From punk provocateur to pop crooner, Elvis Costello has played many parts over three decades, but TV host? Well, yeah, even that. He sat behind the desk at the Late Show one night in 2003, filling in for an ailing David Letterman. Veteran music writer/producer Stephen Warden took notice, and a few years later — with Elton John joining the gig as a co-producer (and a guest star) — Costello is free to let his inner musicologist rock out. The music and chat show Spectacle: Elvis Costello With … premieres on the Sundance Channel December 3rd, and Rock Daily has a full report from behind the scenes and a few advance clips: Click above to watch Elton John explain why he had to change his name to something a bit more rock & roll, and follow the jump for two tunes (the pair jamming on “Border Song” and “Down River”).

• On the Set of Spectacle with the Police, Jenny Lewis and More

Watch: Costello and John play “Border Song”"

Watch: Costello and John team up for “Down River”