Elvis Costello Fan Forum

by **Liam** » Sun Jul 06, 2003 10:23 pm

I saw Elvis the other night in Toronto at the Hummingbird Center. He was, as accurately reported most places that I’ve seen, amazing.

Here’s some detail about the reported comment that he made saying 'we don't do requests'. After about the fourth or fifth song, some of the more exuberant fans were shouting out song titles. I had good seats, so I could observe as he was adjusting his guitar and equipment around his mike, that he was finding it a bit distracting, maybe even irritating. He sang the next song, and the shouting out of song titles resumed. He then said, "I forgot to tell you something" ... (more shouting out song titles) ... "no, I forgot to tell you something" ... (still shouting of song titles, but getting quieter, as was he) ... "I forgot to tell you something" ... (quieter still) ... "I forgot to tell you something" ... (silence) ... … … … … "we don't do requests." The audience laughed (it was funny) and clapped and it was a nicer moment than what was generally described in the reviews. Thought you’d like to hear about that.

After the show, we sat in my car in the parking lot across the street from the theatre, while we (myself and my guest) sat and wondered how we might go about running into Elvis, himself. We left the car in the parking lot and went back across the street to the theatre to see if we could get back in. It was all locked up, but I noticed the transport trailer backed up to the loading area, so we wandered over to peek in and I asked a guy if Elvis was back there anywhere. He told me no, that he was probably in his bus already, which (he pointed) was around the back of the theatre. We walked around the truck and saw the white bus right there, but just to the right, at a back door marked “Stage Door” there was a lineup on either side of it, of about fifty or so people. The word was that Elvis had NOT left the building, but that he would be doing so soon, and he’d be coming through this very door.

Now, I’ve been a fan for a long time but I hadn’t considered (I don’t think) trying to meet him until I discovered one of these boards and read that people had done just that. (Last year at the Molson Amphitheater, I tried but to no avail.) And now it looked like I actually might.

This was getting extremely exciting.

We got near enough to the door to see in a bit, and sure enough after a few minutes, Steve Nieve and Pete Thomas came into view, standing around inside for a minute, before they walked out. And then, there they were. Steve and Pete walked out of the door and began signing autographs and saying hello. Got both autographs (my guest actually did, but for me), shook both of their hands … And then, Elvis Costello HIMSELF, walked out. I’m not sure if everything started to go into slow motion or fast motion, but something was going on. I said hello, I shook his hand and I told him that I’d listened to his music every day for over twenty years, or at least, I think that’s what I said. Then, as I was standing there watching him sign autographs and getting pictures taken with those who had cameras, I started thinking that if I had only brought a camera, I could have gotten a picture taken with him.

My guest was more on the ball about it than I was, so the next thing I knew, she had asked someone who had what looked like a digital camera, if he would take a picture for me. He said yes, so I reached out to Elvis (who was turned away) and gently touched his arm. He turned and I asked him if he would take a picture with me and he said yes. The picture was taken and Elvis continued on signing autographs for a couple of minutes before he was escorted to the bus.

Being in a bit of a daze at what had just happened, I exchanged phone numbers with the gentleman who took the picture (Louis) and he said he’d drop it by my work (he lives close by to it, coincidentally) in a couple of days. Sure enough, on Friday (just past), he called to say he would drop by in about an hour. He came with a regular 4" X 6" photo and a great big enlargement about 15" across.

And it’s me and Elvis.

I’m so beyond thrilled about it; I could never explain or describe it accurately. I’ve been scanning and printing for the last two days. At this point, I’m doing weird effects and anything else I can think of.

I’ve got a picture of me and Elvis. Every time I look at it, I can’t help but be amazed. And grateful. And everything else that I can't describe.

So, July 2 2003, was a big night for me. Definitely one of the great nights of my life. Thought I’d share this with you, who visit this board, ‘cause some of you might appreciate it and enjoy reading about it. Hope you did.

Website · by **martinfoyle** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 12:51 am

He came with a regular 4" X 6" photo and a great big enlargement about 15" across.

And it’s me and Elvis.

I’m so beyond thrilled about it; I could never explain or describe it accurately. I’ve been scanning and printing for the last two days. At this point, I’m doing weird effects and anything else I can think of.

Scary. Seriously, great story, EC is a nice guy, by all acoounts. Be nice to him and he'll be nice to you.

by **so lacklustre** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 3:53 am

Great story Liam, thanks for posting it. Any chance of you posting that picture?

by **Liam** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 6:44 am

so lacklustre: I have no idea how to do that. But sure, if you can tell me how.

by **taz** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 7:10 am

Liam, great story!

