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Elvis Costello is a writer and part-time musician who made a number of records in the 20th Century, some of which are still remembered today.
He was born in London and raised there and in Liverpool.
Costello is the composer or lyricist of over six hundred published titles, including fifteen songs co-written with Paul McCartney and renowned collaborations with Allen Toussaint, the Brodsky Quartet and T Bone Burnett.
Costello's songwriting alliance with Burt Bacharach, began in 1995 with the song, "God Give Me Strength", which led to the 1998 album, "Painted From Memory", before their work was collected in 2023, on the four-album set, "The Songs Of Bacharach & Costello".
Elvis Costello songs have been recorded by Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Chet Baker, Dusty Springfield, Solomon Burke, George Jones, Linda Ronstadt and Bjork, while among the artists with whom he has written songs are Loretta Lynn, Carole King, Rosanne Cash and Kris Kristofferson and his wife, Diana Krall.
Working purely as a lyricist, Costello has provided words for the music of Billy Strayhorn, Oscar Peterson and for twelve Charles Mingus compositions and as a composer, set twelve unpublished lyrics by Bob Dylan.
2024 will see the opening of "A Face In The Crowd", Sarah Ruhl's stage adaptation of the Budd Schulberg story for which Elvis Costello composed the songs.
"A Face In The Crowd" will open at the Young Vic in London on INSERT DATE, directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah and produced by Adam Kenwright.
Elvis Costello is the author of "Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink", a more than six-hundred page memoir which has been translated into six languages. He has received a range of awards over his 45 year old career of which the induction into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame is probably the most significant.
Although he holds two honorary doctorates in music - one from the University of Liverpool and another from the New England Conservatory- Elvis Costello is known for playing the guitar with almost no regard for common sense.
Costello currently performs with The Imposters; his long time companions, drummer, Pete Thomas and pianist, Steve Nieve, bassist of twenty-three years standing, Davey Faragher and their special guest, Texas guitarist, Charlie Sexton.
Probably would have been a good show if it was in a much larger venue like the Garden. But because of the lack of good sound engineering, the music was overwhelmingly loud, especially the bass. No one could understand the performers when they spoke to the audience. It was a nice surprise to see Nick Lowe but it was the same with his performance.
I wasted my money and my time attending the Elvis Costello show at the Beacon theatre. First, the seats were first row lower balcony. The new sound system is awful. You could not hear a word that was said, understand lyrics and the mix was terrible. Then the bass was so loud at one point I thought my eardrums might rupture.. I thought it was just me until people all around the upper seats began yelling out "we can't hear you"or "turn up the volume."It wasn't always like that but the Beacon is experimenting with a new sound system and the last few shows we went to were not good unless you are sitting in the more expensive orchestra seats. They could hear just fine as they could be heard laughing at Elvis' jokes, etc. My son saw the show the night before and sat in the orchestra. He took a video and the sound was so much better. Come on MSG - give the people in the upper levers the same quality sound as the orchestra. As for Elvis, what a disappointment. His show was self-indulgent and fans were clearly disappointed as they called out to "pick up the pace"or "lets rock and roll"many times. He changed the arrangement for "watching the detective"- it was awful. Why change the arrangement on one of your biggest hit songs? If he wants to experiment with different styles of music and arrangements, do it in the studio or in small clubs, not the iconic Beacon theatre. Needless to say, we left early. that's the first time in my life I ever intentionally left a show because it was so bad. We were not alone. We were hanging out in front of the theatre and you can't believe how many people also left early. The comments were all negative. I felt bad for the guys selling bootleg t-shirts; not one person would buy them. Some said "i wouldn't be caught dead wearing his face"and other negative comments. I will still continue to listen to Elvis' music, but it will never be the same for me after that night. The hundreds of dollars we spent on the show was only salvaged by see the opening act - Nick Lowe; another favorite of ours. Los Straitjacket's masks were a little disturbing but my view was blocked by the huge metal bar the runs parallel to the balcony so that helped. If you think I'm begin harsh - go see the show and make up your own mind.
