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Elvis Costello Reviews

Indie & RockConcerts

Average customer review: 2.5 star rating (2.3 Stars)

Number of reviews: 78

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1.0 star rating Debi Okoniewski from southport nc

THE WORST DHOW EVER

look forward to this show for a long time left early the worst

1.0 star rating Patricia from Atlanta, Georgia

SO DISAPPOINTING

We saw Elvis 30 years ago and he was fantastic! To say we were disappointed with his ATLANTA concert is an understatement. It was like sitting in a jazz club and trying to not fall asleep. The old songs I was hoping to hear he didn’t play and the couple that he did sounded nothing like the originals. I can’t believe we actually endured 2 hours hoping it would get better. Ended up leaving early because we just couldn’t listen anymore.

1.0 star rating Tracy Marshall from Nashville, Tennessee

I DROVE 7 HOURS FOR THIS?

We saw him at the Ryman last night and it was the only show I've ever walked out on. He is wother losing his hearing, or his mind. He introduced the brass 3 times. He was off key and behind the band half the time. He seemed like a lost old man on stage - zero charisma, with weird repetive gestures like holding up every guitar after each song, holding his hat off his head, gesturing for applause over and over, going back for a drink over and over . He rambled at times, and would walk away from those stupid old fashioned microphones and you couldnt even hear him. Any song from his album that he did play, he butchered. News flash Costello: people don't pay to see you experiment with self indulgent BS unless you're going to play a few hits (indulge your paying audience). It was horrible and we left after Larken Poe got off stage because they were literally the highlight but even their mics weren't capturing them enough to save Blame it on Cain. Garbage. I'll be pissed about this for days.

1.0 star rating Libby from Mornington

ELVIS

Nearer the isle we would have walked out. Pathetic performance, did not sing one complete song, sex appeal zilch. Save your money.

1.0 star rating Francis Rogers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

WALKED OUT

Nick Lowe was great as usual, but Elvis was unlistenable he talked way too much and insulted audience members. I was so glad when my wife said let’s go. When we left Broad St. was full of other people who also left the concert.

1.0 star rating Jack Fite from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

ELVIS AT THE MET

Very disappointing. It seemed like a jazz show. Barely played any hits. His fans were sitting on their hands the entire show. Very mellow

2.0 star rating Sean from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

DISAPPOINTING

Very disappointing. We left half way in. First hour was more obscure songs with interjections of not very funny banter. He was a bit arrogant too. Someone after 7 or 8 tunes yelled “Pump It Up” and he starts ridiculing the guy and told him to fuck off - someone who likely paid $250 for a floor seat. Costello seemed to forget his good fortune of having 3,500 ppl still willing to come to see him because they fell in love with his early songs. He hasn’t learned what most other aging touring acts learned long ago, be grateful your old music still sells tickets and give your audience what they came for. Nick Lowe was the opener. Also uninspiring. His band had masks on which was just silly and took away from the performance.

1.0 star rating Adrian B from Boston, Massachusetts

JUST BAD

Classic example of disappearing up your own arse , crap sound

5.0 star rating Rich Tonelli from New York, New York

THE GENIUS OF ELVIS

If you were looking to see and hear the Elvis Costello songbook in classic form, you might’ve been disappointed. If you were looking for more of the incredible talent and range that we have been accustomed to, you were blown away. The unique orchestrations weaving a newly featured 4 piece horn section into and throughout the entire show. The songbook was on full display from Posession from Get Happy to Mr and Mrs Hush on Look Now, Elvis’s voice was in fine form singing w/ Steve Nieve’s beautiful keyboard on Accidents will happen and Shipbuilding. At almost 70 years old, Elvis continues to rewrite the classics and in my opinion, we are fortunate to bear witness.

1.0 star rating Diane from Baltimore MD

SAVE YOUR MONEY

What a terrible performance. The man's vocals were off tune and he played a series of low tempo boring arrangements, instructing the audience to clap for him and the band at various intervals. His stopped to tell pretentious stories now and then. We got about three quarters of the way through and couldn't take it anymore and left,...might I say along with others who had come to the same conclusion.

3.0 star rating The Joker from Baltimore

CONFUSED

Baltimore, June 9. Although musically wonderful, and I love Elvis… I felt sorry for him on Allison… the way he was a meter behind the band … even more so on Shipbuilding … the phrasing wasn’t avant-garde. It was just bad …made me leave without hearing the hits.

1.0 star rating John Navillus from Fairfield CT

PUT THE POOR MAN OUT OF HIS MISERY....

WTF Declan? I mean really - you can't sing on key...or make the attempt? What a colossal waste of time and money. GO home and have your wife tuck you into bed for a nap. And stop wasting your fans time and money. I want my money back.

1.0 star rating Karan P from Boston, Massachusetts

DISAPPOINTED

Seeing EC was on my bucket list. I saw him 7/2/23 at the Casino Ballroom on Hampton Beach. The other poor reviews say it all: his hits were almost unrecognizable and the sound mix was poor. I fell asleep during a long, weird song. He's a great guitarist and his voice was great too. But the arrangements were very unpleasant. Tickets cost a lot these days and I splurged and was disappointed.

