Elvis Costello at the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool. June 2015. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

The standing ovation that lasted longer than any political leaders conference speech resonated past the doors and onto the surrounding pavements of Hope, Hardman and Leece Street and continued as Elvis Costello’s audience drained of strength but not of will and faith and heartened by resolution and revolution, made their way out of the Philharmonic Hall and began to reflect on what had transpired in the course of over two outstanding hours of music.

To the uninitiated and the debut makers who took advantage of seeing one of the true innovators and greats of British music perform at the Philharmonic Hall, Elvis Costello is an institution that keeps giving, in both style and imagination. For those in the hall who had never seen him beyond the world of television or the harbinger of choice on the radio, revolution had possibly taken place. For the seasoned and laid back rebels, the continued revolt against establishment ears was to like the sounding of the drums of war and the permission to carry on fighting but armed also with a generous helping of humour which carried the evening throughout.

It is the quirky sense of humour and the respect for what he calls his home town audience that quickly marks out the evening ahead. The large television screen at the back of the stage filters faces from Liverpool’s contributions to the world and its artistic heritage; faces such as George Melly, Kenneth Cope and the great Rita Tushingham fills the space and the music pays tribute to them all.

The music itself is finely, expertly delivered and songs such as (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes, Accidents Will Happen, Ascension Day, Either Side of The Same Town, the fantastic Oliver’s Army, I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down, Alison and Pump It Up carry forth many a dream, aspiration and guarded well placed dig at many to whom the institution would place high upon their reverence list.

With sisters Megan and Rebecca Lovell from the rather cool support act Larkin Poe joining Elvis Costello for the vast majority of the second half of the set, the dynamic shifted but never strayed from its purpose of entertaining, enthralling and offering the possibility of enlightenment. The hard rocking edge, almost reminiscent of Nancy Wilson from Heart in her younger free-spirited days, that the Lovell sisters blended into the performance was electric and devastatingly beautiful.

With the final song of the evening, What’s so Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding? bringing the audience to their feet in what was a cross between the start of a huge party mood and the stirrings of tantalising acknowledgement of change needed, Elvis Costello finally left the building, but as he did so with a ringing endorsement that would have followed him on the long drive out of city he calls home.

A terrific night of music, outstanding in every way!

Ian D. Hall