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Elvis Costello was the unlikely opener. Backed by his rock-and-roll band the Imposters, Costello dug way back into his catalog, focusing on tunes from his classic late '70s/early '80s albums. He started with speeding-out-of-control versions of "I Hope You're Happy Now," "High Fidelity," "Radio Radio" and "Watching the Detectives."
Costello, who received an honorary doctorate of music from Berklee College of Music in 2013 (as did Fagen and Becker earlier), on this hot, humid night was dressed in a black suit with a Panama Jack hat atop his 60-year-old head. His fashion choice might have been dubious, but his song selection during his hourlong set was impeccable.
"Alison" evolved into a loud sing-along. "Everyday I Write the Book" was a funky, R&B-flavored treat. Like Dylan, Costello is not averse to reworking some songs: "I Don't Want to Go to Chelsea" got a winning reggae/hip-hop Red Hot Chili Peppers-like makeover. The intense, menacing psychotic fever dream of obsessive love "I Want You" was a deep cut that thrilled true fans. "Pump it Up" and his cover of Nick Lowe's "What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding" ended the set on a rocking note.
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