On the evening of Tuesday, March 4, the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, transformed into a rarefied space where rock history and contemporary artistry collided. Elvis Costello and Steve Nieve graced the stage for the first of two highly anticipated performances.
The intimacy of the venue was the perfect setting for the duo’s dynamic, as Costello’s rich, nuanced voice paired effortlessly with Nieve’s sophisticated yet daring keyboard work. There was no sense of a rehearsed routine—every note felt deliberate, yet somehow spontaneous, like a conversation unfolding between the two musicians and their audience. The sheer energy they brought was electrifying, each song imbued with fresh tension. A testament to their mastery of both the familiar and the unknown.
Costello, ever the charismatic performer, displayed a perfect balance of restraint and audacity. He moved through genres with ease, his distinctive voice cutting through the air, shifting from reflective moments to forceful, passionate outbursts.
The crowd responded in kind, hanging on every word, every chord. With his sharp wit and humor, Costello kept the audience engaged, offering funny anecdotes and one-liners between songs. His golden boots, a striking part of his ensemble, added flair and a shine to his showmanship , matching the charm and charisma he exuded.
Steve Nieve, long-time collaborator and keyboard virtuoso, proved to be the secret weapon of the night. His playing, whether delicate or grand, was the ideal counterpoint to Costello’s vocal stylings. There was an almost telepathic connection between the two. While Costello’s guitar and vocals painted in broad strokes, Nieve’s intricate keyboard work filled in the gaps. They layered textures that were both haunting and jubilant, often simultaneously.
For a performance that stretched the boundaries of what a concert could be, the most striking element was the freedom. It wasn’t just a “hits” showcase, nor was it a self-indulgent foray into obscure tracks. It was something more alive, more raw. It felt like they were writing the evening’s story with every song, feeding off the audience’s energy and offering their own in return.
The Bearsville Theater, with its rich history, served as the perfect backdrop for this two-night journey. As the night came to a close, the audience seemed unwilling to let the magic end, a collective sense of awe hanging in the air.
As much as this was the beginning of a brief tour stop in Woodstock, it was also a reminder of the endless well of creativity Costello and Nieve continue to tap into, making even the most familiar feel new and thrilling. A ticket into Bearsville Theater on this night was more than your entry into a performance—it was an invitation into a world where music isn’t just played; it’s lived.
Elvis Costello & Steve Nieve – Bearsville Theater, Woodstock – Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Setlist: Deportee, When I Was Cruel no. 2, Motel Matches, Black Sails in the Sunset, Shot with his Own Gun, Harpies Bizarre, (I don’t want to go to) Chelsea, No Flag, Veronica, Living in Paradise, Poisoned Rose, Brilliant Mistake, Clubland, Almost Blue, The Comedians, Isabelle in Tears, I Still Have that other girl, Hetty O’hara Confidential, Allison, April 5th, (What’s so Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding
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