This section is for those of you who have seen Elvis Presley in concert to share your thoughts and feelings about this incredible experience with all the other fans in the world, and especially with those who never had the opportunity to hear or see Elvis in person.

By the way , for those fans who have shared their special memories with us , thank you so much.

Riverfront Coliseum Cincinnati, Ohio, June 25, 1977

In 1977, when I was 14, my best friend's older sister and 2 sisters in law were going to see Elvis, they were very excited! I begged and pleaded and, I'm sure, made a bloody nuisance of myself, and they told me if I could come up with the money, they'd get me a ticket and take me with them. I'm sure they never expected me to get the money, my mom was divorced with 6 children, one in college at the time. She didn't receive support from my dad, and worked two jobs to make ends meet, at the factory 7am-3pm, then waiting tables from 4:30pm-1 am. Looking back, I have no idea how she managed to get the money, but she did, and even gave me enough money to purchase 2 posters and a program!

Anyway, I got the money and was able to tag a long! It was a Saturday night, June 25, 1977, and Cincinnati was about 3 hours from my house, so we all got there and found our seats, then bought my souvenirs, and sat down. The show was scheduled to begin at 8:30, but Elvis was late, due to having to go to the dentist and sound problems, as he later explained. From the moment he stepped on stage, it was pure magic. I know some say he was sick, weak, a shadow of his former self; while he wasn't at his peak mentally or physically, he was still ELVIS! I'm telling ya, right before he came onstage, you could literally feel a crackling in the air, it was alive with energy, I kid you not! He was absolutely beautiful! He did See See Rider, and then spoke a bit about being late, joking around, apologizing, as if he needed to! He then did I Got A Woman/Amen and did the hip swiveling thing, and let J.D. take it way down the scale! Then did the Saturday Night, just got paid, thang. Made a few girls very happy in the front (Lots of squealing), quite a bit of joking around and they gave him something.

Then did Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock. Then He and Sherrill Neilson did O Sole Mio/It's Now Or Never. Then Little Sister, short but sweet! He then did Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel medley, with just a little bit of hip shakin 'and the line "please forget the past, before I kick your ___. "

Then, he slowed things down with And I Love You So. Very beautiful. His voice was very rich and strong! After that, it was My Way and then some introductions of the band, John Wilkinson doing a bit of early morning Rain, and Elvis singing it as well. Then, James Burton, and a bit of What'd I Say. Followed by Johnny B. Goode. After that, He did I Really Don't Want To Know, which I love. Followed by introduction of Vernon, they got him up on stage, he looked very well, though Elvis had said he'd been sick, also he introduced his girlfriend Ginger, then the rest of the Alden Klan. and the Espositos. He also mentioned the young people from England who had come to see him. He then did Unchained Melody and it was phenomenal. He did miss a chord, as he warned us he might, but it was so full of emotion, his voice so beautiful, I can't begin to describe it, even better than the live 1977 version that plays a lot, from where, Rapid City?

He next did Hound Dog and Can't Help Falling In Love. Then, he walked to all sides of the stage, and put his arms in the air. Then suddenly, he was gone! The exit music played for just a very short time, and the announcement, "Elvis Has Left The Building, Thank You and Good Night" followed by the plug for souvenirs, the exit instructions and all that.

I'm telling you what, it felt like it does after a big storm, when everything is still and quiet, like all the energy had been sucked out of the air. It honestly felt like he had only been onstage a couple of minutes, but also like he'd always been there. I really was mesmerized the whole time, I don't recall if anyone said anything to me, except someone did offer me their binoculars, but I don't remember using them. If I'd been just a little bit older or wiser, I would have attempted to get down front, where I may have gotten a scarf or a kiss, but the people making the announcements assured us that if you were down there without a ticket for the front row, you would be ejected, and I had no intention of jeopardizing my chance to finally see Elvis! I finally left when my friend's sister shoved me out of my seat. It was an incredible experience. I've been to a few concerts since, but nothing has ever or will ever compare to that night! I'll never, ever forget it!

Kelly

LAS VEGAS August 1969

My name is Mathieu (Matthew) Minacapelli and I have been a fan of the King since the end of 1963 (Funny How Time Slips Away). At that time, Elvis' Hollywood period was in full swing, but what was most important to me as a rock fan was discovering his first records and after that, his marvelous albums of the early 60's. Elvis continued to do films, but in 1968 his TV show on NBC gave me hope! Was he coming back to the stage? Then in early 1969, that was the big news! We learned that Elvis was returning to the Las Vegas stage. I had been waiting for that for some time. Two friends and I didn't think twice about it, we had to go, no matter what.

