16 Oct
70: Elvis Costello and The Attractions perform their false start debut on Saturday Night Live
On December 17, 1977, Americans got their first taste of Elvis Costello and The Attractions on “Saturday Night Live”. It’s one of the most memorable “Saturday Night Live” musical performances, known as the “false start debut.”
In one of the most spontaneous moments, Elvis Costello began playing “Less Than Zero,” and within seconds turned to his band and signaled them to stop playing. He said to the audience, “I’m sorry ladies and gentlemen, there’s no reason to do this song here,” and proceeded to pounce through “Radio Radio.”
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The Onion – Memorable Musical Moments on Saturday Night Live
The word was that they had requested that they play that song, and Lorne Michaels refused, for fear of starting problems with the A&R departments that supplied their (then struggling) show with musical guests. He suggested “Less than Zero” instead. Elvis and the Attractions acquiesced, then later, when on the air - live, thought better of it.
October 17th, 2007 at 9:12 pmIn at least one tv documentary, the story is that Lorne Michaels was so upset when it happened that he was standing behind the camera giving Elvis Costello the middle finger the whole time.
October 18th, 2007 at 8:12 am