Festivals
BST Hyde Park 2025 Announces First Headliner: Jeff Lynne’s ELO
The legendary Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) has been announced as the first headliner for British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park 2025, taking the spotlight on the iconic Great Oak Stage on Sunday, July 13. Tickets will be available to the general public starting at 9 a.m. BST on Friday, October 25.
This performance marks the band’s final farewell to fans, decades after their beginnings in Birmingham, where their groundbreaking fusion of rock, pop, and classical music redefined the soundscape. Having captivated audiences on their U.S. farewell tour, Over and Out, the group is now preparing to bid their European fans a poignant goodbye in one of London’s most celebrated venues.
Jeff Lynne reflected on the significance of this moment, saying, “My return to touring began at Hyde Park in 2014. It seems like the perfect place to do our final show. We couldn’t be more excited to share this special night in London with our UK fans. As the song goes, ‘we’re gonna do it One More Time!'”
Widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in music history, Jeff Lynne’s ELO has delivered a legacy of unforgettable performances and chart-topping hits. Their recent achievements include a critically acclaimed album and a sold-out run of concerts across the UK and Europe. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, while Lynne himself entered the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023.
Known for their groundbreaking live shows, ELO has mesmerized millions with their innovative stage productions, featuring their signature UFO stage prop, cutting-edge visuals, and lush orchestral arrangements. Songs like “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Don’t Bring Me Down,” “Evil Woman,” and “Livin’ Thing” have become timeless classics, contributing to their more than 50 million records sold worldwide and securing over 20 Top 40 hits in the US and UK.
Beyond his work with ELO, Jeff Lynne’s illustrious career includes co-founding the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys alongside legends like George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty. He has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Bryan Adams.
Jim King, CEO of European Festivals at AEG Presents, shared his excitement about the upcoming show: “Jeff Lynne’s ELO are loved the world over. The live shows are nothing short of extraordinary and a testament to the incredible catalogue of hits we’ve enjoyed for over 50 years. Hosting their final performance at BST Hyde Park is a true honour, especially 30 years after their first festival show in the same park. We’re excited to be part of this special moment in music history.”
BST Hyde Park has become a cornerstone of the UK’s summer music scene, hosting an eclectic mix of artists in 2024, including SZA, Kings of Leon, Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Stevie Nicks, and Stray Kids. With ELO leading the 2025 lineup, fans can anticipate more exciting announcements in the months to come for what promises to be another unforgettable edition of the festival.
More info on BST Hyde Park’s website.
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – Kx5 and SG Lewis
The FIFA Fan Festival™ shifted into concert mode on July 17 as Vancouver welcomed one of the festival’s Signature Concert nights. After weeks of blending live music with FIFA World Cup action, Friday’s schedule focused entirely on the evening lineup, giving fans a chance to enjoy a full night of electronic music at the amphitheatre.
The gates opened at 5 p.m., with Shades of Day kicking things odd. Vancouver artist Grayson Repp followed at 6:30 p.m. Repp did exactly what an opening act should do, warming up the growing crowd and setting the tone for the night. As more fans poured into the festival grounds, the atmosphere steadily built toward the evening’s headline performance.
SG Lewis started at 7:30 p.m., bringing his signature mix of house, disco, and electronic pop. His smooth production and dance-friendly set kept the energy climbing, with the audience fully embracing the chance to dance in the new amphitheatre. By the end of his performance, the venue had transformed into a massive outdoor dance floor.
The night’s main attraction arrived at 9 p.m. as Kx5 took over the stage. The collaboration between Deadmau5 and Kaskade has become one of the biggest names in electronic music, and their performance lived up to the anticipation. Massive visuals, pyrotechnics, synchronized lighting, and booming production turned the FIFA Fan Festival into a festival within a festival. Fans packed the amphitheatre from the floor to the lawn, singing along when vocals appeared and raising their hands as the bass echoed across the PNE.
Unlike many of the FIFA Fan Festival days that balanced football broadcasts with music throughout the afternoon, July 17 belonged entirely to the concert experience. From Grayson Repp‘s early set to SG Lewis‘ polished performance and Kx5‘s high-powered finale, the Signature Concert delivered one of the biggest musical highlights of the Vancouver Fan Festival.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
Kx5
SG LEWIS
GRAYSON REPP
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Festivals
Phillips Backyard Music Festival – Day 3 Recap & Photos
The final day of Phillips Backyard Music Festival brought another full afternoon and evening of music, giving fans one last chance to enjoy one of British Columbia’s best summer festivals. After two successful days, the crowds returned in large numbers, and there was little sign that anyone was running out of energy.
Darrian Gerard opened the Main Stage, welcoming early arrivals with an upbeat performance that got the final day started on the right foot. Shortly afterward, Amulet began the Music BC Stage programming before Fake Shark took over the Main Stage. The Vancouver rock band got the audience moving quickly, as usual. Their fast-paced set injected fresh energy into the afternoon and produced one of the liveliest crowds of the day.
The Music BC Stage remained busy with performances from Infidelity, the highly anticipated Angine de Poitrine, Chopping Spree, and Runner. One of the strengths of Phillips Backyard has always been its commitment to showcasing artists from British Columbia alongside nationally recognized names, and Sunday’s schedule reflected that balance well. Fans who wandered between stages were rewarded with several impressive discoveries throughout the afternoon.
Wolf Parade returned to Victoria with a performance that reminded everyone why the band continues to hold such an important place in Canadian indie rock. Their songs translated well to the outdoor setting, and longtime fans sang along throughout the set. The band sounded tight, confident, and completely in control, making their performance one of the standout moments before the headliner.
Modest Mouse closed the festival with exactly the kind of performance many fans had been waiting all weekend to see. Their set mixed well-known favourites with deeper cuts, keeping longtime listeners happy while giving newer fans a chance to experience one of indie rock’s defining live acts. The band’s sound filled the festival grounds, and the audience stayed engaged until the final notes.
As the last songs ended, it was clear that Phillips Backyard had delivered another successful edition. The festival once again struck the right balance between established touring artists and homegrown talent, giving both equal opportunities to connect with the audience. Combined with excellent weather, smooth organization, quality food and drinks, and a relaxed setting that encouraged people to stay all day, the festival closed its 2026 edition on a high note.
Check out our favourite photos of the day below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery! You can find our recap and photos of Day 1 here and Day 2 here.
MODEST MOUSE
WOLF PARADE
RUNNER
CHOPPING SPREE
ANGINE DE POITRINE
INFIDELITY
FAKE SHARK
AMULET
DARRIAN GERARD
FESTIVAL
All Photo Credit: Kelli Rothwell