History of Elvis Costello in Timeline
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.
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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.
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.
1955: Featured singer in Joe Loss Orchestra
From 1955 to 1968, Ross MacManus was a featured singer in the Joe Loss Orchestra.
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.
1966: Influence of the Rolling Stones' Aftermath album
In 1966, The Rolling Stones released their album 'Aftermath'. This album became a significant influence on the sound of Elvis Costello's album 'This Year's Model', recorded from November 1977 through January 1978.
1968: End of time with Joe Loss Orchestra
From 1955 to 1968, Ross MacManus was a featured singer in the Joe Loss Orchestra, ending in 1968.
1969: Ross MacManus begins solo cabaret act
From 1969 through the 1990s, Ross MacManus had a solo cabaret act.
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: Shopped Solo Demos
Even before disbanding Flip City in late 1975, Costello shopped solo demos to music publishers and record companies, hoping to be hired as a songwriter or recording artist.
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.
February 1976: Solo Act as D.P. Costello
In February 1976, Costello began performing solo in clubs under the name D.P. Costello, using his initials and a family nickname. He focused on developing his singing, guitar playing, and stage presence, debuting songs like "Mystery Dance" and "Wave a White Flag", though he still played for small audiences. He sent a demo tape to Charlie Gillett, who played some of his songs later that year.
August 1976: Signing with Stiff Records
In August 1976, Elvis Costello signed with the independent label Stiff Records, marking a significant step in his early career.
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.
February 1977: Given the Stage Name Elvis
In February 1977, Jake Riviera and Dave Robinson, Costello's managers, gave him the stage name Elvis, referencing Elvis Presley to attract attention. They also developed his image, particularly with the large black glasses.
March 1977: Release of "Less Than Zero"
At the end of March 1977, Costello's first single, "Less than Zero", was released. Although it received mixed reviews and sold few copies, Costello began receiving more prominent, positive coverage in the British music press.
June 1977: Auditions for a Backing Band
In mid-June 1977, Costello held auditions for a bassist and keyboardist to form a backing band for his 'My Aim Is True' tour. Pete Thomas became the drummer, and Bruce Thomas and Steve Nieve were chosen as the bassist and keyboardist, respectively. This band would soon be named The Attractions.
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.
July 1977: Release of 'My Aim Is True'
In July 1977, 'My Aim Is True' was released in the UK. Its release was delayed due to Stiff Records' priorities and legal issues. The album received extensive, favorable coverage in the UK music press and reached number 14 on the UK Albums Chart.
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.
November 1977: Recording 'This Year's Model'
From November 1977 through January 1978, Costello recorded his second album, 'This Year's Model', with The Attractions during short breaks from touring. The album was produced by Nick Lowe.
December 1977: Performance on Saturday Night Live
On December 17, 1977, Elvis Costello and the Attractions appeared on Saturday Night Live as last-minute replacements for the Sex Pistols. Costello started playing "Less Than Zero" but then switched to "Radio Radio" mid-performance, angering the show's producer, Lorne Michaels, and potentially jeopardizing his future appearances on American television. Costello was later invited back to Saturday Night Live in 1989 and 1991.
1977: Move to Radar Records
By late 1977, Costello moved from Stiff Records to Radar Records, a new label founded by an associate of Jake Riviera. For the next year and a half, Costello's records were released on Radar in Britain.
1977: Debut Album Release
In 1977, Elvis Costello released his debut album, 'My Aim Is True', which featured the song "Alison" but did not produce any hit singles.
March 1978: Release of '(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea'
In early March 1978, '(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea' was released as the first single from the album 'This Year's Model', reaching number 16 on the UK singles chart. 'This Year's Model' entered the UK Albums Chart at number 4 upon release in March.
July 1978: Performance at Roskilde Festival
In July 1978, Costello performed at the Danish Roskilde Festival, topping the bill with three other artists, as he and The Attractions continued touring through Britain, Europe, and North America.
September 1978: Recording 'Armed Forces'
From August to September 1978, Costello and the Attractions recorded his third album, 'Armed Forces', at Eden Studios. The album, produced by Nick Lowe, was influenced by various artists and genres.
October 1978: Release of 'Radio Radio'
In October 1978, "Radio Radio" was released as a non-album single in the UK, where it reached number 29. It was later included on the US version of 'This Year's Model'.
1978: Springsteen writes darker songs
In 1978, Bruce Springsteen stated that Elvis Costello's critical comments about Springsteen's early songs influenced him to write darker songs for his album Darkness on the Edge of Town.