We got ready for the trip, and we asked ourselves: What will he be like on stage? We spent so many hours discussing our points of view! To put us in the right mood, we enjoyed Elvis' fabulous album, "From Elvis in Memphis!" So I left with my two friends on this great trip to the "States," and at the last minute a female fan decided to join us. We were to cross the United States by Greyhound Bus. From New York, we would make it a point to go by Memphis and Graceland, of course. But we stayed only one day, because what mattered most was Elvis and he was in Las Vegas! We arrived at the Promised Land on August 11th at 3 o'clock in the morning. Because we were impatient, we went straight to the International Hotel and we were even able to go into the showroom. We went up to the stage where a man was setting up and we asked him questions, especially if Elvis sung well on this stage. We were not able to get reservations for the 11th, but the morning of the 12th were the first in line to buy tickets for the evening show. We met the manager of the International Hotel, an Italian immigrant named "Emilio," and we got along very well with him. He took us to his office where he gave back our letters which were in a drawer with others! We had sent them before leaving France with money orders to hold our reservations, just in case.

We then phoned "Tom Diskin," the Colonel's right hand man, who made an appointment with us for that afternoon. We met at four o'clock in the afternoon at the cafeteria of the International Hotel. He thanked us immediately for having come from so far away because our arrival had been announced on television! They knew that some people were coming from France to see Elvis and some small excerpts of the show had been broadcast. We talked for an hour about Elvis' career, his films, his latest TV show, etc.... Finally he said "Believe me, you will not be disappointed this evening!" Before leaving, we naturally asked if it would be possible to meet Elvis! He answered that it would be difficult, because too many people want to see him. Essentially, he told us he would try but he could not promise anything.

That evening at 8:00 PM, we were at the "Dinner Show" and everyone had practically finished dinner when the show began with "The Sweet Inspirations" followed by "Sammy Shore." Just a little interlude was left until that great moment we had been waiting years for, and who did we see? Colonel Parker! We called out to him! He said to us, "Oh, you're the French fans! I'm going to try to arrange it so you can meet Elvis! A few minutes later he came back and told us: "At the end of the show make sure not to move from your seats, OK?" We were flabbergasted, but we hardly had time to react because the show was beginning! Oh, how lovely those first minutes were, and I must make it clear and let it be known: Elvis in '69 was about ROCK like we never dreamed he could do it. In all of his songs there was unmatched delight, and he moved in an unbelievable way!

These were not the pelvic movements of the fifties of course, but he was just as wild as in the 50's. And to tell the truth, he was even better! We had dreamed about this, about being awestruck with the show that he put on for his comeback. From the first song, which was "Blue Suede Shoes," we were speechless! He finished with "I Got a Woman," with his right knee on the ground, and his left leg stretched out, the microphone at his feet was completely turned upside down and almost touching the floor! In "All Shook Up" he made those silent yet powerful punches with his right hand. I felt like I was knocked out while still standing! "Jailhouse Rock" was fantastic, with his "crazy" left leg. The guitar was flying all over the place.

At the beginning of "Hound Dog," he leaned softly with his guitar as he spoke, and then brusquely started shouting like he had never done before! In "My Babe" his whole body shook while balancing his right leg in front and hopping forward. Finally in "Hey Jude" he moved to the front of the stage while doing strange, forceful karate moves, etc. etc.! It was truly the creator and the King of Rock before us. We really didn't think that Elvis would move like that. But he demonstrated that he's a great showman, joking with the public. At one point in the show he sat down, and with anecdotes and laughter, he told about his career from its beginnings right up to his comeback.

At the end of "Suspicious Minds," it was delirium punctuated by an incredible "standing ovation" lasting several minutes! The show ended and at the end of "Can't Help Falling in Love" we all went wild! Some Americans near us had a good time just watching how enthusiastic we were. While the audience slowly left the showroom, you can guess that no one could have made us move from our seats! Colonel Parker came to get us and we followed him... So we arrived near Elvis' dressing room where there were lots of people. We waited, both excited and emotionally moved. At last they let us enter and Elvis came towards us, shaking our hands with a big smile. Elvis' father was there also, seated in the corner of the room and naturally, the Colonel was there. Elvis immediately thanked us for coming from France to see him. What powerful presence! However, after a few moments we felt relaxed there with Elvis who spoke to us in a very down to earth manner. That's what put us at ease no doubt. What class! Physically also, in '69 he was in great shape!

