Singer Screamed Random Word In this 70s Rock Classic, Became Their Biggest Hit | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is a song or songs that you sang for years and then found out years later, you had been sining the wrong lyrics?

[@surlechapeau]

Misheard lyric: Ooh.. someone to be kind to in between the rum and the rye Correct lyric: Ooh.. someone to be kind to in between the dark and the light The Eagles “One Of These Nights”.

[@RBS_]

....ha-HAAA!! ...I got one: "Love Is A Stranger" from Eurythmics....(Cont.) ACTUAL LYRICS - ...and I want you so, It's an OBSESSION..... ME- ....and I want you, something, something SPECIAL..... ....I got REAMED by some 80's East Village Kid over THAT one! ....ha-HAAA!!

[@WillieDuitt1]

In Golden Earring's Radar Love I used to think they sang "reveille's coming on strong" instead of "Brenda Lee's Coming On Strong" it was decades before an older friend hipped me to my mistake. I still think my version works.

[@Elwaves2925]

I've mentioned my main misheard lyric before, which is in Down Under by Men At Work. I used to sing "bit of my sandwich" instead of "vegemite sandwich". It never made sense but I'd never heard of vegemite back then, so had nothing else to go off.

[@OriginalBrannayen]

Pearl Jam "Alive"... real lyrics: Sorry you didn't see him, but I'm glad we talked What I heard: Sorry you didn't see him, but I'm playing guitar

[@00ga-booga]

His music is everywhere. Everyone is a Jeff Lynne fan, and most of them don't even know it.

[@fernandoruiz7713]

It’s crazy how everyone knows all of Tom Petty’s hits and not knowing that all of them were written by Jeff Lynne

[@dinobuddy]

Tom Petty's Full Moon Fever, George Harrison's Cloud 9, and the Traveling Wilbury's albums were basically Jeff Lynne albums.

[@UnderTheMillkyWay]

That's because back in those days most people thought the artist wrote their material. If you didn't own the album it was hard to know now we have the internet and know more than we ever would have by a simple search.

[@sonofadeadbeat3051]

@@dinobuddy Forget Roy Orbison's Mystery Girl?

[@sonofadeadbeat3051]

@@herpaderp-bp4pe I was was into ELO with friends that were into Queen.

[@superhostingtucson3302]

I remember exactly where I was when I heard Don’t Bring Me Down as an 8 year old kid. I ran home and begged my mom to get me a drum set. I got drum lessons and a new ELO album every year for Christmas. Then high school marching band, jazz band, awards, scholarships, tours to other countries, mentors that steered me in the right direction and an overall love of music. I’m about to turn 50 and still playing, about to go in the studio again for another session in April. Thank god for the creators that put these sparks out there in the universe to light up another’s life.

[@DavidLazarus]

Assuming you live in Tucson, you're not far from another great musician named Steve Roach. I loved my high school's jazz band. I still remember them playing Count Basie's Front Burner and Sammy Nestico's Samantha. Great stuff! I'm 51 and live in Yuma. I'm thinking about moving to Tucson sometime down the road though.

[@gbone3879]

That's so f'kin rad, Superhost... XOX from a fellow music lover turning 50 ltr this year.

[@richardrodney1461]

What I love about ELO most is that our kids, completely on their own, became huge ELO fans so road trips often include a heavy ELO soundtrack no matter who's driving. We kick into multiparty harmonies, especially on " Mr. Blue Sky." Multigenerational magic.

[@nickbrutanna9973]

There's an interesting episode of CSI, about the nebbish geek lab tech having a great day, and the song features prominently in it.

[@leighsaldivar4439]

Love Mr Blue Sky

[@jasonwilcox6890]

My nephews are 19!..they love ELO.

[@TheSnapdad]

Midwest Show Choir competitions often play Mr Blue Sky while the kids are awaiting scores. All the teams are in the theater singing together.

[@leighsaldivar4439]

@@TheSnapdad I’m from the Midwest. Where? I’m from Illinois but live in the south now

[@tke2414]

Tom Petty called Jeff Lynne the best all-around musician and singer that he's ever come in contact with. High Praise indeed.

[@MadsMeMMMBop]

I call Jeff Lynne the Genghis Khan of music. Even the Fifth Beatle lool

[@toddwood9585]

No surprise that all those guys ended up in The Traveling Wilburys. All huge fans of each other.

[@meponder]

Meanwhile, Jeff was all enthralled at the idea of singing with Roy Orbison. Read an interview in 2018 or so where all he could do was hush about it. Love Petty too, but Orbison was a massive hero for him.

[@dillank3240]

I think Tom Petty was at his best with Lynne.

[@BeeRumblin13]

Well Tom Petty was a junkie soo.

[@hearsthewater]

Wow, I swear that every time I hear "Don't Bring Me Down" I can smell the popcorn, feel the wind in my face, and hear the rumble of roller skates back from my days going to the skating rink in the early 80's where they played this song several times per set.

[@kevinscollan8293]

With me it was 1979 and the local ice rink, you were real cool if you had yer own skates n played hockey but as you said Mr blue sky ringing in my ears n the cool of the ice and the smell of teenage perfume and hotdogs onions 😎💕🖖

[@R8DRBeagle]

Jeff Lynne is one of the most underrated artists of all time.

