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There are certain events that should be etched in the diary using blood and one such is that of hometown boy Elvis Costello discussing his autobiography, Unfaithful Music, at The Liverpool Royal Court Theatre on October 26th which is being produced by Waterstones in Liverpool 1.
And if this were not enough, add to the mix that it will be the Best Selling Crime Fiction author and former stand up comedian – and lifelong Elvis Costello fan – Mark Billingham who will hosting the proceedings, then the evening is sure to be crammed full of humour, great music and not a fair amount of misty eyed reminiscence.
“The first Elvis Costello song I heard was Less Than Zero, which Anne Nightingale played on Radio 1 when I was sixteen,” the Tom Thorne series novelist explained. “I went out and bought My Aim Is True straight away and have been an enormous fan ever since. I’ve always loved his lyrics, so clearly a cut above any of his contemporaries, but I’ve also always loved his voice. It’s changed over the years, but whether he’s spitting out Pump It Up or delivering a beautiful torch song, it’s always fantastic.”
Having attended quite a few book launches and events of his own, this will be a little different for Mark. “I don’t think I’m hosting a launch exactly, I’m just interviewing him, but whatever you call it I am very nervous. I’ve done so many interviews, many with writers or performers I admire hugely, but never with someone of whom I’m such an enormous fan. I’m worried about making a fool of myself or being too much of a nerdy fanboy.
“I’m very much looking forward to it though; to talking to him about his fabulous memoir which I devoured in two days. I’ve visited Liverpool both as an author and as a stand-up many times, but my most memorable trip was in 1986 when I went to see a certain Mr. Costello at the Royal Court, and ended up on stage with him – pulled out of the audience to spin the Spectacular Spinning Songbook! So, it’s very weird to be back there nearly thirty years later to interview him.”
And the life of a busy author does not get any less busy and not just on the writing front either. “I’ve just finished the next novel – a standalone called Die of Shame. I’m also on tour with a band called My Darling Clementine, in a show called The Other Half. It’s a story told in words and songs, bringing together crime fiction and country music which are my two great passions. In fact, we’re bringing the show to Liverpool and will be performing at the Philharmonic on November 18th, which I am also very much looking forward to.”
Tickets for the event are £10 (£8 for Loyalty Card holders) and there will be a number of £30 tickets which include admission to the event and a copy of the book, priced at £25. Please note – this offer will only be available on line.
Join Waterstones for what is sure to be an unforgettable and very special evening, in a venue very close to Elvis’ heart.
Further details: 0151 709 9820