Elvis Costello & the Attractions Play ‘Riot Act’

Listen to this track, the closing song on 1980's Get Happy!!, recorded quickly after a dreary American tour and with a pile of Northern Soul 45s as a means to create it. Yet, there were other forces that helped to make this particular track - scandal! Picture the scene in a Columbus Ohio hotel bar, with a well-in-the-bag Costello, along with Attractions bassist Bruce Thomas, as well as members of Stephen Stills' band, including one Bonnie Bramlett. As such, we have something of the old guard in Stills' party, argubly 60s hippy remnants at somewhat of a descending arc by 1979. To contrast, Elvis Costello was being hailed as the future of rock 'n' roll, and as far away from Woodstock ideals as could be - at least on the surface. Musicians being the competitive sort, and some being rather belligerent after a few beers, an argument ensued. And boy, did it get ugly.