Look-in, April 7, 1979

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Look-in

UK & Ireland magazines

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Elvis Costello — Man of mystery


Look-in

Who's been described by one of his countless fans as "the guv'nor"? Whose last single and album releases went gold together within two months of release? Who's been described as the next Bob Dylan? Who in the music business is the most difficult person to get an interview with? Elvis Costello, that's who!

All we know about Elvis Costello's start in life was that he was born somewhere near Hounslow, Middlesex, roughly 24 years ago. His real name is Declan MacManus and somewhere in his family's distant past is an Irish connection. His musical influence came from dad, Ross MacManus, who sang with the famous Joe Loss dance band.

Apart from these few facts, not very much does Elvis Costello reveal about his private life. But, yes, we can also tell you that his family are still very close and that Mum rings his record company each week to see how her son's record has fared in the charts!

Not much to be getting on with, it's true, but then most people would say "Never mind about what colour socks he wears, we're more interested in his music."

Okay, here goes. Elvis Costello was given that name by his manager Jake Riviera, who can't remember where he got the surname part from but did name him Elvis out of respect for the ex-King. Together with his backing band The Attractions, Costello has recently finished a massive tour of America.

Incidentally, his album Armed Forces is riding high in the Stateside Top 10. Elvis is the first new British artist in a long, long time to conquer the American charts in this way. His Stateside tour started on February 6th in Seattle, Washington and ended on March 31st at the Palladium Theatre, New York.

Even Costello's audiences and the types of venues he plays are very varied: you certainly don't have to he a punk to appreciate him.

His record company press officer, Judith Riley, can remember the last time Elvis played at London's Roundhouse: "I happened to be standing near the ticket office when this middle-aged couple appeared. They asked if Elvis was the same boy who used to live next door to them when he was thirteen! Then the lady, who must have been in her 50's, produced a photograph of this young boy in shorts standing in her back garden.

"It turned out that it was Elvis who was their ex-neighbour and they came in to see the concert and also got a chance to meet Elvis backstage afterwards!"

Certainly, Elvis is able to play music to suit his audiences. Last time in Texas, he sold out the famous Opry House, which is renowned for its country music. But Elvis is apparently a great fan of country music so he was able to include songs in his show to suit his audience. Funnily enough, the B-side of his single "Oliver's Army" was the oldie "My Funny Valentine" in which Elvis crooned his way through the song. Yep, he's a guy with many talents.

Many have said that Elvis looks like American comedian Woody Allen with those strange specs he wears. They're not a publicity stunt, as he says he can't see very well without them. And those suits? Elvis actually gets them all specially made at a shop called Johnson's. They're brand new suits, made to measure, but designed in a very 50's style. In fact, before his last American leavetaking, Elvis spent £500 on a new wardrobe of stage clothes to take out there. So, contrary to rumours, his clothes are not garments that have shrunk on him!

But why does Elvis Costello shy away from the press? Why will he only allow one photographer near him (and even then, the photos have to be approved by manager Jake Riviera before they can be used)? The truth is, he's shy of publicity (but he still gets plenty, doesn't he?). When he does agree to be interviewed, Elvis only talks about his music and he appears very serious. Yet, those who know him well reckon he's a really cheerful guy...

He also receives hundreds of fan letters a day via his record company, but this has not persuaded him to start his own fan club. However, Radar Records have said that if any of you would like to write in (including that stamped addressed envelope, please) they'd be more than pleased to send you a photo of Elvis and even a badge! So, if you'd like to drop a line to Elvis Costello, C/o Judith Riley, Radar Records, 60 Parker Street, London WC2B 5PZ, she'll make sure you get that photo (but only if you include that s.a.e.). And don't forget to mention that you saw it in Look-in!

As well as giving away free pictures to fans who take the trouble to write in, last Christmas Radar Records had specially pressed a single featuring two previously unreleased tracks by Elvis. The tracks were "Wednesday Week" and "Talking In The Dark" which were given away at a series of concerts he played. But some of the true fans who couldn't make those concerts have apparently been asking if they can purchase the single as they are collecting every song that Mr. C. has ever recorded. So now Radar say that they've run out of free singles, but plans are under consideration to put both songs on the B-side of Elvis' next single release.

The distinctive overall "sound" on Elvis Costello's records has been a major factor in their success over the past couple of years. In the early days, Elvis was accompanied on his first album by an American country-and-western-influenced band, Clover, but he soon decided to form his own backing group. His manager, Jake Riviera, chose the name The Attractions, and the group now consists of Pete Thomas (drums), Bruce Thomas — no relation — (bass guitar) and Steve Naive (keyboards).

Pete Thomas is the senior member, and used to play with a band named Chilli Willi & the Red Hot Peppers, which was also co-managed by Jake Riviera. After that group split up, Pete went to American and joined another band over there, but soon left. Jake Riviera heard that he was back in England. and invited him to join Elvis Costello and The Attractions.

Steve Naive's real name is Steve Nason, and he was trained as a classical pianist. He now shares a flat with Elvis, and they do a lot of songwriting together. You might even detect some classical influences in Steven's playing, especially on the hit Armed Forces album.

So there you have it. There's still plenty of mystery surrounding the enigmatic Mr. C, but one thing is certain: there are plenty more hits to look forward to!


Tags: Armed ForcesThe AttractionsRadar RecordsOliver's ArmyMy Funny ValentineWednesday WeekTalking In The DarkJake RivieraPete ThomasBruce ThomasSteve NaiveDeclan MacManusRoss MacManusHounslowJoe Loss OrchestraCloverArmed Funk TourSeattlePalladium, New YorkBob DylanRoundhouseChilli Willi & the Red Hot Peppers

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Look-in, April 7, 1979


Look-in profiles Elvis Costello.

Images

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Page scans.

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Poster pages.
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Photo.
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Cover.
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