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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the music of Billy Strayhorn, Oscar Peterson and for twelve Charles Mingus compositions and as a composer, set twelve unpublished lyrics by Bob Dylan.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.
Section C Reserved: Whoever was the soundboard operator for Blondie did a g-r-e-a-t job. Not so much for Elvis. Walking to the outer limit of the great lawn resulted in a much better sound mix experience than sitting in our reserved seats.
So it turns out this was the last show of the tour, and it showed in different ways for each act: Debbie Harry and the band were going through the motions, and were clearly overmatched and exhausted. I understand Ms. Harry is 75, but the act was uninspired and frankly unpleasant. This was a transparent cash grab by a bunch of people who didn’t want to be there. Elvis Costello and the Imposters, on the other hand, were energetic and tight. Elvis always does a great job connecting to the audience and his voice is still great. He played plenty of hits, particularly toward the end, and he chose some great deep cuts and new tracks for the hardcore fans. I hope Elvis has more tours in his future, and I know he will continue creating unique music. Theres no one quote like Elvis Costello.
Great nostalgic night with Elvis Costello and Blondie....both groups sounded great—-bands were tight. Maybe it’s because both had some original band members (Steve Nieve with Elvis and Chris Stein with Blondie). Both sang most their hits, sprinkled in with new stuff and covers..Fun👍🏿👍🏿
The evening weather, crown and ambiance was simply perfect. There was plenty of security onsite to ensure all was safe and attentive to a good evening. Blondie and Elvis Costello (and their members) were still nailing their original hits after all these years. Simply classic and bringing us all back to our hay-day. I brought my 15 yr. old who enjoys and appreciates classic artists also. We had terrific seats in the 108 section. I have to say Elvis Costello was truly amazing, had a strong voice and had us all laughing with his quick whit! What a fabulous evening! Only setback, if I had to critique anything, would be prices of food and drink. However, it was tasty enough to enjoy and the lines were so small we walked right up to the front and ordered immediately, so that made it all worth it!! Thanks Pavillion!
Blondie Was Fabulous!!! Elvis, not so much... just so-so. The venue is the best and I love all the improvements they've done to make concerts nicer.
What can I say, it’s Elvis! Amazing performance by my all time favorite in a beautiful venue. I would plan to arrive 2 1/2 hrs (at least) for the best lawn seats.
Overall a good experience, however the security personnel were over zealous in "clearing" the aisles when patrons were trying to take pictures. They were more distracting than the picture takers. Even the band Blondie noticed. Let people have fun folks.
Both artists were my first time seeing and both played all the hits I wanted to hear. Blondie took the show for me. Debbie Harry has old chops but still singing live without auto tune or lip-syncing. The drummer displayed appropriate and steady energy. The original guitar player sat through the show. The years are showing and the guitar chops were weak. But I appreciate he’s still doing his thing. Disappointed with Costello. The band was lacking some energy. I love Costello ripping the guitar, he’s really not know for that. I heard what I wanted but his pandering for applause was not necessary for an artist of his stature. The blame falls on the crowd of old rockers who are too well off to have any fun like the good ole days. Worth seeing if you’re a fan of either. But pass if you’re not into what they do and who they are. Concord audiences stink!!!
The tacos were too small with little on them for $12. Won't do that again.
Another great show by Elvis Costello! The only downside was he went on too late and had to cut his show short. He want to play but time ran out!! Blondie set was too long for such a stale act. The schedule was she was to start at 7p - why did she start late? If she started on time, Elvis could have started at 8:30 and played a good set worthy of the Greek.
I came to see Elvis, but I think I enjoyed Blondie even more! Debbie Harry's voice is in great form and she is just cool. Elvis was also cool and came with good energy. My only complaint is that the words were unintelligible most of the time. Granted, my hearing is not so great, but I only knew the words to the songs from My Aim is True and I think of him as a lyrics guy.
Blondie still has it! I'm a big Debbie Harry fan and she is still rocking. My first time seeing Elvis. He can shred the guitar with the best of them. Love the Concord Pavilion venue. Nothing like it.
Never seen elvis costello and have to say it was really good. I know he has been around since 70s so was stoked . He had many classic hits but i really like new stuff as well. Different style . Blondie another classic i have never ween and was very happy. Love she played tons of hits. Both band sound so fresh. Concord pavilion have great sound system.
Great show - both Blondie and Elvis Costello were in good form. Both played pretty full sets, so it was good value for money, and there were plenty of hits.
Blondie was fairly decent, cruising through their hits as well as a Debbie Harry song or two and a couple covers. The Blondie fans seemed well pleased, singing along and performing an unusual amount of clapping; this was not quite on par with Jimmy Buffet's interactive fanbase, but more than most. Elvis really brought the goods, doing a lot of admirable guitar work, and being helped along by his two talented and attractive backup singers. Elvis' band was just operating on a higher level than Blondie could put out. The venue was only half full, and security was lax about allowing people into the upper level seats, which was appropriate. The only real downer was that Concord Pavilion has joined the $17 Beer Club, which is not something to brag about, but I guess it allows them to make the same amount of money while only selling half the number of beers.
both bands played about the same amount of time and the sound was right all night i will see them again if they come back
Loved everything about this show! We had great seats, loved the venue and choices of drink and food, great view and great sound. Elvis Costello never disappoints and rocked his show. Blondie was great.
We loved his show. He is so talented. He has so much energy, and really connects to his audience
We were in the front row very muffed sound, they stopped playing early. But overall fun show. Blondie was much clearer.
EC is an iconic performer... great to see him again for the first time in many years. the sound mix was the worst I've ever heard at a professional venue. very sad.
