CostelloNews.com

As reported earlier, EC didn't stay for the two shows he was advertised to play at in NYC a few weeks ago. Today he issued these remarks:

Elvis Costello & The Iridium Club
Mr. Costello would like to apologise to all of those who attended the Iridium club date in hope of seeing him perform with Mr. Lee Konitz and Mr. Bill Frisell on the night 25th of November, supposedly to mark Mr. Konitz’s 76th birthday.

Mr. Costello had visited Mr. Konitz’s apartment on the previous Thursday to discuss and rehearse material and had a similar meeting with Mr. Frisell. At the soundcheck it was clear that the drummer, Mr. Matt Wilson, had prepared for a performance of “Someone Took the Words Away” from “North” with great enthusiasm and diligence. The bassist, Mr. Gary Peacock, declined to take the stand.

Even if one were not to regard this action as unprofessional and somewhat disrespectful to Mr. Konitz, as the leader, there can be no doubt that it was not exactly in the spirit of the celebratory nature of the evening. Obviously, a great variety of talented musicians have had no problem performing Mr. Costello’s compositions. However, as Mr. Konitz’s birthday had in fact been six weeks earlier, perhaps Mr. Peacock’s rather narrow view of the musical possibilities could be forgiven.

Far from leaving “in a huff”, as reported in the New York Times (27/11/03), Mr. Costello was scrupulously courteous to Mr Peacock throughout the rehearsal debacle in an attempt to ameliorate the regrettable situation and personally removed his music stand from the stage so as not to obstruct the audience’s view of Mr. Peacock’s technique.

Mr Costello, Mr. Konitz and Mr. Frisell reluctantly agreed that that the arrangements sounded rather like a “three-legged donkey” without credible bass accompaniment and parted in good humour.

Later, there was a frank exchange of views between the Mr Costello and the club over the telephone and it was made quite clear that he would not be appearing. Every opportunity could have been taken to inform incoming patrons of Mr. Costello’s removal from the bill. You may draw your own conclusions about this establishment and their failure to do so.

Subsequently, a call was placed to Mr. Costello's representative in the U.K., offering to fire Mr. Peacock from the gig if Mr. Costello were prepared to return to the engagement. It is unclear how this would have helped the situation, either musically or ideologically. Naturally, no artist or organisation of integrity would countenance such despicable treatment of a fellow musician.

Once again, Elvis Costello would like to apologise to anyone who queued up in the cold and to those who feel they paid an entrance fee unnecessarily but the musicians who were willing to play together were unwilling to compromise the quality of the performance in these most unfortunate circumstances. Mr. Costello hopes that the disappointed patrons enjoyed the rest of the programme and sends Mr. Konitz his most respectful greetings for his birthday…whenever it may fall….