Just as background, I love Elvis Costello and at one time knew the words to almost every song of his. His vocals are still amazing, but his pitch was off on several songs which was really odd. Still, The Poisoned Rose and Almost Blue were magnificent. Elvis chose a different style for Allison which was disappointing. But more than anything, the sound, particularly the bass, was so overpowering to the songs. It didn't help that they sent the spot light around the audience multiple times, blinding us. I think I'll just need to enjoy Elvis's songs on Spotify and forgo the live performances :(
I will never go to a venue that is owned by Jim Dolan again I’ve been to 141 Elvis Costello concerts. I saw the disappointment on his face of both the 13th and 14th by the lack of fan reaction. He had no idea what was going on behind the scenes it was like the national guard was outside, I can’t say the worst things about the beacon theater which now I know I will never go to radio city music Hall never return. Madison Square Garden and I was born and raised in New York Elvis stay away from any Jim Dolan venue he is antithetical to everything you represent.
Love the Lyric venue. Elvis was wonderful. He was relaxed and enjoyed himself-a joy to watch!
I was really disappointed that Costello hardly played any of his "hits"and played obscure songs.
Nick Lowe was an excellent opener as usual for Elvis. This was my 12th Elvis show dating back to 1978. This was not one of his better shows as the pacing was a bit slow and choppy. His vocals were a bit off as well. With that said, still a long 23 song, 2 hour and 20-minute set. The songs spanned most of his career and the band was excellent.
Slow start until last 15 minutes then Elvis finally turned it up. Still Elvis seemed sluggish and tired rushing through the last songs like he had a appointment he was in a rush to get to .very disappointed would not buy a ticket to see him again
I have seen Costello over the years dozens of times. This concert was terrible, The sound mix was so off. The bass and drums overtook all the vocals and other instruments. Elvis's voice was not working well either. He seemed to be infirm-needing to sit. He couldn't reach notes he normally could sing. The set list was not inspired either. I saw him last summer on Pier 17 and he was magical. This is the first time I did not stay for the whole show. The sound was too painful. And, for comparison, the sound for Nick Lowe was perfect. If Costello was not well, he should have cancelled his tour.
Beautiful theater Great seats terrible sound Couldn’t understand a word so we left early
The band with brass sounded great. Elvis was in top form too. Setlist was very eclectic BUT it worked. I am a big fan and I did not recognize many songs.
Though he had a few nice stories to tell, Elvis Costello could not sing. He also was a control freak on stage directing his band as if they had not practiced together. He did not play any of his classics until a short two song coda at the end, playing obscure music including Spanish ballroom dance songs for the vast majority of the concert. Nobody on stage had energy. The horn section was excellent. If I could, I'd ask for my money back. Just a waste of time.
The bass was too loud! Elvis needed his mic adjusted so he could be heard by the audience. The crowd wanted more of the 80’s hits ! His new music is obscure . Thank hod for Nick Lowe
Sat row u orchastra. From that vantage point the sound guys failed miserably. When they raised the volume for certain songs it was UNCOMFORTABLY LOUD. Also, Elvis incorporated a new sound machine that at times was set with a reverberating bass that was too much. Left a few songs early because it was intolerable. A shame because the great talent on the stage was compromised during many songs...
The Beacon is a great venue. Show started with Nick Lowe and the Straitjackets. They were spot on with the sound being really crisp and did an amazing performance. The Straitjackets did 2 60's beach themed songs (no Nick) which I think was a kool change up. The set went by too fast but that was just me wanting more. Elvis Costello did not meet my expectations. Think that most of it is on me as am a fan of his yesterday music and have not keep up with his music of recent times. Elvis did throw me a couple bones. The vocals were not clear which I can only think to point a finger at is the soundboard as Nick's vocals were as said were crisp. You will love Elvis if you are a fan of his current music. Yesterday fans, not as much. Elvis is truly a great artist.
Great performances. Great venue. I felt transported to the eighties! The sound quality seemed a bit off but definitely an enjoyable event.
Very disappointed in the sound quality which is rare, in my experience, at the Beacon Theatre.
Last time I saw Elvis Costello was 8 or so years ago during his spinning wheel tour. He was great and energetic. This time, he had moments of excellence, but seems to have lost quite a bit of vitality. Too many slow songs, seated during 1/3 of set, weakened/strained voice, too many rearrangements. Maybe it was an off night or natural decline, but rock is a young man's game with very few exceptions.
My Husband & I were sitting in the 1st Loge & the sound system seemed off for Elvis The background music was too loud to appreciate Elvis’s voice in many songs
He tortured the hell out of some great songs. I’ll never get over the absurd arrangement of Watching The Detectives. This was a ridiculous deconstruction of some well-loved tunes. Dylan, and maybe Van Morrison, can trash their back catalogue and get away with it, but Elvis really messed this up. The sound was clunky and his voice was off. I’d think twice before seeing him again.
