As we return to attending concerts, I’m sure we’ve all looked back at what was our last concert. Mine was Courtney Barnett at the Fremont Theater on February 1, 2020. I saw Elton John for the first time in September, 2019 at the Honda Center in Anaheim. What a show in the true sense of the word. But Elvis Costello and Blondie was the most memorable concert for me in recent memory, not only for the music, but the special circumstances surrounding the event.
My brother, who lives in the Seattle area, was having a big birthday in August, 2019; one of those that ends in zero. I thought an experience together would be a better present than more stuff or gift cards. So, I took a look at concerts in the area. It didn’t take much searching for me to land on the Chateau Ste. Michelle website and its solid lineup of summer concerts. Elvis Costello and Blondie on August 10, 2019 in Woodinville, WA. That could work! Next thing I know I’m closing the deal on Ticketmaster. Third row, dead center. This is gonna be good.
Blondie opened the show with “One Way or Another.” A classic from Parallel Lines. The set included four other songs from that breakthrough album: “Hanging on the Telephone,” “Sunday Girl,” “Fade Away and Radiate,” and “Heart of Glass.” The love-fest moment of the show was “The Tide is High.” They even threw in a cover of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.” The finale was the new wave pop perfection of “Dreaming” and the moving chorus lines, “dreaming, dreaming is free.”
It was my first time seeing Blondie! One of those “better late than never” moments. I’m so glad I did. I didn’t realize that Deborah Harry was 75 years old! She looked good and sounded awesome. The band also included two other original members, Chris Stein on guitar and Clem Burke on drums. Blondie is still recording with album releases in 2011, 2014, and 2017. I love it when bands like this are still making and performing new music and not totally relying on the hits from their heyday. They included the song “Fun” from 2017’s Pollinator in their set to prove the point.
It’s always fun to look back at the previous times you’ve seen an artist in concert. This was my fourth Elvis Costello concert: the Armed Forces tour at the Arlington Theater, Santa Barbara (2/14/79), the Spike tour at the Santa Barbara Bowl (9/10/89), and the solo Secret, Profane, & Sugarcane tour (4/12/10) at the Performing Arts Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
When Elvis hit the stage it was on of those concert moments we’ve all had; about 10 seconds in you say to yourself, “oh man, this is going to be frickin’ great”. “Pump it Up” as that first song certainly lived up to its name. Also performed off the This Years Model album were “This Years Girl” and (“I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea” (except on my U.S. edition album which didn’t contain “Chelsea” because it was “too British!” What?) He revisited his classic debut My Aim is True with “Watching the Detectives,” “Alison,” and (“The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes.” He had a good mix of slower and faster songs. He put down the guitar for a spell and sat at the piano accompanied by two soulful female singers. “Clubland” and “I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down” were a couple more highlights.
The back-up band was The Imposters which is basically The Attractions without the bass player. They propelled the music to a lofty place and never missed a beat. They also played a couple songs from the most recent album, 2018’s Look Now. My favorite Elvis song, (“What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding,” (written by Nick Lowe) put a perfect bookend on the evening for me.
What a great concert! But you know, I’ve been to lots of great concerts. Some are extra special due to the environment and company. Sharing it with my brother and his wife. Flying up to beautiful Seattle. Going to a new venue, this time an always inviting winery amphitheater. Sitting right in front of Deborah and Elvis. Having some really good photos to remember it by. And yes, seeing two iconic artists from the 70s still going strong.
D² Rating ◼◼◼◼◼
Please share a special concert of yours, or if you’ve got tickets to a show this summer, let us know.
Trivia ? – What is Elvis Costello’s real name?
Answer: Declan MacManus
Comments
2 responses to “Concerts: Let’s Celebrate Their Return with a Highlight from “Before”: Elvis Costello and Blondie 2019 Tour”
Doug, I am amazed how in detail you recall the evening. By the way this week in the rink I wore the Deborah T-shirt you bought for me at the concert. It was a grand slam home run evening and your fault! Really cool bro.
Thanks, brother! It was a special time.