1978: Release of 'This Year's Model'
In 1978, Elvis Costello released the album 'This Year's Model', which helped define the new wave genre.
1978: First Separation from Mary Burgoyne
In early 1978, Elvis Costello and his wife, Mary Burgoyne, separated. The couple later reconciled the following year.
January 1979: Release of Armed Forces
In early January 1979, Elvis Costello released his third album, 'Armed Forces', which debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart and spent 28 weeks on the chart.
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.
1979: Release of 'Armed Forces' and Hit Single
In 1979, Elvis Costello released the album 'Armed Forces', which helped define the new wave genre. Also in 1979, Costello had his biggest hit "Oliver's Army".
1979: Covered "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding"
In 1979, Elvis Costello's version of "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding", originally by Nick Lowe's group Brinsley Schwarz, gained popularity.
1979: George Harrison praises Costello
In 1979, George Harrison praised Elvis Costello, noting his good melodies and chord changes and expressing pleasure in Costello's success.
1980: Release of Get Happy!! Album
Costello's 1980 Get Happy!! album featured a sound based on vintage American soul music, marking a shift from his earlier angry tone to a more upbeat manner. His only North American appearance in 1980 was at the Heatwave festival near Toronto.
1980: Singles Reached UK Top 30
From late 1977 until early 1980, Elvis Costello had all of his singles reached the UK Top 30.
1980: Costello releases "High Fidelity"
In 1980, Elvis Costello released the song "High Fidelity", which would later inspire the title of Nick Hornby's 1995 novel.
January 1981: Release of 'Trust'
In January 1981, Costello released 'Trust', amidst growing tensions within the Attractions. He also co-produced Squeeze's 1981 album East Side Story and performed backing vocals on the group's hit 'Tempted'.
1981: Release of Almost Blue
In 1981, Elvis Costello released Almost Blue, a cover album of country music. The album received mixed reviews but spawned a UK hit single with a version of Jerry Chesnut's "Good Year for the Roses".
1982: Release of Imperial Bedroom
In 1982, Costello released Imperial Bedroom, featuring lavish production by Geoff Emerick. Despite critical acclaim, it failed to produce hit singles. Costello also collaborated with Chris Difford to write the song "Boy With a Problem".
1982: Inspiration for Pescatarianism from "The Animals Film"
In 1982, Elvis Costello became a pescatarian after watching the documentary "The Animals Film".
1982: 'Imperial Bedroom' Voted Best Album
In 1982, the album 'Imperial Bedroom' by Elvis Costello was voted the best album of the year by The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop critics' poll.
1983: Release of Punch the Clock
In 1983, Costello released Punch the Clock, featuring Afrodiziak and the TKO Horns. Clive Langer provided the melody for "Shipbuilding," which featured a trumpet solo by Baker and commentary on the Falklands War.
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: Appearance in "Scully"
In 1984, Elvis Costello played the title character's brother in the television series "Scully".
1984: Permanent Separation from Mary Burgoyne
In mid-1984, Elvis Costello and his wife, Mary Burgoyne, separated permanently.
1985: Bret Easton Ellis titles novel
In 1985, Bret Easton Ellis titled his novel Less Than Zero after an Elvis Costello song.
1985: Appearance in "No Surrender"
In 1985, Elvis Costello played an inept magician in the movie "No Surrender".
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.
1989: Musical Guest on Saturday Night Live Again
Elvis Costello appeared as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live again in 1989, after having been told in 1977 that he would never appear on American television again.
1989: Biggest US Hit Single
In 1989, Elvis Costello's biggest US hit single, "Veronica", reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.
1991: Musical Guest on Saturday Night Live Again
Elvis Costello appeared as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live again in 1991.
1995: Guest Pundit on Football Italia
In 1995, Elvis Costello appeared as a guest pundit on the British football commentary television show "Football Italia".
1995: Hornby titles novel after Costello song
In 1995, Nick Hornby's novel High Fidelity derives its title from Elvis Costello's 1980 song of the same name.
1999: Appearance in "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me"
In 1999, Elvis Costello played himself in the movie "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me".
2001: Appearance in "Prison Song"
In 2001, Elvis Costello played a teacher in the movie "Prison Song".
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.
2002: Appearance in "The Simpsons"
In 2002, Elvis Costello played himself in the television show "The Simpsons".
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.
2003: Appearance in "Frasier"
In 2003, Elvis Costello played himself in the television show "Frasier".
