Elvis Costello set to pump it up at South Yorkshire show

He may not want to go to Chelsea ... but Elvis Costello never tires of coming to Sheffield.
Sheffield-bound Elvis CostelloSheffield-bound Elvis Costello
Sheffield-bound Elvis Costello

Fans of the singer-songwriting scribe are counting down days to his next local appearance in a week's time - 40 years since he first graced former city polytechnic stage among Stiffs Live alongside late, great stablemate Ian Dury.

City Hall Irwin Mitchell Oval Hall will on Monday March 20 host his latest coming, soundtracked here by flashback to summer 2013 rocking of the venue with live set staple Pump It Up and long-time mate Nick Lowe-written anthemic (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding.

Detour coming to South Yorkshire soonDetour coming to South Yorkshire soon
Detour coming to South Yorkshire soon
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Critics worldwide have waxed lyrical about incredibly entertaining walk through an amazing life and back catalogue that is his Detour solo tour.

One reviewer wrote of the show: “There seemed to be a little extra Scouse tang to his accent than usual as held court with his guitar in front of a giant vintage TV set.

"The television displayed a test card – something which only people of a certain age will remember. Overlaying the screen were pictures highlighting memories of his childhood, his musical and cultural influences as well as old snaps of his family.

"The concept worked well as Costello stitched his songs into a narrative of recollections and anecdotes".

Detour coming to South Yorkshire soonDetour coming to South Yorkshire soon
Detour coming to South Yorkshire soon
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“By the time Sixties footage of his dad, looking the very spit of Costello on screen, as the singer's brothers appear for harmonies freighted with fraternal emotion, this gig has become more deep-rooted English feelings than punk.

"The GI bride heart-breaker 'American Without Tears' blurs into the clubland numbness of ‘Pump It Up’ into ‘Brother Can You Spare A Dime’ then ‘Oliver’s Army’ treads again on live danger lines of race, joblessness and false patriotism.

"Costello used to sneer with righteous rage. Now he is a profound showbiz veteran, from a country which should embrace him again,” implored another.

Tickets remain available online at www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk, from City Hall Box Office and by calling 0114 2789789.