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ELVIS COSTELLO IN CONCERT:
He may be the "other Elvis," but when it comes to clever, madcap, personality-drenched rock and roll, there is only one Elvis Costello. From his days in the British punk and new wave scene to his pioneering role in the rise of power pop, Costello has repeatedly broken the mold, appealing to both cult and mainstream audiences. On tour as a one-man-band in 2013, he displayed serious performance chops, making a backing band seem obsolete with beautifully stripped-down versions of classics like "Allison" and "What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding." Hitting the road again in 2014, Costello will be treating fans to his acclaimed solo show as well as select dates with his band the Imposters.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
London-born Declan Patrick MacManus, better known as Elvis Costello, began playing music at an early age under the influence of his father, a talented musician and bandleader. After playing in a pub rock band in his early twenties, he released his solo debut album My Aim is True in 1977 to moderate success, landing in the Top 20 in the UK and Top 40 in the US. Shortly after forming his backing band the Attractions, Costello released his breakthrough 1979 album Armed Forces, a No. 2 hit in the UK and an enduring new wave classic. In addition to his knack for catchy, clever songwriting, Costello's provocative performances, pointed political lyrics, and anti-authority attitude helped fuel his success. With more than 30 studio albums under his belt, Costello's impressive run continues with another highly anticipated tour in 2014.
FANS WHO BOUGHT TICKETS SAY:
"Simply an amazing show. So many great songs, and the man just doesn't stop! A great experience!"
"It's amazing that all of the talent on display was coming from one man. He played for nearly two and a half hours and not a second was wasted. Performers like him are a rarity."
"Quirky, eclectic and utterly entertaining. Elvis' voice is as distinctive as ever, and while he played many of his classics, the set list included many songs that were throwbacks to his father's time. I have a whole new appreciation for the man's guitar talents."
We were sitting near the back and the music was so loud that is sounded distorted and was actually painful. We were extremely disappointed. We left after an hour but many left before us.
The Elvis Costello Show at The Coliseum Caesars Windsor wad an amazing show. Elvis was engaging and humorous and played an amazing set list. The band was tight and the sound was phenomenal. The show didnt get bogged down by the Spinning Song Book which was a worry going in, and overall it added a nice element and surely an unforgettable experience for those chosen to go on stage. The venue and atmosphere were intimate and the tickets were reasonable (mine were around $70 for seats 7 rows from center stage. One of my favourite concert experiences ever!!
I was totally entertained!! Loved Elvis Costello & his enthusiasm.
Elvis and the band put on amazing and energetic performance. They played non-stop for an hour and a half. My friend, a big fan, loved all the music from his first album. The audience was generally less enthusiastic. I don't think they knew who they were seeing. Maybe they thought that he was an Elvis impersonator.
We were sitting in the front row. The sound was great! I didn't realize I knew so many of his songs. He certainly put on an amazing show. His guitar playing and his voice never wavered .He played song after song without much talking in between. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it and for sure would go and see him again. He is a professional all the way and has a lot of class. Thanks Elvis!
Thoroughly enjoyed the concert. The sound is always good and Elvis was right on! What an amazing quitarist. Vocals and band all great. I would definitely go to see him again. We had a blast. The whole audience was foot tapping, clapping and rocking along with them.
The performance was very good however the sound system was terrible. Very unclear and muffled sounding totally ruined the concert. Was it the venue? I don't think so because I've been to several concerts at Rama before and the sound was always excellent
The set was great but a bit too short; we would have prefered a 5-10 minute intermission and play 2 sets than 1 long set. The music was great and the band was driving, Elvis' lyrical memory was outstanding and it's been soooo long since the singer was also the lead guitar. We had a great time.
EC is one of the greatest rock'n'roll songwriters of his generation, and a fantastic performer. The reformed Imposters were great as well. Unfortunately, the sound was atrocious - muddy mix, little bass, little drums. Tiny, tiny sound - no body or breadth or kick. And, the show was unforgivably short. At Casino Rama, their main interest is getting the audience out of the show and back to the slot machines, so you will -never- see a show there that exceeds 90 minutes. I will likely not see another show there, and will not recommend the venue to my friends. Save your money.
My husband and I were really looking forward to this event. There was no interaction with the audience. Came on stage right at 8:00, played 3-4 songs said "Hello - Good Evening". then played until 9:10 and left the stage. People stood up (not really for an encore, but not sure if it was over) and then he came back and played another 3 or 4 songs. He made a half-hearted attempt for requests, and made a comment about how sometimes they bring out a "spin the wheel" for songs but that it was a conflict with the venue (the casino). No-one seemed to find it funny. He generally seemed annoyed to even be there. The place was half-full, maybe he was unhappy about that, but shouldn't have taken it out on those of us that did buy tickets! Also made a comment about presenting some sort of award in Boston, and then said, "but I guess none of you would have been there! Wasn't funny - found it rather derogatory actually. We were expecting something completely different. VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!!!
