Elvis Costello & the Imposters

Every concert I've ever been to, and there have been many, it seems like there's some song I wanted to hear, but they didn't play. Like Dave Matthews, you didn't play "Crash Into Me", really? But Elvis played nearly 3 hours, with barely a break except to interject some humorous tidbit like calling Imperial Bedroom "the feel-good album of the summer of '82". We had great seats and the VIP was worth the extra $30 a ticket just to be able to run to the bathroom and grab a beer without any queues. No guys backing him up to hit the high notes, he can still hit them all, and he did all the guitar besides the bass player. The pianist was amazing, the girl back-up singers weren't distracting.

Elvis and the Imposters put on a great show again. They prove that they are all very talented musicians who have been playing together for quite awhile. The addition of the two female back-up singers were great. Loved the version of "Allison, My Aim is True" that they did with Elvis. Another great version was of "Watching the Detectives" which was a highlight of the show. And as always, they ended the with "Peace, Love & Understanding".

As a lifelong fan of Mr Costello, this was my first time seeing him and I was not disappointed! He revisited the classic Imperial Bedroom album from 1982 and told many great stories about his songs. As well as this album, he played many of his hits. Highlights for me, were Pump It Up, Watching the Detectives and What's so funny about Peace Love and Understanding (which is especially poignant at this difficult time!). Elvis' voice was achingly perfect OMG !!! Go see this guy.....he is great

The Imperial Bedroom concept was great, the Imposter band lineup was great and Elvis is one of my musical heroes, but the first half of this concert was beyond disappointing. The mix was terrible, with a muddy base overwhelming the sound and Elvis' guitar sounding scratchy & tuneless, but the worst part was his singing which was out of tune and out of time. It was as if he could not hear the band at times. At one point I thought he had fallen off the wagon and was stoned, but I think the mixing desk might have been mostly to blame. About half way through, the show started to come together led by some solo songs that were very moving and then when the band came back it was as if the sound engineer woke up and it started to sound better (still not very good) and the emotional energy Elvis was then putting in made up for the crap sound, ending with a glorious version of What's so funny about Peace Love & Understanding... In this digital audio era, there is no excuse for poor sound quality. Elvis deserved better as did we!

Elvis Costello is one of my favorites and Imperial Bedroom is my all-time favorite Elvis Costello album. So, I guess I was the target market when EC announced that he would be featuring Imperial Bedroom during this current tour. For me, the show did not disappoint. I can understand the disappointment or lack of enjoyment for the casual fan and/or casino 'comp' attendee. That being said, if you love Imperial Bedroom and other songs from that era, you will not be disappointed. On the other hand, If hearing rarities like , Moods For Moderns, You'll Never Be a Man, Shot With His Own Gun, Seconds Of Pleasure, or almost every song from Imperial Bedroom, leaves you cold, then best not go. Also, take it with a grain of salt when some 'one star' reviewers refer to Imperial Bedroom (early 80's) as 'his new album'.

The band was WAY too loud for a venue of this size. You could barely hear Elvis singing over the music. My ears were ringing like I'd just seen The Who in '74. To make matter worse, I'm tall and the seats in this old, worn out theater must have been built for tiny people. Never again.

Elvis Costello at the Orpheum Theatre was GREAT!. I have been an elvis fan since the late 70s, and have seen him on multiple tours. This concert was heavily weighted to his 'imperial bedroom' album. It is a great album so the baseline was good. He did do several of his biggest hits that are not from that record like; allison, every day i write the book, pump it up, watching the detectives. He still has a great voice. His band and back up singers were right on time as well. when you follow an artist for a long time, of course you get your favorites and Elvis did not disappoint by playing a selection of his big hits. but what makes me coming back is that he changes up his shows, you never really know what kind of show you'll see. I've seen him do an acoustic show, a 'spin the wheel' free for all, etc etc. I will always go back because i know the next show won't be like the last, even if he DOES 'watching the detectives' etc. The old favorites just show in relief how much he evolves.

