I have been a HUGE fan of ELO ever since, aged 9 in 1979 I was given a copy of ‘Out of the Blue’. In beautiful, vinyl – gatefold sleeve as well. Oh, those were the days. I think I actually wore it out throughout the 1980’s & Jeff Lynne really is one of my musical heroes. When I heard that he was being awarded a star on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars in Broad Street, I knew that I had to fulfil my dream of meeting him & photographing him. So after an exchange of emails & telephone calls with the Walk of Stars board I was granted accreditation. To say I was excited was an understatement & I literally couldn’t sleep the night before 😉
What a fantastic day it was & I will remember it forever – Thursday 13th March 2014 Jeff was in front of my lens on the garden rooftop of the new library in Birmingham. A beautiful sunny day & Jeff turned up with his good pal & fellow Brummie Jasper Carrott. Both guys were super friendly, relaxed & chatted away to reporters & TV crew. Jeff was every bit the gentleman AND legend in the flesh as I thought he would be.
A ceremony took place that evening at the library of Birmingham which included VIP guests, friends & family of Jeff & more press. ELO member Richard Tandy arrived & signed autographs for fans waiting outside. Roy Wood arrived too & it appeared he hadn’t seen Jeff for 20 years – how crazy is that?? It really was a wonderful day & confirmed what we all know anyway – the boy from Shard End Birmingham really is an inspiration to many people. Mr Blue Sky – we salute you!!
