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It is a fitting coincidence that Elvis Costello should make a triumphant return to Liverpool on the anniversary of the death of John Lennon.
Costello is undoubtedly the most gifted musician to have emerged from these parts since the Beatles' heyday.
Although Birkenhead's famous musical son has yet to produce a classic with the beauty and vision of "Imagine," his increasingly satisfying repertoire includes a string of memorable songs which will stand the test of time.
Elvis, who now composes under his original name of Declan Patrick Aloysius MacManus, was being hammered a few short months ago by critics who concluded the great man was running out of inspiration.
They were forced to eat their words with the release of King of America, a hugely enjoyable collection of rock 'n' roll, country, soul and ballads.
The songs on the album, released earlier this year also revealed a new emotional depth, highlighted by "Jack Of All Parades" and "I'll Wear It Proudly." Both songs were delivered brilliantly during last night's two-hour show.
Elvis and the superb Attractions crammed plenty of material into the dynamic set, hardly stopping to take a breather in between songs.
The opener, "Accidents Will Happen" and the flowing "Blue Chair" were the high spots in the early part of the proceedings.
Elvis was in an energetic mood turning in zany and comical guitar solos to complement the wholesome sound of keyboards maestro Steve Nieve.
His best vocal performance was the anguished "I Want You" which held the audience spellbound.
Two of his most successful hits "Oliver's Army" and "Pump It Up" were given an ecstatic reception as the show wound to a close.
It was an absorbing performance from a craftsman at the height of his powers. But — and I know this sounds churlish — I did feel slightly disappointed when the house lights were switched on.
Unfortunately rave reviews for the early shows on the tour had led me to believe the musical experience of the decade was on the way. The show was excellent — but it did not match my inflated expectations.
Another snag, which also had nothing to do with Costello and the Attractions, was the strangely passive mood of the audience.
I suspect the majority of the faithful were lucky enough have tickets for both shows and were just limbering up for tonight's second sell-out performance.
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