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

Underrated is one of the most overused words of all time.

[@Leyenda1]

Off all time is the most underrated used phrase of all time.

[@charleswahlstrom3154]

I was gonna say underrated by who, asshole? But Robert and lysandra beat me to it.

[@camberwellcarrot420]

I really don't think he's underrated at all.

[@danielcohen4115]

Wrong. Have you even heard the musical stylings of Drake or Ed Sheeran? They're the most underrated. Pfft, some people don't even bother to consider things like that before posting online smh

[@charleswills4554]

Jeff Lynne is a genius. His music can be enjoyed by everyone young and old without obscene lyrics. One of the greats.

[@emperorleroy6747]

Don't listen to In Old England Town then, or Oh No Not Susan.

[@DavidNorthMusic]

@@emperorleroy6747 I was genuinely confused when I head Oh No Not Susan. Was definitely not expecting a swearsies.

[@crungefactory]

I have hundreds of albums. Only one I can think of has obscene lyrics on one song. Some girls

[@SoundlabStudios63]

I had the same reaction when listening to Billy Joel’s Nylon Curtain album and he dropped a F bomb on Laura

[@catofthecastle1681]

I’m so tired of the word obscene! They’re just words! They hurt only those that let them! As a fifth grader, I was paddled for saying “Darn it!” Shit is one of the most used words in Shakespeare plays! They can’t hurt you, they’re gone as soon as the last sound is uttered! Now, if you mean words that are used hurtfully, even the least obscene word can be painful! Stop claiming obscenity and and be offended by painful words! Most of these rockers would have used obscenities if hateful producers would have let them!

[@pamcornelius9122]

“There’s a building on a corner, in a city, in a land on a place they call the planet Earth … my orders are to sit here and watch the world go by … at the mission of the sacred heart …” ELO was my husband’s all time favorite band and these were his favorite lyrics. He got to see them live twice before he died in 2021.

[@Garek_George]

😞🙏🏽❤️

[@scottbucklin819]

Awesome summary and history of the song! The "Bruce" expression has become part of Rock and Roll folklore. Great reference to Freddy Mercury's "fried chicken." These make character in songs and movies, such as Richard Gere did by slamming the jewelry box shut on Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman." When artists ad lib, they are showing they are human. High five to Jeff Lynne for having fun in the studio and creating decades of trivial discussion about "Grrruuss."

[@Sunshine_day]

Jeff Lynne is an absolute musical treasure! My teen years in the 70's would not have been the same without him.

[@ebinrock]

I have that debut Traveling Wilburys album and love it. Wish that group could have lasted a lot longer. It was truly lightning in a bottle to get all those rock legends together in one band.

[@mattjones7226]

In my 20's my friends and I had a cover band and we played 'Tweeter and the Monkeyman'. That's a fun one.

[@danielh377]

@@mattjones7226 great song

[@brenthooton3412]

I remember in the pre-Internet era trying to figure out where I could find Vol. 2, not realizing that they named their second album Vol. 3 as a joke!

[@Kylopod]

When the Traveling Wilburys first came out, Lynne was the only member I'd never heard of before (of course I was only 11 at the time). As I became increasingly aware of ELO (and I know this is going to piss some of the people here off), I didn't much care for their music--in fact "Don't Bring Me Down" is one of their few songs (maybe the only one) that I actually like. But I've gained increasing respect for Lynne over the years due to his behind-the-scenes work as producer for other artists. And the story behind "Don't Bring Me Down" does confirm that he was quite talented.

[@robinhood480]

@@Kylopod I completely agree

[@waynevia6976]

Telephone line has always been one of my favorite songs by e.l.o.

[@jnl8389]

As a child of the 70s. My fav by this legendary band is hands down Mr. Bluesky. The intricate rhythm changes. Awesome lyrics and top notch vocals. It’s a great positive feel good song. This song probably will never be duplicated. Although the original version was featured in guardians of the galaxy two in the intro while the stars names were being mentioned and Groot was jamming while everyone else was fighting for their lives. I was glad to see the best song by ELO the most interesting rhythmically and best message song was re-introduced to the world.

[@353degreesnorth-villarenta6]

First concert I ever saw in 1978 as an 11 year old. Still can remember all those lazers shooting over the crowd. Fantastic concert & band.

[@davidmcintier3744]

I saw them in '78 at the Anaheim Stadium with my elbows on the stage. They made it look like the band landed in a flying saucer, it was insane!

[@kevinarmstrong8237]

Saw them in Cleveland in 78 Just got my drivers license Everything about the show was incredible!

[@margaretkinnaman8585]

Jeff Lynn is a force of nature. You can hear his unmistakable touch in everything he does. I loved the movie Xandu with Olivia Newton John & Gene Kelly because of Jeff's music and seeing Gene Kelly roller skate. The movie was cheesy but the music & Gene saved it and made it a fave of mine.

[@Carepedoit]

I get on an ELO “kick” every now and then and listen to them day-in, day-out, for several days. Love them. Good video! BRRRUUCE!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@daBEAGLE1017]

ELO never fails to entertain.

