Complicated shadows - Graeme Thomson

This definitive biography of Elvis Costello paints a detailed and accurate portrait of an intensely private and complex individual. It draws on nearly fifty exclusive interviews with schoolmates, pre-fame friends, early band members, journalists, members of The Attractions, producers, collaborators and musicians from all stages of his life and career.

Complicated Shadows also unearths many previously unknown details about Costello's early years and his personal life, including the circumstances surrounding his second marriage to ex-Pogue Cait O'Riordan and the bitter break-up of his long-term backing band, The Attractions. It includes a full examination of his entire musical output using the recollections of those who were there at the time, the majority of whom have never talked on the subject before, and also includes previously unpublished lyrics from his earliest songs.