I am a huge Costello fan and read the reviews of this tour prior to purchasing tickets because I wasn't interested in an acoustic show. The reviews indicated he played most of his hits with a few songs from Imperial Bedroom, which I am not familiar with. I knew literally 3 songs in the whole show. And, his voice was flat the entire time. This was a bucket list item for my guest, and I felt just awful that it was completely not enjoyable. The crowd sat the entire time as well which didn't help the atmosphere.

In a word " Awesome"! Loved hearing the material from the new album plus older songs like "Alison". His voice and talent still is strong and true!

I always love seeing Elvis Costello. This was no exception. He was top notch. Problem I had was the seats I had, which where found in the 'balcony' had terrible acoustics. Sounded like I was in high school auditorium.

This was the first time seeing Elvis Costello, though I've been a fan for years. I bought 2 floor tickets and was expecting a good show but we ended up leaving midway through because concert was so bad. 1) Accoustics in Sands Event Center are terrible. 2) Bass overpowered every song. 3) Elvis can no longer sing on key - or even to the beat - in some instances. Worst concert I've been to in years.

This concert was amazing! This is the 3rd time I have seen him live and each time I am blown away by his performance. If he is playing in your area, don't miss this concert!

This was painful. I understand an artist will play new material, but he only played four of his "hits" and he arranged them in a way that destroyed the original's masterpieces. "Alison" was a disgrace. The best part of the evening for me was hearing other fans yell out between songs venting their disappointment to put it mildly. I rated one star because I believe the field is required!

Elvis and the Imposters were on fire! He sounded amazing! The venue was large, but felt intimate and the sound was good. He was one of my bucket list artists and I traveled from Houston, Texas, to Atlantic City for the weekend just to see him and I have zero regrets!!! I was upset when he didn't perform my favorite song, but he didn't let me down and returned for the encore and made me a very happy fan!

I've seen Elvis more than 8 times now and this show in AC might be the last time. This was the most passion-less I have ever seen him. The 'new twists' on old classics didn't work either. That was topped by the ear piercing 'bull horn' version of Watching the Detectives. That's when I knew there was no hope to save the show. Do us all a favor Elvis, if you're not into it please stop touring until you find the passion again. Maybe it wasn't only the band that were the 'Imposters'

I enjoyed the show and the best song, imo, was Watching the Detectives... The venue was intimate and any seat would be a good seat. The only negative was the price & time you got for your money. I am guessing the days of an opening act are over... Elvis did play straight thru 1.5 hours non stop but I guess I expected a 3 hour show...

Saw his solo show and now with the band. Man's voice is still fabulous and the boys were great. Got some of the newer stuff and a lot of the old faves. Man out of time Every day I write the book Allison Watching the detectives Clubland Angels wanna wear my red shoes Beyond Belief What's so funny bout peace love etc Just to name a few. Great hour and a half.

Elvis Costello and the Imposters played continuously, without so much as a water break, for 90 minutes, then came back for a two song encore. They played every hit Elvis has had throughout his long career: Allison, Pump It Up, Watching the Detectives, Every Day I Write a Book, What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love and Understanding? He even introduced the band during a song. I highly recommend the show.

I have seen him five or six times over the past thirty years and he never disappoints. He plays a lot more guitar now than he used to in the old days and that is a good thing.

Great show as always so many great songs by Elvis we really enjoyed it!

Amazing concert..AGAIN! Saw him in Atlantic City last year on the opening night of this tour. When we found out he was in Philly, jumped at the chance to see him again. Elvis, PLEASE release this tour on a live album!!!!!

I love Elvis. But it was pretty lame. He needed to be alittle more upbeat.

I am a huge Elvis fan and love the Murat venue but the overall experience was not good. First, I waited outside to get through security and entry for over 30 minutes and the concert had already started when I got to my seat. There were many fans upset. Lastly, the sound mix left a lot to be desired.

Although no longer the angry, anti-establishment Costello of his youth, he remains a tremendous live act. The Attractions and Elvis concentrated on Imperial Bedroom for this show, playing some really obscure cuts and opening with a Little Feat cover. Tremendous sound and musicianship. Elvis really let go on the guitar playing into even some almost thrash as well as deep blues. Well worth seeing again.

Over his 40 year span, I have seen him/them probably 30 times. I would put this concert in the top 5 for sure!

