Childhood and Education Journey of Elvis Costello in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Elvis Costello. From birth to education, explore key events.

Elvis Costello, born Declan Patrick MacManus, is a highly acclaimed English singer-songwriter, producer, author, and television host. Renowned for his literate and lyrical approach, he's often compared to Bob Dylan and Van Morrison, infused with punk energy. Costello's songwriting is characterized by dense wordplay and a diverse range of musical styles. His achievements include multiple Grammy and Ivor Novello Awards, along with inductions into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Legacy & Impact

1927: Birth of Lillian MacManus

In 1927, Lillian MacManus (née Ablett), Elvis Costello's mother, was born in Toxteth, Liverpool.

1951: Lillian and Ross Move to London

In 1951, Lillian Ablett moved to London with her future husband, Ross MacManus.

1951: Ross MacManus moves to London

In 1951, Ross MacManus moved to London, where he transitioned to playing trumpet and singing in modern jazz bands.

August 1954: Declan MacManus Born

On August 1954, Declan Patrick MacManus, who would later become known as Elvis Costello, was born in August 1954.

August 1954: Birth of Declan Patrick MacManus

On August 25, 1954, Declan Patrick MacManus, later known as Elvis Costello, was born at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, West London.

1954: Son's birth announced

In 1954, Ross MacManus was sufficiently well known for his son's birth to be announced in the New Musical Express.

1963: Experiencing Beatles Fandom

In 1963, Elvis Costello, having turned nine years old, was the right age to experience the full force of Beatles fandom.

1970: Moved to Liverpool

In 1970, Elvis Costello moved to Liverpool with his mother.

1972: Completed Formal Education

In 1972, Elvis Costello completed his formal education and sought a job to earn a steady wage while pursuing a music career.

1972: Joined folk rock band Rusty

In early 1972, Elvis Costello joined Allan Mayes's folk rock band Rusty.

1973: Briefly Worked as Bank Clerk

For a few months in 1973, Elvis Costello worked as a clerk at the Midland Bank Putney branch.

1973: Returned to Greater London

In early 1973, Elvis Costello arranged to transfer to the Putney branch in Greater London. Costello moved into the same Twickenham flat where he had lived with his mother a few years earlier.

1973: Became engaged

In late 1973, Elvis Costello became engaged to marry a former schoolmate.

1973: Formed Flip City

Later in 1973, Elvis Costello formed the band Flip City with fellow folk rock fans.

November 1974: Marriage to Mary Burgoyne

In November 1974, Elvis Costello married Mary Burgoyne, whom he had known since they were at school together in London. He had wanted to marry her since he was 14 years old.

1974: Recorded Demos with Flip City

From mid-1974 until mid-1975, Elvis Costello recorded demos with Flip City at several sessions, to get live bookings or a recording contract.

1975: Struggling to Support Family

By early 1975, Elvis Costello was a husband and father and struggling to support his family.

1975: Flip City Active Until End of Year

Flip City played the London pub rock circuit until the end of 1975, but attracted little notice.

1975: Recorded Demos with Flip City

From mid-1974 until mid-1975, Elvis Costello recorded demos with Flip City at several sessions, hoping to secure a recording contract or sell songs.

1975: Birth of son Matthew MacManus

In early 1975, Elvis Costello and his wife, Mary Burgoyne, had their first and only child, a son named Matthew MacManus.

September 1976: Test Session at Pathway Studios

In mid-September 1976, after a successful test-session at Pathway Studios in North London, Stiff Records agreed to finance more sessions for Costello with Clover as the backing band, leading to the recording of his album.

1976: Move to Heathrow and Awareness of Punk

Sometime in 1976, financial constraints forced Costello, his wife, and son to move in with relatives near Heathrow Airport. During this period, he commuted past the Hoover Building and began noticing the emerging punk movement. He wrote songs like "Hoover Factory" and "Radio Sweetheart" during this time.

July 1977: Worked as Computer Operator until Album Release

Elvis Costello worked full-time as a computer operator until a few weeks before his first album was released in July 1977.

August 1977: Interview with Nick Kent

In August 1977, Elvis Costello stated in an interview with Nick Kent that the only things that mattered to him were "revenge and guilt." This phrase became associated with him throughout his career and contributed to his early public image.

1978: First Separation from Mary Burgoyne

In early 1978, Elvis Costello and his wife, Mary Burgoyne, separated. The couple later reconciled the following year.

March 1979: Offensive Remarks in Columbus, Ohio

In March 1979, during a drunken argument with Bonnie Bramlett and other members of the Stephen Stills band in Columbus, Ohio, Elvis Costello made racist remarks about Ray Charles and James Brown. He later apologized at a New York City press conference, claiming he was attempting to be obnoxious to end the conversation.

1982: Inspiration for Pescatarianism from "The Animals Film"

In 1982, Elvis Costello became a pescatarian after watching the documentary "The Animals Film".

1983: Inspiration for "Pills and Soap" from "The Animals Film"

In 1983, the documentary "The Animals Film" helped inspire Elvis Costello's song "Pills and Soap" from Punch the Clock.

October 1984: Meeting Cait O'Riordan

In October 1984, Elvis Costello met Cait O'Riordan, the bass player for The Pogues, while their respective bands were on tour together.

1984: Permanent Separation from Mary Burgoyne

In mid-1984, Elvis Costello and his wife, Mary Burgoyne, separated permanently.

1985: Start of romantic relationship with Cait O'Riordan

In early 1985, Elvis Costello began a romantic relationship with Cait O'Riordan, then bass player for the Pogues.

May 1986: Exchange of Wedding Rings with Cait O'Riordan

In May 1986, Elvis Costello and Cait O'Riordan exchanged wedding rings and presented themselves as husband and wife. However, they were never legally married.

1988: Divorce from Mary Burgoyne

In 1988, Elvis Costello finalized his divorce from Mary Burgoyne. Costello has stated that his infidelities and the resulting emotional turmoil were a major inspiration for his songs.

September 2002: End of Relationship with Cait O'Riordan

In September 2002, Elvis Costello ended his relationship with Cait O'Riordan. Both have since described the relationship as unhappy.

December 2003: Marriage to Diana Krall

In December 2003, Elvis Costello married singer and pianist Diana Krall, whom he had met at the Grammy Awards ceremony the year before.

December 2006: Birth of twin sons

In December 2006, Elvis Costello and Diana Krall welcomed the birth of their twin sons.

2011: Death of Ross MacManus

In 2011, Elvis Costello's father, Ross MacManus, passed away, but the two remained close until his death.

January 2013: Teaming up with Paul McCartney for Vegetarian Food Ad Campaign

In January 2013, Elvis Costello teamed up with Paul McCartney to create an advertisement campaign backing vegetarian foods produced by the Linda McCartney Foods brand.

July 2018: Cancer Treatment and Tour Cancellation

In July 2018, Elvis Costello announced that he had been successfully treated for a cancerous growth but had to cancel the remaining six dates of his European tour to continue recovering from the surgery.