Elvis Costello Plays Career-Spanning Holiday Acoustic Show in Chicago

With large snowflakes projected on the curtains behind him, Elvis Costello took the stage at the Chicago Theatre on Monday night for a sold-out solo acoustic show that was billed as a special "career-spanning once-in-a-lifetime event."

Indeed, Costello lived up to his "consummate showman" title as he stood humbled before the massive audience, which gave standing ovations after nearly every song in his two-hour long set. Decked out in a smart dark gray suit and matching hat, Costello wasted little time chatting with the crowd and instead blazed through most of his set. Kicking his performance off with '(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes,' Costello mixed in classics such as his set list with classics like 'Alison,' 'New Amsterdam' and 'Green Shirt' with newer fare such as 'A Slow Drag With Josephine,' 'Jimmie Standing in the Rain' and 'The Spell That You Cast' from 2010's 'National Ransom.'

"The last time I was in this theater, there was another singer singing after me and I only sang a few songs," Costello said, finally addressing the crowd. "We'll make up for that tonight." The room cheered and Costello launched into 'Veronica,' a song he penned with Paul McCartney for his 1989 album, 'Spike.' After each song, Costello graciously bowed and raised his glass to the crowd, clearly showing how appreciative he was of their dedication.

"So this is where the people in reindeer sweaters come out and dance," Costello joked as he sat down in front of a music stand. Instead of dancers, Costello played 'St. Stephen's Day Murders,' a tongue-in-cheek Christmas tune he co-wrote with the Chieftains in 1991. Trading in his acoustic guitar for an electric one, Costello tore through 'Watching the Detectives' several songs later, extending the solo and transforming the song's reggae melody into a feedback-laden punk rock affair, much to the crowd's delight as they sang along excitedly.

Their voices carried over into the encore, where Costello played over half a dozen songs, including a classic cover of the Animals' 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood.' Although the holiday season isn't over just yet, it was clear as Costello's set wound down that Christmas came early for fans in Chicago.