London Evening Standard, July 15, 2013

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London Evening Standard

UK & Ireland newspapers

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Ray Davies and Elvis Costello, Hyde Park


Andre Paine

Elton John's appendix afforded prime festival slots for a pair of underrated rock legends during a balmy evening at the British Summer Time event
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Elton John's appendix afforded prime festival slots for a pair of underrated rock legends during a balmy evening at the British Summer Time event. But while the decision to refund tickets and make this a free festival was sensible given Sir Elton's sick note, it meant there was never much at stake.

In his sunglasses and pink trilby, a sweating Costello wasn't the most recognisable rock star yet his songs were unmistakable: the reggae-tinged "Watching the Detectives," post-punk protest anthem "Oliver's Army" and the elegiac "Shipbuilding."

Based on his songwriting, Ray Davies probably had as much right to headline as Elton John, who he teasingly referred to as "Bunter."

However, the huge screens captured a noticeable indifference among the crowd and Davies looked lonely singing a Kinks set on a big stage for 90 minutes without any other original members.

By the time he perched on a stool and strummed Waterloo Sunset, they bellowed along lustily.

The proto-metal riffs of "You Really Got Me" were still startling in their ferocity. But this was a headline set that, like Davies's Union Flag jacket, felt a little threadbare.


Tags: British Summer TimeHyde ParkLondonRay DaviesElton JohnWatching The DetectivesOliver's ArmyShipbuildingThe KinksYou Really Got Me

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London Evening Standard, July 15, 2013


Andre Paine reports on the British Summer Time event, Friday, July 12, 2013, Hyde Park, London, including Elvis Costello & The Imposters.


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