Review of concert from 2002-09-16: Cologne, E-Werk - with Imposters
- Peter Runia

 

Cologne, E-WERK, Elvis Costello & the Imposters, 16-09-2002

First of all I have to say a big thanks to Chris Difford who played a great support act, highlighting with Squeeze classics like "Tempted", "Labelled with Love", "Up the Junction" and, of course, "Cool for Cats". He also played two songs from his recent solo-album. Great acoustic set!

About 9 PM then, Elvis and the Imposters entered the stage, awaited by a huge crowd of his German fans (it was his only appearance around here, unfortunately).

Elvis didn't say a lot, he let his music speak for itself and played a full packed set (28 songs) with a lot of unexpected numbers. The emphasis was, of course, on his recent album WIWC, from this one he played 9 tracks, opening with "Daddy can I turn this?". Other prominent albums were TYM and BAC with 4 tracks each.

To name some highlights: "Watching the Detectives", "Man out of Time", "I Hope you're happy now" and the great Trust-song "New lace Sleeves". Another highlight formed the short acoustic set with "Little Triggers" and "Shipbuilding".

All in all, it was a very surprising setlist, not comparable to the shows before, only the last 3 songs were the usual ones with the great "I want you" as the end of the show.

Elvis and the imposters were in a good mood, you could see they were really enjoying themselves on stage. But let me add a short criticism: The sound, especially at the beginning, wasn't always right and, in my opinion, Professor Nieve was playing a bit to much with his keys and things (not always fitting!).

All in all, a great show, hope he'll be back in Cologne soon; his German fans would appreciate it very much.

Peter Runia