Elvis Costello

Waterloo Village, Stanhope, NJ

After the intensity of the experience seeing Costello live in 1987, I wouldn't have missed this tour for the world. I gathered a small posse of college friends to go, all folks who would eventually rate their own Wikipedia and/or IMDB entries: Chris Regan, Danny Vermont, and Mike Royce.

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It was Elvis' birthday, his 35th, and throughout the concert audience members shouted out birthday greetings. A couple folks even had homemade signs wishing him happy birthday. Elvis assiduously ignored all references to the milestone throughout the show--until his bandmates pranked him. Halfway through the set, Elvis launched into the next song on the setlist and suddenly realized that everyone else on stage was playing something different than he. Panic briefly took over his face until it dawned on him that the band was playing "Happy Birthday." Cake was produced as Elvis nodded sheepishly at the other musicians with a you-got-me look, as the crowd roared with approval. No longer able to pretend that it wasn't his birthday, he then thanked everyone in the audience for their well-wishes.

set list:
Accidents Will Happen
Brilliant Mistake
Honey, Are You Straight Or Are You Blind?
Clubland
Let Him Dangle
Lovable
God's Comic
Radio Sweetheart/Jackie Wilson Said
Green Shirt
Pretty Flamingo
(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
Girls Talk
American Without Tears
Pads, Paws and Claws
...This Town...
(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding?
Uncomplicated/Hidden Charms
Mystery Dance
(encore break)
Alison
Veronica
(encore break)
Deep Dark Truthful Mirror
Watching The Detectives
(encore break)
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Pump It Up