"I'd been to Memphis before, but we stayed out of Memphis early on in the late 70s for obvious reasons. People were very sensitive about Elvis Presley, and my stage name obviously would be provocative to some people in that area at that time"

Elvis Costello's quote is a reflection on his experience touring in Memphis in the late 70s. He discusses that he and atrioventricular bundle prevented Memphis due to the level of sensitivity of the locals towards Elvis Presley. Costello's phase name was a referral to the King of Rock and Roll, and he knew that it could be seen as intriguing to some people in the area. He was most likely concerned that his presence in Memphis might be seen as disrespectful to the memory of Elvis Presley, and so he picked to stay away. Costello's quote is a testament to his regard for the legacy of Elvis Presley, and his understanding of the value of the King of Rock and Roll to the people of Memphis.