The latest gig on our A to Z Musical Tour was ……
In this post we review Elvis Costello and Steve Nieve at The Theatre Royal, Glasgow.
I headed into Glasgow city centre with two firsts to tick off on my own personal history of gigs attended. Seeing Elvis Costello live in The Theatre Royal, a venue renowned for musicals, opera, ballet and other highbrow performances.
Like the majority of those in the audience, Elvis first came to our attention in the 1970s, five decades ago, when Top of the Pops was still the show to be seen and heard on, even although we knew the performers were miming to songs that had breached the charts at some level.
While the stage seemed distant from our balcony seats, the venue acoustics meant that musically, nobody in the audience was disadvantaged as Elvis and his long-time friend and associate Steve Nieve played a two-hour set of well knows songs, personal favourites and covers.
Across five decades and over fifty albums, Elvis Costello has a back catalogue that covers many genres, and during the set both he and Steve took us on a musical journey that explored the breadth and depth of this library.
As musicians, Steve showcased what a wonderful keyboard player he is and, right at the very end of the show, demonstrated what a strong and powerful voice he has as he took the lead during part of Oliver’s Army.
Elvis proved, like many musicians, that he has that rare talent of playing instruments as if they are an extension of their own bodies. Electric or acoustic guitars and keyboards? Not a problem. Vocally, although he has turned 70, he sang the songs with a dexterity that shone through. Maybe not as powerful as back in the day but forceful enough to bring new life into the tracks played. There’s nothing better than an artist re-interpreting their own songs to suit.
Introducing us to the night, Watching the Detectives, wrang across the theatre, offering a mood of anticipation as to how the night would unfold. It was a mesmerising opening performance. Twelve hours on, it remains the shinning light of the night.
There were plenty of anecdotes as Elvis introduced the songs, reasons why they meant so much to him, lessons he had learned while playing and recording them.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that this was Elvis and Steve’s show. We came to see and hear them play. It was never a greatest hits evening. And while the songs from the setlist may have excluded some fan favourites there seemed to be something missing. Would the show have benefited from some backing on drums and bass? Strings? Backing singers?
Two firsts ticked off. The Theatre Royal is a lovely venue. The public spaces outside the main hall are a modern counterpoint to the internal surrounds of the stage and seating areas. I can understand though why I might not have been there for any previous gig.
I’ve finally seen Elvis Costello live. He is a consummate showman and there is a warmth to him that is infectious. With Steve Nieve they provided an entertaining night of music, some parts upbeat other parts a reflection of their own tastes.
I wasn’t disappointed as I hadn’t set any expectations. Maybe in hindsight, I should have seen him much earlier.
Support Act
Malachy Tallack
Malachy Tallack, with an acoustic guitar, an album and book to promote and a fine selection of songs and stories to go with them, provided the support ahead of the main attraction.
A Shetlander, his dulcet tones, offered some early evening gravitas to proceedings and though the set was relatively short, each song was met with generous applause as he told of his own musical and book authoring career that has led him to be with us in Glasgow. That the first gig he attended on his own was a three-day adventure to see Elvis and Steve play in Glasgow 25 years ago, added a bit of symmetry to the evening.
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