If you have the picture on your computer or can get it scanned into the computer you can email it to me (taz@elviscostellofans.com) and I can post it up on the board in the Photo Gallery section for you.

by **Gillibeanz** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 12:14 pm

I enjoyed reading your story Liam - hope you can get that picture up somehow. I envy you. Im still waiting to hear if he is going to do any UK tour dates.

by **Liam** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 5:55 pm

Taz - if it worked, you have mail. Let me know. Thanks.

by **Otis Westinghouse** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 6:06 pm

Welcome a-board, Liam. Great account. Have you really listened to EC every day for 20 years? I'm truly impressed if so. I was just thinking earlier on how I go in phases. I might not listen to anything by him for weeks, and then I'll have a binge. The same with all my favourite music. I've always been interested in the obsession with one artist to that extent, where you'd probably suffer withdrawal if your day didn't include some Elvis, but never been like that, as an adult, anyway.

by **DrJ** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 6:45 pm

I've recounted this story elsewhere but in march 2002 the planets aligned and EC, me and a digital camera arrived at the one place in the universe. Liam, you do a good job af describing the bizarre high such an event triggers. I wasn't even at an EC gig at the time. I couldn't wait to see my photo after it was taken and then ... as you say, there it is. Me and Elvis. I found myself looking at the photo and grinning like an idiot for days, showing it to everyone who cared... After the giddiness, the photo is now just funny. I have a couple of "me and someone famous" photos and they're hilarious: that mix of the fabulous and the mundane. And the people in them are always kinda leaning in together to be in shot, even though there's plenty of room.

DrJ

by **Liam** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 6:49 pm

It's true Otis. I've been on an Elvis binge for over 20 years now. I love lots of other music, but something about Elvis' music has always hit me where I live. And I have to have some every day.

Glad you (and everyone who commented) enjoyed the telling of my evening last Wednesday. I won't soon forget it. I hope the picture looks ok. I tried to take the red out a bit (my eyes, mostly), but I won't know until Taz puts it up. Cheers.

by **Poppet** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 9:04 pm

hell liam, i'm giddy on your behalf!

it sounds magnificent, and we appreciate hearing about it.

i DO know how hard it can be to find people who appreciate that which makes your head spin with joy/awe/amazement. it's a lovely thing to have such a place and people who actually really do care.

(if anybody wants to hear about my buffy obsession, just ask. at your own risk, of course!)

by **SweetPear** » Tue Jul 08, 2003 12:32 am

Liam, it was a great account. For the past few minutes I have been vicariously living through your your experience.
Much appreciated!

by **Otis Westinghouse** » Tue Jul 08, 2003 9:26 am

Poppet: can't wait to hear all about your Buffy obsession!!!!!

by **taz** » Tue Jul 08, 2003 9:42 am

Apologize for the delay, had to adjust the format of the picture.

Here they are, the newest board member (WELCOME!) and The Man himself...great pic Liam!!!

by **spooky girlfriend** » Tue Jul 08, 2003 9:49 am

Great shot, Liam. Congrats! I know you'll cherish that shot.

by **Poppet** » Tue Jul 08, 2003 10:32 am

Otis Westinghouse wrote:Poppet: can't wait to hear all about your Buffy obsession!!!!!

you didn't put a smiley in there. are you serious? perhaps you should reconsider.

LIAM - whoo HOO! spiffy pic! most excellent. thank you for sharing.

by **PlaythingOrPet** » Tue Jul 08, 2003 10:36 am

Great story and photo, Liam. This is one of the better ones. Neither of you look drunk, alarmed or outright terrifying like in so many other EC fan photographs. Welcome BTW!

Poppet, I say you bombard Otis with your Buffy obsession until he repents. That'll teach him.

by **Gillibeanz** » Tue Jul 08, 2003 1:23 pm

What a great picture Liam - you lucky sod!

I wish Elvis would look a bit happier in his pictures though, it wouldnt kill him to smile now and again!

by **Liam** » Tue Jul 08, 2003 5:44 pm

Whoa! It's kinda big. Feeling exposed.

Nice shot of Elvis, though.

Thanks for the work, Taz.

You'll all excuse me please, while I hide for a bit.

by **spooky girlfriend** » Tue Jul 08, 2003 5:47 pm

No need to hide, Liam.

I thought you both looked nice.

by **shabbydoll** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 4:18 am

Elvis' dress sense is picking up dramatically.

by **verbal gymnastics** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 8:20 am

Great story Liam. And let's not forget Louis' vital part in this. Louis, if you're reading this, you are a top man!

In all fairness to Elvis, whenever I've met him (three times) he has been courteous. When I had my picture taken with him he was smiling and i looked like a stalker! And that's one of my better ones...!

by **sulkygirl** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 5:00 pm

Awesome pic, Liam!! Welcome aboard!! (Are you sure the "Red Eyes" are strictly a lighting issue, m'boyo??)

:lol:

by **Liam** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 6:41 pm

Ha ha. No sulky, it wasn't the lighting. Just overexcitement. (edit: not true ... this is Canada, dont'cha know...)

Thanks Spooky and everyone who commented. Just thinking that it was one week ago tonight ... Will I ever top that evening?

I doubt it. (edit: Sure I will. When I have dinner with Elvis and Diana. Hey, you never know.)

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