[@Carepedoit]

@@ProfessorofRock you got it!

[@joepisane7756]

So, I'm not the only one! You have good taste my friend

[@longlongshadows392]

One of my all time favorites!!!

[@lainie105]

First saw ELO April 16, 1976. Almost 46 years later and I still love the music! After seeing ELO live over 20 times, I can say they put on fantastic live shows! Hope Jeff keeps rocking! ✌🏼

[@HarrierMan99]

Electric Light Orchestra was very much ahead of its time. It's difficult to explain to people now, but they sounded completely different and fresh compared to anything else on radio back in the 70's and 80's. Absolutely brilliant group and Jeff is truly a genius in an industry that overuses the word. Great video!

[@Temulon]

"they sounded completely different and fresh compared to anything else on radio back in the 70's and 80's" Um, no. That would be Jethro Tull

[@jimralston4789]

@@Temulon I don't know. Rock and flute playing just isn't very catchy.

[@Temulon]

@@jimralston4789 - There are people that only listen to what is trending on the pop charts, and then there are people that understand and appreciate music.

[@jimralston4789]

@@Temulon I understand what you're saying. Some music isn't as approachable, but is very creative and interesting. The kind that music critics praise, but the masses never appreciate. Most of us just dig music that makes us feel good:)

[@Temulon]

@@jimralston4789 Amen to that Sir.

[@georgepitcher136]

Lynne - an absolute legend. Untouchable. Glad he brought ELO back. Hope he keeps the magic going. I need more.

[@taco12]

Jeff Lynne is a genius. He's worked with just about everyone important at some point or other. When someone played ELO for George Harrison he wasn't impressed at first, saying "Sounds like the Beatles." They went on to be great friends and made history with The Traveling Wilburys.

[@kimberelydavis379]

I get so excited when you showcase ELO! They don’t get talked about enough! ❤️. I’d love to see a spot on Supertramp! I’m surprised at how many people don’t even know about them.

[@jdaniels1313]

Ditto on the SuperTramp idea! That whole Breakfast in America album was amazing, #1 IIRC, and SuperTramp has such a unique sound and lyrics.

[@Heartwing37]

Suppeerrr Trampppppp!

[@benjaminchartier6458]

"I want kippers for breakfast, Mommy dear mommy dear, We should have them in Texas, Where everyone's amillionare".....

[@colinwilson210]

@@jdaniels1313 I saw Supertramp about 20 years ago, and I think me and my wife were the only ones in the audience who weren't stoned :-(

[@Chapps1941]

No band has married lyrics and sound better than ST. Crime, Crisis & Moments are their best 3 albums. Breakfast is a bit twee.

[@todd1222121]

Even as a little kid, I could hear that this band and this song were more sonically dynamic than other songs or bands on the radio. They just sounded better and more “clear” than anything else at the time.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Your ears knew. That's awesome!

[@LazyIRanch]

I always thought it was "Br-r-r-r-uce!", and we used it way too many times singing that line at our sweet, funny friend, Bruce Puppy (yes, that was his real name). Who doesn't love a puppy?? He left us way too soon. RIP Br-r-r-r-ruce!

[@marthawelch4289]

@@LazyIRanch Your friend, Bruce, must have been a great guy - good-naturedly taking on a lot of ribbing about his name. Sorry he passed on so early but I am sure you have many wonderful memories.

[@underappreciatedmedia]

I agree!! I was born in the early 90's and when I discovered ELO, I always found them to sound really clean and crisp compared to music from the same era. They were actually super ahead of their time and Mack the sound engineer had a lot to do with it

[@terrygp1]

Evil Woman still blows me away, even today.Everytime I hear it on the radio it still gives me chills, such a fantastic song !! FYI, if you listen to it off Face the music you`ll hear a cool little orchestra intro into the song.Then bam ! Bev`s drums kick in, and we`re off.Still my favorite ELO song..

[@timtam6442]

Jeff Lynne, single handedly keeping string musicians in gainful employment since 1970

[@christopherspohn8071]

Jeff Lynn is amazing.

[@pebblebrookbooks4852]

He tried, then disco died. Hence single-handedly.

[@stevenbender66]

Jeff Lynne. The most under rated musical genius of our time. I mean, he wasn't in The Traveling Wilburys because of his looks. It's because he is every bit as talented as Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and George Harrison. All legends. Cheers mates.

[@MikaelLewisify]

How is Jeff Lynne underrated? He one of the most highly respected and successful writers/producers in the entire industry.

[@Hawaiiansky11]

One of my favorite underrated ELO songs is "Rockaria!" Just a fun mix of opera and rock, with an energetic beat that makes me want to get up and dance when I hear it.

[@eddiecarter9831]

I was 8 years old when this was released and was just getting into music of my own, especially Kiss and Alice Cooper. I watched ELO on American Bandstand doing "Last Train to London" and "Don't Bring Me Down." My cousin, who was always my musical compadre throughout most of my young life, also saw it and went out and bought those singles. We listened to those 45s over and over on his mom's console stereo. WOW! What a sound! I've recently started rediscovering ELO's music, thanks to these videos. It's been great for both me, my eldest, and her kids!