Huge expectations so when the performance first started Elvis was out of key, didn't feel in synch with the band. There were two songs that rose above where Elvis and the band got it together. I would add that for those of us sitting farther the constant graphics were annoying- I would have liked to see more of Elvis and the band up close. The first encore turned things around- he did a stellar acoustic Allison with his backup vocalists. From there on the show soared home over the next two encores.

Perfect. I loved the show. 30 songs and no opening act.

I'm a huge fan, but spent the first 45 minutes wondering if EC had decided to change his arrangements to bend notes and switch key chords from majors to minors. It was really frustrating, but eventually, that, for the most part, subsided. On the shuttle back to the parking lot, I overheard another attendee talking about how he'd been "pitchy". OK, so it wasn't just me, after all. Hearing problems? No pre-show warm-up? I couldn't tell. That said, the songs were delivered and received with full enthusiasm, so all-in-all, it was worth attending.

On June 4 Elvis Costello and the Imposters rocked the Greek Theatre with a focus on his Imperial Bedroom album. Steering concert goers through his Imperial Bedroom with insight and humor Elvis did not disappoint. Armed with his quick wit and strong vocals Elvis also performed many of his early fan favorite songs including Watching the Detectives with B movie posters images included. The Imposters contributions cannot be overstated with amazing keyboards from Steve Nieve. Fans were treated to two encore sets which included an intimate rendition of Allison by Elvis and his two back up singers. Finishing the evening with an extended version of What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding, Elvis wrapped up an amazing concert with an unforgettable performance.

The set focused on the classic Imperial Bedroom but Elvis played the songs in different order than on the recording and interspersed them with other favorites. His voice was strong and expressive and the band was fantastic, highlighted by Steve Nieve's piano/keyboard work and Elvis's guitar. Two female backing vocalists added a fuller sound and were key to making live versions of Imperial Bedroom's overlaid vocal arrangements work. Their accompaniment to just Elvis and his electric guitar on "Alison" was wonderful but may have rubbed many purists the wrong way. Elvis's stories and introductions were great as always, and the energy was high onstage and among the audience. A thoroughly enjoyable night with a master of pop music.

Elvis was awesome - great set list and he's full of energy. The mix at The Greek was REALLY BAD. Way too much low end on the drums and bass guitar - drowned out the melody. Was really a bummer and didn't do Elvis justice.

Imperial Bedroom is a masterpiece, and hearing the songs live in concert was an amazing experience. The backup singers had good voices, and the band was in fine form. Elvis sounded great and the show lasted an energetic two and a half hours. So why not 5 stars? The sound system was not good. Even though I knew almost all the lyrics by heart, I often couldn't make out what EC was singing. I'm not an acoustics expert, so the best I can do is describe it as muddy or overamplified. Apparently this has happened at other venues for this EC tour. What a shame to have acoustic issues hamper what could have been a classic show.

I was excited to see Elvis, but I found him too mellow. I found that he lost most of the crowd as I saw so many moving around but not dancing. Many people left before he even returned for the encore.

Focusing on the Imperial Bedroom CD allowed me to enjoy his material that I've never seen him perform live. The set was a lengthy 2 1/2 hour show that was intermixed with songs from other albums. Thoroughly enjoyable show!

Parking was easy, surprise, pleasant evening, great show by a great artist....Go ELVIS!!!

Was, unfortunately, very disappointed in the show. Elvis projected a lack of energy and, frankly, became somewhat bored. I loved the Imperial Bedroom album and although he played many of the tunes, some were done at different tempos and it just didn't work for me. Sorry, but Elvis has left the building...

Elvis was amazing. I can recommend this artist and this venue with gusto. The Greek theater in Berkeley has an excellent place to see anybody but Elvis wI can recommend this artist and this venue with gusto.as not just anybody. He really delivered and has grown into a very adult version of his crazy young punks self. We had a perfectly splendid evening and I would do it again in a heartbeat

Mr Costello is a singular talent whose aim has always been true. He and each band member are simply extraordinarily talented. The shows they put on are played as if there has been no passage of time. I appreciate the fact that they still take time away from their lives to hit the boards and provide their audience with two plus hours of the best diversion one can be afforded in these pretty depressing times. Unfortunately, there are not too many folks from the 'Rock Band' era left, in my opinion, that can deliver this kind sonic punch with such gleaming musicality and passion and with an incredible catalog to bring the audience to a state of joy left anymore. I am simply glad/blessed to have been instantly hooked, since I first laid ears on his first records in 1977. The only thing that matters, however, is this; I'd simply want to give my thanks for Elvis being in my life for all these years.

