Subject: Elvis Costello
Vital statistics:
Born Declan Patrick MacManus in London in 1954; moved to Liverpool as a teenager. The son of a big-band singer, he began playing guitar and writing songs in high school. Started out performing in folk clubs; played in a country-rock pub band called Hip City; later moved on to pop and rock. Signed to adventurous Stiff Records in 1976; changed his name to Elvis Costello. Formed original backing group, the Attractions, in 1977 and released critically acclaimed debut album, My Aim Is True; one song from the album, "Watching the Detectives," made the U.K. Top 20 that year. With his frequently venomous, offbeat style and a carefully contrived look of purposeful nerdism, Costello became an overnight success in U.S. post-punk/new wave music circles in 1978. He has continued to attract attention through various stylistic changes, though his hefty reputation as one of rock`s more original artists generally has eclipsed his actual record sales.
Fun facts:
Once worked as a computer operator. Was christened Elvis Costello by a former manager. Got punched out by singer Bonnie Bramlett in a bar in Columbus, Ohio, during 1979 tour after making insulting racist remarks about Ray Charles and James Brown; later claimed he was just trying to get Bramlett riled. Currently keeping steady company with Cait O'Riordan, the lone female member of U.K. punk-folk band the Pogues].
Modus operandi:
Taking the adventurous route, Costello has put together a six-city tour that will find him playing three-night engagements in small halls (including Chicago's Riviera Theater), with a different show scheduled for each night. Sunday at the Riviera, it's "Costello and the Confederates," featuring special guests and the musicians who played on his King of Pain album. Monday`s show is dubbed "The Spectacular Spinning Song Book"; audience members will spin a giant wheel to determine which of 40 possible songs Costello and the Attractions will play. Tuesday's set will consist of material from Costello and the Attractions' new album, Blood & Chocolate.
|