[@fivestring65ify]

Last train to London is a masterpiece. Shine a little light is too.

[@robertcampopiano6001]

ELO is the soundtrack of my high school years and after. The only problem I have with “Don’t Bring Me Down” is that every time I hear it in the car, I reflexively push down on the gas pedal. That song is gonna get me a ticket one of these days. It’s one of my my top cruising in the car songs. It comes on and the windows go down, the sunroof opens up, the volume goes up, and the A/C goes off.

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

If I'm feeling down, I turn on "All Over the World" LOUD and pretty soon, I'm singing along, dancing around the room and feeling just fine! I would highly suggest this easy remedy for the blues!

[@huntingnightmares4317]

1972, ELO Lexington Kentucky. My first concert. Jeff Lynne musical genius!

[@olliefoxx7165]

Lucky!!!

[@Fnordathoth]

I knew it was Jeff Lynne and ELO just from the title of the video, that's how iconic this song is.

[@Suzi64grad]

Me too!

[@edquinn8182]

Before ELO, I was a fan of "The Move" because of the songs " Tonight" and "Do Ya". Jeff is a genious.

[@finslaw]

Both Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood (who wrote Tonight) were geniuses of songwriting, and I don't use that word lightly.

[@carlschumacher3257]

yeah, do you remember the size of his afro back then?

[@williammansfield9711]

Do ya was a key in my lufe

[@willpennington5479]

That Jeff Lynne was part of the Traveling Wilburys speaks volumes for his talent and artistry. That he produced George Harrison's Cloud Nine to #1 still gives me goosebumps for my Fave Fab Four.

[@butterbeanqueen8148]

What a group of legends!

[@melanielynne0414]

So glad your channel popped up. Love the info. Rock appreciation master class.

[@brewdogg77]

I've been a fan of ELO my whole life. I'm pretty sure I was conceived to ELO because both my parents have been fans since the early 70's. I grew up listening to them all the time. Every time a new album was released there was a party at our house. We would play it over and over again until it was bed time. I have a lot of good memories involving ELO. I still turn it up whenever they come on the radio and my kids don't mind a bit. With any luck they will have good memories of ELO as well.

[@gregorykiernan7849]

ELO was definitely one of my favorite bands growing up, and that's saying a lot with some of the great bands of the 70's. Jeff Lynne is one of the most "under the radar" talents around. I got the Discovery album for my 14th birthday and wore it out. I recently purchased the "Jeff Lynne's ELO: Wembley or Bust" blu-ray...a must have for any Jeff Lynne fan. The man never seems to age and the live sound is so refreshing.

[@patrickdaly5068]

Thanks for the tip man! I need to look for that.

[@patrickdaly5068]

And you’re right. ELO and Lynne are underrated for sure. I kind of hate to say that because it seems every rock video has that statement somewhere in the comments, but it really is true with them.

[@fredflintstone505]

Love ELO. One of my all time favorites.

[@rjkral]

This was wonderful. Couldn't believe the joy to my ears when I first heard ELO. Still listening, they as a band and also Jeff alone have my upmost respect. Lynne's recent concert tour I was so glad to get to not only didn't disappoint, but even knowing what I was in for I found completely astounding. That sound!!!!!

[@errata101]

I've waited for 4 long decades, for social media to be reinvented and to have so many questions answered, thank you!

[@purplerocker76]

Ha! I remember asking Mom and Dad who Bruce was every time they listened to this song! 😂 Relatively recently while at Mom and Dad’s, they had a 70’s music station playing on TV with lyrics scrolling. My mind was blown! 🤯 Groose?!?! 🤣

[@LewisMarien]

Lynne is a genius of a songwriter. Recently discovered “Four Little Diamonds” … what a tune!

[@robster7316]

Absolutely!

[@aspalovin]

In my opinion he is among the elite with Paul and John.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Definitely original and creative, an icon to be sure

[@ProfessorofRock]

He is one of the greats for sure.

[@Ycjedi]

And Producer

[@AvussonSC]

I recently listened again to ELO's album 'Time'... which I hadn't heard since I was a little kid..... Wow, amazing, I couldn't believe how futuristic and modern it was for its time. Genius.

[@brentpalmer9800]

The line "One day you're a hero / Next day you're a clown" nailed it (Milkshake Duck, anyone?).

[@bobbygoodman2875]

Jeff Lynn is a musical genious and I was addicted to ELO! I was really taken by the music, harmonies and of course the lyrics. ELO's music is timeless.

[@jasonwilcox6890]

I'm a genxr and I listened to my dad's ELO albums. Jeff Lynn almost singlehandedly instilled my love of every platform of music.

[@1oolabob]

Jeff Lynne is one of those very rare singers who has a true rock voice. It seems completely natural for him. I could talk about how great he is as a songwriter, bandleader, guitarist, and producer/ arranger, but man, that voice held the whole thing together.

[@c2itccase9]

Roy Orbison X John Lennon = Jeff Lynne

[@davidmcintier128]

I saw ELO in 79 at the Anaheim Stadium, I had my arms on the stage, I missed the big light show from being so close. They had a helicopter with the flying saucer hanging below it and made it look like it landed on the stage. Then it was made to look like it took off and it became the stage light and the band appeared from out of the smoke, it was a spectacular show!