5.0 star rating from Detroit, Michigan

ONE OF THE GREATS

Awesome show at Meadowbrook. Elvis C's catalog of music is vast that goes from punk to new wave to blues to hard rock. His songs maybe too deep for some with short attention spans and looking for just the oldies. His voice was still strong and unique.

1.0 star rating James C from Vancouver, British Columbia

PRETENTIOUS GARBAGE

Elvis is clearly tired of playing the songs the fans actually enjoy, so instead he created atonal, decidedly unmusical arrangements that are barely recognizable as the songs we know. This was the single worst concert I’ve ever attended. It was my fourth and absolutely last time seeing him live. He has lost all the joy and energy that used to make him such a singular live performer. Nothing remains but a pretentious, self-indulgent shell filled with spite and an overblown ego. I want my money back.

3.0 star rating A. Leonard from Los Angeles, California

LONG SHOW, BUT HORRIBLE SOUND MIX

Elvis Costello at the Greek Theater 06/16/23 Sound booth malfunction? What happened?! Nick Lowe sounded great, but Elvis's mix was horrible (for most of the show). Seats in the left side of section C (not the best seats...but, it's the GREEK THEATER...the sound shouldn't be THAT bad back there, right?). Vocals blasting out of one tiny speaker, with a little music mixed in. Got a little better after the first few songs, but was all over the place depending on what guitar Elvis picked up. I'd never seen him before and was so excited for this show, so it was sad. I put an earplug in my left ear, which kept me from losing hearing from the high-end pumping out of that one little speaker (that looked like a little stage monitor where there should've been a small speaker array...so weird.) I WAS impressed with how long he played and the unique versions of familiar songs (otherwise this would be 2 stars...or 1). Stuck around since I'm not sure when I'll get to see him again. 😢

3.0 star rating Mark Flint from Phoenix, Arizona

HEAD SCRATCHER...

Just saw the mighty EC at the Arizona Federal Theater. I have seen him many times. What I love about Elvis is that the music is never album perfect. It's always as if you just opened the garage door to the coolest band ever. And this time, it all started out that way. He opened with Mystery Dance. Homerun. And then The Beat and Radio Radio. All of them on fire! about half a dozen songs in he does Accidents Will Happen and happen they did. Not exactly sure what happened. His singing was so back-phrased, slow or out and out behind the music it was hard to listen to. Drummer Pete Thomas deserves a medal for keeping the rest of the night from crashing into the abyss. And yet somehow Elvis kept me on the edge of my seat, never knowing if it him or was he just way to hip for the room and the rest of us have to catch up. Many people left early, scratching there heads. But, like he does, he pulls it all together with Pump it up, Peace Love... and Allison to leave me wanting more.

3.0 star rating Dave from Phoenix, Arizona

ODD SHOW

I have been listening to EC for decades and have always enjoyed him playing in the background of my life. Thank you for that Elvis. However, last night's show was not good. The sound was way off, as was EC's performance. He seemed bumfuzzled, fussing about with things and all over the place in his performance. The band struggled to find him in the songs, because he would either be lagging several beats behind or way out in front. Even the great Sexton seemed to not know where EC was going. The strange song (?) he played on that synth machine was... well, strange! I applaud the creativity, but there is a place and time... and that wasn't it. My advice would be to take a page from some of his contemporaries like Van Morison, who also has a huge catalogue of great music from his career (and also finds the years catching up with him) be well-rehearsed--tight, come out, stand at the mic and belt out the greats like a pro! Your audience will absolutely love you for it.

1.0 star rating An EC and DK fan from Los Angeles, California

HE SHOULD NOT BE TOURING ANYMORE

The worst concert I’ve ever been to. Between the total loss of pitch, the slagging of his fans at Reno and Bend and simply a clear loss singing ability, Elvis dishonoured himself and his fans. At times, his si of. Was like bad college frat boys karaoke. There is nothing f positive to say about the performance so I will stop here.

3.0 star rating KShawn from Los Angeles, California

A LITTLE SAD

I have seen EC many times over the past 35 years so I would place myself firmly in his camp as a devoted lifelong fan. Having said that, the performance at the Greek on 6.16.2023 was deeply dissapointing. The sound mix was so bad as to be baffling that it did not improve during the extended performance. The recrafting of so many of his hits with slower tempo and new arrangements dredged up images of Bill Murry portraying a sappy lounge singer. I affirm that he is a great lyrisist and a historically fantasic live performer and understand that the band was very talented but I would be reluctant to see more of his shows in the future should they continue on the same trajectory as the one that I walked out on early last night.

5.0 star rating from Los Angeles, California

THE OLD GUY AND BAND STILL HAVE IT

with a great mix of new and old and slowed down versions of timeless hit great show and Nick Lowe and Los Straighjackets proved to be a great warmup GREEK 6/16/23

1.0 star rating Elaine from Los Angeles, California

VERY POOR PERFORMANCE

We were looking forward to this concert so much but it was so disappointing. We didn't didn't make it through the whole performance.