We have attended several shows at the Greek over the years and it is usually a great time. I need to say that Elvis was in good form and as long as the drummer and bass player laid back everything was teriffic, but as soon as the came it crushed the vocals, guitar and piano. Frankly turned the sound into mud. We were sitting 30 feet from the mixer table thinking it would eventually get tweaked in the right direction, but no. It makes me hesitant to see another show at the Greek this season if this is their new normal.

I have always enjoyed Elvis' shows, but the Greek Theater sound was very poor. Couldn't even hear the background singers.

One of the best shows- really incredible performance- two encores! He is genius...

Lost a layer of skin on the concrete seats at the Greek but the music was outstanding. Elvis rocked the whole night with 2 encores

Elvis Costello has been around long enough that he can tour without an album release, playing nothing but songs from his vast catalog, and still put on a great show. This was the eleventh time I've seen him live (and the third time at the Greek Theater in Berkeley CA), and while it wasn't the best he's ever been, it was still extremely entertaining. The video screen running behind the band had fun artistic renditions of his album covers with different images from different covers layered over each other, a nice in joke for his fans. His back up band, THE IMPOSTERS were very good, and so were his two female backup singers. And, while I have heard him perform almost every song he did here before at other shows, he still plays them with enough passion to make it worth hearing them again!

Unfortunately, this review from November 2016 at the Beacon Theater still rings true: Yikes! Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, but this was the worst show I've seen him do EVER! I don't even know where to begin, but let's start with production values. The whole band was amped up so badly that the mix was one loud incoherent rumble, with the lead vocals distorted and pitchy (like he couldn't hear himself) and the backing vocals unheard. The lyrics were unintelligible (I know most by heart and even I was confused) and Elvis's usual raconteurship was off kilter and missing his familiar timing and flair. The whole Imperial Bedroom theme, with the altered arrangements and Picasso themed covers, one-offs, and the unfortunate backing vocal performance on "Allison" that ruined his performance, all contributed to a feeling of "just too much". I actually liked his raucous guitar work, but he seemed unsure of his vocals all night.

I'm a quasi-fan, meaning I love his radio stuff and performed a few of his songs with some of my musician friends and bands. I'm not always a fan of his lyrics, but his sound, his melodies, chord progressions, and his band's musicianship is fantastic. Finally got a chance to see him live last night at Woodinville's St. Michelle Winery, and was very impressed. He brought a ton of energy to his performance, despite a rather flat crowd. Most of the set was from the Imperial Bedroom album, which I'm not familiar with, so forced me to appreciate other aspects of the performance than I usually look for. But hearing WtD, Allison, WSFBPL&U, and PiU was transcendant. I'm glad I didn't bring my 14 year old, though, because you had to be a fan already to enjoy this show, in my opinion. But, still, Elvis is so distinctive and I appreciate his individuality. Great show.

He became hoarse about halfway through. Sound was not crisp. Elvis was not rocking.

...the idea of a cohesive song set and performance behind! Yikes! Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, but this was the worst show I've seen him do EVER! I don't even know where to begin, but let's start with production values. The whole band was amped up so badly that the mix was one loud incoherent rumble, with the lead vocals distorted and pitchy (like he couldn't hear himself) and the backing vocals unheard. The lyrics were unintelligible (I know most by heart and even I was confused) and Elvis's usual raconteurship was off kilter and missing his familiar timing and flair. The whole Imperial Bedroom theme, with the altered arrangements and Picasso themed covers, one-offs, and the unfortunate backing vocal performance on "Allison" that ruined his performance, all contributed to a feeling of "just too much". I actually liked his raucous guitar work, but he seemed unsure of his vocals all night. The band played well, but again in spite of the mix. The last "fan favorite" encore of "Pump It Up" and "WSFAPLaU" seemed to have fixed most of the above problems, but was too little too late. My party had folks attending who were unfamiliar with Costello's body of work and they left disappointed and unimpressed.

