Elton John and Elvis Costello team up for television show

Elvis Costello has signed on for a 13-week television series on the BBC 4 entitled Spectacle: Elvis Costello with…, which Elton John is to executive produce. The program (or should we say programme) will feature interviews with artists and others with spectacular insight into the recording industry.

“I’m not interested in extracting some dark secret,” Costello told Billboard.com. “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.”

The Sundance Channel has already secured rights for the series in the United States. This, despite whispers of a possible change of hands with the ownership of the station. CTV has snagged distribution for Canada, and Fremantle will handle everything in between.

Premiering in December, a portion of the proceeds that the one-hour episodes garner will be donated to AIDS relief work in Africa.

Costello’s creativity abounds as of late, between the television project and the announcement of his forthcoming vinyl/digital-only album, Momofuku. Apparently Costello was craving noodles when he christened that one.

If the television set is not up-close and personal enough, Costello and the Imposters will be touring with the Police starting May 1.

Momofuku—don’t leave home without it:

1. No Hiding Place
2. American Gangster Time
3. Turpentine
4. Harry Worth
5. Drum and Bone
6. Flutter and Wow
7. Stella Hurt
8. Mr. Feathers
9. My Three Sons
10. Song With Rose
11. Pardon Me Madam, My Name Is Eve
12. Go Away