ELO, also known as Electric Light Orchestra, disbanded in 1986 due to a combination of factors. While the initial decision to end the band was made by Jeff Lynne in 1983, it wasn’t until three years later that the official disbandment occurred.
One of the main reasons for ELO’s disbandment was a dispute with their record label, Jet Records. The label, owned by Don Arden, had been involved in a legal battle with the band over unpaid royalties and control of their music. This dispute created a tense atmosphere within the band and strained their relationship with the label.
Furthermore, Jeff Lynne had become disillusioned with the music industry and the direction ELO was heading. In interviews, he expressed his frustration with the pressure to produce commercial hits and the lack of creative freedom. Lynne felt that the band’s artistic integrity was compromised, and he wanted to explore other musical avenues.
Additionally, tensions had been building within the band itself. ELO had undergone several lineup changes over the years, with Lynne being the only constant member. This instability, combined with the pressure of touring and recording, took a toll on the band’s cohesion.
In 1986, ELO was forced to make another album due to contractual obligations with their record label. This album, “Balance of Power,” was met with mixed reviews and failed to achieve the commercial success of their earlier work. Following the release of the album, the band officially disbanded.
It’s worth noting that while ELO disbanded as a collective entity, Jeff Lynne continued to work on music and eventually revived the ELO name in the 2010s with a new lineup. However, the original ELO disbanded in 1986, and it was a combination of disputes with the record label, personal frustrations, and declining success that led to their ultimate disbandment.