Elvis asked us if we liked the show... can you imagine our response? Would we come see him again? We told him we would go see him again many times! He wanted to know how long we would stay in Las Vegas. Our answer: Until we're broke! Elvis burst out laughing! We asked him if he remembered Paris, which he had visited during his military service, and he answered: Of course, and stated that he had had a nice time there and that it was a very beautiful city. As far as his films go, he told us he had a contract to honor. It was crystal clear: I don't think he had any desire to "discuss" this subject. What mattered now was his return to the stage. Of course we wanted to know if he had any plans to come sing in Europe, and he assured us that he really wanted to do concerts there but that it was impossible for the near future. Elvis noticed that one of my friends did not have a French face, and the friend explained that he was from Corsica. Elvis asked: What's Corsica? When we told him it was the place where Napoleon was born, he begin laughing and said that it was the first time he had heard of it. We asked him a favor. In a future show, could he do a move like he did in 1956? When one of our friends demonstrated it for him, Elvis burst out laughing again! What an unforgettable moment! We then asked for autographs, and he wrote "To Matthew from Elvis Presley" on mine, a big publicity shot from the '69 shows. We were able to capture this magic moment with several photos, thanks to our friend who had brought her camera.

Fifteen minutes went by and we said our good-byes with a sincere handshake, and Elvis graciously invited us back to the second show. We left the dressing room after saying good-bye to Colonel Parker and Elvis' father as well. Ecstatic and overjoyed, we prayed the photos would come out well. Who would have believed it... Me, for one, I decided to never wash my right hand again! For the "Midnight Show" we were seated in the first row! He gave another super concert, and being so close to the stage we made uproar, and Elvis recognized us of course. At the end of "Jailhouse Rock" he did a strangely '56-like move, just as we had requested!

I stayed in Las Vegas until August 25th and saw Elvis on stage six times. We even approached him several times during autograph signings he did in the halls of the International Hotel. After one of them, he greeted us with "Hello!" We also ran into the Colonel, with his eternal cigar, quite often. You can imagine that this has become an unforgettable memory for me, unfortunately we did not have video cameras in 1969. What a shame! Because if footage is plentiful for the '70's, it is practically nonexistent for that year, 1969. And for me, that period was unique because there was spontaneity, humor and energy - all integrated with that extraordinary voice. Elvis was simply at his peak.

AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE THE KING OF ROCK.
Mathieu Minacapelli

Elvis at the Spectrum, November 8, 1971 - Philadelphia, Pa.

I was a freshman in high school when my mother took me to my first Elvis Presley concert. It was a Monday evening and it was very chilly and rainy in Philadelphia. I had been an Elvis my whole life. Even during the mid-sixties I was listening to Elvis soundtracks, my Dad's record collection from the fifties, and enjoying every minute of it. So when my Mom surprised me and said, "We are going to see Elvis," I began counting down the days.

The Sweet Inspirations opened the show and I enjoyed them a great deal! They were followed by Jackie Kahan who was a comedian who toured with the Elvis shows. I must admit, I thought he was pretty funny! But, everyone was there to see Elvis. A few chants of "We want Elvis" kept coming and going. After Jackie's part it was time for the intermission. Finally, after an announcement to return to your seats because the second half of the show, the lights went down and the Spectrum was dark.