2.0 star rating Carl Mealha from Los Angeles, California

WTF?

I am a huge Elvis Costello fan and have been so since Alison. I was at the Greek Theater last night and witnessed something that apparently a lot of people didn't. Elvis was atrocious. He is one of the most talented and evocative singers ever but last night he couldn't a single note and seemed to be always trying to catch up to the music. It was a train wreck. The Imposters were stellar and were the only saving grace. The addition of Charlie Sexton to handle the lead guitar chores was a big plus. But their efforts were undermined by Elvis' inability to sing on key and in time. I love Elvis but the emperor has no clothes.

1.0 star rating Allison from San Francisco, California

WE PAID $1200 FOR THIS?

My husband and I have been in Elvis Costello fans for years. Last time we saw him he opened for the Police and he was perfection! Like it or not, Elvis, we came to hear you play your hits I thought it was very disrespectful to the crowd to give us hardly any!!!

3.0 star rating Robert C from San Francisco, California

ELVIS SET AT GOLDEN GATE THEATRE

Big EC fan. I was very impressed with the show. Diversity and range of musical talent was on full display. Band was tight and overall enjoyed the show. That said, was expecting to hear more of the classic songs from his vast collection.

2.0 star rating Simon from Vancouver, British Columbia

MIXED FEELINGS ON JUNE 7

This was my first EC concert although I've admired him for decades. I thought the show was ambitious, varied and uneven. Nick Lowe and Steve Nieve were the big highlights for me. I loved how Steve wandered from station to station providing exceptional colour to the songs. The evening had a first-night feel, lumpy in spots, mix was generally okay despite thin vocals, too much kik drum and several missed cues; lighting was extremely disjointed and distracting. I loved how Elvis said ‘let there be no light…’ after an especially crappy lighting set. Who are these people and why doesn't EC demand better? I waited in vain for ‘Alison’, surely Charlie Sexton could pull off the guitar if EC can't. Pals from Hardly Strictly say Elvis opened that show with it. His passion is undeniable, I frequently found his erratic pitch centre shocking. I guess that’s his style, but it still surprised me.

1.0 star rating Steven from Seattle, Washington

SAD

Not sure if this wonderful artist has lost his sound or his hearing, but the Woodinville show was easily the worst concert I’ve ever heard. Some good stories, but frankly it would have been more entertaining if he left the band behind and just talked. I’m a fan, but there was no excuse for how bad this show was.

2.0 star rating Shemar from Vancouver, British Columbia

NOT HIS BEST STUFF

First, I should note that I love EC. His catalog is full of amazing music. But like every artist who was willing to take risks, there are experiments that just shouldn’t find their way onto a tour’s setlist unless, as another reviewer pointed out, there is a warning for the buyer. Most fans do not come to a live show to hear underwhelming and under rehearsed renditions of the back end of an artist’s discography. This was the tour opener, granted. However, it seemed like the band was still rehearsing arrangements. Personally, I love it when artists take the biggest hits and deconstruct them in a creative way. But deconstructing the middle and back of the catalog? Why? I get that he doesn’t want to do, what he called, a golden oldies set. BUT, there is a reason some songs stand out and stand the test of time for an artist. Because they are the artist’s best stuff!! Prince, a prolific songwriter as well, understood this well. If you combine poor song selection with poor sound that was too hot in the upper midrange frequencies with EC having some intonation issues with his stellar voice that makes for an unsatisfactory experience. Sorry I could not be more positive this time.

1.0 star rating Daniel from Vancouver, British Columbia

SIMPLY AWFUL

I’m a big Elvis Costello fan & this was my first time seeing him live. I was so excited and seriously wanted to love it. Instead, we got consistently out-of-tune lead vocals, horrendous sound mix, a strange and often unrecognizable lists of songs done in very odd, often completely awkward remixes, and most unfortunately a very sad, lackluster Elvis Costello, who seemed to only be interested or at all animated when speaking briefly in between songs. His voice is shot. There’s no other way of putting it. It’s like he was either struggling to hit the right notes, or sometimes worse - just couldn’t be bothered. He really shouldn’t be touring at all if this is all he can do now. I feel ripped off. Paid good money for prime seats and the only reason I didn’t walk out midway was because I refused to believe it could keep being that bad. But it really was.

2.0 star rating KCha from Vancouver, British Columbia

NOT READY TO TOUR. DISAPPOINTED

I was expecting “We’re All Going On A Summer Holiday” tour to be a fun concert especially with Los Straitjacket (& Nick Lowe) opening it. The sound crew seems to have been ones on holidays because the audio was awful. The vocals started too hot. Nick Lowe was good but when he left and let Los Straitjacket play a few songs on their own that ending up being the best music of the night. Their set was tight and energetic. Wish we heard more of them. After a long switch over, Elvis and crew came on. I say crew because we saw a lot of strange stage craft - roadies bringing out unwanted chairs mid song and lights not switching on time. Audio mix was awful again with feedback and vocals disappearing. Elvis was charming sharing stories of his life and collaborations. His band was amazing and some of the song (re)arrangements were interesting but the setlist was not inspiring and it just didn't feel ready. I think Elvis actually cut it short and ended it early to avoid blowing his voice.

