Event – Costello & Nieve in Concert
Special guest – Ian Prowse
Date – 11th September 2024
Venue – Liverpool Olympia
Reviewer – Alan O’Hare
The gap between live music and the mainstream has never been wider.
Of course, longtime successful artists such as Elvis Costello can bridge that gap. But, with ticket prices where they are and post-pandemic expectations of entertainment from a more mainstream crowd hugely varied, gigs at a certain level can be tough.
The last time Elvis Costello played Liverpool, there was a bit of a furore. It was nothing, really, just a perfect storm of expectations from a crowd who haven’t kept up and an artist who wants you to go with him as he scratches whatever itch he feels. Last night, however, at the beautiful Liverpool Olympia (treat her well, Liverpool), was one of the best gigs I’ve seen Costello play – and it was because, crucially, a graceful Elvis got the crowd to join him on his journey.
“Film noir” he called it from the stage; if that’s French for an arthouse take on Tom Waits theatre and late-period Bob Dylan, I’ll buy it. His singing was sensational, the melodic arrangements challenging (for those on and off stage) and the songs… well, there’s no Liverpool-linked songwriter with a catalogue as good as Elvis’ other than John and Paul.
When I Was Cruel, The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes, Clubland, Country Darkness, Shipbuilding, Pills & Soap, Stripping Paper, Oliver’s Army… I could talk all night. And those covers? He came into the crowd to sing I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down and She and took Liverpool’s collective breath away. The powerful delivery, the falsetto, the off-mic touches; it was soul music to warm the coldest of hearts on a cold, cold night in West Derby.
Accompanied by longtime pianist, keyboard whiz and collaborator Steve Nieve, and joined for a few songs by a flying-by-the-seat-of-their-pants brass section from LIPA (The Long Honeymoon and Almost Blue particular highlights), the night had a redemptive feel and will live long in the memory – helped by a wonderful opening performance from special guest Ian Prowse, whose songs of wounded determination broke the barrier of support artist and crowd and gave those present two top table performances for the price of one.
Costello might have left Liverpool feeling disgusted last time, but I’m sure he’ll be feeling amused this morning… because last night was one for the books.
Review © 2024 Alan O’Hare
Agree 100%. Synchronized my European vacation to see EC in Liverpool. From USA. Seen EC probably 10 times, Attraction, solo, Imposters, Sugarcanes. This was my favorite. I know his catalog very well and his presentation of these songs in a way I haven’t heard was special. His interaction and stories with essentially a home town crowd was also very cool and necessarily different than US.
Great review. Haven’t seen him live for probably 40 years but he demands great respect for refusing to be just a nostalgia act in his 70s. Like all the true greats he’s had his less vital times but now he’s on a hot streak again. Not one for the instagrannies, but the highlights were fantastic.