On this date in 1977, Elvis Costello and The Attractions made their first appearance on Saturday Night Live. They were a late replacement for Sex Pistols who could not get visas to get into the country (Johnny because of a drug charge, Steve because of his criminal record and Paul and Sid on general principle).
Their first number went off without a hitch. They played "Watching The Detectives". For their second number, they were scheduled to play "Less Than Zero". They wanted to play "Radio Radio" but it was considered anti-media so SNL said no to that choice. Approximately 8 seconds into "Less Than Zero", Elvis stops the song and his band and apologizes to the live audience for playing "Less Than Zero". The band goes right into "Radio Radio". Elvis Costello was banned from performing on the show ever again. Well...that's an awfully long time. The ban was lifted and he appeared again in 1989.
Here's how it went...
Video: Elvis Costello on Saturday Night Live 12/17/77- youtube
Greetings to all the Metafilterers
Thanks for linking to us Carter @ http://musaeum.org/
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
"They were a late replacement for Sex Pistols who could not get visas to get into the country"
That explains the the slogan on the drummer's t-shirt ... THANKS MALCOLM.
I heard E.C. tell the story that He planned this as a tribute to Jimi Hendrix, who pulled a similar stunt on a British, live television show. In any case, you can see, once he started, he may have underestimated the anger of the offstage powers that be, because he doesn't look comfortable or confident.
(Sorry the last part got cut off)
He does, however, look very pissed off, which was his persona then... the angry young man.
I bought the album the next day.
Thanks Todd!
That is a great pickup about the Malcolm message. I never heard that before nor noticed it. That is hilarious!
Funny, I posted this back in September and I don't think it got this much attention.
http://thep5.blogspot.com/2007/09/radio-radio.html
See what happens when this blog gets popular? Thanks to all who link here.
Hey Todd, here's the Jimi Hendrix stunt on the Lulu show 1969. Watch the whole video (9:08). The band breaks into Sunshine of Your Love at the end.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jE80W5xYbTI
Hey...I know what you mean. I posted this video originally on March 25th...no comments at all! Probably not even a look!
Great post, thanks for the Jimi clip.
wondering if there are any other links floating around online the youtube one is now gone good o'l NBC and there this is ours you cant see it ways....if so thanks, i've heard the song from this night i just need to see it.
Edubs
Try this link:
http://www.123video.nl/playvideos.asp?MovieID=139251
Post a Comment