Elvis Costello lines up the stars on new TV show

Elvis is king of all media?
Elvis is king of all media?

He doesn't even have an air date yet, but no matter - Elvis Costello is lining up heavy hitters for his new variety show, Spectacle: Elvis Costello With.... Already, the roll call of guests includes Elton John, Tony Bennett, Lou Reed, and former US President Bill Clinton.

The show has taped four one-hour episodes of a planned 13-program run. The series is being co-produced by CTV in Canada and Channel 4 in the UK, as well as the Sundance Channel in the US.

The format for the series will see Costello interview and collaborate with his guests. According to the production company, one of the early episodes will see Costello perform with John. Sounds good, but personally, we'd love to see Costello team up with Clinton for a little musical number - I Want You perhaps?

"I'm hoping that future shows continue to embody the great joy, passion and celebration of music we've had thus far, mixed with rare poignant and powerful moments," says Costello. "It's early to say too much about Spectacle other than it has been a wonderful and surprising experience."

Additional guests confirmed for this season include musicians Davey Faragher, Pete Thomas and Steve Nieve of the Imposters; guitarist James Burton, who played with anotherguy named Elvis; Allen Toussaint and jazz guitarist Pat Metheny.

Joe Bosso

Joe is a freelance journalist who has, over the past few decades, interviewed hundreds of guitarists for Guitar WorldGuitar PlayerMusicRadar and Classic Rock. He is also a former editor of Guitar World, contributing writer for Guitar Aficionado and VP of A&R for Island Records. He’s an enthusiastic guitarist, but he’s nowhere near the likes of the people he interviews. Surprisingly, his skills are more suited to the drums. If you need a drummer for your Beatles tribute band, look him up.