Review of concert from 2002-07-15: Canberra, Canberra Theatre - with Imposters
Canberra Times, 2002-07-16
- Scott Hannaford

 

Elvis Costello played for about 1000 people at the Canberra Theatre last night. Picture: KYM SMITH

Powerful show takes fans back to Costello's early days

By SCOTT HANNAFORD

Canberra played host to Elvis Costello last night and fans welcomed him with thunderous applause.

Costello, widely regarded as one of the best and most prolific musicians of his time, took Canberra fans back to the early days of his career with a powerful performance, supported by his band, The Imposters.

He set the tone of the concert early with a dramatic entrance to a pulsating beat and a myriad of coloured lights swept over the crowd as he walked on to stage.

He was greeted with a large cheer from those who had waited a long time to see one of the '70s, '80s and '90s most innovative artists perform in Canberra.

Fans concerned that he'd forgotten how to rock 'n' roll, after years of composing ballads and classical music, had their fears put to rest as he aggressively launched into the first set.

About 1000 mostly middle-aged fans turned out to see the show in the Canberra Theatre, a real treat considering it is the first time in a long time he has performed the style of music which earned him a strong following in the 1970s.

Costello was supported by singer-songwriter Dan Greenwood who has been touring with him in Australia and impressed the crowd with her popular single Your Shoes.