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Elvis Costello's first gig paid him the handsome sum of 50p. That was at Great George's Centre in Chinatown.
Now presumably, he gets paid considerably more than that to appear at the Royal Court on July 20.
Despite his rise to fame and fortune, Elvis still retains a love for the city, and the Royal Court in particular.
He said: "On this tour, we are having a bit of a European theme. We play gigs and festivals abroad, then come back for London concerts.
"The only two outside London are Liverpool and Glasgow — because that's like going to a different country anyway.
"I love playing the Royal Court. It's a great place and essential that it stays afloat."
Costello classics now span around 20 years and more than 300 songs — so how does he plan to cram them all in?
"Obviously I can't," he says, "but there will be a balance of old and new. The new stuff has been going down really well, but I still feel a lot for older songs, and feel that playing them again now is refreshing. The key is when to play which."
Now back with the Attractions, and with a new album, Costello has come a long way since he was just Declan MacManus.
He said: "I was told at my old school on the Wirral that I would never make it in music, that if I did not get certain qualifications and go to University, my career would be over.
"I'm not saying that I get the urge to drive up in front of my teachers in a pink Cadillac or anything, but it is great to be able to make a living from something I enjoy."
Supporting Elvis Costello are local band Jub Jub, whom he rates highly.
He says: "They are excellent. I really think the world should look out for them — and support slots for me are a bit of a hot spot. The last band that did it were Cast... and look at them now!"
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