[@Haldurson]

Speaking as someone with a mood disorder, my go-to band for when I need an emotional boost is ELO. It works every time. My favorite go-to song is Mr. Blue Sky (I particularly like watching the flash mob video of that song on KZbin. I find their sound to be totally energizing and uplifting. Even their sadder songs can give me a boost -- I can't explain it, it just is.

[@KattMurr]

Considered the happiest song ever!! Lol...

[@gaywizard2000]

I'm in the mood disorder club and also love ELO at times, what up wit dat?

[@fivestring65ify]

I have issues with mood swings too. It's impossible to listen to Mr. Blue Sky without it making you feel better.

[@jeffrogers210]

Check out Allison Young's version of it

[@leighsaldivar4439]

I’m like that with The Bee Gees. Great mood lifters!! 😎

[@robertwarstler4603]

I always Loved hearing an ELO song on the radio. Back when I was a kid I never knew who the band was nor did I care. It was just good music to me. Now that I'm older I have a curiosity to find out about the bands and the musicians behind the music I used to listen to. I'm really blown away with the knowledge of how the music came together. Thank You Professor of rock. It's amazing what you don't really know until someone like the professor breaks it down for you. And by the way, I always thought the song 'Don't bring me down' had the name Bruce in it too. Crazy! LOL

[@Garek_George]

Go look up Rick Beato and find his videos of What Makes This Song Great - Boston. He does two of them. Showcases Brad Delp’s god-like voice. Absolutely incredible. 🙂👍🏽

[@erinmalone2669]

I always thought it was “Bruce”. You learn something new every day

[@jamesholden4571]

I was a huge ELO fan - I heard and liked their first American hit, Can't Get It Out Of My Head in 1974, but I stood up and paid attention to Out Of The Blue in 1977 (I was in 8th grade). They were my favorite band all through high school, and when I got to college (music major), I found a great used record store that had all of their previous albums, and I bought them all. Whisper In The Night still leaves me misty-eyed (I just got a shiver just thinking about it), and the full length Roll Over Beethoven is beyond brilliant. Jeff Lynne is a treasure and an inspiration to me still. He is a brilliant producer, a prolific songwriter, a hit factory, and a true living legend.

[@terryparkin6121]

Thanks for covering ELO, they're my favorite band of all time. Started listening to them when I was 12 years old in 1973 with Rollover Beethoven. Best album is a new world record still love it and play it at least once a week....46yrs later

[@BenKash308]

Absolutely love that album. “Confusion” is a masterclass in music production. Jeff Lynne is a genius.

[@johnhunter2294]

In addition to all the other great songs mentioned, ELO did one of the great rock instrumentals ever in "Fire on High".

[@willowbark5649]

Yes, for which every sports writer and DJ give thanks for whenever we need something kickass to play under video. Although it's kind of been played to death , you still hear it. A lot. The whole track is pretty awesome, and I bet most people have heard parts of it, without even knowing. The creepy intro still gives me the creeps, though!! 🥶

[@johnhunter2294]

@@willowbark5649 The creepy part creeps me out, too, but the last minute or so (the part CBS used for the outro of the "CBS Sports Spectacular") is as good as rock gets.

[@willowbark5649]

@@johnhunter2294 2:43 is where we start using it. I think ABC used it as well. BUT- it's been used probably thousands of times in sports. It's great. Also used a lot is Alan Parsons Project "Sirius", from Eye in the Sky. It doesn't belong to the Bulls!

[@johnhunter2294]

@@willowbark5649 Oh yeah, like you said, "Fire on High" is all over the place. "Sirius" is cool too, haunting but not creepy, and the way it builds makes it great intro music. Kinda reminds me of "Lunatic Fringe", at least in the early part.

[@willowbark5649]

@@johnhunter2294 You're spot on! It is reminiscent!! Good ear! 👂🎶🎶

[@jimbeam992]

Grew up listening to ❤Jeff Lynne❤ via my parents. My kid grew up listening to ❤Jeff Lynne❤ via me. My future grandchildren will probably grow up listening to ❤Jeff Lynne❤ via my son. Pretty sure ELO will be listened to for hundreds of years from now.

[@jonhammer7109]

And another group with hits that i loved. Not sure at all if its often the music...or where the songs fit into times of my life

[@Shaylok]

My favorite songs by ELO are "All Over The World" and "i'm Alive." I didn't even hit my teens in the 70's and i had no idea what was going on politically, but the music you never forget.

[@pebblebrookbooks4852]

Xanadu. Worst movie with the best soundtrack. 💖🤩🎶

[@gregoryking9348]

I was 18 by 1976 living in NE Mass, 43 miles north of Boston on the NH border, and was never, ever, at a loss for great A List bands touring the seacoast. Great times. I wish I had never become politically 'woke' (so to speak). As a now 64 year old I look back on that era and compare it to who I am now and I grieve for the innocence lost to political awareness. Finding my politically opinionated voice, in hindsight, poisoned not just the pure bliss of catching the latest great band (and music in general), but left an uncorrectable stain on my innocence. Life became darker after. I suppose growing up and aging sadly makes that a common occurrence but I wish people these days could remember like I do the time before politics shat all over innocence; and just tone back the anger and vitriol... Turn off the phone and computer. Turn off the TV. Put on some music that fits their current mood and crank it up and even if for a moment; drown out the pervasive anger that is forced down our throats.

