Turn to Stone (Live 1978)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the cosmic vibes of Electric Light Orchestra’s “Turn to Stone (Live 1978)” from the Live at Wembley '78 album, and we’ve got some groovy trivia to share. This track, the opener from ELO’s iconic double album Out of the Blue, was penned by frontman Jeff Lynne during a two-week writing marathon in Switzerland. Lynne has called it one of his favorite songs, praising its “primary and simple” yet “evocative” shuffle beat. He particularly loves the fast-talking middle section, which adds a quirky energy to the tune. The live version from Wembley ’78 captures the band’s interstellar stage presence, complete with a massive flying saucer set that opened to reveal the band on hydraulic lifts. However, the show wasn’t without hiccups—poor acoustics from the metal and fiberglass stage forced the band to use backing tapes to stay in sync, leading to some accusations of lip-syncing. Thankfully, a 2006 remaster by Eagle Rock Entertainment cleaned up the sound, delivering the stereo mix fans deserved.

The Wembley ’78 concert was a spectacle, with the opening night on June 2, 1978, doubling as a charity gala for the Invalid Children’s Aid Association. Hollywood legend Tony Curtis introduced the band, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were in the audience, adding a touch of royalty to the rock ‘n’ roll. The show featured pioneering laser effects, a first for live rock concerts, setting a precedent for future extravaganzas. While some critics, like those on Prog Archives, griped about the setlist leaning heavily on Out of the Blue and A New World Record hits, fans on sites like Jeff Lynne’s Song Database rave about the raw energy of tracks like “Turn to Stone.” One fan even recalled attending the show at 15, keeping the ticket stub as a cherished memento. Despite mixed reviews on sound quality, the live “Turn to Stone” remains a fan favorite for its heavier, rockier edge compared to the studio cut.

Now, let’s rewind to how Electric Light Orchestra got their start. Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1970, ELO sprang from the ashes of The Move, a psychedelic rock band led by Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne. Wood, Lynne, and drummer Bev Bevan wanted to push boundaries, blending rock with classical orchestral elements. Their debut album, The Electric Light Orchestra (1971), was a bold experiment, though Wood left soon after to form Wizzard. Lynne took the helm, steering ELO toward a polished, symphonic sound that defined albums like Eldorado (1974) and A New World Record (1976). By the time Out of the Blue dropped in 1977, ELO was a global sensation, with Lynne’s songwriting and production genius earning them a unique spot in rock history. The band’s original run ended in 1986, but Lynne revived ELO in 2014 as Jeff Lynne’s ELO, with longtime keyboardist Richard Tandy, continuing to tour and release new music.

Want to dive deeper into ELO’s universe? Check out their official website for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Fans can connect on the Electric Light Orchestra Fans Facebook group or explore Jeff Lynne’s Song Database, a treasure trove of discography details. For vinyl junkies, Discogs is a go-to for rare releases. So, crank up “Turn to Stone,” Zoo Freaks, and let ELO’s cosmic grooves take you out of this world!