Elvis Costello - Alison | Live at Woodstock '99

Experience Elvis Costello delivering a beautifully stripped-down and emotional performance of his signature ballad “Alison” amidst the notorious chaos of Woodstock '99. Showcasing his unmistakable vocal phrasing and profound lyrical depth, this footage captures a legendary songwriter providing a rare, breathtaking moment of stillness at a festival dominated by heavy alternative rock. The performance stands as a testament to Costello's enduring musicianship and the timeless power of one of new wave’s greatest love songs. Filmed live on the East Stage on July 25, 1999, at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York, this performance placed Costello in stark contrast to the aggressive nu-metal and hard rock acts that defined the infamous weekend. Accompanied brilliantly by his longtime Attractions bandmate Steve Nieve on keyboards, Costello captivated the massive crowd with the sheer vulnerability of his catalog. This 1999 appearance bridges the gap between his origins as a fiercely intelligent 1970s punk-adjacent icon and his later status as a revered elder statesman of rock and roll. 🎤 Elvis Costello - vocals, guitar 🎹 Steve Nieve - keyboards 📅 July 25, 1999 📍 Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome, NY Originally released on Costello's groundbreaking 1977 debut album, My Aim Is True, “Alison” has long been celebrated as his definitive masterpiece. Although it did not chart highly upon its initial release, the song quickly gained legendary status and was notably covered by Linda Ronstadt in 1978, which brought Costello crucial mainstream royalty exposure early in his career. The track was prominently featured on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, recognized for its brilliant subversion of traditional pop-ballad tropes. Costello's immense contributions to songwriting and modern music culminated in his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Did You Know? • The famous lyric “my aim is true” from the chorus of “Alison” provided the title for Elvis Costello's iconic 1977 debut album. • Costello was famously inspired to write the song after observing a beautiful but disheartened cashier working at a local supermarket, channeling a sense of squandered potential into the lyrics. • Performing alongside frequent collaborator Steve Nieve, Costello's set provided one of the only heavily acoustic, intimate interludes during the notoriously volatile three-day Woodstock '99 festival.