Evil Woman (Live 2017)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy vibes of Evil Woman (Live 2017) by Jeff Lynne's ELO from their stellar live album Wembley or Bust, recorded in front of a roaring crowd of 60,000 at Wembley Stadium on June 24, 2017. Zoo Freaks, this track is a high-energy blast from the past, and here’s some juicy trivia to get you in the groove. Jeff Lynne whipped up Evil Woman in a mere six minutes when the band realized their 1975 album Face the Music was missing a killer single. Picture this: Jeff sends the band off to play football, sits down at a piano in Munich’s Musicland Studios, and bangs out those iconic opening chords on the spot. He called it a “posh” R&B tune, complete with big piano solos and lush string arrangements, inspired by a mysterious woman who pops up in a few of his songs—though he’s keeping her identity under wraps.

Here’s a wild tidbit for you vinyl-spinning freaks: the high-string section from another ELO track, Nightrider, was reversed and slipped into Evil Woman for a mind-bending effect. Jeff himself said it “slotted in seamlessly,” creating that signature ELO magic. And get this—Lynne originally dismissed the song as mere “filler,” but it skyrocketed to become ELO’s first worldwide hit, proving sometimes the quickest creations are the most timeless. Social media buzz from @JeffLynnesELO confirms it took just 30 minutes total to craft this gem, with the chord sequence locked in at six minutes. Talk about a productive half-hour!

Now, let’s rewind to how Jeff Lynne and ELO got their start, because this story is pure rock ‘n’ roll soul. Hailing from Birmingham, England, Jeff Lynne co-founded Electric Light Orchestra in 1970 with Roy Wood and Bev Bevan, all former members of the psychedelic rock outfit The Move. Their mission? To pick up where The Beatles left off, blending rock, pop, and classical elements into a symphonic soundscape. Lynne’s vision leaned toward accessible yet innovative tunes, steering ELO away from Roy Wood’s more experimental vibes. By the time Wood left to form Wizzard, Lynne was the driving force, crafting hits that defined the ‘70s and ‘80s. ELO’s early days were all about string ensembles, vocoders, and dub echoes, with Lynne’s multi-instrumental wizardry and Richard Tandy’s keyboards shaping their unique sound. The band sold over 50 million records, with more than 20 Top 40 hits across the U.S. and U.K.

After ELO’s initial run ended in 1986, Lynne kept the flame alive. He reformed the band in 2001 and, in 2014, launched Jeff Lynne’s ELO with Richard Tandy, kicking off a new era of touring and recording. A 2014 Hyde Park concert, spurred by BBC DJ Chris Evans and his listeners begging for an ELO comeback, drew 50,000 fans and set the stage for their epic Wembley show. Lynne’s also a legendary producer, working with icons like The Beatles, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty, and was a key member of The Traveling Wilburys. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, Lynne’s still rocking at 76, delivering pitch-perfect live performances that sound just like the records.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Jeff Lynne’s ELO on their official website, where you’ll find tour dates, music, and more. Connect with the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates and throwback gems. For those of you craving community, check out the r/elo subreddit, where 12,000 fans share news, memories, and love for ELO. There’s also the Jeff Lynne Song Database, a fan-run treasure trove analyzing every song and tour. Join the ELO Fans Facebook group to vibe with fellow freaks who live for those cosmic chords and laser-lit shows. Keep it locked to THE ZOO, and let’s keep the Evil Woman spirit alive!