[@jaklumen]

@@pebblebrookbooks4852 I don't care how ashamed Jeff Lynne is of Xanadu.. I want him to relent so "Drum Dreams" and other tracks are remastered &/or are back in print, preferrably along with the official soundtrack. And I like the movie.. I count myself amongst its cult fans. It had the problem of being a budget film that managed to snag two A-list stars (ONJ and Gene Kelly). And doubling down on my first point, I don't care if The Tubes are ashamed of Xanadu, either.

[@sherrimiller5258]

@@jaklumen I haven’t seen it in years. My best friend/cousin and I went to the matinee and sat through it several times. We were in love with ONJ and wanted to look just like her. We were both blondes but unfortunately the similarities stopped there, lol. It was a different time. I snuck a little Mary Jane with me when I went to visit. We went to a drugstore to buy rolling papers and the lady had no idea what they were. She gave me a pack of the papers they use when rolling a perm. I miss the innocence of that time.

[@davidallen1782]

Still listen to that soundtrack to this day. Love it!

[@1JamesMayToGoPlease]

Jeff Lynn is a fkkn GENIUS! His 'Mr. Blue Sky' is my and our dog's song. And Boris knows it is. I can't help but get tears in my eyes when hearing almost any ELO song.

[@fifthof1795]

Went to see them at Wembley Arena in June 1978. I had never been to a gig that big before. When the top of the space ship opened up it was fantastic. It was so damn loud too ! I was sixteen at the time and ELO were the first group i was ever truly mad about. Happy days.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Now that would be cool!

[@christianworship9223]

My first concert was ELO' s A New World Record tour in Dallas, Tx around that same time!

[@brucewightman5168]

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME ... SAW THEM IN 77 THE ROCK AND ROLL CAPITAL COBO ARENA DETROIT I WAS 14 TURNING 15 THAT YR ,,,A SHOUT OUT TO MY COUSIN AKA MY OLDER BROTHER IN THOSE DAYS DAVE IS 5 YRS OLDER AND LIVING WITH OUR FAMILY , HE TOOK MYSELF AND MY YOUNGER BROTHER TO ALOT OF SHOWS TILL I WAS 16 .. THANKS DAVE

[@fifthof1795]

@@brucewightman5168 Great times ! Atb from England.

[@rogerhunt2118]

@@brucewightman5168 w

[@ROBYNMARKOW]

Yep, I always thought it was "Bruce" . Thanks for solving a 40 yr old mystery for me!👍 Also,have loved ELO since I was a kiddo & had no idea of Jeff Lynne's influence on popular music.

[@coyotecreekband236]

I went to a Deep Purple concert back on Nov 17, 1974 in Vancouver, Canada. A band named Elf opened the show (Ronnie James Dio's band), then they set up the stage and the lights went out. The announcer said "Please welcome, from Oxford, Birmingham and London, England - The Electric Light Orchestra. My jaw dropped as I didn't know they were on the ticket (it said, with special guests). My sister always reminds me of that night by saying "You should have seen the look on your face when they were announced!" I can only imagine as I used to sing to the albums "On The Third Day" and "Eldorado" and always took the high harmonies over Jeff's lead vocals around the house. To this day, my 88 year old mom says she can hear my voice on the ELO recordings. One of the highlights of my concert going back in the 70's. Oh, ya Deep Purple? They were okay. LOL

[@drkline69]

ELO is one of my favorite bans ever and Jeff Lynne is a master at his craft. Their Out of the Blue album is what caught my ear when I was 10 years old and really sucked me in. Their is a great concert video when they toured for that album and had the spaceship stage. So cool and I wish that I would have been old enough to go see them back then. Gruss!!!

[@studio1519]

They were the first band I saw in concert back in the 70s. I remember being mesmerized by the light show.

[@robster7316]

Great segment. Adam! ELO was yet another great British band and a mainstay of 70's music. Enjoyed watching their well-deserved induction into the RRHOF in 2017. :-)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same! I wasn't a fan at first, even though my Dad loved them. They grew on me. Isn't it interesting when we finally get it! Thanks Robster!

[@SandyNeville]

I have been Jeff Lynne’s biggest fan since I was in the sixth grade-back in 1976! The Jeff Lynne’s ELO concert I attended in 2019 was hands down the greatest and most memorable of any musical group I have seen in my 57 years- Jeff is a musical genius!

[@georgedonald1369]

Jeff Lynn is One Incredible Talented Musician and I love his music ever since I heard ELO Don’t Bring Me Down back in 1975/76ish when I was 12. And yes Jeff Lynn’s music has Resinated with me ever since I am now 59 ✌️HE’S AWESOME 👍

[@duromusabc]

I love the song Telephone Lines As a little kid I thought Bruce referred to Bruce Lee who was an icon in the 70s decade

[@beths999]

I saw ELO in concert a few years ago here in Sacramento. I have been a fan since I was a teen in the 70s. I was skeptical that they would be very good as Jeff Lynne was in his 70s. Needless to say, it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Jeff sounded and looked the same. Maybe a bit older but did not disappoint! He was amazing after all these years. BTW, my oldest brothers name is Bruce. We had a family reunion recently and when he showed up we all broke into singing this song to him!