2003: Guest Hosting "Late Show with David Letterman"
In 2003, Elvis Costello substituted for David Letterman as the host of "Late Show with David Letterman". This made him the only musical guest to serve as guest host. His performance led to interest in developing a music-oriented talk show with him as the host.
2003: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2003, Elvis Costello was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2004: Appearance in "Two and a Half Men"
In 2004, Elvis Costello played himself in the television show "Two and a Half Men".
December 2006: Birth of twin sons
In December 2006, Elvis Costello and Diana Krall welcomed the birth of their twin sons.
2008: Hosted 'Spectacle: Elvis Costello with...'
From 2008, Elvis Costello hosted a television show called 'Spectacle: Elvis Costello with...', where he interviewed other musicians.
2008: Production of "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..."
In 2008, Elvis Costello began production on "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with...", a show where he interviewed and performed songs with other musicians. Elton John served as executive producer and appeared as a guest along with other notable figures. The show was received favorably in the US and won a Gemini Award in Canada.
2009: Appearance in "30 Rock"
In 2009, Elvis Costello played himself in the television show "30 Rock".
2009: Rolling Stone on "Accidents Will Happen" and New Wave
In their 2009 list of greatest albums of all time, Rolling Stone said "the keyboard-driven sound of 'Accidents Will Happen' helped define New Wave".
2010: Continued Airing of "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..."
In 2010, "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with...", the show where Elvis Costello interviewed and performed songs with other musicians, continued to air. The series ran for 20 episodes over two seasons from 2008 through 2010.
2010: Ellis titles sequel after Costello album
In 2010, Bret Easton Ellis titled his novel sequel Imperial Bedrooms after an Elvis Costello album.
2010: Appearance in "Treme"
In 2010, Elvis Costello played himself in the television show "Treme".
2010: End of 'Spectacle: Elvis Costello with...'
In 2010, Elvis Costello's television show 'Spectacle: Elvis Costello with...' ended.
2010: Cancellation of Concerts in Israel
In early 2010, Elvis Costello was invited to perform his first concert in Israel on June 30. However, two weeks later, he announced the cancellation of the concerts due to the "grave and complex" sensitivities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This decision was met with mixed reactions, including criticism and praise from various political and cultural organizations.
2011: Appearance in "Sesame Street"
In 2011, Elvis Costello played himself in the television show "Sesame Street".
2011: Death of Ross MacManus
In 2011, Elvis Costello's father, Ross MacManus, passed away, but the two remained close until his death.
2012: Peter Blake features Costello
In 2012, Peter Blake prominently featured Elvis Costello in his reworking of the cover for the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
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.
2013: Collaboration with Questlove and reflection on racist remarks
In 2013, Elvis Costello collaborated with Questlove of The Roots. During this time, Costello reflected on the racist remarks he made in 1979. He expressed remorse and said he was sorry for his past behavior.
2013: NME Describes "This Year's Model" as Defining British New Wave
In their 2013 list of greatest albums of all time, NME described Elvis Costello's album "This Year's Model" as "defining the British new wave".
2015: Publication of "Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink"
In 2015, Elvis Costello published his memoir, "Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink", which explored his life in music and drew parallels with his musician father and grandfather. The book received positive reviews but was also criticised for its structure and lack of focus. The book reached number seven on the New York Times Best Seller list and was nominated for a Grammy Award and shortlisted for the Penderyn Music Book Prize.
2015: Ranking on Rolling Stone's Greatest Songwriters List
In 2015, Rolling Stone ranked Elvis Costello 24th on their list of the greatest songwriters of all time, highlighting his "almost unparalleled versatility".
2016: Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
In 2016, Elvis Costello was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
October 2017: Benefit Concert for Musician Treatment Foundation
In October 2017, Elvis Costello performed a benefit concert for the Musician Treatment Foundation, which helps under- and uninsured professional musicians receive free orthopaedic care for upper limb injuries.
2017: Appearance in "The Adventures of Pete the Cat"
In 2017, Elvis Costello played the title character's father in the animated series "The Adventures of Pete the Cat".
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.
September 2018: Resumption of Performances
In September 2018, Elvis Costello resumed performing after recovering from surgery for a cancerous growth.
2019: Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire
In 2019, Elvis Costello was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to music.
2021: Death of Lillian MacManus
In 2021, Lillian MacManus (née Ablett), Elvis Costello's mother, died.
December 2022: Benefit Concert for Musician Treatment Foundation
In December 2022, Elvis Costello performed a benefit concert for the Musician Treatment Foundation, which helps under- and uninsured professional musicians receive free orthopaedic care for upper limb injuries.
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