Plans for 2012 and some bad news . . .

[migdd]

http://www.elviscostello.com/news/the-l ... n-2011/235



The Last Revolution 2011


So, as we say farewell to the Spectacular Spinning Songbook for the year of 2011, we’d like to thank all of those who attended, span, swung the hammer and tripped the light fantastic…

I would especially like to thank the Imposters both for their remarkable playing and for being sterling fellows, especially as the current melancholy situation made it uncertain whether I would be able to complete these dates.

This show has always been about the balance between vaudeville nonsense and the very large number of songs that we have in our hands. We got to play many of them this year and there are many more still to be performed.

There are many stories to be assembled from the existing fragments, whether determined by chance or not. Recording and even composing is not a matter of urgency to me right now. There are more important matters to which I must attend.

We cannot close here without tipping our hat to Hubert Sumlin who joined us at the Wellmont Theatre, Montclair for a run of songs that he first performed with Howlin’ Wolf.

Hubert’s spirit and humour are undimmed by less robust health and it was a gas for us to share the stage with him and heartening to see him get the acclaim that he received from those in attendance.

If such institutions as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are to have any meaning, Hubert has to be in there in the “Sideman” category (along with Luther Perkins and Marshall Grant but don’t get me started on that one).

To do otherwise is to make a nonsense of the other ennoblements. I urge you to write to your congressman to get this fixed. It’s not as if they have anything else to do.

If all is well or for as long as it is possible, a European solo tour will commence on the 26th of October in Athens.

The grave uncertainty over my father’s health made it necessary to regretfully cancel two shows, in order that I be free to visit him at regular intervals.

It has truthfully been as difficult to take to the stage with a light heart recently, as it has been welcome to lose myself in song.

I would like to thank those who have sent their good wishes without knowing the real circumstances and grateful for the understanding of those for whom we have been unable to perform.

The Spectacular Spinning Songbook will return in 2012. We hope to revisit as many of the U.S towns to which we were recently unable to journey as will welcome us back and a few more besides, before the Wheel travels to Europe in the Spring of next year.

Until then, I hope you will be practicing you steps for The Frug, The Continentel and the Loddy-Lo.

[sweetest punch]

Sorry to hear this about his dad.

A European Tour in spring!

Elvis talks about having to cancel two concerts. One being Poland, which would be the other one?

[bronxapostle]

naturally, the sadder news among this post from EC is the most pertinent right now. we all kind of surmised that it must be the health of one of his parents. wishing Godspeed and a welcome rebound to the good health of Mr. MacManus. aside from the urgent portion, the rest seems quite hopeful. so very glad to hear that he actually cancelled just a couple to adequately plan for a home visit during the European solo dates. it is good to plan accordingly and remain hopeful. especially glad to hear that the wheel will both spin its way overseas AND make it back to U.S. as hinted at to me by the fine lady at the Borgata Casino right after the July 22nd postponement. many friends and acquaintances wishing the family well. here's to 2012!

[MOJO]

Oh, bummer, it's Ross. I hope he makes it to see his birthday next week, as I share the same birth date with him. My thoughts are with him and his family. Prayers, too! I have family members that have a direct connection to God (priest/theology professor), so I'll pass a note off to see if he can be remembered in a daily mass. I lost my dad (long time ago) and I imagine at any age this is a difficult time for Elvis and his family. Peace.

[verbal gymnastics]

Interesting what he says about 2 shows being cancelled.

I reckon the other announcement will be Prague. This doesn't make the others safe.

Personally given Elvis' want of privacy I was surprised he posted this.

Good wishes to Mr McManus senior.

[Yanyna]

sorry to hear such bad news...but...Prague...please...no....

[Natasha]

Personally given Elvis' want of privacy I was surprised he posted this.

Me too! Also, I am curious about one thing: He thanks everyone who sent good vibes for him without even knowing what was happening. Since his site doesn't have a comment section, is he talking about the social networks or what?

[sulky lad]

Sincerest best wishes to Ross, and thanks to all who surmised on this board but didn't make it into some sort of soap opera. I'm hoping Elvis saw these comments and concerns( or was told) and realised the genuine empathy that we've all had and been through at different stages of our lives .

[Neil.]

Yes, here's wishing good health to Ross.

