Turn to Stone (Live 1978)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the vibrant "Turn to Stone (Live 1978)" by Electric Light Orchestra for all the Zoo Freaks out there, and this track’s got some stories to tell. Jeff Lynne, the mastermind behind ELO, called it one of his favorites in a 2016 Rolling Stone interview, praising its primal shuffle beat and evocative simplicity. He tossed in a fast-talking middle section just to keep things quirky, admitting he liked adding odd bits to avoid boredom. The song’s sci-fi vibe and punchy rhythm caught fire, even landing in the 2006 "Doctor Who" episode "Love & Monsters," as noted on Songfacts, where characters groove to its infectious energy. Posts on X from fans, like one from 2019 by @soundstoryuk, highlight its release on the landmark "Out of the Blue" album, a double LP that dropped in 1977 and set the stage for ELO’s epic 1978 tour. That tour, with its spaceship stage resembling a giant hamburger, broke attendance records and became the highest-grossing concert tour of its time, as shared on Wikipedia.

Another tidbit from Reddit posts about a 1978 "American Bandstand" performance reveals a special mix of "Turn to Stone" with an extra verse, giving it a fuller, more satisfying feel for fans. Lynne’s love for disco’s strict rhythms, as he mentioned in that Rolling Stone chat, shaped the song’s tight groove, blending rock with a danceable edge. Some fans on Songfacts have even debated its similarities to the Four Tops’ 1966 track "(I’ll) Turn to Stone," though both songs stand distinct. The live 1978 Wembley performance, available on platforms like Rumble, showcases ELO’s knack for blending orchestral flair with rock energy, complete with lasers and fog machines that wowed crowds. It’s no wonder Zoo Freaks are vibing to this one—it’s a time capsule of ELO’s bold creativity.

Electric Light Orchestra kicked off in Birmingham, England, in 1970, born from the ashes of the psychedelic rock band The Move. Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, and Bev Bevan, all Move veterans, wanted to push boundaries, blending rock with classical instruments like violins and cellos to pick up where The Beatles’ "I Am the Walrus" left off, according to Last.fm. Wood had the initial spark in 1968, dreaming of a band where orchestral elements took center stage over guitars, as detailed on Wikipedia. Lynne, then fronting The Idle Race, was intrigued but didn’t join until 1970, when he jumped aboard after The Move’s singer quit. Their first single, "10538 Overture," hit the UK top ten in 1972, signaling ELO’s arrival. Wood left soon after to form Wizzard, leaving Lynne to steer the ship, writing and producing nearly all their material, as noted in his Wikipedia bio.

Lynne’s Beatles obsession, which he’s mentioned in interviews like one with Rolling Stone, fueled ELO’s lush, melodic sound. John Lennon himself dubbed them "sons of the Beatles" on a New York radio show, per Wikipedia, praising their 1973 single "Showdown." The band’s early days were scrappy—recording their debut while still tied to The Move to pay the bills—but they hit their stride with albums like "Eldorado" in 1974, hiring a full orchestra, and "Out of the Blue" in 1977, which included "Turn to Stone." ELO’s fusion of pop, classical, and futuristic vibes, plus Lynne’s studio wizardry, led to over 50 million records sold worldwide by the time they paused in 1986, as cited on their official site.

You can keep up with Jeff Lynne’s ELO on their official website, where they share tour dates and music updates. They’re active on Facebook, posting about their final "Over and Out" tour in 2024, and on Instagram, sharing throwback photos and live clips. Their X account keeps fans in the loop with tour memories and fan art. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, check out fan sites like Jeff Lynne Song Database for deep dives into ELO’s catalog or The American ELO for tribute band vibes. On Facebook, groups like ELO Fans and Jeff Lynne’s ELO Fan Group are buzzing with devotees sharing vinyl finds, concert stories, and love for tracks like "Turn to Stone."