Last month, Declan Patrick MacManus (a.k.a. Elvis Costello), one of the leaders of late 1970s New Wave, conducted a mini-media blitz, not only to promote his new LP King of America, but to squelch rumors of his demise.
According to Costello in a recent radio interview, his lack of visibility over the last few years prompted a variety of rumors ranging from drug and alcohol addiction to mental illness. Contrary to these reports, the musician said his absence occurred because he chose to quietly live his life, as well as record and produce material for himself, Squeeze, Nick Lowe, etc. In fact, Costello said he has enough material to produce two more LPs by the end of the year. His current plans include entering the studio for another project with Lowe.
Costello's music, along with that of another early New Wave icon, ex-Jam and Style Council front-man Paul Weller, will be featured in Absolute Beginners, a flick offering appearances by Sade, Ray Davies, and David Bowie.
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