Ahead of Macau debut, Elvis Costello looks back on growing up very publicly
With his Detour event, the 62-year-old singer-songwriter will reflect in words and music on a distinguished career – and how his older songs still have the capacity to surprise him
Elvis Costello has been taking a few days’ break with his family in Vancouver when we speak over the phone and although we’re here to talk about his life and times, it isn’t long before the entertainer’s inquisitive mind takes over.
Set to play Macau for the first time on September 9, the acclaimed English singer-songwriter wants to know what to expect from a city he has heard much about but never visited.
“It’s one of those places that has such a romantic ring to it, in a lot of old stories, with all its history,” he says. “So I’ll be hoping to learn more about that and be surprised – obviously not always in a good way – about the changes that have being taking place.”
Costello is bringing his solo tour to our doorstep and it’s named “Detour” for good reason. The experience, as it has toured the world, has given Costello a chance to cast his mind back over a 40-odd year musical – and personal – journey.
Similar, no doubt, to the personal reflection that he went through in putting his life down in print, with the publishing last year of Costello’s memoir/autobiography Unfaithful Music and Disappearing Ink. The process of history and of change and of journeys taken can be found in its pages, and at times these will be explored on stage at the Macau Cultural Centre.
“That’s the whole beauty of this show,” says Costello. “It’s called ‘Detour’ because it takes that unusual route. The response has been very positive and we’ve had some really incredible nights. I think I have found a way, a route, through all the songs that allows me to be surprised by the older songs.