I was a bit hesitant that Elvis might only do new stuff. Well, he did do a lot of new stuff and it was fantastic. His pianist was incredible and Elvis isn't too bad on the piano either. In the end he did do some of the old stuff I like best. Overall, I really enjoyed it.

My wife and I are long time Elvis Costello fans and were so disappointed. We have not seen him live in many years and were really looking forward to it. Not sure whether it was him the sound system or both but the show sounded like one long muffled drone. We left early and have never done that before.

Horrible sound mix--every instrument going at full blast, producing a muddy, brain-numbing racket. Elvis Costello is not tuneless heavy metal, so whoever was responsible for the sound check should be fired (and should pay me back for the cost of our tickets!). Left after 6 songs. Waste of money and waste of an evening.

"It's Good To Be The King" Elvis Costello's Imperial Bedroom tour.... I was 16 years old when i went to see Elvis Costello on a date... I was in high school, and had heard a few songs on the radio, but this performance, was our introduction. I see him there on the stage, and he had these red boots and did this distinctive dance.. or was it with red shoes.. and colorful pants, knees bent in as he did these cool moves towards the stage to "pump it up" wow. As i sat there last night, and he played all these songs that as the years unfolded became a part of my tapestry, pinnacles attached to different stages of my life. I love how often he changed hats, he does have quite a few.. and oh those colors. It was like a musical journey taking me to me, and my past where Elvis was a part of. His band was so collected, the gathering of voices and instruments was a union for sure. Then he played watching the detectives,and i was transported to Venice Beach, years ago, when the Brooks street Pagoda was a scene of a shooting. As I approached, my Walkman was playing one of my Elvis Costello tapes and "watching the detectives came on"and there on the concrete under the shade of the green wooden roof was a white chalk outline of where someone fell, and there was a blood stain right there and the detectives were still recording the scene,, as Elvis sang into the moment... watching the detectives...a memory was made, for real. And as the night continued and he sang these tunes, these ballads, and gave them their due... i rose from my seat at many turns, and danced. Oh Elvis, it's good to be the King....he is so gracious and giving, he gave us not one, but two long encores, he striped it down and sang Allison with two female singers ( one is named Kitten by the way) singing back up harmonies.. and then it was just him and his awesome keyboard man on the piano literally blowing all our minds, just those two, filling up the stage, spilling their amazing music into the very excited crowd... and Elvis came back on stage, yes...in another hat. giving us that second encore....good times. As told by Mira 6/4/17

As many times as I've seen Elvis, I never thought I'd be saying this...his voice was way off! It could have been the overall bad sound system, but his register was giving him trouble all night. The backup singers helped, but, overall, the signing was so off key we were all cringing.

I'm sure Elvis was & The Imposters were as altogether miraculous as always, but the sound was so distorted in the lower balcony that it left you wondering. Only when he performed with just the piano was the sound true. The worst distortion for those in row D left in the lower balcony was from the bass line. It created a distorted vibration. Poor form Beacon Theater on 11/7.

Where do I begin! This wa the show to go to this year! He did not stop, he showed no mercy o his guitar and showed his love to us!

Elvis always impresses, never disappoints. Played almost 2 1/2 hours where bands half his age can barely play an hour. The Imperial Bedroom is my favorite album of his. Such a treat to hear it played live. Awesome show = you need to go! Miss him not!

Elvis Costello and The Imposters were terrific - Steve on keyboards, Pete on drums and Danny on bass were perfect. Elvis played guitar, piano and bass. All are talented musicians. The voice on Elvis is amazing. Wonderful show with plenty of material to choose from - nothing disappointed. So very glad I had the opportunity to go. Favorite part? Elvis shared details of what his life was like at the time he wrote each song. THANK YOU!!

Elvis Costello with his veteran band played a varied set that had some dancing in the isles , And others tapping their feet...The show just over 2 hours spanned his full career , included hits like Watching The Detectives .His a Capella version of Allison with his 2 back up singers was a special moment.Elvis was proficient and entertaining in The telling of The back stories of many of his sings The show ended with some classics to standing ovations...A good time ....

