Live television gave him only a few seconds to decide whether to follow the plan.
Elvis Costello turns 72 today, Aug. 25, nearly 49 years after releasing his debut album and becoming one of rock’s most respected songwriters.
Born Declan MacManus in London in 1954, Costello initially pursued music while working as a computer operator. He recorded songs at home and struggled to interest publishers before Stiff Records accepted one of his demos. The label gave him his stage name, pairing Elvis Presley’s first name with his father’s former performing name.
Costello recorded his 1977 debut, My Aim Is True, with producer Nick Lowe and members of the American band Clover. The album introduced songs including “Alison” and “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes.” He soon formed the Attractions with Steve Nieve, Bruce Thomas and Pete Thomas.
His first appearance on Saturday Night Live came on Dec. 17, 1977, when he and the Attractions replaced the Sex Pistols. Costello was expected to perform “Less Than Zero,” but he stopped the band after only a few seconds.
“I’m sorry, ladies and gentlemen, but there’s no reason to do this song here,” he announced before launching into “Radio Radio,” a song criticizing commercial broadcasting.
The unsanctioned switch was widely reported to have gotten Costello banned from the program until 1989, when he returned as a musical guest. SNL creator Lorne Michaels complicated that familiar story in 2025 by saying the show has never formally banned musical performers.
Costello’s career continued without interruption. With the Attractions, he released acclaimed albums including This Year’s Model and Armed Forces. He later worked with artists ranging from Paul McCartney to Burt Bacharach and Allen Toussaint, moving through rock, country, jazz and orchestral music.
Costello and the Attractions entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. He has received 15 Grammy nominations and won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Look Now in 2020.
He remains active onstage and has more performances scheduled for September. A five-CD 49th-anniversary edition of My Aim Is True, featuring 52 previously unreleased recordings, is due Oct. 2.
Nearly five decades after his rebellious SNL appearance, Costello is still following his own setlist.
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