Slowly the sounds of 2001 A Space Odyssey sounded throughout the Spectrum. I know that this is maybe at the most one minute in length, but sitting there knowing that Elvis was about to appear made the time seem like 30 minutes! With each blast of the trumpet, with each sound of the drum, with each "AAHH" from the backup singers, the anticipation grew. I remember sitting in seat, knees bouncing up and down, breathing heavier and heavier. Many alongside of me were saying that they too were getting "goose-bumps." Other people around me were filling with tears and literally shaking! Then at long last we heard from the backup singer, "AAHH, AAHH, AAAHHHH!" Then suddenly the band kicked in, spot lights circled the Spectrum and then Elvis seemed to just appear out of the darkness. When he appeared there was a roar from the sold out audience that was as loud as I have ever heard an audience, even to this day. Elvis walked on to the stage walking very quickly moving from side to side greeting the audience with a big smile. Flashbulbs were "popping" everywhere it seemed creating an almost strobe light effect. Elvis had on what has become known as the "Spectrum" jumpsuit. Each time a spotlight hit a sequin the light bounced off the suit. The suit was magnificent to look at and he appeared to be in excellent physical shape. As the ovation continued he walked back and got his guitar from Charlie Hodge and as he did I saw him smile and seemed to shake his head and go "Whew." I always thought Elvis was doing that because of the reception he received. Then it was right into "That's All Right, Mama." While my seat was along side of the stage it was difficult at times to hear the song because of the roar of the crowd. But I remember that as Elvis sang this great song, his leg was shaking wildly! Elvis then went into "I Got a Woman" and ended it by jerking the microphone back and forth, sliding his hand down the stand, and then slamming the guitar into the air (much like you see in the movie "On Tour").

Elvis thanked and welcomed us and introduced himself as Johnny Cash! We all laughed and Elvis went into his first movie song, "Love Me Tender," which received yet another roar of approval from the crowd. He interacted with some members of the audience on the other side of the stage as he sang this one. Elvis throughout this entire show moved very quickly from song to song. The next song was (and still is) one of my personal favorites, "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me." I can remember as soon as I heard him say, "When I said..." I was just jumping up and down because I was so excited. >From there he did a marvelous "You've Lost That Loving Feeling, and quickly moved into "Polk Salad Annie." This version he really seemed to have fun with. At this point, Elvis was still doing the talking part at the beginning of the song...., "Some of you have never been down south too much..." etc. He became very animated during some of the speaking parts shouting out words and even making up some! Everyone was enjoying it, but nothing compared to what Elvis gave us at the close of the song. With trumpets blasting, the Sweet Inspirations shouting, "Go..., Go!" Elvis just thrusting and shaking his arms, legs, was working the crowd into a frenzy. Again, flashbulbs were popping everywhere which added to the drama on the stage. I've never seen anything like it before. Elvis walked around for a bit following "Polk."

He greeted some fans and drew loud roars again. Then it was a neat version of Johnny B. Goode which featured some great guitar work by James Burton. Then Elvis stopped center stage and said, "Treat..., Me.... Like a fool" and began a great version of "Love Me." It wasn't as fast as the later seventies shows would feature. This version was much slower and sung so well! Quickly following were "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Blue Suede Shoes." Then Elvis did one of my favorite 1950's songs, "One Night." I remember when he sang, "Just call my name," that the Sweet Inspirations all shouted his name, which brought screams for the audience. We really enjoyed that one. Elvis' interactions with the band and back up singers was marvelous that night. After a playful opening, Elvis then did a really good version of "Hound Dog. The crowd was really into it! Then Elvis announced that he was going to do a gospel song and performed a beautiful "How Great Thou Art." It sounded close to the 1966 original and Elvis' voice was simply amazing! He received a loud ovation after this one! Next came the band introductions and then went right into a great rocking version of another favorite, "Lawdy Miss Clawdy!" I have always loved that song and to see him perform it live was a treat. Things slowed down with a beautiful "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" This was done serious and without the joking that would be featured during this song in later years. I remember specifically during this song that Elvis came to the side of the stage where we were sitting and held on to a pole which ran from the stage to the ceiling and swung one leg in the air over the audience seated there. Screams were ringing out as he did this and I remember being bumped into by several women at that point. But it was a very beautiful version of the song.

Elvis then performed "Bridge Over Troubled Water." All I can say is, "Wow!" This was an amazing performance and like "How Great Thou Art," was a real show stopper. The ovation was really loud and even before it could slow down Elvis began the song again at the "Sail on silver girl.." part. He then dropped to one knee as he finished the encore performance of Bridge. A surprise for me was the next song which was "The Impossible Dream." In recalling the concert I must say, it was an unbelievable treat to have Bridge and Dream back-to-back! I think Elvis shook the rafters of the Spectrum when finishing the song with, "The unreachable star!" Elvis was singing high, and JD Sumner bottomed-out, add in the back-up singers the band and the orchestra, and its clear to see why nearly everyone was on their feet after this song! I like it better than any of the recorded live versions I've heard. As the ovation was still at a high level, he jumped into "Suspicious Minds." I've got to say, like "Polk Salad Annie," I was beginning to perspire watching Elvis work on this song! It featured plenty of movements by Elvis, the band had the tempo going from fast to slow and back to fast again. It was an amazing performance of this song. As the music began to fade, Elvis tossed his microphone aside, took a karate stance, and began an awesome karate display. The drummer hitting a loud beat with every movement Elvis made. Again, all I can say is awesome!