I've seen Elvis Costello numerous times, and I love how each tour is different, with this one being no exception. The "theme" (if you could call it that) was centered around what is arguably one of his best albums, Imperial Bedroom, which really didn't generate a lot of hit singles, but is a true high point of his extensive catalogue. He mentioned that he hadn't played many of the songs live before (at least for a while) so it was a real thrill to hear them. He also dug deep for other songs in the set list, with a smattering of B-sides and bonus tracks. The band was also top-notch, with Steve Nieve and Pete Thomas still in top form, and a wonderful pair of backup singers who shone on a great version of "Alison" and "Every Day I Write the Book" (which is a song I know he hates, but sounded great). I did hear a bit of griping after the show about the set list, since it wasn't quite a "greatest hits" show, though I think he peppered it with enough familiar tunes to keep most people happy.

I have not seen Elvis Costello live since 1981. Back than the band was called the Attractions. His band now is the Imposters. Boy what a great concert. He played a great selection of his great songs. the sound was good , But not impress with the venue.

The security line was SO long, we missed the first 5 songs of the concert. Great concert, BTW!! Sorry to have missed so much of it though--

Elvis went to the way back machine and dug deep! Lipstick Vogue,Welcome to the Working Week and Don't want to go to Chelsea among others! Fantastic!!!

I bought tickets to this show for my mom. Elvis Costello isn't someone I listen to regularly but I like his music. The show ended up being one of the best shows I have seen! I really enjoyed his line up. He played new, classic, slow, and upbeat songs. Really cool background pictures from a projector throughout the concert. Heard my first ever piano solo!! He played for approximately 2 hours with no breaks so it was also one of the longer shows I have been to. Not 5 stars only because it wasn't my #1 show but a close #2. A must see for sure!

The sound was not good. I know concerts are loud, but the loud points were distorted.

Elvis put on an amazing show! Last time we saw him was solo & acoustic-very intimate. To see him with his band & awesome back up singers, wired for sound was another great experience, the second hour of the show had everyone up on their feet dancing where they stood! Great energy & feel good atmosphere. He puts on a hell of a show!

Elvis and band gave an energetic and masterful performance. The pacing was perfect and yhey music went on for a full 2 hpurs. What great, versatile and creative rockers!

First got into Elvis with Radio, Radio - friends thought I was nuts. Followed him since then - amazingly diverse artist and he put on a great show

Imperial Bedroom is one of my favorite albums. I was so happy to hear these song in concert. Many for the first time. I really enjoyed this show.

This was my second time seeing him and he did not disappoint!

I've enjoyed Elvis since the 70s. I wish he would have played more of that material. Other than Accidents Will Happen and Watching The Detectives, everything he played until I left was new. The rest of the audience appeared to feel the same way. During those two songs, they were on their feet singing and dancing along. The rest of the show, people sat and clapped politely like they used to at golf tournaments. Random people would yell out the titles of his more remembered work like yelling "in the hole" when someone tees off. However he had a solid band and unlike others of his generation his voice is unchanged.

He's still amazing. His back up singers were good, but need better dance moves. The screens on the sides of the stage didn't enlarge anything, so really couldn't see. The food & drink prices were ridiculous!

Seeing EC at the Tower is ALWAYS a treat. First saw him there in 1979 and many times through the years since. He NEVER disappoints, and he has an affinity for the venue and the locals, who always greet him enthusiastically. The Imposters are an amazing band, and the production and sound were impeccable.

For a guy who has been in the music business for 40 years you would think he could find 20 good songs......

Elvis Costello put on an amazing show. Well put together with a mix of new and old. After what seemed like the end of the show, he came back with an awesome encore that started with himself, a guitar, and 2 phenomenal backup singers doing Allison. Remainder of band took turns to continue show to heartfelt end.

Sound was horrible. Choice of songs was horrible. Showed no effort to get the crowd moving. Didn't play any of his best hits. LEFT EARLY as did a majority of people.

After a blistering 2+ hour set, Elvis Costello proves again why he is one of the most charismatic performers in rock history. The arrangements, the mix of hits with deep cuts, and the band always make the show must-see.

