|
Elvis Costello's army of followers came prepared for action to Sydney's Entertainment Centre on Friday night but left disappointed.
Some even went AWOL during the two-hour performance at which the Irish singer-songwriter-guitarist concentrated on the more recent of the long list of his hits, which began 15 years ago when he emerged as a leader of the British "New Wave" scene.
The 20-to-30-something audience was far more receptive to the older Costello hits such as "Alison" and even "Veronica" but nothing stirred as he played his newer music, which included some electronic guitar solos.
The voice was the same in its soulful melodies, but even dedicated Costello fans would have had trouble recognising the bearded bikie figure onstage if publicity photos before the tour had not given him away.
The concert was part of the Elvis Costello and The Rude 5's Come Back In Million Years tour which is playing seven Australian dates.
Costello was supported by former Boom Crash Opera musician Richard Pleasance, who is on tour to promote his first solo album, Galleon.
Costello performed at the Brisbane Festival Hall last night, the Melbourne Tennis Centre tomorrow, and in Canberra at the School of Music on Wednesday.
The singer, whose real name is Declan Patrick Aloysius MacManus, first sprang to fame in 1977 with the release of his first album, My Aim Is True.
But he really hit the big time with his hit, "Watching The Detectives," off his second album This Year's Model.
Classic hits from his early days also included "Radio, Radio," "Pump It Up," and "Less Than Zero."
Last year he assembled a group of friends, including Paul McCartney, to make his 13th album Mighty Like A Rose.
| 