[@josephcoon9914]

We sang this song at the top of our longs on a scout camp and drove the leaders crazy while doing it! Awww sweet memories

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure. Thanks for sharing!

[@nathaeladalyah9681]

Hahaha your timing is so beautifully perfect. I just heard this song the other day and the earworm was digging at me to remember where this classic came from. When I thought hope was lost and that I would lose the song to memory, you came along and showed me the source. Thank you so much. I appreciate your hard work and dedication to remembering these beautiful classics.

[@rikgoon]

I bought ELO's greatest hits when CDs were getting big In the 80s.I played it at my friends during an our usual weekend get together. He comes up to me and says, "I didn't know they played these songs" One of them was Don't Bring Me Down and the other was Living thing. I know he was inducted into R & R hall of fame for ELO, but he needs to be inducted separately as a producer. He helped bring George Harrison and Roy Orbison music to another generation in the 80s.

[@zzanatos2001]

I love the lyrics and haunting melody of "Can't Get It Out of My Head": Midnight on the water I saw the ocean's daughter Walking on a wave she came Staring as she called my name And I can't get it out of my head No I can't get it out of my head Now my old world is gone for dead 'Cause I can't get it out of my head no, no

[@carolwilliams1085]

Hey Zachary. Just FYI, the line is: Walking on a wave chicane

[@zzanatos2001]

@@carolwilliams1085 Thanks for the correction.

[@desiguy55]

tis a masterpiece of lyrics and music.

[@can_you_hear_me5579]

That is one of my favorites by them, but they had so many good ones it's really hard to choose one :)

[@stephenhawkins1961]

ELO seemed to be in concert with everybody back in the 70's. I think I had seen ELO 7 or 8 times from 75 to 79. They always put on a great show.

[@markgardner4426]

I was an ELO fan from the 70's on and knew Jeff Lynne was the driving force behind their success. Then he burst out to be behind The Traveling Wilburys, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and Del Shannon. You never know where he will pop up.

[@MarkRyanSchulz]

He also wrote "One Way Love" for ABBA's Agnetha's solo album, "Eyes of a Woman".

[@galessi1226]

Check out " The Move" ....his first group

[@soupairradio]

Bruce!!! Absolutely. One of our high school friends was Bruce. Everytime I hear "Bruce" I think of my high school friend. Love it!

[@fuzzballxp]

ELO was my all time favorite music when I was young. I still love listening to them today. Thanks for this trip down memory lane. :)

[@sorbabaric1]

ELO, like no other. Just listened to “Long Black Road” this morning driving home. Great song.

[@cyndifoore7743]

I love ELO and mostly anything Jeff Lynne is involved in. He’s amazing. I saw ELO in 1980 and they did a tribute to John Lennon. That’s when I realized his voice is very similar to John’s.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

saw that gig at Wembley! Was a blubbering mess after the tribute.

[@blackbirdpie217]

Lynne is a very underrated musical master.

[@mikemcquinn6738]

Professor of Rock should be a television series!!!

[@kathystammen8774]

One of my favorites of all time. So unquestionably unique ❤

[@totalrobot]

The best ELO times were when Kelly Groucutt was singing backups. His high pitched harmonies SOLIDIFIED THEIR SOUND!!

[@GVike]

His basslines were great too

[@totalrobot]

@@GVike Yes!! Last Train to London is a good example

[@fivestring65ify]

Kelly was a killer singer, and bass player.

[@fivestring65ify]

@@totalrobot One of my favorites.

[@Holden_McGroyn]

Kelly's operatic vocal on Rockaria! blew me away. I always thought that vocal was done by a female opera star. _Edit_ : Yes, I've been corrected several times by the self-important in the classroom that Kelly, in fact, only sang the operatic parts live - which still doesn't negate the fact that a man can so impressively mimic a professional female operatic soprano. So to all of the mindless, self-important Bozos who feel the need to continue trying to correct me: You're a bit late in trying to impress anyone or to "own me" and obviously too obtuse to get my original point regardless of who sang the parts on the recording and who sang them live. You're not impressing anyone but yourselves at this point, but feel free to try to appear intelligent if you must...

[@princesscl67]

I LOVE ELO! I also love their music in the movie Xanadu, a guilty pleasure with great music and fun.

[@davideaston6944]

One of my favourite bands through the 70's ... I consider "A New World Record" their masterpiece though, while it's not even mentioned here, sadly. One of the best albums of all time!

[@bouwebear597]

Totally agree, that one's a classic album from start to finish. Masterpiece.

[@kennybryant8961]

Yep! Yep! Yep!

[@finslaw]

It is their most consistently packed album. However, I consider their masterpiece to be 1981's Time.

[@jonnybirchyboy1560]

For me their best is “Eldorado.”

[@autonomouscollective2599]

@@jonnybirchyboy1560 For me it's a toss-up between "Eldorado" and "A New World Record." After ANWR, they turned a little too disco-y for my taste.