After this song Elvis actually sat down for a second as he talked to the audience. He then asked to have the house lights turned on and of course, we are screamed loudly. Elvis thanked everyone for coming to see the show and he told us it was good to be back in Philly. He reminded us that it was the first time he performed in the city since the 1950's. Everyone cheered. He then announced, "There's a song from Blue Hawaii I'd like to dedicate to you." And with that he began "Can't Help Falling in Love" which was well received. I didn't know that this was Elvis' closing number. He sang walking back and forth on the stage with his cape on and handed out one scarf during that song. I remember as Elvis hit a beautiful high note ending that the Spectrum just roared as he dropped to one knee with his cape fully opened. WOW! You had to see it to believe it! Again, like many times throughout the show, it was difficult at times to clearly hear the band because of the audience ovation. Elvis walked to all sides of the stage acknowledging everyone and as he reached the steps he stopped, turned around and smiled at the loud standing ovation he was receiving. He smiled, waved, and then two men whisked Elvis off the stage. Then the sound that no Elvis fan wants to hear at an Elvis concert, "Elvis has left the building. Thank you and good night."

It was 10:20 in the evening and the concert was over, Elvis was now in a limousine headed back to the hotel. The lights were turned on and people were still cheering, a few women around me were crying, and I felt exhausted. I remember turning to Mom and saying, "Wow, can you believe that?" Her response was simply, "Oh, he is so great!" We sat for a while realizing that we had just witnessed something extraordinary. Elvis had a real neat way of mixing the song line up so that you would be rocking one minute on the edge of your seat, and sitting back with a tear in your eye on the next. One of my greatest memories of that night was his voice. If you have ever been to an early 70's Elvis concert, you know what I mean about how magnificent his voice truly was. Although I did have the chance to see a few other Elvis concerts through the 70's, November 8, 1971 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, remains the greatest concert I have ever attended!

Jim Bolton

Old concerts, Hawaii 1957

I was a 19 year-old sailor stationed at NAS Barber's Pt. in Oahu Hawaii. There was a notice that Elvis would be doing a concert for military personnel at Schofield Barracks on Nov. 11th, 1957. I asked my girlfriend (now my wife) if she wanted to go with me to see him. She did not really care for Elvis so I went alone. The admission price was $1.00. That doesn't sound like a lot, but remember, I was only making about $93.00 a month. That would mean it cost about 1% of my monthly pay. Today I make about $10,000 a month. So 1% of that would be $100.00. I think I was over charged back in 1957, LOL!

The venue was Conroy Bowl. IIRC it was a rather small showroom so most everybody would have a good seat. I think I was about 10 rows from the stage. It's been a while so I can't remember much of the show but he did all his songs that are now classics.

In 1961, I was now working for an auto dealership called Hawaiian Dodge. I was provided with a blue convertible as my demo. One day the sales manager told me that they would be needing the car for a movie. I later found out that the studio had either rented or borrowed the blue Dodge convertible to be used in Elvis' Blue Hawaii.

In 1969 I was working my way through the U. of Hawaii as a service waiter at the Ilikai Hotel near Waikiki. On my way to a room someone said that Elvis was in the patio near the pool and restaurant/bar. I noticed him and another man sitting outdoors having a conversation. Surprisingly there was no one asking for autographs around him, so I approached both and said hello to Elvis. He was smoking a cigar, but I don't remember what type of drink he was drinking. I asked for his autograph and as he started to write on a paper napkin, I told him that I had seem him 12 years earlier at Conroy Bowl. He conversed with me for a few minutes, just general stuff, like about Hawaii, the weather, me going to school, you know, mundane things. He was a real gentleman, not rushing or seeming to be annoyed by my questions or by just being there. I don't know who the other person was.

In 1973 I was then a police officer for HPD. The department was looking for volunteers to work the Elvis satellite show (it was a benefit concert). I was one of many who worked without pay that night. I did not see him as I was assigned to work traffic outside the concert hall. I forgot the name of the place, but it is now called NBC (Neil Blaisdell Center).

