A Flailing Elvis Costello Joins Anti-Trump Resistance

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Some classic rockers know fans only want the “hits.”

You know, the songs that made them famous and gave rock radio fodder for decades.

Since making his debut on the music scene in the late ’70s, Elvis Costello has continued to create new music uninterruptedly. This year, he catered to his fans’ appetite for his classic tunes by embarking on the “Radio Soul” tour.

To a point.

On Sunday, Costello made a visit to Denver, accompanied by an array of tasty tunes like “Alison” and “Pump It Up”, as well as lesser-known treasures such as “Brilliant Mistake” and “Watch Your Step”. At 70 years old, he appeared lively and in excellent health. For the most part, his voice remained strong throughout the evening’s performance.

Despite adopting a frustrating attitude towards his previous work at the Bellco Theatre, he elongated the lyrics in a perplexing manner. This performance style made him seem out of sync with his best songs, resulting in a dull rendition of his melodies.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but express my frustration when a favorite artist seems misaligned with their own music, a disconnect that persists over time. It goes beyond just being exasperated; it’s more like watching a symphony where the conductor and the musicians are not quite on the same page.

Even a ballad like “Alison,” hardly a foot-stomper, played out in sluggish fashion.

costello continues to be a pioneer in music, so it was no surprise that he made some adjustments to his tracks. He slowed down “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes” giving it a more measured pace, thereby removing some of its sense of urgency.

The great “Clubland” snagged a salsa makeover, but the change proved surprisingly organic.

A large portion of the collection revealed Costello singing his well-known verses, with “Brilliant Mistake” being arguably the most agonizing illustration.

Costello generally adhered to the tour’s commitment, with some deviations such as performing a cover of Van Morrison’s “Domino.” The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer presented a chilling rendition of “Deportee,” a poignant immigrant lament that resonated with the evening’s overall theme.

Trump. Of course. And it wasn’t the first time.

Costello subtly referenced the 47th president without explicitly saying so, by including “Deportee” in his set list. Similarly, he hinted at Trump’s rise with two other songs, “Beyond Belief” and “Waiting for the End of the World.

“I hate it when I’m right,” he cracked.

A more accurate choice? “Veronica,” the portrait of dementia to protest a certain ex-president.

RELATED: 17 KILLER ELVIS COSTELLO SONG LYRICS

The Imposters strongly supported Costello in a trustworthy manner, just as any group could. Notable members such as Pete Thomas and Steve Nieve, known for their work with The Attractions, added decades of expertise to the performance. It would be difficult to find flaws in their work, and their harmonious collaboration with Costello gave the show a nostalgic sparkle.

Costello isn’t typically a premier performer, yet he excels at softly wrapping up a tune and adding a shine for the audience. This works well, and he demonstrated it once again during his performance in Denver.

What a shame that he refused to treat his back catalog with the reverence it deserves.

In a surprising twist, even during his fiery encore, I found myself matching steps with Elvis’ poppier tunes as “Pump It Up” and “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” pulsed with energy. However, towards the end of this two-hour-plus spectacle, it seemed like Elvis’ vocal prowess started to wane a bit.

He had saved the best for last, but why did it take him so long?

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2025-06-30 20:03