Elvis Costello & Steve Nieve

Elvis Costello & Steve Nieve

When: 5th September 2024
Location: Theatre Royal

Tickets: from £59.80 Get Tickets

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and songwriting royalty Elvis Costello will be taking to the road with his new tour. Coming to Glasgow’s Theatre Royal on 5th September 2024.

Born Declan Patrick McManus. Costello cut his teeth performing in pub rock bands in London in the mid-70s under the moniker D.P Costello. (his mother’s maiden name). In 1976 the young singer signed to the newly founded and now legendary punk label Stiff Records as one of their first artists. Taking their advice to change his name by borrowing Elvis from The King himself.

This was surely a bold statement in itself. Though his raw performance style and rebellious nature made for good company with label mates such as The Damned, Ian Drury or The Pink Fairies. Costello’s 1977 debut My Aim Is True was also smooth and melodic, and was met with wide appreciation. Over the years it has been deemed a classic. And in 2007 the record was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The same time saw the formation of his band The Attractions. With Pete Thomas on drums, Steve Nieve on Piano and Bruce Thomas on bass.

A prolific songwriter

With barely a year between releases even to this day. It was clear from the start that Costello was a prolific songwriter. Aas he etched his characteristically upbeat but outspoken sound into the public consciousness. In the decades that followed Costello would delve into: ska and soul (Get Happy!!, 1980). Country and western (Almost Blue, 1981); richly orchestrated chamber pop (Imperial Bedroom, 1982); classical (Il Sogno, 2004). Roots rock (National Ransom) and much in between. On his many world tours, either with The Attractions or their later incarnation The Imposters, still songs such as ‘Alison’, ‘Watching The Detectives’, ‘Veronica’, ‘Clubland’ and ‘Pump It Up’ resonate as loudly as before.

In October 2021 Costello announced news of his 27th album, The Boy Named If, which is set for release in January 2022, promising to be filled with “urgent, immediate songs with bright melodies, guitar solos that sting and a quick step to the rhythm”.

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