They let us in about 8.20, we all made a dash for the bar (after waiting a fucking long time we bloody needed a long cool drink). In no time at all it was filling up, so we pushed our way to the front, it was really hot and the heat was bloody rising. We still had to wait an hour, it must of been the hottest place in London.
Costello was late and tempers built up as the room got more and more packed; much swearing and slow hand-clapping was coming from the audience; inevitably ill-feeling mounted.
Costello had to be fucking good or trouble...
Costello came shyly on stage to a mixed reception, and burst into "Welcome To The Working Week." He fixed his stare straight ahead only relenting the stare to glance at his guitar fingerwork which I would like to add my comments that he was good.
It took one song, that's all, to get everyone behind him and when other classics were unleashed, such as "Less Than Zero," which was possibly the highlight of the show, along with "Radio Sweetheart," then he was really king of the house.
Each song received a great reception. As most people had heard the LP the songs were instantly recognisable.
Costello introduced two new numbers that were possible to catch. These were "Crawling Back To The USA" and "The Beat," both neat numbers.
The band complimented Costello's style by keeping well within their roles but even the guitarist Bruce Thomas couldn't help getting excited and moved by the crowds reactions.
Costello hardly smiled during the whole set but even he must have felt good inside at how well things were going.
Costello introduced the next number: "This one's about fucking right for here tonight, it's called 'No Dancing'." This seems to be one of Costello's favorites and the crowd's too.
He was nearing the end of the set and added "Mystery Dance" to the show and then wounded it up with "Waiting For The End Of The World."
Off he went with his band, but he was screamed back for two more encores which included "Alison," a soft number which gave Costello a hard time to reach the high notes.
Costello made a well-planned exit from the stage, as the crowd would have had him there all night if it had been possible.
If you want to see Costello, catch him now because if you leave it a few months, you'll have a fight for tickets to see him at a bigger and less personal venues!
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