London book promo - 29th October

[verbal gymnastics]

Elvis is signing his book from 1pm at HMV in Oxford Street on 29th October.

Looks like I'll be taking the whole day off then!

[And No Coffee Table]

http://www.hmv.com/hmvlive/elvis-costello

[Offshoreram]

I've booked HMV too

Should be quite a day

[johnfoyle]

I don't get to London until that afternoon - you'll have to struggle on without me.

[terryhurley]

Yup. Going to HMV.

[sheeptotheslaughter]

I should be able to make it in my lunch break. I have been offered a 'queue jumper' ticket.

[FrankieJ]

I have this idea, but I'm sure it is probably a really dumb one.

Long story short, I'm a freelance writer who likes to take... long shots. I've tried contacting various people who run EC's website because I've always wanted to do some writing for it. Then I thought... what if I just ask him in person at the book signing?

Problem is, 350+ people in a queue would mean time is limited and security is probably tight. But I'm also aware that it could come across a bit inappropriate if I ask him there. He'll probably be sick of speaking to fans by then, and I'm sure plenty will bombard him with "I'M A MUSICIAN TOO. PLEASE TAKE MY CD!" But I'm sure I would kick myself if I didn't try. I'm torn.

Any ideas, guys? Good idea or bad idea? And if I am to ask, how should I do it?

[johnfoyle]

I'm not going to make this. Elvis has been listed to appear on a BBC radio 5 show between one and three so I daresay they hope to move him on from this by two or so.

[Neil.]

Hi FrankieJ - you could try it, but have a business card ready - don't expect him to scribble down your email address!

However, there is no original writing on Elvis's site at all - it's all copy-and-pastes of reviews of shows, albums etc. It's probably updated by one person in his press team. I've never known them to have original writing on there. Just to manage your expectations!!

[FrankieJ]

Thanks Neil. I will see how I feel and I might just quickly say "This might be cheeky to ask, but I'm coming to your book event tonight and I'm going to write a review for it. Would you consider putting it on your website? Always wanted to write for it!" And yes, I am fully expecting a no, so hopefully I won't feel too let down. Worth a shot anyway!

So EC is apparently going to a radio show in the afternoon and he might need to leave the signing at around two. What time is a good time to arrive to ensure a signing?

[verbal gymnastics]

It starts at 1pm unless you have one of the queue jumper tickets.

My train gets to Charing Cross around midday so I'll amble up to Oxford Street for about 12.30ish and join the throng at the back.

[Offshoreram]

I haven't seen any restrictions or rules put out by HMV

Will Elvis dedicate the books or sign other merch?

[verbal gymnastics]

Take a look here

http://www.hmv.com/event-terms-conditions

You can take your own book - you don't have to buy one from HMV.

Elvis did a dedication to Colin Top Balcony in his book but I guess it depends on timing ie if Elvis needs to leave the building.

[Offshoreram]

Thanks Verbal.

It looks a bit more relaxed than the WH Smith restrictions that were posted.

Hopefully it won't be too busy and we'll all get what we want. If not I'll try again at the Festival Hall

[Goon Squad]

Take a look here

http://www.hmv.com/event-terms-conditions

You can take your own book - you don't have to buy one from HMV.

Elvis did a dedication to Colin Top Balcony in his book but I guess it depends on timing ie if Elvis needs to leave the building.

Mind you , to me, the ......"we ask you to purchase from HMV"....... along with the...."we have the right to refuse entry" phrases are legal speak at "we only want books bought here signed".
Hope I'm wrong, otherwise my Waterstones special version is having a day out in London for nothing !

[sheeptotheslaughter]

The owners of the building where I work have decided they would like to pay a visit at 12.15 today..................Am I allowed to swear?
Hopefully I can still make it.

[johnfoyle]

The talk on Thursday evening was also about the signing earlier in HMV. Elvis arrived c.40 minutes late . The long line of people were very strictly shuttled through the place , people having to climb up on to a kind of stage for their moment with the man. It was all a bit comical I gather , the organisers seemingly adopting a strategy more suited to hysterical teens meeting a boyband. The few photos that got out show as much.