Nx

[strangerinthehouse]

Sad to hear about his dad. Wish Ross and EC the best.

[invisible Pole]

Best wishes to Mr Ross McManus for a quick return to good health.

So glad to hear about the European tour next year. I hope we’ll get a chance to spin the Wheel here in Poland.

[Top balcony]

Similar kind thoughts for Ross and the McManus family from me too.

Colin Top Balcony

[bronxapostle]

you know, i always thought we would one day see, at the very least, a one song collaboration...Cat Stevens "Father & Son"? or any one of THOUSANDS of standards that between the two they could sing in their sleep! i'd be willing to bet that Elvis has something archived. his Dad had to be his main source of inspiration to become a singer all those early years. let's hope!

[verbal gymnastics]

Personally given Elvis' want of privacy I was surprised he posted this.

Me too! Also, I am curious about one thing: He thanks everyone who sent good vibes for him without even knowing what was happening. Since his site doesn't have a comment section, is he talking about the social networks or what?

I surmise that fans read about why the shows were cancelled and gave good wishes to him without knowing who it was. Elvis is wily enough to deflect any direct questions (and chastise anyone if he's in the mood...). That's why I was surprised when he named his dad as being the person in question.

Still, it's good to read tickets for the European shows are selling well. It would appear though that we won't be in for any new songs though.

[Natasha]

I surmise that fans read about why the shows were cancelled and gave good wishes to him without knowing who it was. Elvis is wily enough to deflect any direct questions (and chastise anyone if he's in the mood...). That's why I was surprised when he named his dad as being the person in question.

Yeah, but my point is: I was surprised not only with he talking so openly about his father but also with the fact that he actually receives our feedback somehow. I mean, when I read about the cancellations on facebook my first impulse was to write something showing my support. We always expect that the message gets to him and it's kinda cool to know that, somehow, it does.

Also, not only he gave us information on what was happening (preserving his privacy but showing the respect he always had to his audience) but he was extremely (and surprisingly) sincere about what he's feeling.

"It has truthfully been as difficult to take to the stage with a light heart recently, as it has been welcome to lose myself in song." I personaly found this line very heartbreaking. To have a sick loved one is always a very difficult time.

[verbal gymnastics]

I agree Natasha. When people have loved ones who are ill, sometimes it's helpful when you are immersed in something other than the person's illness.

On the other point, I do think some of this board's comments and views get to Elvis. There have certainly been, shall we say, coincidences...

[jardine]

and god bless him, too, right in the middle of all that, for lifting his head and tipping his hat to Herbert, Luther and Marshall --a tip likewise to Ross and Elvis and the whole family from us all. May whatever comes go well.

[woz]

Thoughts and prayers go out to the McManus family.

[Ypsilanti]

Always got the impression Elvis & Ross have the kind of great Father/Son relationship many of us wish we could have. Must be an especially hard time for him because of this. So sad.

[bambooneedle]

All the best to Ross.

No new album(s)...?

On the other point, I do think some of this board's comments and views get to Elvis. There have certainly been, shall we say, coincidences...

Yes, like No Hiding Place.

[RonDoc]

I was watching an old VHS recording of Ross & Elvis last night singing " Georgia" by Ray Charles and I have to admit the tears were pouring out of me.
Hopefully they can spend some more time together.

[sheeptotheslaughter]

As I have said on a previous thread. I saw Ross at the RFH show last year and he looked very frail then having met him a few years previous and he was in fine health.

If you live to be 80 you have done well, having said that lets hope he still has many years to come and his health improves.

[bronxapostle]

I was watching an old VHS recording of Ross & Elvis last night singing " Georgia" by Ray Charles and I have to admit the tears were pouring out of me.
Hopefully they can spend some more time together.

cool rondoc...you got to get this to our docinwestchester to be uploaded to youtube please. or is it there already?

[RonDoc]

We are moving house and i was going thru all the old Elvis videos and found this one.
It's from the BBC show Arena and it's Elvis & Ross with Joe Loss, just thought it was a great moment to reflect on.
I have it on VHS only, not sure how to copy over to DVD etc.

[Ulster Boy]

Ross doing Patsy Girl (and playing the bongos) 1964:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NedihG7pyk