1.0 star rating Trevor from Vancouver, British Columbia

REALLY UPSETTING.

To be blunt… I play music and grew up around a recording studio. I LOVE MUSIC. I can honestly say I have only walked out on two shows in my whole life. Last night was one of them. I was upset because it was a gift I bough myself for my B-Day so my over worked wife and I could get out for what was supposed to be a wonderful night of music. The opening band was great. They were spot on tight and well practiced. Every note played with precision. EC came on after a long stage switch. The first song started well until the piano kicked in. My first words to my wife were “they need to dial back the keyboard section. I can’t hear EC. But then as the song continued it got worse. Their sound started to train wreck the timing was slightly off causing a garbled sound. EC’s voice wad hit and miss and I get that all shows are not going to be great but this was their kick off show for the tour and it felt like a practice session. Upset I can’t get my money back and for that I will not be recommending them to anyone else in the future. I tried to stay but as it went on I felt it got worse,at least the first 9-10 songs so I refused to stay and let my image of them go down. I just went home and put on an album and let the redeem the night.

1.0 star rating Gary McKinney from Vancouver, British Columbia

SADLY DISAPPOINTING

This concert should have come with a warning sticker: "Will not be playing even his hits in any sort of recognizable form." I could have lived hearing a song or two done differently, but all of them? Not what I paid money for. The only recognizable song was "Working Man's Blues" by Merle Haggard. What? I understand that artists like Costello get bored with their own material. But unsuspecting ticket buyers should be forewarned when they decide to go off the rails.

1.0 star rating KP from Vancouver, British Columbia

LOVED NICK LOWE BUT EC WAS DISAPPOINTING

His voice was off key alot. Most of the songs from his albums were performed in such a weird way they were unrecognizable. Did not hear many hits. Sound was bad. We left early too boring. The best part was Nick lowe loved him and his band. Witty great performance. Wished he had played more!

2.0 star rating Travis from Vancouver, British Columbia

THESE TWO STARS ARE FOR NICK LOWE WHO WITH LOS STRAIGHTJACKETS WAS FANTASTIC

Elvis gets none.

1.0 star rating from Vancouver, British Columbia

ELVIS WAS LIKELY GREAT BUT...

I'm sure that Elvis Costello sounded great, but the sound was so poorly mixed, the performance was audio purée. Very disappointing. We walked out early. I hope Mr Costello isn't using the same sound crew for the rest of his tour.

2.0 star rating P Lee from Vancouver, British Columbia

ELVIS AT QUEEN E THEATRE - A DISAPPOINTING NIGHT

The opening act of Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets was tight and enjoyable. The same could not be said of the main attraction, Elvis Costello and the Imposters. The last time I saw Elvis at the same venue, he was on tour with Steve Nieve and brought the house down with a superb, passionate performance. Tonight was sloppy, his best known songs deconstructed and rebuilt in a Frankenstein mode - it was jarring and disjointed. The band never found its groove and Elvis’ voice was frequently off key. It was so unenjoyable that we left early. I am a huge EC fan, and found it dispiriting and boring.

1.0 star rating Ricardo from Kingston NY

CARELESS ASSAULT TO MY EARS

Fire the soundman. Could barely hear a word of lyrics. Completely unbalanced musical noise. We walked out early. So disappointing and honestly, inexcusable with no redeeming social value. Time for EC to hang up the guitar strap. Feel bad for the other musicians to have to endure these terrible performances.

1.0 star rating Joe B from Atlantic City, New Jersey

LOVE EC, BUT NOT SO MUCH LAST NIGHT’S PERFORMANCE…

I have been a longtime fan of EC and have seen him perform multiple times live during the past 30 years…last night’s show at The Ocean Resort was unlike any previous performance, unfortunately for all the wrong reasons…we initially thought that there must not have been a “sound” check” prior to the show because everything just seemed off…my GF had enough, and after only 6-7 songs, she decided to leave early…I hung in for another 2 songs, and then checked as well…not every performance will be epic, I get it…but something was definitely off in AC…I’ll give EC a mulligan on this one…Still love you Elvis!!!

2.0 star rating Mike from Easton, Pennsylvania

ELVIS COSTELLO FEB 23 2023 WIND CREEK BETHLEHEM

I have been a fan of EC since the "My Aim Is True" Album. Unfortunately, acoustics in Wind Creek events center were terrible. Line of site to stage is poor as well as the venue doesn't slope toward stage. Music was very distorted with sound bouncing off metal ceiling and cement walls creating echo effect making vocals and music difficult to hear clearly. I had been to two other concerts there( side and front sections) and sound was almost as bad and only a little better in the center section. I dont know if accoustics were throwing off band timing as some of the instruments seemed off time with others for several songs. Vocals were off a bit as well- maybe acousitics? Show started about 20-30 min late and they played for just about 90 min. One complaint regarding multiple artists concerts I have attended in past couple of years is the song selections. I can only speak for myself, but I dont overpay for show tickets to hear more obscure B side songs( that were never popular for a reason) than the popular songs even if they may have been played at the show just prior to mine.

