"We'd all like to thank you for sticking with us," Jeff Lynne proclaimed to the throngs of adoring fans in attendance.

In concert, Lynne prefers to let the songs speak for themselves—which is fine when the songs are this good. In truth, it’s sad to see Lynne lose his way in the musical wonderland of his own making. He is giving so much joy on this, his final tour, and has more than earned his retirement.

The current iteration of Electric Light Orchestra played the first of a two-night Chicago stand on its Over and Out tour. The concert reflected — for better or worse — the technical perfectionism

As one of last living architects of the second wave of rock, Lynne could be at the end of his career. But as a singer and band leader, Lynne has no reason to call this over and out when he could