Elvis Costello obviously is known as a prolific songwriter, and he’s also dabbled at acting and written a popular autobiography. Now, the influential music star is set to offer fans a look at another of his artistic passions—painting.
Costello will be on hand for the first-ever exhibitions of his artwork, which will be held at two Southern Florida galleries in January 2025. The events will take place at Wentworth Gallery locations on January 10 in Hollywood and January 11 in Boca Raton.
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Costello’s in-person appearances are scheduled for 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET on January 10 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET on January 11 at the Town Center Mall.
You can check out images of a variety of Costello’s paintings at WentworthGallery.com. Many of the pieces were inspired by Elvis’ songs, albums, or actual covers of his albums. They include “Radio Radio,” “Watching the Detectives,” “Accidents Will Happen,” “Beyond Belief,” My Aim Is True, This Year’s Model, Get Happy, Imperial Bedroom, and Blood & Chocolate.
Costello’s paintings have been used as the cover art for several of his albums, including Blood & Chocolate (1986), Look Now (2018), Hey Clockface (2020), and The Boy Named If (2022).
Wentworth Gallery CEO Christian O’Mahony issued a statement regarding Costello’s artwork and his first-ever art exhibits.
“Elvis Costello is one of our generation’s greatest storytellers,” O’Mahony said. “This is obvious from his song writing and book publication. It is now equally apparent from his visual artwork. His art is sometimes playful, sometimes solemn, but always thought provoking and entertaining. Wentworth Gallery is honored to host Elvis’s inaugural art tour.”
Costello’s Upcoming Radio Play and Companion Album
Before the opening of the art exhibits, Costello’s recently reported three-part scripted audio series, The True Story of The Coward Brothers, will premiere on November 21 on Audible. The original musical-comedy presentation finds him revisiting and expanding on his collaborative Coward Brothers project with T Bone Burnett.
The series was written by Costello and directed by Christopher Guest of This Is Spinal Tap fame. It tells the history of the fictional pop duo of Henry and Howard Coward.
The series will feature Costello and Burnett as the sibling duo, as they are interviewed by a radio host portrayed by This Is Spinal Tap’s Harry Shearer. The brothers will recount the highlights and low points of their ill-fated music career.
The series also will feature appearances by Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul), Stephen Root (Office Space, Barry), and Kathreen Khavari (Big Little Lies). In addition, The True Story of The Coward Brothers will feature various original songs that also will appear on a companion album.
The album, simply titled The Coward Brothers, will be released around the same time as the audio series’ premiere. It can be pre-ordered now.
About the Expanded King of America Reissue
Costello also will be releasing an expanded reissue of his 1986 album King of America, titled King of America & Other Realms, on November 1. The multiple-disc collection features many recordings on which Burnett collaborated with Costello. These include the two original 1980s Coward Brothers tracks and many songs recorded during the King of America sessions.
King of America & Other Realms can be pre-ordered now.
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