I've seen a lot of great shows over the years and nobody delivers more than Elvis Costello. He always goes above and beyond the call of duty and leaves you feeling totally fulfilled. He seems to be getting even better with age. This was probably my favorite Costello, since I saw him with the Attractions, for the very first time. One should never miss an opportunity to see him. The reward will exceed the price of the ticket.

Let me preface this with stating that I am not a long time fan or anything. I've heard a handful of tracks and liked what I heard. This was a birthday gift for my girlfriend (she loved it). Dawes opened the show at 7:30. They played a 30 minute set and was pretty good. I had seen them before open for another band, and they are a solid opener. Elvis came on at 8:30. It was humid and sweaty, and the crowd was anxious. His first two songs sounded pretty bad. Not him, but the sound system/acoustics. Luckily, I was literally a few feet away from the sound booth and kind of let them know. And they actually rectified the issue, which garnered me a couple high fives from people nearby who were less than impressed by the sound quality. He played for about 2 hours, and then walked off. Then came back out. Played more music (sorry I don't know names/titles) and each was better than the last. He played 7 songs during his encore. He played for a total of 2.5 hours, which was awesome.

Anyone else notice this? The sound quality was really poor. Muffled sound. All the instruments stepping on each other. Don't know whether it is his travelling PA system or a problem with CMAC but I was really disappointed by the sound quality for 2017 and nearly $100 for orchestra seats. Love the guy, love his songs. Not trying to be a hater.

Music was to dark. Not what we expected. Should have done our homework

I have seen Elvis Costello at least a dozen times. The shows were beyond amazing... This was not. I don't know what was wrong? He was 3 beats behind the band! Thought I was watching a bad cover band in another language. Hoping he comes back to my area, I can't leave this bad taste in my mouth. Elvis is my rock God... This was extremely disapointing.

I love Elvis' songs but his live performance on Sunday night in Ann Arbor left much to be desired, mainly because he sang of key most of the night. The arrangement of "Alison" and "Watching the Detectives" not so hot. In Elvis' defense however, the majority of the audience that I could see seemed to have a very good time.

Back in the late 70's early 80's I lived and breathed Elvis. This concert drew almost exclusively from 77 to 82 and I knew every lick, every note. Steve on keyboards is fantastic and Elvis makes a big point of giving him credit throughout the show. Venue always good (Michigan Theater), seats a bit pricey for the balcony but at least I did not have to buy them on the secondary market. Probably the 12th time I've seen him, his voice and hair are getting thin but he's still a fantastic showman.

Two and a half hours of fun. Changed things up through out the set. Nice encore. He's having fun up there, so we are having fun in the audience. If you get a chance to see him in a smaller venue, don't miss this show...I am a much bigger fan after seeing this show..

Elvis and band were great. Sound mix was poor at best. Steve Nieve's keyboards mostly inaudible. Elvis's guitar also often buried. Just a wall of sound with no details. Michigan Theatre - get a new sound man that understands when a guitar player is at the front of the stage doing something for a long time - it would be nice for the audience to hear it.

We saw Elvis Costello at the Chicago Theatre for my Husdands birthday. HE performed 2 hours and 45 minutes, and he never left the stage! Sounded amazing, he engaged with the crowd who adored him. WE have always wanted to see him, and the combination of the Chicago Theatre and seeing Elvis, made it the perfect evening. THe guy is 100 % class act!

very muddy sound mix, hard to hear the individual players

Unless the acoustics were playing tricks on me, or Elvis was singing sloppily and off-key much of the night. At times I was squirming in my seat like I was at a high school talent show. But his five or six top hits were enjoyable (Detectives, Alison, Pump It Up, etc.) and well done.

Elvis was flat and behind the band for much of the concert. Don't know whether he couldn't hear in this venue or he was just having an off night. Surprised that so many of his fans jumped up to give him a standing ovation after many songs that were just way off key. I guess that's loyalty....

This show was fantastic! They sounded great and were really entertaining!

It took me a minute of watching the drawings shown on the projector that the show was going to center around the album Imperial Bedroom. For me this was a delight because I spent many hours listening to every album over and over when I was young. I loved the staging with the drawn album covers and the lighting and background singers. It was a real rock show but felt intimate at the same time. I loved the explanations and the re-arrangement of the songs from the album. There was also an impromptu version of "Less than Zero" after a request from the crowd and the concert finished with a rock out of several hits from other albums. Great night for me. The couple seated next to us was not enjoying the sound system or the choices of songs but I loved it and so did my family.