Four years later, while driving home from work at UC Santa Cruz Police Department I heard the news of his passing, on highway 101 about 1/2 mile from the Tully Rd. exit. SB.

Eddie

ELVIS in Concert by Jennie Carpenter

To those of you who never had an opportunity to see Elvis in concert, my heart goes out to you for missing an absolute experience of a lifetime--one that is simply impossible to explain. Trying to portray the feelings you had at an Elvis concert is similar to trying to describe being an Elvis fan to someone who isn't. The energy level of the audience and the excitement of just being in the same arena with him is captivating and almost overwhelming - simply writing words do not do justice to the explanation. Elvis always performed in a manner that made you not want to blink an eye for fear of missing one little thing that he might do. Regardless of where you were seated, even if you were in the "peanut gallery," you were still a part of this spectacular historical event --- something that you could never forget. Elvis Presley projected a form of magnetism, and regardless of how ill he might have been the last few years of his life and the many times he should have not been on stage, he was still the ultimate entertainer and our hero.

One of my lifetime dreams did come true, and that was to see Elvis in concert. Not only did that dream come true, but also I was one of the fortunate ones who had the privilege of seeing him perform more than once. I saw him eight times, the first in Montgomery, AL, in 1974 and the others were in Huntsville, AL, in 1975 and 1976. This particular time in 1976 - the last time ever I saw his face - is deeply etched between the pages of my mind.

"THE LAST TIME EVER I SAW HIS FACE"

After months of waiting for this moment, it was finally show time on September 6, 1976, Labor Day. Amidst a capacity sell-out crowd at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, Alabama, as the lights were turned down, the audience went crazy! You could feel the electricity throughout the arena - the crowd was so loud that you could hardly hear the orchestra as they began playing "2001." I just thought my heart would beat right out of my chest! Then a few seconds later Elvis came rushing up the steps from back stage - and there he was, "looking like glory and walking like a dream."

From the moment the band started playing until after the announcer said, "Elvis has left the building," it felt like the entire time was somewhat a dream. As we watched him go through the motions, we knew that he was doing his very best at entertaining his audience. Though he was overweight and his actions proved he did not feel up to performing, he made it through the hour with a wonderful performance. (However, I am not totally rational when it comes to Elvis and I may lose perspective sometimes when it concerns him; so regardless of how he performed, I always thought he was terrific. He was just more terrific when he felt good.) Yet this time I was really taken back by his actions, so much that I was unable to concentrate on the songs he sang - it was frightening to see what a change there was in him from only a year ago. My mind was centered on him instead of the concert. The moment I saw him I had this very eerie premonition that after this day I would never see him alive again. The way he looked and acted was so similar to how he looked in "The Last Concert." (A little over a year later when I saw the concert on TV, it was instant dejevu-Labor Day 1976.) Then all too soon came "Can't Help Fallin' In Love" and he left as quickly as he came.

The Labor Day evening concert was "the last time ever I saw his face." As much as I loved seeing him perform, it absolutely broke my heart to see him trying so hard to please and to just barely make it through the show. Just prior to the concert, I had overheard Colonel Parker say to one of the guys, "I don't care what you have to do, you just get his ass on this stage!" At this point, I realized that someone had done just that! I shall never forget the look in his eyes--- they portrayed the agony and pain he was obviously experiencing at this particular time in his life. And though his words were sometimes slurred and occasionally when parts of the songs were forgotten, and when his actions and Karate moves were a bit slower than they used to be, Elvis Presley was still the absolute ultimate entertainer and the most dynamic Rock and Roll singer ever. At this point, "he still could rock, but he just couldn't roll," yet he did his very best to please us regardless of his health. He had to have been embarrassed about his weight, and he made jokes when the words came out wrong. But all in all he was just doing what he thought he owed his fans - he was giving us a performance. I just wish he could have somehow known what we wanted most of all was for him to take care of himself.

As the concert came to an end, with tears streaming down my face, I was sad beyond words because I truly knew within my soul that this would be "the last time ever I saw his face."

I haven't been right since

I was 11 years old when my mother asked me if I would like to see Elvis in concert at the Phila. Spectrum. It was early spring and at that time of my life I was into Bobby Sherman and David Cassidy. I knew who Elvis was but never had a thought about him. But I had never been to a real concert so I said "Yes". My Aunt and cousin met us there so there was to be 5 of us...my Aunt Pat was the real fan and my Mother just went along to be a good friend (she was more into "FRANK" and opera ).

