Electric Light Orchestra - Zoom Tour Live (DVD, 2001)

Don't pay attention to any of the online "critics" complaining about this line-up only having two original members -- the two most influential members of ELO (IMO) , Jeff Lynne and Richard Tandy, are there and execute their parts flawlessly.

The supporting cast of musicians are all excellent players and the line-up was thoughtfully laid out to replicate the studio recordings about as best as could be expected for a live performance... This band was put together to be a lean, mean ELO music playin' machine and not one these over-the-top, one-off, self-indulgent extrvavganzas with a full orchestra, 2-3 keyboardists, backing vocalists and two guitarists. Thanks for that Mr. Lynne!

The two standouts for me where the female vocalist and second guitarist. The choice of adding a femaale vocal really averted the all to common situation of having "old guys" trying to hit, or totally omit, the high vocal parts that they just don't have the pipes to do anymore -- though Jeff Lynne did hit all the high parts he chose to go after and did not omit many. The second guitarist, in addition to playing great guitar, allowed Jeff Lynne to play the acoustic guitar and added some vital second keyboard/synth/string parts to more than adequately cover for only having two live strings (both cellos), as well as helping out Richard Tandy, who had his hands full with keyboards and string section coverage.

If you like ELO music, you should like this DVD... If you want a performance exactly as it was 30 years ago -- go to Youtube and realize what an anal retentive putz you are or but a "Way Back Machine" off of eBay and go back to 1979 and stay there.

Just what you would expect from an ELO concert. I saw them way back in 1977 and it was a pretty good show then. Jeff Lynne runs through many of ELO's classics plus a good number of new songs. It was nice to hear ELOs earliest hits like Showdown and MaMaMa Belle. There were a number of good tunes missing like I'm Alive, Hold On Tight, Rock & Roll Is King and Calling America. But you can't expect to have everything. The performance itself was pretty tame, Lynne and his band don't put a lot of theatrics into the performance. The editing was good with occasional flashes of the small crowd and a good amount of footage of the band actually performing.

The DVD I received was sealed and I couldn't wait to play it. I wasn't disappointed, this is a great DVD, some of the old songs and some of the new songs that were actually very good. It was one song after another and the one thing I really like about ELO is that they sound as good live as they do on their CDs. Excellent sound and picture. What has always intrigued me about this band (Orchestra?)is the addition of the cellos, they really add something to the music and the woman that play them are great. If you are thinking about purchasing this DVD, do it, you won't be disappointed - Joe

ELO is my favorite all time band,and it is not the same group without Jeff Lynne as the lead vocalist,that is why i purchased this dvd ,because Jeff is the lead---even though the original members were not in accompany with him it is still a great buy,and great entertainment. Wish he would do more! One of the original members died in 2009-sux to lose anyone of such great talent as kelly groucete<-----spelling?

THIS IS A GREAT CONCERT DVD,JEFF LYNNE PUTS A BAND BACK TOGETHER AFTER 17 YEARS (I CAN'T SAY IF ANY MEMBERS ARE ORIGINAL, AS I WAS ONLY A CASUAL FAN)BUT I MUST TELL YOU THAT EXCEPT FOR MAYBE 1-2 SONGS OFF, AT THE TIME (2001)LATEST ALBUM ZOOM I HAVE HEARD EVERY ONE.GREAT SOUND, GREAT FILMING,GREAT BAND AND BACK UP SINGER, DEFINATELY WORTH HAVING.I HAD BECOME OF FAN OF JEFF FROM HIS WORK WITH GEORGE HARRISON AND THE WILLBURY'S