Went to see Elvis Costello for the first time and was so disappointed in the sound. It seemed like the sound guy was asleep for 1/2 the show. The vocals were too low in the mix, when they were finally fixed, then the bass would cut out, I was never able to hear the guitar. With such a big room, and a high priced ticket item, I was expecting to be able to actually hear and enjoy the show. When I was walking out I was overhearing a number of people complaining about the same thing.

This was the 10th time I have seen Elvis over the years. I could barely make out his vocals, as it sounded as though he was singing through mashed potatoes. Steve Nieve was completely silent, although visually he was banging around as usual. All that could be heard was bass and drums, and a general swirl of midrange. So disappointing. Everyone was talking about it. Poor Elvis probably had no idea, but it was a painful 2.5 hours.

I thought the concert was boring and the acoustics were terrible

Elvis Costello continues to show why he continues to one of the most valid voices in music. Spanning decades and genres, his outlook on the world shines through his music. Accompanied by 2/3 of the original Attractions, a great new bassist and 2 outstanding backup singers, he took the audience through an incredible assortment of his canon. - But - The audio at the Chicago Theatre was muddy at best, painful at worst. It was as if the entire show was being squeezed through the speaker of a 1979 AMC Pacer. This is the sort of sound you put up with when you attend an arena concert at United Center or the Allstate, not the venerable Chicago Theatre. Helen Keller would have done a better job of the soundcheck. This was intolerable.

Elvis Costello never disappoints his audience & is always worth $ the cost of a live performance. He is definitely one of the best guitar players & overal musicians still touring. This is the 4th time I have seen him perform & his show is always fresh because he continues to write & sing meaningful songs. Would never miss an opportunity to attend his show as his music appeals to all age groups as was evident on this night.

Elvis Costello did a fabulous job of keeping his music current and fun to listen to. The Chicago Theater sound system was hollow and made it hard to hear the words of the singer. Would recommend Elvis Costello but not Chicago Theater. He should not play there any more if that is the best the sound is.

My wife and I were excited, to say the least, to see Elvis with the Imposters once again. I bought tickets in the Loge ($153 each plus fees) so that we'd have an unobstructed view. The tickets were a birthday gift for my wife. The seats were great, but that was about all I can say about this show. I've been going to rock concerts in every imaginable venue since 1969. I can say, without hesitation, that the sound at this show was the worst I've ever experienced. I saw the punk band Metz do an in-store at Permanent records a few years ago, and the sound was better. My wife, along with a number of others complained, and, not surprisingly, their complaints were readily acknowledged but nothing changed. I couldn't say if this was a phenomenon that was isolated to the log and balcony, but I can't imagine that it was that great on the main floor, except for the folks up front who could probably hear the monitors. I read the concert review in the Tribune, which was the only way I found out exactly what songs I missed because I couldn't hear the vocals. The last paragraph of the review mentioned the crappy sound. Let's face facts, Elvis Costello writes great lyrics, along with engaging melodies, and that is why we're long time fans. Not being able to hear the vocals ruined what should have been a wonderful evening.

I love the Chicago Theatre, but at this show the sound quality was horrible. The reverb was so bad you could not understand any of the lyrics unless it was an acoustic version. I have seen Elvis Costello a few times prior to this show and the shows were fabulous. This show, because of the sound quality, was just marginal.

This was my 1st chance to see Elvis Costello live. He chose to perform mostly obscure songs. And the few popular songs that he played were rearranged unfavorably. On top of all of this, the sound mix was bad. Elvis's words were muddled and drowned out by the rest of sound mix. Sound at Chicago Theatre is usually outstanding. Not sure what was going on.

Elvis still has his voice but kept singing off the music. Once would have been artistic. Every song made it annoying. I would estimate I've been to somewhere around 1500 concerts and this is only the second time I left a show early because it was so bad. I assume he's been doing this at other concerts and that's why about half the seats were empty. I felt like I should have gotten my money back. What a HUGE disappointment.