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Where is the intersection between Elvis Costello’s fans and those of Daryl Hall and John Oates? Yes, Costello and Hall duetted once on a song back in 1984 (“The Only Flame in Town”) that gained some traction on MTV but it also featured on a Costello record that the artist himself loathes. Do people who love Costello’s caustic songwriting show up for Hall’s super smooth, blue-eyed soul hits or vice versa? Judging by the attendance at the Troutdale, Oregon tour opener, the crossroads where the musicians’ fans meet is somewhat limited.
Or maybe the poor attendance is the fault of the atmospheric river that settled over the Portland area that evening. This corridor of water vapor, which was reported to be stronger and later in the year than usual, dumped rain down the entire night, putting a literal damper on a concert that kicked off the venue’s summer season. Most of the fans who braved the show dressed in slickers, ponchos and rain jackets. The general admission lawn seemed to be less than a quarter full.
Every venue has its pros and cons, and for people who attend shows at McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn, they know that getting out of the parking lot at the end of the night is an ordeal that can take up to an hour. However, after Hall finished the evening with “You Make My Dreams” it took only moments to drive out.
Both musicians, who each played a little over an hour, made comments on the weather but didn’t allow it to ruin their performances. Costello played a set steeped with his older hits but augmented by some newer songs while Hall mainly concentrated on the smash singles that he put out with former partner Oates. For the Hall fan, Costello played enough of his big songs (“Radio Radio,” “Everyday I Write the Book”) while Hall brought out radio mainstays like “Out of Touch” and “Sara Smile” to appeal to the Costello enthusiasts who stuck out the weather and remained for the second set.
Augmented by guitarist Charlie Sexton, Costello and the Imposters played a mainly upbeat set of songs. Most of Costello’s fans stood along the periphery of the general admission section while the folks in the more expensive seated section remained in their chairs during this first portion. Still, old favorites like “Watching the Detectives,” “(I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea” and “Alison” are always fun to hear but the true highlights for fans came with excellent versions of newer songs like “Magnificent Hurt” and “Unwanted Number.” Costello also did an acoustic version of “Only Flame,” which is a rarity in his live show. Though it would have been nice, Hall did not come out and join him.
After a long break, Hall took the stage and played a more relaxed set than Costello’s more frenetic music. Kicking off with “Maneater,” Hall played a few solo selections (“Dreamtime,” “Foolish Pride”) on guitar before switching over to piano for “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” and to reclaim “Everytime You Go Away,” a song he wrote that Paul Young turned into an international hit in 1985. Backed by six musicians, Hall’s set felt slicker than the lean rock ‘n’ roll of Costello, but also presented a more chilled-out vibe for the later portion of the evening. Hall is still slender and spry with his signature well-coiffed hair. And although he can no longer hit the high notes like he once could, the strength of hits kept enthusiastic fans up and dancing even as the rain soaked them. Sadly though, the child who repeatedly shouted for “Private Eyes” throughout the night found his request go unrecognized.
Hopefully Hall and Costello will see a better turnout for later shows on this tour. Perhaps fans don’t want to spring for a full concert ticket and see only an hour or so of their preferred musician. With more pleasant weather, this double bill could be a fun summer evening out. It’s all about finding those fans who loves both “Watching the Detectives” and “Say It Isn’t So.” At the very least, Hall should join Costello on “The Only Flame in Town.” Despite its forgotten status, it was likely the reason this tour exists in the first place.
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