Elvis Costello’s 1978 hit “Radio Radio” was a scathing indictment of the commercialization of the music industry.
The song’s lyrics rail against the corporate radio stations that play the same songs over and over again, while ignoring talented musicians who don’t have the backing of a major record label.
Costello sings, “They don’t want to hear it / They don’t want to know / It’s only music and they don’t want to hear it go.”
He also skewers the record executives who are more interested in making money than in promoting good music: “Making money is all that they are interested in / They don’t care about music / They don’t care about me.”
The song’s title refers to the fact that these corporate radio stations only play songs that are “radio-friendly” – that is, songs that are designed to be as bland and inoffensive as possible.
In an interview about the song, Costello said, “I was just appalled by the way that the music was being processed and the people who were making the decisions about what got on the air.”
“Radio Radio” was a huge hit, and it helped to establish Costello as one of the most important singer-songwriters of his era.
The song is still relevant today, as corporate radio stations continue to dominate the airwaves.
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Why did Elvis Costello play radio radio on SNL?
Elvis Costello played the song “Radio Radio” on Saturday Night Live in February 1978. The song was controversial because it was a criticism of the broadcast industry.
Costello was originally going to play the song “Less Than Zero” on SNL, but he changed his mind at the last minute. “Radio Radio” was released as a single later that month and reached number 14 on the Billboard charts.
What song made Elvis Costello famous?
Elvis Costello is one of the most successful and critically acclaimed singer-songwriters in music history. His first album, My Aim Is True, was released in 1977 and featured the hit single “Alison”. However, it was his second album, 1978’s This Year’s Model, that made him a household name. The album’s title track and lead single was a scathing attack on the glam rock scene of the time, and was a huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic.
When was Elvis Costello on Saturday Night Live?
Elvis Costello was a guest on Saturday Night Live on October 17, 1981. He was the musical guest, and performed two songs: “The Only Flame in Town” and “Accidents Will Happen”. Costello also made a brief cameo appearance in a skit with host Steve Martin.
This was Costello’s second appearance on SNL; his first was in December 1978, when he was the opening act for the show. In 1981, Costello was at the peak of his popularity, and his appearance on SNL helped to cement his status as one of the most important singer-songwriters of his generation.
What did Elvis Costello do?
Elvis Costello is a singer-songwriter who was born on August 25, 1954, in London, England. He first rose to fame in the late 1970s as the lead singer of the punk rock band the Attractions. Costello went on to have a successful solo career, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He has also worked as a record producer and actor.
Costello’s musical style is a mix of punk, rock, pop, and country. His lyrics are often witty and biting, and he is known for his sharp tongue and acerbic wit. He has been married to singer-songwriter Diana Krall since 2003.
Costello first came to prominence in the late 1970s as the lead singer of the punk rock band the Attractions. The band released three albums in the late 1970s and early 1980s, all of which were successful.
In 1982, Costello released his first solo album, “My Aim Is True.” The album was a critical and commercial success, and spawned the hit singles “Watching the Detectives” and “Accidents Will Happen.”
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Costello released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including “King of America” (1986), “Brutal Youth” (1994), and “All This Useless Beauty” (1996). He also worked as a record producer, most notably on the album “The River” by Bruce Springsteen.
In addition to his music career, Costello has also worked as an actor. He made his acting debut in the 1984 film “The Falcon and the Snowman,” and has since appeared in a number of films and television shows.
Costello is married to singer-songwriter Diana Krall. The two began dating in 1999 and were married in 2003. They have two children together.
Is Diana Krall still married to Elvis Costello?
Diana Krall is a Canadian jazz pianist and singer who has been married to Elvis Costello since 2002. They have two sons together.
Krall and Costello first met in 1996, when Costello attended one of her concerts. They started dating in 1999, and were married in a private ceremony on December 6, 2002.
The couple has two sons: Dexter Henry Lorcan (born December 6, 2003) and Frank Harlan James (born December 6, 2007).
Krall and Costello are both very private about their personal lives, and have rarely appeared in public together. However, they have occasionally performed together, most notably at the 2007 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute to Costello.
As of 2017, there is no indication that Krall and Costello are no longer together.
What was Elvis Costello biggest hit?
Elvis Costello is an English singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1970s. He is known for his eclectic mix of pop, rock, and punk music.
Costello’s biggest hit was his song “Wonderful Christmastime,” which was released in 1979. The song reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Was Elvis on Saturday Night Live?
Elvis Presley was famously known as the “King of Rock and Roll.” But, did you know that he also made several appearances on Saturday Night Live?
Elvis made his first appearance on SNL on October 3, 1976. He was interviewed by Chevy Chase, and the two of them performed a skit together.
Elvis made another appearance on SNL on November 19, 1977. This time, he performed two songs: “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Hound Dog.”
Elvis’ final appearance on SNL was on January 14, 1978. He performed “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”
Overall, Elvis’ appearances on SNL were pretty well-received. In fact, his 1977 performance of “Hound Dog” was named the “Best Musical Moment” of that year’s SNL season.