Wembley or Bust - by Jeff Lynne (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

'It means so much to me to release this book during the 50th anniversary of ELO, and four years on from our Wembley Or Bust concert. It was an unforgettable night and I'm excited to relive it with all of you again inside these pages.' - Jeff Lynne

In his first official book, Jeff Lynne reveals the meticulous planning leading up to the epic Wembley or Bust concert, and shares the stories behind a career-spanning catalogue of songs. In an exclusive new text, Lynne reflects on his formative years growing up and his eventual success with ELO hits such as 'Mr. Blue Sky', 'Evil Woman' and 'Livin' Thing'. From his memories of producing The Beatles' last single, 'Free as a Bird', to his anecdotes from inside one of the greatest supergroups, the Traveling Wilburys, Lynne also discusses his fascinating career outside of ELO. His narration guides the reader through hundreds of exclusive photographs taken specially for the making of this book. From backstage to front of house, Wembley or Bust is Jeff Lynne's account of a once-in-a-lifetime concert, and its significance within the greater story of his career as one of the most popular recording artists, songwriters and producers of all-time.

'When I wrote and recorded these songs originally, I never would have expected the fantastic audience response all these years later; it's amazing.' - Jeff Lynne

The music of Jeff Lynne is beloved by fans all over the world and has been for three generations. Now, after a hiatus of nearly thirty years, the multi-award-winning songwriter, producer and founder of ELO has made a triumphant return to touring. Since 2014, he has played across Europe and North America, the high point for Lynne being his dramatic homecoming for a crowd of 60,000 fans at Wembley. On 24th June 2017, London's historic stadium was transformed into one of the greatest rock'n'roll spectacles of all time, as Lynne performed his group's most extensive set list to date against a dazzling backdrop of pyrotechnics, lasers and a giant ELO spaceship.

About the Author

One of the most successful recording artists, singer-songwriters and producers in rock history, Lynne has achieved success with ELO, as a solo artist, and as one of the Traveling Wilburys. He has produced many of the most significant artists of our times - a list that includes the solo recordings of George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Tom Petty, plus Lynne's personal heroes such as Roy Orbison, Del Shannon and even The Beatles.

In 2017, Electric Light Orchestra - the band Jeff Lynne has led since it was first launched into the musical stratosphere back in 1972 - was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In his induction speech, Dhani Harrison, the son of Lynne's close friend and collaborator George Harrison, lovingly introduced Lynne as 'the ELO extraterrestrial wizard captain - the man with it all.