Elvis Costello Plays Three Shows In NYC For April Fools’ Day…Again, Joins Strokes

Back in 1979 Elvis Costello and the Attractions celebrated April Fools’ Day by playing a total of three shows in New York City. Thirty-two years later, Costello has duplicated the feat in spectacular fashion.

First, Elvis turned up unannounced for the Amos Lee / Secret Sisters show at Irving Plaza. He took the stage and played a song solo followed by a tune with The Secret Sisters, who went on to finish their set. Next, Costello headed uptown to The Strokes concert at Madison Square Garden, where he performed a mini-set of Pump It Up, Radio Radio and Peace Love and Understanding backed by The Imposters in front of a shocked crowd. Elvis yelled “Happy April Fools’ Day” before leaving the stage. During The Strokes’ headlining set front man Julian Casablancas told the audience Taken For A Fool was his band’s “Elvis Costello song” and sure enough in the middle of the song Costello emerged to help with the vocals. Costello finished the night with a show of his own at the intimate Gramercy Theater.

Back in 1979 Elvis Costello and The Attractions kicked off April Fools’ Day with a short set at the Lone Star Cafe, moved to The Bottom Line for a 15-song barn-burner and finished the night with a legendary performance at Great Gildersleeves that’s just as well known for the brawl that ended the show as for the music. Who says history never repeats itself?

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2 Responses

  1. Elvis recreated his energy and most of the songs he sang on that tour 32 years ago. The tempo was that of a young man as he took no brakes between songs they all blended into the next one. A amazing show for the fans who loved every minute of it. Cant wait to see him again!

  2. the show at the gramercy was amazing…..mostly his good old songs..fast and furious….all of them were at their best-pete was fantastic-i couldnt sit still-
    it was just a real treat–

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