Elvis Costello gives guitar for raffle

AHEAD of his sold out performance at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on June 28, Elvis Costello has announced that he is gifting one of his Gibson acoustic guitars to the Picket music venue in Liverpool.

The venue will raffle the instrument to raise funds for the work it does with young bands. The Gibson DSM guitar, handmade in Canada, comes complete with a hard case and a personal note from Mr. Costello no less!

Since visiting the music venue and its Pinball Studios in the 1980’s Elvis has been a passionate supporter of its work; “It’s a place I feel very strongly about. It’s somewhere in Liverpool that allows people to play music at a community level, and for that it needs the city’s support”.

More recently in 2007 he appeared at the venue in a fundraising concert with the legendary American musician Allen Toussaint and a 12- piece band flown in from New Orleans. The show sold out within days of being announced and proved to be a memorable occasion while raising over £7,000.00 for the Picket.

Philip Hayes The Picket’s venue manager said: “Elvis’s kindness has been inspirational, his gig at the Picket in 2007 was a such a boost for us and a classic show. This gift will help us to continue to support the next generation of musicians from Liverpool, he knows that when you are starting off in the music industry you need help and encouragement and that’s what we provide.”

Tickets to win the guitar cost £10.00 and will go on sale at The Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool from Monday 28th June.