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Of course, given the sheer volume of memorable material that Elvis has amassed over a lengthy career he could probably have put together at least two set-lists that could have resulted in an equally impressive show without any duplication whatsoever.

Madam hadn't been overly entranced by the prospect of two hours of solo Costello, but the odd sideways glimpse during the show revealed no sign of apparent Elvis ennui. For my part, while there were a number of songs I wouldn't have minded missing on my first Costello concert experience, there was nothing I'd prefer to have missed altogether.

Yes, it would have been nice to have heard I Want YouJust About GladShabby DollAny King's Shilling or Our Little Angel (there are others, but that's probably enough to illustrate the point) there was nothing on the set-list that I could point to and say That's the one that could have gone! 

If pressed on the subject I’d probably pick Bedlam, but it turned up in the set-list every night of the tour so it seems Elvis likes playing it.

While it might have been interesting to hear some of the following (all of which were played on the tour) it’s hard to say what I’d prefer to have missed from the actual set-list.

It'll probably be a couple of years before Costello hits these shores again, but when he does after Sunday night I might be able to suggest catching more than one show without having the prospect dismissed as a waste of money.

If such a suggestion is greeted with the news that Madam planned on coming to the Brisbane leg that'd be the final seal of approval after an extremely impressive performance.

What I missed     What was played

© Ian Hughes 2015