Already revealed as part of Bluesfest's 2023 line-up, Elvis Costello & The Imposters will also headline their own concerts in Sydney (x2) and Melbourne in April.
2022 marks 45 years since the release of Costello's first 45rpm record and his debut album, 'My Aim Is True'. Across more than 600 released songs, Costello is best known for 'Alison', 'Pump It Up', and 'Everyday I Write The Book'. Elvis has been a regular visitor to Australia since he made his debut down under in 1978 with The Attractions then in solo performance in 1984 and with Steve Nieve in 1999. For the last 20 years he has toured and recorded with The Imposters – Steve Nieve, Pete Thomas, Davey Faragher – and they will be joined on these dates by guest guitarist, Charlie Sexton.
"It's been 12 years since our first appearance at the Byron Bay Bluesfest – when we shared an evening bill with Bob Dylan, and I got to sit in with Mavis Staples. I see a number of friends and favourites are on this year's bill, so who knows what thrills, spills and encounters may take place," Costello says.
Since the 2017 release of the Grammy-winning 'Look Now', Costello and co-producer Sebastian Krys have worked on seven record releases together, including 'The Boy Named If' and 'The Resurrection Of Rust' (his Rusty project with Allan Mayes) in 2022.
"There is nothing that jolts a show alive so much as stack of strong new songs, but we recorded 'The Boy Named If' while locked away in our lairs and hideaways, so bringing those songs to the stage has made the hits and highlights of the songbook ring out anew," adds Elvis.
"The Imposters will make their Sydney Opera House bow 39 years after I made my solo debut at that legendary venue.
"We are bringing guest guitarist Charlie Sexton with us, along for all our works and wonders for two nights at the Sydney 'Work' House before heading to Melbourne to play the Palais on this long overdue but all too brief visit to Australian shores.
"The very name of the venue probably should have got my attention when I first arrived in Melbourne in 1978, pursued by a press posse after a slight dust-up in Sydney.
"After all, the 'Hammersmith Palais' was my dad's place of work for most of my childhood. It seems I am destined and disposed to return to venues called the 'Palais', like a homing pigeon or some other more tuneful bird. The proximity to the seaside and a fun-fair only adds the thrill.
"We are ready as anybody can be and look forward to seeing you there."
Elvis Costello & The Imposters 2023 Tour Dates
9-10 Apr - Sydney Opera HouseThu 13 Apr - Palais Theatre (Melbourne)
