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If you're into rock at all, the week of July 24 was not the greatest time you could have planned to be away from Pittsburgh — not with two of rock 'n' roll's most celebrated entertainers passing through. Elvis Costello was brilliant as usual, packing three impassioned hours full of timeless hits and unexpected treasures while plugging a recent release, The Delivery Man, whose songs all sounded better live And then, Bruce Springsteen turned up four days later with no backup band in sight to redefine his stage show with a set you never would have thought could follow what he did here last time with the E Street Band. Here is the list of best concerts, compiled with input from freelancer John Artale.
1. Elvis Costello with Emmylou Harris
Chevrolet Amphitheatre, July 24
There are no better live performers in rock at the moment than Elvis Costello. Even hemmed into a quiet country corner by his choice of touring partners, Costello delivered the goods for three electrifying, entertaining hours, hitting the stage in savage rock mode backed by two-thirds of the greatest backing band the world has ever witnessed and quietly putting the show to bed 37 songs — and nearly as many hilarious introductions — later with Emmylou Harris adding to the understated beauty of "The Scarlet Tide." A little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll, all genius.
2. Bruce Springsteen
Petersen Events Center; July 28
Same old Boss? Not this time. We saw a flash of something new and exhilarating from Springsteen. Appearing solo on guitar, keyboards and harmonica, it was like an evening of performance art — dark, hopeless music for fearful times. As punk as anything you'll see.
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