Review of RoxyBar Performance on 1998-11-10 - Clare Mahon The Elvis Costello/ Steve Nieve set played at the Roxybar studio outside Bologna was a fans' mania. Not only was it a rare opportunity to hear the dynamic duo in the company of few, it was probably the only occasion I'll ever have to make all kinds of meaningful eye contact with Elvis. I was seated right under the camera, but I'm positive it was me he was really after. Steve Nieve was an unannounced extra; why will they alway try to sweep him under the carpet? Elvis has gone from his usual dapper to positively swank in a dark grey suit, grey shirt and puke green tie. He wears it well. Steve was wearing a shark skin jacket and white pants. O.K., it's well past Labor Day, but he's an artist after all. They played an acoustic set of five songs. The first three from Painted...This House Is Empty Now, Toledo, God G.M.S. God gave us Elvis! I found this pared down arrangement to be better than the recorded version, but I confess to a weak spot for S.N's playing. They were followed by an Alison/Tracks Of My Tears/Clowntime medley and Watching The Detectives. Tutto qui. It was short but sweet. Elvis' and Steve's affability and time were probably squandered on this crowd, but not on me. I enjoyed them enough for a thousand. Elvis' Italian is improving even though his accent remains horrific.