Singer Elvis Costello is teaming up with Elton John to create a television program that will provide a forum for discussions and performances by “the most interesting and influential artists and personalities of our time.”
The show, called “Spectacle: Elvis Costello with” will be hosted by Costello and produced in conjunction with John’s Rocket Pictures. John will also serve as one of the program’s executive producers. The program, which was conceived and developed in Canada, will begin shooting soon and will be broadcast later this year on CTV in Canada, Channel 4 in the UK and Sundance Channel in the US. FremantleMedia Enterprises will handle sales of the show to the rest of the world.
“I’m not interested in extracting some dark secret,” Costello says. “I’d rather hear about a bright secret, a deep love or a curiosity that might be otherwise obscured by fame. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk in complete thoughts about music, movies, art or even vaudeville, then frame it with unique and illustrative performances.”
John says the decision to use Costello to host the show was based on his vast knowledge of musical history.
“I thought it would be sensational to use his knowledge and intelligence to explore the artistry of musicians and other fascinating people involved in making great music, as well as true music aficionados,” John says in a press release.
“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with” will be co-produced by Toronto’s reinvention entertainment, SpyBox Pictures and Prospero Pictures, along with London-based Rocket Pictures. The series will consist of 13 one-hour programs and feature everything from intimate one-on-ones with legendary performers and notable newcomers to thematic panel discussions.
“Spectacle” producers say the show will also feature a variety of performance elements including unique collaborations, acoustic and impromptu “illustrative” demonstrations of the creative process, and some original interpretations of others’ songs by Costello.
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