Elvis Costello and The Imposters’ scheduled show in Utrecht could be called off after the frontman says he ignored a rest notice from his doctor.
The veteran performer, 71, has been on the road with his Radio Soul tour where he, The Imposters, and Charlie Sexton have been performing hits from the first decade of his discography. Costello has featured songs from his debut album, My Aim is True, to Blood & Chocolate across his European tour. But a date in Brussels, Belgium last night (June 29) has hindered the Alison hitmaker. In a statement issued to his social media accounts, Costello confirmed that he had been struggling with his voice after being diagnosed with bronchitis before the show.
Costello reportedly defied medical advice and insisted on performing a 23-song set which has thrown the Utrecht show at the TivoliVredenburg venue into jeopardy. A post to his X account reads: “Elvis Costello & The Imposters like to thank everyone at the AC [Ancienne Belgique] in for their tremendous welcome and for last night’s show, including this honest but generous notice which stands in marked contrast to the contrived spite some other recent accounts of this high wire show.
“Mr. Costello was performing contrary to orders of both his doctor and his priest, having contracted bronchitis but didn’t not want to miss the opportunity to play for our long-time friends in Brussels. It is hoped that tonight’s show in Utrecht can go ahead as planned, as the condition is already improving.”
Also noted in the thread of posts is a three-star review from De Morgen titled: “He audibly struggled with his voice, but hit right in the heart: Elvis Costello’s AB-concert lingers.”
Fans have wished Costello well ahead of his show in Utrecht, which could be cancelled at the last minute. One person wrote: “Take care and rest well when you can. And thank you for sharing the excellent sign which warmed my heart; ‘Mr. Costello was performing contrary to orders of both his doctor and his priest’.”
Another added: “Well, please take care of yourself Mr Costello. You have a lot of fans who love you and who understand.” There has so far been no notice of cancellation for the performance and it is presumed it will go ahead as planned. A full setlist for Costello’s show at the Ancienne Belgique from last night can be found below.
- Radio Sweetheart
- Surrender to the Rhythm (Brinsley Schwarz cover)
- Watch Your Step
- Mystery Dance
- Watching the Detectives
- Mouth Almighty
- Lovers Walk
- Who Will the Next Fool Be (Charlie Rich cover)
- Everyday I Write the Book
- Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?
- Indoor Fireworks
- Clubland
- Lovable
- Wonder Woman
- I Can’t Stand Up for Falling Down
- High Fidelity
- Alison
- (I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea
- Pump it Up
- I Want You
- Poor Napoleon
- (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding
- Oliver’s Army
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