It was often said that James Brown was the hardest working man in show business - to that, I say NUTS! I've never seen any band work harder than Elvis Costello and the Imposters at Casino Rama. This was one of the shortest, strangest and wonderful concerts I have ever been to. The show started 10 minutes late, but that wasn't the band's fault, people were hadn't made it into their seats. Once the lights went down, the band rushed onto the stage and proceeded to play 6 songs in a row: back to back to back to back to back to back with the drummer never missing a beat! With the first 6 songs done, Elvis said a quick hello and the band plowed through another 3 songs. Elvis told a short story and then, bang, back to another 5 back to back.... songs. All in all, the band played about an hour and twenty minutes (including the encore) but they played at least 26 songs (I lost track at some point). And what did they play? Almost ALL of Elvis Costello's hits from the first 8 years of his career. The only "hits" I can think of that they didn't do where Girls Talk and Loveable. Some songs that surprised me, Heart of the City - I remember it as a Nick Lowe song, but Elvis did cover it on a 1990 LP. He did Crying Time (a country classic made famous by Ray Charles). He did Chuck Berry's No Particular Place to Go - in 3/4 time. The 4 song encore was dedicated to Levon Helm who had passed away the day before. He started with Tears of Rage (a Dylan song The Band made famous), I forget what the next song was, then Peace Love and Understanding and finished with a Grateful Dead song Ramble On Rose - in honor of “The Midnight Ramble”, shows Levon held in the barn attached to his house in Woodstock. Footnote: What we didn't get to see was .... Elvis Costello's spontaneous 'Spinning Songbook'. Apparently this was been a staple of Elvis' traveling shows on the "Revolver Tour". For some reason, he couldn't use it at Rama. It would have been a much different show but I don't think it could have been any better. Elvis C - thanks for stopping by. It was amazing.
A most enjoyable music evening. Great song selection and he was in a good mood. One request: I do not pay good money to hear other people chat about their lives during concerts. Show some respect folks - shut up and listen to the band. Chat on your way home please.
It's usually a treat to see Elvis on stage, his retro review via the spinning song wheel was good fun. The silly on stage antics, a gogo dancer and skipping hostess, were somewhat annoying, but the acoustics in the lower balcony were unforgivable, little of Elvis's guitar and vocals made it past the overwhelming and distorted kick drum. A real shame as Elvis is usually an absolute treat to see live. Next time I'll opt to see him play in Seattle.
I've been waiting decades for a chance to see Elvis live, and when he announced a date at the gorgeous Orpheum, I jumped on the presale. 5th row. He definitely didn't disappoint. With any artist who has a catalog as extensive as his, there's always going to be something left out (I wanted to hear Button My Lip off of The Delivery Man), but the ones that get included are all fantastic. The Impostors were tight and Elvis' stint as the host of Spectacle certainly served him well in the game show atmosphere of the evening. I liked the go-go cage, the female "assistant", and the set list was the perfect way to remind everyone what a versatile musician - and singer - Declan MacManus is. The two songs from National Ransom that he did on his own with the acoustic guitar were show-stoppers, and it seemed like he didn't want the show to end. Just when you were sure that was the last song, he'd fire up another. Then he brought his wife up on stage, and cajoled her into playing on Peace Love and Understanding. I flew out from Calgary for the show, and since I was one of the fortunate few who got to go up and spin the songbook wheel, I'd say I definitely got my money's worth.
The sound wasn't great from my seat under the balcony,I am wondering if it was bad elsewhere?There were also a couple of moments where the show l agged a bit but otherwise I loved the concept of the show.GREAT SONGS
This was a truly amazing concert. Elvis kept the audience engaged throughout the the show. The venue was great with excellent acoustics. I'd go again in a heart beat. Thanks
No opening act, just Elvis on stage for 2 and a half hours. Great variety of awesome music, and the Spinning Songbook was a great way for him to have some fun interacting with the audience. Early on Elvis said it was good to be home. It did seem like we were getting an extra special concert just because he was back in Vancouver. He even convinced Diana Krall to play a bit of piano on the finale.
Excellent, excellent show with lots of familiar songs from the '80's. .
the Costello concert was so disappointing. Why? Because whoever did the sound mix needs to be fired. Costello is one of the best lyricists writing today. except on 3 songs when the great band left the stage and Elvis had only his acoustic, it was impossible to understand a word. Also, because of the structure of the evening and audience members spinning the wheel to select songs, the evening lacked artistic cohesion. it felt like a hodge-podge. all in all, disappointing.
I've been an EC fan for about 30 years (since a kid) and have been to many shows. This was spot on - creative, fun, entertaining. Felt like everyone was just one big happy family. And his voice, lyrics and his band are a magical combination. It was sweet that the good wife popped on stage. And, being a fellow Brit I laughed hard when on leaving we were given a bit of classic Morecomb and Wise for our exit music. Very thoughtful!