[@AlexVonCrank]

Jeff Lynne was the sound of 70’s pop perfection. The fact he went on to produce such great material for others is no surprise for he is a man of great talent and genius.

[@pattimunger8376]

Love, love, love Jeff Lynn’s Music for decades now!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💖💖💖

[@jdaniels1313]

Thank you Professor, for this awesome piece on ELO! Love their stuff, and really enjoyed the whole album "Out of the Blue", with Mr. Blue Sky and Sweet Talkin Woman and nearly all the stuff on it. It always seemed difficult to find good writeups and info on the band, and your segment here fills in a lot of gaps. Jeff Lynne is amazing! Now I have to go check out a couple more albums he was involved in.

[@NerdGirlUK]

Jeff Lynne is my music hero. An absolute living legend!

[@ret.stockbroker663]

My favorite all time misheard lyric was when I heard a girl sing in 1979, "If you like Pina Coladas" by Rupert Holmes's Escape. She sang, "If you like beef enchiladas" lmao still to this day.

[@colinyoung3685]

I still give my mum grief after finding out she thought America sung about "a horse with no mane"

[@wolf1066]

The video title hooked me in: "which song?" I wondered. The second you mentioned Electric Light Orchestra, I said "Ah, _Don't Bring Me Down_ " Still watched despite the fact I already knew the answer. This is an awesome vid about one of my favourite artists from one of my favourite bands. Definitely earned you a sub.

[@brucehall4352]

As a Aussie and Bruce, I have always loved the lyrics to this. It is fun and my friends have always sung it when it comes on. Thanks for your analysis

[@robertcampbell6721]

ELO formed my musical taste and along with the Eagles, owns the soundtrack of my life. I literally could t get enough of their sound. My copy of “A New World Record” wore out. Shangri La and Tightrope are two often overlooked tracks on this record and in my humble opinion are the strength of the album. Jeff Lynne is on my Mount Rushmore of pop musical contribution!!

[@j.munday7913]

In the early 90s my mom let me dig through her old records because she had all the albums she liked on CD anyway. She didn't listen to her music when others were around (it's a long story involving weirdly low self-esteem) so I'd never heard of ELO. I liked the cover art however, so I snagged that ELO album, Breakfast in America by Supertramp (also liked the cover art, plus the name of the band was funny to me) and Ziggy Stardust (because I already like David Bowie's more current stuff). Wow, wow, wow. I agree with you about Shangri La and Tightrope. So good!

[@andyb7942]

Yes, "A New World Record" is by far my favorite ELO album, and "Tightrope" is my all-time favorite ELO song -- and Shangri-La is perhaps ELO's most hauntingly beautiful song.

[@christianworship9223]

My Shangri-la has gone away...faded like the Beatles on Hey Jude (Judy Baby!)

[@scottbelcher9026]

ELO for me too!!! Along with Al Stewart and another British group called The Records!!!

[@bouwebear597]

Agree A New World Record is his best work...So Fine is also...so fine ;)

[@johnbir7509]

Favorite band after the Beatles. So much great music yet so under appreciated by the public at large. Can't believe they never had a number one hit in the US.

[@soupairradio]

ELO is one of my all-time favorite groups. Jeff Lynne did some great collaborations as you remarked.

[@wesleyblanton2432]

My Favorite band of all time. The greatest hits album is one you can sing every word front to back

[@easyryker]

My son and his friends (all 90's kids) borrowed the car one day and found all my copies of ELO cd's. When my son returned home, he mentioned how his friends gave my the status of "one awesome dad" because of those CD's. They already knew of ELO fame and loved listening to their music. ELO transcends generations. Especially loved "Don't Bring Me Down". Thanks for the video .... and the memories Adam.

[@humbull]

This is beautiful work. Thank you for keeping it all going

[@jflareman8843]

Hey Doc… really glad I found your channels. I am a self proclaimed rock a Holick from the 60s and 70s right up until present time. I really appreciate the work that you do. In fact I’m pretty sure we are brothers from different mothers. My favorite ELO song is what I think is one of the best cover tunes is their version of roll over Beethoven.

[@Elhastezy888]

So glad you mentioned Xanadu... "I'm Alive" is my all time favorite E.L.O. songs!!💓💗💓💗💓 It can singlehandedly take one out of depression in a heartbeat. "Dancin" is magnificent as well, everything they did on that album & because the movie was kinda cheesey it never gets the recognition I think it deserves. It's phenomenal

[@gaywizard2000]

Pls see my comment

[@fivestring65ify]

I love All over the world.

[@JPMJPM]

Makes me wanna throw on my roller skates!

[@OttoByOgraffey]

*Xanadu

[@obrecht72]

I was born in '72 so I mostly know ELO from their U.S. radio play hits. Don't Bring Me Down, is probably the most played in my head at those random times as the mind is apt to do. But over the years I have heard other random songs from them and love everything. So glad this video was suggested to me today. I learned more about Jeff today then I expected. I'll tune in to more of your work for the sheer educational value. I learned a lot watching this. Liked/subscribed.

[@Tucker11111111]

Most underrated band in music history.