5.0 star rating Gil from Rhode Island

EPIC NIGHT 8- GRAMMERCY

Being 2 years older than Deklan, I am in awe of his stamina as he rocked 2.75 hrs. Straight with only brief water breaks!?the theme might have been love, but just a guess in my part. Always the poet and musician first, the performance was perfect in every way. Though I’ve read “voice” issue notes, his was powerful after two songs , and never wavered. The show was reminiscent of American Utopia by David Byrne in its coordination, style, meaning, and level of energy. This was a memory maker fir me, and I’m picky about praise. Elvis and Steve the world renowned pianist brought a level of intensity not seen in live performances often. The young wind instrumentalists were at a level that was surprising. The holding of sax notes was truly impressive. Praise lads for a the experience 🙏👍😎

5.0 star rating from Los Angeles, California

AWESOME STILL.GOT IT

The whole show was great

2.0 star rating Mike C. from Washington, District of Columbia

GREAT MUSICIAN AND SONG WRITER/POOR PERFORMANCE

Let me start by saying I think Elvis C. is a great lyricist and musician. Hence, I gave two stars instead of one. I saw him last night at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA. Not sure if he was having an off night (which I hope was the case) but he was out time (with the band) for most of the show and wasn't in key for most of the songs. It just sounded really bad. So bad, in fact, I left after about forty minutes. So, I suppose its possible that he got better and I missed it. I have only ever walked out of one other concert in my life (and that was more because of rainy weather than performance). I've been to hundreds of concerts over the last four decades. Last night was the worst live performance I have ever experienced. Still love him but will not pay to see him live again. On a positive note, his opening act, Nick Lowe, was fantastic. Mike C.

1.0 star rating Love to listen. from Boston, Massachusetts

FIRE THE SOUND CREW

I went thinking I would make through Nick Lowe just to get to EC. Yet, Nick Lowe and his awesome band had me jumping in my seat. While EC was unbearable because sound was atrocious. So sad to see this same type of review over and over.

3.0 star rating Patrick O’Doherty from Boston, Massachusetts

COMMITTED PERFORMANCE BUT MUDDY SOUND

Lots of sincere effort from Elvis, Steve, Bruce et Al spoiled by a very muddy sound mix and over-heavy arrangements of his classic songs rendering some almost unrecognizable. At times it sounded like Metallica covering his songs. In contrast Nick Lowe sounded great after 50 years..

1.0 star rating Jolly Brown from San Francisco, California

ELVIS MIX TEAM HAS NO CLUE

We walked out after 3 songs as the sound team for Elvis was a shade bit worse than terrible! NEVER COME SEE ELVIS AGAIN! AND PROBABLY NEVER AGAIN TO THE FOX!

5.0 star rating Dave Parker from Oakland, California

DECADES AFTER HIS PRIME, ELVIS STILL IS THE FINEST MUSICIAN OF HIS GENERATION

Fantastic set, at the amazing Fox Theatre. Spare stage, emphasis on music. Great to see Steve and Pete still in fine form. Opened the show with a Rockpile tune, and played a real eclectic set. Loved the new version of Brilliant Mistake. Awesome to see him again after all these years.

2.0 star rating Tracy from San Francisco, California

DISAPPOINTED LONG TIME FAN

The sound was awful, really horrible, so bad tried moving about the theatre & couldn’t find anywhere that wasn’t cringe worthy. People complained & walked out. There was no energy even when he played his old time hits. It felt unrehearsed, his tone was awful, the bass was deafening & not necessarily because of volume. The rhythms were off. ….. no depth, his voice was mostly off, total lack of energy. What a sad performance. A waste of time & energy. I’m a long time fan & I’ve seen his live performances in the past ….. I walked out after an hour of what felt like an assault on my ears.

1.0 star rating J.t. from Indianapolis, Indiana

TOTAL DISAPOINTMENT

Horrible Sound!!! WTF...people payed over $70.00 and no one does a sound check? The set list was for someone...but not for me....maybe for E.C. Fifth show I have seen of his over the years...extremely disappointed. I stuck it because...because it was E.C. Several people left. I don't think there will be a sixth show. M.O.O.

2.0 star rating Eugeria from Providence, Rhode Island

SOUNDS ENGINEERS FAILED HIM

Band tight, great set list, terrible, and I mean terrible, job projecting Elvis's voice. Completely muddy, unintelligible and buried by the band. Very disappointing concert.

2.0 star rating Joey from Boston

INAUDIBLE. INCONSISTENT. UNINSPIRED.

