charisma, or anything even approaching soul it just hurts. These songs are so good, and are so much a part of the wallpaper of my childhood it saddens me to see them reduced to muzak karaoke singlalonga mush.

And as for dear ole Jeff..

We'll let's have a stop and a think huh

He looks EXACTLY the same in this film as he did in around 1977

And 1987

And even 1997

And so on..

"curiouser and curiouser, said Alice"

Or, in other words, Mr Lynn's musical performance is just about as lacking in credibility as his hair

Poor.