Rod Stewart and Elvis Costello were at the center of a brief war of words that ended up being an unfortunate misunderstanding.
U.K.’s The Mirror quoted Costello from his recent gig in Glasgow as being critical of Rod Stewart’s performance and Diana Ross’ performance at the Royal Platinum Jubilee concert celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign. Costello was particularly critical of Stewart’s vocals and the choice of having him lead a sing-along of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”
“I must say, listen we all have bad nights vocally, but for f— sake, Sweet F—ing Caroline?” said Costello. “Are you f—ing kidding me? I mean, I’ve been in showbusiness 45 years so I do know a thing or two. How is it that nobody suggested Rod sing ‘You Wear It Well’?”
Costello was also critical of the lack of Supremes songs in Ms. Ross’ set saying, “Listen, Diana Ross had a whole playlist of songs that would have fitted the occasion: ‘You Keep Me Hanging On’, ‘I’m Living In Shame.’ I’m not saying ‘Love Child’.”
Once The Mirror published a story about Costello’s comments, he took to Twitter and wrote of the outlet, “This is typical Mirror shite. If you read my actual remark, it about the wrong-headed idea of asking Sir Rod pass up ‘You Wear It Well’ to lead a f—ing singalong. Ms. Ross is deity. Have some damn respect. I was joking about the many uncomfortable choices that were overlooked.”
Unfortunately, Costello’s comments didn’t reach Stewart in time, and Sir Rod then took to Twitter to write, “Dear Elvis, yes my voice was rough cos of Covid. I apologize, I though it better it to make an appearance rather than let everyone down so sorry. By the way where’s your hair gone mate ????? Sir Rod.”
Costello would reply, “Dear Lord Stewart. You know I love you. Think the Queen would have loved ‘You Wear It Well’ or even ‘Hot Legs.’ As to gigs, I had a stinker the other night in Liverpool. They come and go, like hair, which I keep sewn in my hat. Up The Republic. Elvis O.rrible B.loody E.erbet.”
Dear Lord Stewart. You know I love you. Think the Queen would have loved “You Wear It Well” or even “Hot Legs”As to gigs, I had a stinker the other night in Liverpool. They come and go, like hair, which I keep sewn in my hat. Up The Republic. Elvis O.rrible B.loody E.erbet
— Elvis Costello (@ElvisCostello) June 12, 2022
Now, if only something could be done about the rift between Sir Rod and Sir Elton…
