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On this day, 8 June 1989, singer/songwriting legend Elvis Costello played Cardiff’s St David’s Hall. Support was provided by Nick Lowe.
Costello had just released his 12th studio album Spike, his first since My Aim Is True without the Attractions. The album peaked at No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart. It also reached No. 32 on the Billboard 200 thanks to the single and his most notable American hit, "Veronica", which reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the US Modern Rock chart.
Costello had just released his 12th studio album Spike, his first since My Aim Is True without the Attractions. The album peaked at No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart. It also reached No. 32 on the Billboard 200 thanks to the single and his most notable American hit, "Veronica", which reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the US Modern Rock chart.
Review - Glamorgan Gazette
In 1987, Costello began writing with Paul McCartney for the latter's Flowers in the Dirt album. They composed a dozen songs together, which showed up on multiple albums by McCartney and Costello. Two of those songs appear on this album, "Pads, Paws and Claws" and the hit single "Veronica".
Review South Wales Argus
As his first album for a new label Warner Bros, in his own words Costello had the budget of "a small independent movie", and having in mind the blueprint for five different albums, decided to make all of them. He brought back his foil from King of America, T Bone Burnett, to facilitate the sessions and produce the album. Studio time was booked in four different locations: Ocean Way in Hollywood; Southlake Studios in New Orleans; Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin; and AIR Studios in London. Four different groups of musicians were assembled in each location. Writing credits on the album are given to both Elvis Costello and Declan MacManus, Costello's birth name.
Setlist
01. Accidents Will Happen
02. Brilliant Mistake
03. Deep Dark Truthful Mirror
04. Watching The Detectives
05. So Like Candy
06. Veronica
07. God's Comic - including Last Train To Clarksville and Love And Marriage
08. New Amsterdam / You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
09. American Without Tears
10. That Day Is Done - on piano
11. Pads, Paws And Claws
12. Leave My Kitten Alone
13. Radio Sweetheart / Jackie Wilson Said
14. Indoor Fireworks - with Nick Lowe
15. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding? - with Nick Lowe
Encore 1
16. Alison
17. Days
Encore 2
18. Let Him Dangle
19. Pump It Up - with beatbox - including I Feel Pretty instrumental
Encore 3
20. Shipbuilding - on piano
21. Pills And Soap - on piano
22. Tramp The Dirt Down