Before we went to our behind the stage, 13 $ seats my Aunt bought me a big Elvis pin which I was trilled with. We got to our seats and I was mad at my mom cause she wouldn't let me bring in a instamatic camera cause on the tickets it said no flash allowed but everybody was flashing away. Anyway the lights go black a mad rush of energy runs though the building and a sudden spot light appears on stage and all at once one hears the entrance music "2001 Space Oddassy" and then HE appears...in a huge bright light....with a million flash bulbs going off...creating a strobe effect that was mind bending to this 11 yr old...and a rush of electricity ran through the crowd and zapped me and ran through me and charged me and changed me forever. And I have not been right since. I don't remember the songs he sang or much more of the concert because I just cried and cried like a complete idiot.I have since been searching for a video or sound-board recording of "MY" concert but have not gotten lucky yet---30 years later I still have hope and still feel very blessed to have been lucky enough to have seen "HIM" in concert on June 23 1974 3pm at the Spectrum. Thanks for letting me express my story to you.

Fondly Jeannine

'Carry Me Back to Old Virginia. (April 10, 1972)

I had the pleasure of seeing Elvis in concert six times (from 1972 through 1977). Although all of the shows were special, none was as electrifying as the first show in Richmond, Virginia on April 10, 1972. I wish everyone could have experienced the anticipation and excitement of that magical evening. It is impossible to convey the heart-pounding, adrenaline rush that I received that night when Elvis materialized out of the darkness in his red 'Burning Love' jumpsuit. The roar of the crowd was deafening as he slowly and majestically climbed the stairs amidst a brilliant storm of flashbulbs going off. MGM's cameras were filming the show for a segment in the movie 'Elvis on Tour,' and you could tell Elvis was playing to them as well as the audience in attendance. Our seats were just to the right of the stage and I can distinctly remember several highlights from the performance:

As I have already mentioned, Elvis' entrance on stage was worth the price of admission by itself. When he reached the top of the stairs, he put his hands on his huge gold belt and slowly walked from one end of the stage to the other, gazing out into the crowd. I remember thinking how confident and businesslike he looked. From there he launched into a full hour's worth of songs, most of which can still be heard on the CD 'Carry Me Back to Old Virginia.' That CD brings back a lot of memories for me. I can still picture Elvis rolling around on the floor and clowning before he starts singing 'Love Me.' I'll never forget the karate exhibition he put on during 'Poke Salad Annie.' I kept thinking, "How can he keep this pace up and still sing?" One of the most long-lasting images of the evening came when Elvis performed 'American Trilogy.' As he began the 'Dixie' portion of the medley, many in the Richmond crowd stood up and cheered loudly; and then sat down when he did 'Battle Hymn of the Republic.'

Several minutes later, when he asked that the house lights be turned up, I remember staring at his sequined cape and thinking - "This is the same person that I saw in all of those movies when I was a child!" It was as if Hollywood had come to our own backyard. When Elvis finally made his way off the stage and disappeared into the darkness, my girlfriend looked at me and said, "I can't believe one person could have that kind of effect on an entire building full of people." But he did. During the next five years, I would see Elvis in concert five more times before his untimely death, but none would ever match the emotion of April 10, 1972. It is something that happens once in a lifetime, if you're lucky.

Steve Franzello
Fredericksburg, VA

July 29, 1976 Springfield, Mass.

I was only 12 years old. I thought it was a thrill getting on tv waiting in line for tickets, but the best was yet to come.

My family had to reschedule a summer cruise because I refused to miss the show. Mom was ticked, but I didn't care.

The night of the show Dad had to pull over the car twice on the way to the arena so I could "toss my cookies". The closer we got the more nervous I was that I was actually going to see the KING!

The show was a bit of blur at that age..it was like I was in a trance the whole time. At one point Elvis started to sing the opening of Hound Dog, "You ain't...you ain't...you ain't.........". Everyone started to scream and he stopped abruptly and with that big smile said,"You don't know what I'm going to sing yet" We all laughed and he jumped right into Hound Dog.

