Elvis Costello & the Imposters Tickets

Unfortunately, this review from November 2016 at the Beacon Theater still rings true: Yikes! Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, but this was the worst show I've seen him do EVER! I don't even know where to begin, but let's start with production values. The whole band was amped up so badly that the mix was one loud incoherent rumble, with the lead vocals distorted and pitchy (like he couldn't hear himself) and the backing vocals unheard. The lyrics were unintelligible (I know most by heart and even I was confused) and Elvis's usual raconteurship was off kilter and missing his familiar timing and flair. The whole Imperial Bedroom theme, with the altered arrangements and Picasso themed covers, one-offs, and the unfortunate backing vocal performance on "Allison" that ruined his performance, all contributed to a feeling of "just too much". I actually liked his raucous guitar work, but he seemed unsure of his vocals all night.

I'm a quasi-fan, meaning I love his radio stuff and performed a few of his songs with some of my musician friends and bands. I'm not always a fan of his lyrics, but his sound, his melodies, chord progressions, and his band's musicianship is fantastic. Finally got a chance to see him live last night at Woodinville's St. Michelle Winery, and was very impressed. He brought a ton of energy to his performance, despite a rather flat crowd. Most of the set was from the Imperial Bedroom album, which I'm not familiar with, so forced me to appreciate other aspects of the performance than I usually look for. But hearing WtD, Allison, WSFBPL&U, and PiU was transcendant. I'm glad I didn't bring my 14 year old, though, because you had to be a fan already to enjoy this show, in my opinion. But, still, Elvis is so distinctive and I appreciate his individuality. Great show.

He became hoarse about halfway through. Sound was not crisp. Elvis was not rocking.

...the idea of a cohesive song set and performance behind! Yikes! Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, but this was the worst show I've seen him do EVER! I don't even know where to begin, but let's start with production values. The whole band was amped up so badly that the mix was one loud incoherent rumble, with the lead vocals distorted and pitchy (like he couldn't hear himself) and the backing vocals unheard. The lyrics were unintelligible (I know most by heart and even I was confused) and Elvis's usual raconteurship was off kilter and missing his familiar timing and flair. The whole Imperial Bedroom theme, with the altered arrangements and Picasso themed covers, one-offs, and the unfortunate backing vocal performance on "Allison" that ruined his performance, all contributed to a feeling of "just too much". I actually liked his raucous guitar work, but he seemed unsure of his vocals all night. The band played well, but again in spite of the mix. The last "fan favorite" encore of "Pump It Up" and "WSFAPLaU" seemed to have fixed most of the above problems, but was too little too late. My party had folks attending who were unfamiliar with Costello's body of work and they left disappointed and unimpressed.

I'm sure Elvis was & The Imposters were as altogether miraculous as always, but the sound was so distorted in the lower balcony that it left you wondering. Only when he performed with just the piano was the sound true. The worst distortion for those in row D left in the lower balcony was from the bass line. It created a distorted vibration. Poor form Beacon Theater on 11/7.

I was a bit hesitant that Elvis might only do new stuff. Well, he did do a lot of new stuff and it was fantastic. His pianist was incredible and Elvis isn't too bad on the piano either. In the end he did do some of the old stuff I like best. Overall, I really enjoyed it.

My wife and I are long time Elvis Costello fans and were so disappointed. We have not seen him live in many years and were really looking forward to it. Not sure whether it was him the sound system or both but the show sounded like one long muffled drone. We left early and have never done that before.

Horrible sound mix--every instrument going at full blast, producing a muddy, brain-numbing racket. Elvis Costello is not tuneless heavy metal, so whoever was responsible for the sound check should be fired (and should pay me back for the cost of our tickets!). Left after 6 songs. Waste of money and waste of an evening.

Coming to town to re-explore Imperial Bedroom, Elvis delivered an evening of staggering music. Not only did the band play the entire record, they covered material throughout his career in various styles and formats. He continues to play with both Steve Nieve and Pete Thomas from "Attraction Days" which allows the early punk sound all the way to current ballads, blues, country and even cajun influenced music. Elvis has become legendary and is truly a master songwriter, composer and singer who has gotten better over the years.

The great thing about Costello is that no two shows are the same: whether it's setlist or the musicians on stage, something is ALWAYS different since the last time you saw him. This was a great rock and roll set with his long time backing band, The Imposters, augmented by two soulful backing singers. The set was based around 1982's Imperial Bedroom album, with other surprises thrown in, for example NIGHT RALLY, an obscure song from 1978 that tells the chilling tale of living in a fascist state. Clearly picked from obscurity as the opening number on the night before Trump's election, it was an amazing choice. Problem was, the sound from our seats in the balcony was TERRIBLE. Dave Farragher's bass was just a sludgy toneless mess, same for Pete Thomas's drums with the exception of an over-loud snare that cut through. On top of that, was EC's trebly guitar and Steve Nieve's high-pitched keyboards. It sounded awful. Were in not for the quality of the songs, we may have left. BUT - when we saw some footage of the show on YouTube, the sound felt fuller and better mixed. The cameraman was in the orchestra: is there a chance that it sounds much better down there than up top?

the sound was so bad, we left as did other people. With a musician who is so typically meticulous about production values and a venue as wonderful as The Beacon, it was shocking. I wish I knew how to get my money but as Costello himself sings "there's no money back guarantees on future happiness".

I had loved Imperial Ballroom and Elvis C. in the past. But he was horrible and the music was unbearably loud. I left. What a waste.

I've waited many years to see Elvis Costello. This was a great show. He played for 2 hrs. 45 minutes without a break. I have to admit 70% of the songs I did not know. but enjoyed the whole show.

I have seen Elvis Costello perform several times. This concert was terrible. He was occasionally out of tune, the band was out of time with each other, and the mix/amplification muddied everything.

awful show,had best seats in house,8th row,dead center,he has lost whatever edge he had in the last 8 years.truthfully,elvis has left the building forever!

I love Elvis Costello. I have been a fan for a very long time & was thrilled to finally be able to see him & his band in person. He was terrific but the sound at the Beacon was horrendous. Not sure if it was the general acoustics of the theater or the sound engineers over amping. It was very disappointing to not be able to decipher lyrics & melodies. Hope I will have another opportunity in the future to see him perform at another venue.

Some times change is a good thing. I took a friend, who is a HUGE Elvis Costello fan, and she was disappointed. I think there were 3 of his old tunes done. Band was great and in sync but if you are going to see a 1980's Elvis this is not going to be your show. But if you go in with an open book to what you will be hearing, just sit back and enjoy the show!

Where do I begin! This wa the show to go to this year! He did not stop, he showed no mercy o his guitar and showed his love to us!

I love seeing Elvis Costello. I've lost count of the number of times I have - somewhere between 15 and 20. I don't know if it was the location of our seats, the overall mix, or whatever, but this was by far the worst-sounding concert I have been to in years. The bass and drums drowned out Elvis' guitar by far. His voice was a screechy yell. Very muddy. Less than enjoyable. I would probably not go back to the Beacon. I have seen 4 or 5 other shows there without issue in the past - including with seats in a similar location slightly to the side of the stage in the orchestra. Just bad. Sorry. I'm giving it 2 stars because the selection of songs and duration of the concert warrant it.

This is the third time we have seen Elvis perform, and he has done fantastic each time, He strives to involve the audience and simply enjoys playing for us. Never disappointed.