I have seen Elvis many times and last night's show was the most disappointing by far. My first time at Providence Performing Arts, I was wowed by the beauty of the place. But the sound system was awful. Over 1/2 the concert was just one loud bass thud with the vocals often inaudible. I don't know whether it was because of the sound or monitors but it was the least energetic I have ever seen him. His voice was often pitchy and his timing was consistently behind the band's playing. I felt he was just going through the motions with a few exceptions....King of America and I Want You come to mind. And the poor guy must be so bored playing Pumping it Up, Watching the Detectives, and Peace Loving and Understanding as his encore (I think it was every other time I've seen him, too). I can't help but wonder if he takes it easy in smaller cities so he can rock harder in bigger ones. Such a mediocre way to experience a beautiful concert hall. Is the sound there always that bad?

1.0 star rating Symon from Providence, Rhode Island

MADE IT THROUGH TEN SONGS

This may be an unfair review because I did not see the entire performance. I was excited to see Elvis after about 20 years (I first saw him at Brown University in 1978). Charlie Sexton's inclusion in the band was also a huge plus. I have always loved his work. At about 7:40 the show started. The sound quality was terrible! (to the point where it took half a minute to figure out what song Elvis was singing ("Is that Green Shirt?")). The band was lost in a muddy mix with some sort of bass fog permeating it. This improved somewhat over the next few songs but I then was treated to a run of four songs that left me cold. Either Side of the Same Town, Hetty O'Hara Confidential, Hey Clockface / How Can You Face Me? &The Death of Magic Thinking. The crowd seemed to appreciate them which I found baffling. This was followed by (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes. An excellent early song! Elvis was off key and his timing was off. This was followed by Stations of the Cross and my departure. Perhaps my feelings were exaggerated after seeing Midge Ure play a flawless solo acoustic set to about 75 people in Boston the night before. Perfect vocals, an excellent set list & great in between song insight into the songs. The contrast to that event and what took place at the PPAC last night was immense.

2.0 star rating from Providence, Rhode Island

VERY UNEVEN PERFORMANCE

I've seen Elvis Costello more times than I can remember since the 70's, starting at Rhode Island College, and traveling back and forth to venues in every decade since. I've seen him play angry (even though he isn't any more..) I've seen him play drunk, not feeling well from illness, and everything in between. This performance, in my opinion was a moody, VooDooish , Halloweenie kinda vibe and very difficult to get into. Something more than acoustics was in play here. At times he could barely warble a sentence, other times he sounded like he did in his 20's. I get it...We're much older now. It doesn't excuse poor, sound adjustments, rambling songs just wandering into who knows where, and vilifying great songs and turning them into throw away's I've never accepted the" tired of playing them" excuse. With a catalog as large and varied as the band has that doesn't cut it. He was very engaging, the extra guitar was great but It was the first time I ever left a Costello show before it was over.

3.0 star rating Cheryl from Frankfort Kentucky

DISAPPOINTED

I LOVE Elvis but the sound was so horrible i walked out hoping he would fire the sound man. Doesnt someone walk around to see if the sound is clear. We litterally had zero clear songs

4.0 star rating Toby from Kansas City, Missouri

GLAD I WENT!

Saw Elvis Costello yesterday (8/27/21) at the Uptown Theatre. I am not sure what I thought of it. It started at 7:15 and got over at 9:20. The normal lead guitar player was not able to be with them so Charlie Sexton. He is a great guitar player, but not sure how much of the songs were new to him. The timing seemed off - but I can understand that. He played a half dozen of his hits and they were well received. Elvis made a comment that he normally won't do Allison because he can't do the guitar work, "But Charlie can..." and then they launched into it. They changed the name of the band from the Imposters to the Layabouts because of Charlie. Elvis told a story about his dad, Ross McManus, used the name of the Layabouts because he couldn't recording obligations. I am glad I went. I do wish he would have played the Kansas City song he knows - Liberty Street from The New Basement Tapes. He probably doesn't have much opportunity to play a KC song in KC. I also would have liked to hear songs like Ship Building, Motel Matches, but he played others that were very good to hear. The big tour starts in over a month so this and Omaha were more warm up concerts (I am guessing).

3.0 star rating Deb from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

SOUND WAS HORRIBLE

Was quite excited to see Elvis Costello live for the 1st time. Sound quality was so bad we left half way through. It was like trying to understand Dylan, muffled, garbled, and difficult to understand. But his guitar shined through most of it.

4.0 star rating Andrew from Baltimore, Maryland

ELVIS COSTELLO @ THE PALLADIUM, CARMEL, IN ~ SAT. NOV. 16, 2019

We drove from Maryland to see EC in the Indianapolis area. We saw him earlier this summer at The Majestic theater in Gettysburg, PA. He toured with Blondie during the summer, mostly playing amphitheaters. That show was a night 'off' between dates with Blondie. We felt lucky to get tickets to the show in such an intimate space. That show would get 5 plus stars. Great sound, presentation and set list. The above-mentioned show was so good, and knowing that this end-of-year solo tour was coming up we searched for a show/date that we could get to. The Palladium show fit the bill. The show started just after 8pm and went straight through without an encore. The songs of the encore that we saw in Gettysburg were incorporated into the end of this Palladium show. The backup singers were a pleasant and welcome surprise in Gettysburg and we were glad to see them again here. The Imposters seemingly can play any song as they displayed through more than twenty songs.

