Elvis Costello gambles his entire setlist on a giant wheel—and somehow wins every spin.
The Spectacular Spinning Songbook made its first appearance in 1986 in Los Angeles during the "Costello Sings Again Tour." In 2011, Elvis Costello and the Imposters set out on The Revolver Tour and, for the first time in 25 years, once again allowed his set-list to be chosen by "The Spectacular Spinning Songbook," a monumental game-show type wheel spun by select fans and featuring songs from his latest critically acclaimed release National Ransom, plus new renditions of hits, rarities and very unexpected covers. This is the complete concert from the 12th May, including special guest appearance from The Bangles.
Acting
Costello's theatrical hosting between songs.
Production
The absurd, glorious spinning wheel itself.
Sound
The Imposters tight after 25 years.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The original 1986 wheel was destroyed in a flood; this replica was built for the 2011 tour.
The wheel's game-show aesthetic nodded to Costello's 1979 Armed Forces era obsession with variety television.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
GB
US
