Melody Maker, April 15, 1978

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Melody Maker

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Elvis bassist Thomas hurt


Melody Maker

Elvis Costello has had to re-think his current British tour following a severe injury to bass player Bruce Thomas' right hand.

Costello's producer Nick Lowe stood in on bass the night after the accident at Manchester Rafters on Saturday, but European commitments left it unsure whether he would be able to stay with Costello's band.

At the time of going to press, Costello's shows at Birmingham on Thursday and Friday this week may have to be cancelled, but the Saturday and Sunday night concerts at London's Roundhouse are definitely on, with Costello performing several acoustic numbers followed by the Attractions with a deputy bass player. Two days later, the band start an American tour in Minneapolis.

An announcement this week on behalf of Costello said that anyone with a ticket who does not want to attend the "experimental" show can get a £3 refund — £2 ticket price plus £1 travelling costs — from the box office, and any returned tickets will be sold at £1 on the night.

A replacement bass player is currently being sought by the band to replace Thomas, who had 18 stitches in his hand after an accident with a broken bottle in the dressing room at Manchester Rafters, but Costello emphasised that as soon as Thomas is fit he will be back in the band.



1978-04-15 Melody Maker photo 01.jpg



Elvis Costello And The Attractions


Melody Maker

1978-04-15 Melody Maker clipping 01.jpg

The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm, London. Saturday, April 15, Sunday, April 16. Sold out. Concert starts at 5.30 p.m. Supporting are Mickey Jupp Band and Whirlwind. There are still some critics unconvinced of Elvis' talent, and of the quality of his songwriting. Boo, to them. We've yet to hear of anyone who's caught Costello and the Attractions on this British tour who hasn't staggered away completely fazed by the intensity of the group's performances. You'll be there, of course.

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Melody Maker, April 15, 1978


Melody Maker reports on Bruce Thomas' hand injury.


The letters page includes a report on the Elvis Costello & The Attractions concert, Saturday, April 1, 1978, Bracknell, England.


Melody Maker previews Elvis Costello with opening acts Whirlwind and Mickey Jupp, Saturday-Sunday, April 15 and 16, Roundhouse, London.

Images

File:1978-04-15 Melody Maker clipping 02.jpg1978-04-15 Melody Maker page 14 clipping 02.jpg
Clippings.


To pogo or not to pogo


G.P. Houlden

Last Saturday night I went to see Elvis Costello at Bracknell. He and the Attractions were tremendous, if far too loud for comfort and clarity.

However, we all knew he would be great and this does not warrant the effort of me sitting down and scrawling on paper. The audience does!

I am a boring old fart of 24, have been to many concerts over the last eight years or so and have never come across a crowd like it.

Normally at concerts when people are standing and dancing, it tends to be hot, crowded and vaguely uncomfortable. Furthermore, the attitude, as a rule, is one of "be nice to people and they'll be nice to you." There is a cheerful atmosphere built on camaraderie in adverse circumstances. Not this time.

The Mickey Jupp Band were support and while they were playing, those of us at the front had a good view and could dance happily if we chose to.

As soon as the band filed off, however, all the Elvis Costello fans started to push forwards and in at the side so that we barely had room to breathe and were gradually forced backwards by weight of numbers of totally selfish and inconsiderate schoolkid punks.

Then the pogoing commenced and I noticed several interesting things about it. Firstly, it seems to have nothing at all to do with dancing; it is more an expression of hipness, to use an old expression.

Due to its nature, it is a very exerting way of passing one's time. This means that at the start everyone pogos madly until they get knackered.

Then they gradually stop, have a rest and then look around them anxiously until one brave boy gives a half-hearted leap. This seems to fill them all with confidence and they all set off again. Very strange.

However, you'll be pleased to know that pogoing does have a practical use and that is getting to the front, even when you have come in late.

The theory is, I suppose, that if one takes a run up and leaps forward into the air it is easier to push a body aside and get in front of it, especially if the object body is also in mid-air at the time. If it is not, it soon steps backwards to examine its blackening toenails through its Hush Puppies when one lands on its toes.

This constant pushing and damaging of other people's bodies does not lend itself to an atmosphere of conviviality.

Anyway, both bands were great and a bargain at £1.80. so well done, Elvis, Mickey and the tour organisers. But that audience...!

— G.P. Houlden, Calder Court, Maidenhead, Berks.

LP winner.



Cover and clipping.
1978-04-15 Melody Maker cover.jpg 1978-04-15 Melody Maker page 04.jpg 1978-04-15 Melody Maker page 14 clipping 01.jpg

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