4.0 star rating Sam from Kentucky

ELVIS

Born in the UK with my teenage years in the 70's, Elvis was a hero of mine, yet I never attended any concerts of his in the UK, all these years later and now resident in KY, I ventured last minute to watch him, I was in the gods so the sound and sync were certainly not assisting in anyway and when singing along found myself a couple of words ahead, nevertheless he's earned his stripes and can sing at whatever pace he likes, he's still the man. The one slight grievance, he said trust him, he will play everything, no Chelsea or Olivers Army:(

1.0 star rating Connie from Louisville, Kentucky

EC CONCERT

Hated it! Sorry.

2.0 star rating James Buckwalter from Madison Indiana

ELVIS COSTELLO AT THE PALACE

I agree with the other reviewers who were disappointed in the sound quality. With only four instruments on stage at a time, they should all have been as clear as bells, but instead they all washed together, and the sound was muddy enough that it was hard to hear how the base and the piano and the guitar fit together. Whose fault is this? Is it the sound people who travel with Elvis C. or the people at the Palace who dropped a heavy wet blanket on the whole musical experience?

1.0 star rating Donn B from Northern Ca.

HIT THE EXIT AFTER 3 SONGS

Long time fan however we couldn’t make out any of the words and were very disappointed. Three songs and we decided it most likely would not improve so we headed back to our room.

3.0 star rating Annonymous from Vancouver, British Columbia

QUITE DISAPPONTING

The sound was terrible and ECs vocals were quite often off key. Indeed the backup singers saved the day! Would have enjoyed hearing more of his older hits. Queen E is a great venue and I’ve seen many fantastic concerts there but this was not one of them.

3.0 star rating Franco DiSalvo from Vancouver, British Columbia

FIRST TIME WITH ELVIS - GUTSY PERFORMANCE ALL CONSIDERDED

I was really looking forward to seeing Elvis Costello. I have been a big fan for a very long time but for one reason or the other, never made it to any of his shows. The sound, especially the vocals were horrible. There is no excuse in this day and age. The QE Theatre generally has good acoustics. Granted EC was struggling with a cold and coming off a long tour, but the vocals were inaudible. He also had to undergo cancer treatment in July, so he pulled off a gutsy performance. His artistic flair is still evident, although I wish he had stuck to his original versions. The fans leaving early was distracting and I couldn't help but feel that EC deserved better. His set last nearly 3 hours which is unheard of these days. The back up singers saved the performance for the most part. They were incredible. Elvis Costello is a great performer and Canadian. Yes, I hope to see him again.

3.0 star rating Lisa from Los Angeles, California

ELVIS? WILTERN?

We were in the second to last row. Living with (and attended with) an audiophile bf I’ve come to be quite sound sensitive and immediately knew something was up with the acoustics. Although, not sure who to blame - Venue or sound crew. Found ourselves enduring the show and leaving before encore. So not like us being huge live music and Elvis Costello fans!

2.0 star rating Big D from Vancouver, British Columbia

WHAT’S WITH THE SOUND?

I love Elvis...I’ve seen him many times...but last night was kind of sad. Really bad sound, and Elvis was struggling to hit the notes and even sing on key. I hope it was because of his cold but the energy was low and overall Imwas disappointed.

1.0 star rating James Martin from Vancouver, British Columbia

AT LEAST I GOT HOME EARLY!

This is the 3rd time I've seen Elvis C and I have to say, I was very disappointed. I now read from other reviews that he was battling a cold, which explains some of the poor quality vocals and sound. We left after song 5 and cut our losses. I'm going to leave my memory of the last 2 concerts and try to erase this one. I appreciated the early night, so every cloud has a silver linning.

2.0 star rating Neil from NV from Vancouver, British Columbia

A FOR EFFORT BUT RUINED BY TERRIBLE SOUND

A for effort to Elvis and the Imposters. They played for almost 3 hours, but Elvis was battling a cold and the the concert featured probably the worst sound I've ever heard - and judging from the other comments posted here and the number of people leaving the concert at different points in the night, it wasn't just me and my guest. All very surprising because the QE Theatre usually has decent acoustics. Unfortunately, the poor sound and Elvis's strained vocals won out. Ironically, the two back up singers stole the limelight. They provided pretty much the only activity taking place on stage and displayed wonderful vocal prowess when permitted, but they were also a jarring contrast to the otherwise staid band members. Pity, it had the makings of a great show.

