One of the most memorable live TV performances happened on this day in 1977. Elvis Costello and the Attractions were the musical guests on Saturday Night Live. Hardly anyone even knew of Elvis Costello at the time. In fact, Elvis & the Attractions were only on Saturday Night Live because the Sex Pistols had last minute legal issues getting into the States. Columbia Records told Costello to perform "Less Than Zero" which was the emphasis single from his forthcoming album My Aim Is True. Elvis wanted to play "Radio Radio" - a less than flattering song about the clueless few in charge of what gets played on the airwaves. Producer Lorne Michaels specifically told Costello NOT to perform "Radio Radio."
Elvis Costello and the boys did begin playing "Less Than Zero" but Elvis shut that down and launched into "Radio Radio" instead. Michaels was not happy and would ban Elvis Costello from Saturday Night Live (a ban that managed to last 12 years.) Enjoy the defiance of the moment below.
