Elvis Costello and the Attractions
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Year:
2003
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Inducted by:
Elton John
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Category:
Performers
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Bruce Thomas -
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Elvis Costello -
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Pete Thomas -
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Steve Nieve
Introduction
Elvis Costello took the literacy of folk music and broke it wide open against the ragged edges of punk.
He was one of the best and most consistent songwriters of his generation, but he never used that as an excuse to get repetitive—Elvis Costello has experimented with everything from punk to opera.
Elton John Inducts Elvis Costello and the Attractions
Elton John Inducts Elvis Costello and the Attractions at the 2003 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony-
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Elton John Inducts Elvis Costello and the Attractions00:11:38 -
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Elvis Costello and the Attractions Acceptance Speech00:10:43 -
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"Pump It Up"00:03:24
Hall of Fame Essay
2003
In some ways, 1977 is almost ancient history now, back when a skinny-tied, gap-toothed, Fender-banging Buddy Holly look-alike from England formed a band, called it the Attractions and dared to name himself after the King of Rock & Roll.
At first, Elvis Costello seemed a part of punk’s spit and audacity, his music spinning aggression into slashing riffs with lyrics that became slogans of the season. “I’m not angry - anymore,” he claimed through clenched teeth. “Everything,” he charged, “means less than zero.” “My aim,” he promised in the title of his debut album, “is true.”
his songs have no musical boundaries