2.0 star rating Jade from Vancouver, British Columbia

BAD SOUND , NO SPARK

I love Elvis and have seen him 6 times. I hope his struggle to hit the notes was due to a cold and not him losing what was once such a great voice. The sound was just awful and stayed that way throughout the night. Elvis, get a better sound guy! The only spark came from the two back up singers who were also hard to hear due to the sound system . Even the amazing Steve Nieve’s playing sounded tinny. So disappointing.

3.0 star rating Jonathan from Vancouver, British Columbia

TOO BAD ABOUT THE POOR SOUND

It’s going to be pretty tough to please everyone when your career spans 40 years, but we were hoping to hear some of the 70’s and 80’s stuff played in the original arrangements. Didn’t really care for the somewhat ‘wanky’ departures during classics like Watching the Detectives, and those backup singers were completely unnecessary. Elvis is still a way awesome cat though, so cool to see him still rockin’ it!

3.0 star rating from Vancouver, British Columbia

ADMIRABLY LONG CONCERT, MOSTLY POOR VOCALS FROM EC

Nice that Elvis sang a long (2 hr 45 min) show despite battling a bad cold. Much of his singing was pitchy and froggy. (I understand the frogginess, but does a cold make you go off pitch?) His vocals improved as the night went on. Weird rendition of Watching the Detectives, good versions of Pump It Up and What so Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding. Great band (love Pete Thomas's drumming). Thanks god for the back up singers. Elvis did offer some great tortured-sounding guitar leads. I think if he wasn't sick this would be a 4 star (or even five) star show.

3.0 star rating MatWin from Vancouver, British Columbia

DISAPPOINTING

His voice was not up to par. The sound could have been better. All the energy came from the 2 back up singers who were great. Did not stay for the encore, which is a first.

1.0 star rating Jennifer from Vancouver, British Columbia

DISAPPOINTED

Muddy sound really ruined the show. Need to hire some decent sound men because an artist of this stature should sound so much better. Could not understand vocals at all. His guitar playing was excellent but overall a very amateur show

4.0 star rating Karen from San Francisco, California

MUSIC GREAT, ACOUSTICS TERRIBLE

I love Elvis, but unfortunately his songs sounded really muddled tonight. I kept moving to find better sound and finally a good spot downstairs about 3/4 of the way through. Enjoyed it so much more after that.

4.0 star rating Bruce T from Los Angeles, California

ELVIS COSTELLO WILTERN

Well the man is a legend and I personally think one of the greatest songwriters of our generation. He has an amazing voice especially after all these years. There were points where he did get a little pitchy as one of the other reviewers mentioned. I think this might be more about him changing the vocal arrangements to keep it fresh for him. I am a huge fan and love his voice and songs. I wish that he would have played 1 or 2 of the classics in the original arrangements but I know he must be tired of playing the old hits. Over all great show

4.0 star rating Elvis fan from Memphis, Tennessee

EC VOICE WAS AMAZING

Elvis still has it! 3 hours of energy and great music. The downside was that the sound system wasn't set properly with an over abundance of bass which made it rather rough to listen to the first 60 percent of the concert. Luckily the bass was set so high that feedback was occurring and the sound techs finally figured out to make an adjustment which made the latter part of the concert much more pleasant. But the musicians and backup singers were awesome, Elvis was amazing losing very little of his voice from his prime. All in all, it was great to see him, and he is still amazing.

4.0 star rating Elvis fan from Memphis, Tennessee

EC VOICE WAS AMAZING

Elvis still has it! 3 hours of energy and great music. The downside was that the sound system wasn't set properly with an over abundance of bass which made it rather rough to listen to the first 60 percent of the concert. Luckily the bass was set so high that feedback was occurring and the sound techs finally figured out to make an adjustment which made the latter part of the concert much more pleasant. But the musicians and backup singers were awesome, Elvis was amazing losing very little of his voice from his prime. All in all, it was great to see him, and he is still amazing.

3.0 star rating Taps from Minneapolis, Minnesota

EC AT NORTHRUP, MPLS

The Imposters are grand musicians, as is EC, and the back-up singers were great. The few rockers that they played, that did not depend on EC's vocals, were good, 'High Fidelity', etc..., and especially the closing 'Peace, Love & Understanding' were fantastic. Unfortunately EC doesn't have the voice any more. His ballads are difficult to sing in general, in terms of pitch and phrasing, and it's too bad that EC can't really sing his own ballads any more. And the thing with his songs, is no one could really do his ballads justice. I love a ton of EC's ballads, but if he can't do them any more and no one else can, then I will just have to live in the past.

5.0 star rating Glenn Bergum from Minneapolis, Minnesota

EC STILL ROCKING

Oh come on! Is anyone really going to hate an Elvis Costello concert. He was in fine voice with plenty of energy. He played a nice mix of new stuff and old classics. Steve Nieve was still great on the keys. He played for almost 3 hours, including a couple encores. He finished up with Peace, Love and Understanding. It's pretty hard to beat that. He had a couple gals singing backup which kept things lively. It was the usual great EC show.

5.0 star rating Don from Minneapolis, Minnesota

ELVIS

EpicD

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