Elvis Costello’s recent concert at Miami Beach’s Fillmore on Saturday night fell flat for many attendees, raising questions about the music legend’s current performance capabilities.
The much-anticipated show promised to feature classic material from the iconic artist under the banner of “Radio Soul!: The Early Songs of Elvis Costello.” With a lengthy setlist that spanned over two hours and included 28 songs, fans were initially excited for what they had hoped would be a memorable evening.
However, those in attendance were met with shaky vocals and poor sound mixing, resulting in a disappointing experience. Several fans noted that the stage banter felt awkward and disconnected, reminiscent of a lackluster performance at a local open mic night.
Beloved songs such as “Watching the Detectives,” “Clubland,” and “(I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea” were rendered lifeless, marking a stark contrast to the vibrant renditions fans had come to expect.
Throughout the concert, Costello’s vocal timing appeared erratic, often falling out of sync with the music. While some may recall his signature style of allowing his vocals to drop slightly behind the beat, this performance took it to an extreme that detracted from the spirit of the songs.
The sound mixing further compounded these issues, as Costello’s vocals were positioned prominently in the mix, making it nearly impossible to miss the missteps and shortcomings. According to one concertgoer, the highlight of the night was when the audience took over the vocal duties during “Alison,” creating a moment where the crowd’s enthusiasm eclipsed that of the performer.
Midway through the set, Costello and his band transitioned to an acoustic setup, hoping to revive the energy. Unfortunately, this acoustic segment stretched on longer than necessary, causing the performance to drag. The folky interpretations of fan favorites like “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes” failed to capture the enchantment of the original versions, leading to a sigh of relief when the band returned to their electric setup.
Strikingly, many songs from the 1977 to 1986 era sounded dated during this performance. This impression could be attributed to various factors, including the keyboardist’s choice of organ sounds and the overall lack of vigor from both the band and the audience. Such realizations are perplexing for those who cherish Costello’s music, given that these tracks were once defining hits.
As a music icon, Costello has served as an inspiration for countless alternative artists over the decades. However, the evening raised discussions around musicianship and energy in live performances. With varying ages among the artists he inspired—some of whom continue to deliver outstanding performances—it is tough to determine if age alone can account for what transpired on stage that night.
In retrospect, it’s difficult to reconcile that one’s musical heroes may not always live up to expectations over nearly five decades of performing. Despite feeling compelled to voice this disappointment, many fans—including the author—remain devoted to Costello’s music.
The sentiment echoed in the audience suggests that while Costello may still hold a cherished place in their hearts, they might think twice before attending another live show.
The setlist for the evening included:
1. Mystery Dance
2. Watching the Detectives
3. Green Shirt
4. Less Than Zero
5. Secondary Modern
6. Accidents Will Happen
7. Lipstick Vogue
8. Fish ’n’ Chip Paper
9. The Greatest Love
10. Opportunity
11. Uncomplicated / Shotgun
12. No Dancing
13. King Horse
14. Poisoned Rose
15. Deportee
16. Living in Paradise / Domino
17. Brilliant Mistake
18. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
19. Clubland
20. Everyday I Write the Book
21. Wonder Woman
22. I Can’t Stand Up for Falling Down
23. High Fidelity
24. Alison / I’m Gonna Make You Love Me
25. (I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea
26. Radio Radio
27. Pump It Up
28. (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding
In closing, while Elvis Costello remains a titan of music and a beloved figure, the recent concert reveals that even legends have their off nights. As fans continue to treasure his recorded works, they may find themselves reconsidering future concert experiences.
image source from：bocamag
