By Gordon Durich
Photos THT – Gordon Durich
Thousand Oaks, CA (The Hollywood Times) 08/29/2022
On a hot August night, Elvis came to Thousand Oaks, California. Elvis Costello that is. In the city as part of his “The Boy Named If” summer 2022 tour, he did not disappoint. Mention must be made of Nick Lowe (of “Cruel to Be Kind” fame), who pumped it up, backed up by his crazy mask-wearing band Los Straitjackets.
Elvis, with a velvety voice and extraordinary musicianship, (man can he play guitar!) was joined by his great band, The Imposters. The multi-award-winning Costello entertained the house and left them after several encores still wanting more. “Accidents Will Happen” kicked off the Brit’s spectacular show. He then played a set featuring classics such as “Alison,” “(I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea” and a sensational version of one of his biggest hits and best numbers, “Watching The Detectives.” He also included newer numbers from his latest album. Costello’s guitar work was matched by the one-and-only Charlie Sexton, of Dylan and Bowie fame. On keyboards was Steve Nieve (astonishingly adept in his musicianship) and bassist Davey Faragher. Last but certainly not least, playing a mean set of drums was Pete Thomas, ex-Squeeze whom Tom Waits called “one of the best rock drummers alive.”
With a clutch of Grammys and Brit awards under his belt, Costello was seamless in his vocals and switching of guitars. Also, his banter was quite amusing, to say the least. In an intimate and fun way, he shared memories such as playing in Liverpool, “except at the Catholic girls school.” Hilarious.
A surprise was Fito Paez, Elvis’ musical friend, singer and collaborator from Argentina, who briefly joined The Imposters. After a rousing “What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understanding,” and after putting on his signature red pork pie hat, Elvis “left the building”….
The next stop for the be spectacled one was a meet-and-greet held after the show, with a long line of media guests. Maybe next time….