We had floor seats and halfway through Dad said it was okay to go to the stage. I got about 10 rows from the stage when my legs turned to rubber. I just stood there immobilized and my face was glossed over with a look of awe! You would of thought I was one of the children at Fatima that had seen Mary! I was awakened out of my trance by the voice of a shouting security guard to a group of women to return to their seats ...NOW!!!

I returned to my seat and watched the remainder of the show standing on my chair. My Dad repeatedly said, "Let's leave early and beat the traffic", but I refused to move until the end. As the opening rift to Can't Help Falling In Love started I began to cry because I knew it was the final song.

The following year my family again changed their vacation plans because I had tickets for Hartford on 8/21/77. Of course, four days prior my life, and the world changed forever.

Since I was so young and my memory weak, I have refused to see ANY impersonator since his passing, choosing to hold on to those precious few memories I have.

I did go see Elvis-The Concert twice. Each time during American Trilogy, as did the audience, I wept. To hear him sing those fateful lyric's,"... so hush little baby, don't you cry. You know your Daddy's, bound to die; but soon my trials will be over.." , simply tore my heart out. Yet as in 76', my best memories are not of the tears, but of the cheering, joy, and love I felt that night.

I love you Elvis.....you will never be forgotten!!

Sincerely,
Michael Barile, Conneticut

1974: Like in Heaven in New Haven, CT by Dave Anderson

Well I guess it all started in 1972.. I always liked Elvis but was never a huge dedicated fan until I heard the concert he did at Madison Square Garden in 1972. I was dating this girl and she had the concert playing on an 8-track tape and after I listened to it I was a major dedicated fan. I was blown away by that show!!!!!!...and in 1974 I had the chance of a lifetime to see the King in person at a concert in New Haven CT.

I heard about the concert on the radio and that tickets were still on sale, so I got 2 of them and me and my girl friend went to the show. I guess, we were the last ones to get tickets because we were not only in the nose bleed section but we were in back of him as well but I had binoculars so it was all good. The lights dimmed and the band started playing 2001 space odessy and by then the roar was deafening from the crowd and when he walked out on stage it was unbelievable!!!! My ears were ringing from the screams from the crowd and that was before Elvis started his first song. About 20 min. Into the show he turned around so all of us in back of him could see him. Needless to say it was a fantastic show!!!!!..(of course)!!..

Elvis had just started to put on some weight but he looked and sounded great. To this day I think that if outsiders were to talk to Elvis and make him realize that the world loves him and that we all care about him I believe that he would still be here with us.. I know the Memphis Mafia as they were called cared about him loved him but I know that if fans actually talked with him there would of been a change.....but as for me I miss him very much and being an owner operator of a mobile DJ Service I play his music all the time and always will.. his gift of music and voice will forever remain.....to all the Elvis fans who read this please keep Elvis in your hearts and never let the memories leave....

Sincerely,

Dave Anderson, Platinum Eentertainment DJ Service.

OLD TIMES NOT FORGOTTEN By Don Graham

ELVIS at Memorial Coliseum - Aug 30, 1976, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

This was the first concert I ever went to. My mother brought me and I was only 12 years old. The album, "FROM ELVIS PRESLEY BOULEVARD" was Elvis' newest studio album at the time.

The show was a complete sell-out. Even the seats behind the stage were sold. The only reason we had tickets was because a relative had "camped out" for them, spending the night outside the ticket office.

Elvis appeared onstage overweight and his voice somewhat flat. He also had some trouble with feedback and echo during the show. After the first song, "See See Rider," he even asked some of his sound crew to come onstage and examine his mike. Just the same, the crowd cheered fanaticly.

Some of the shows' better moments was Elvis version of "America The Beautiful," and "Hurt" ; Both of which he performed restarted / extended versions.

"And I Love You So" was also well done.

He cut "Early Mornin' Rain" short, only doing the first verse. This was not the only song that he compacted.

Also noteworthy, is the extreme lightshow from instamatic cameras that occured when Elvis came on stage, and everytime he turned around to face the crowd behind the stage.

Elvis was very generous with the spotlight, offering his band members lengthy solos. Ronnie Tutt did a memorable drum solo. James Burton played the guitar behind his head during his solo because Elvis asked him to.

Elvis tested JD Sumner at the end of "I've Got A Woman" by making him do his bass line again. Sumner did so well that his low drone caused the PA system to blink off.

Kathy Westmoreland sang a gospel song while Elvis looked on.

During band member solos, Elvis would stand by and drink water.

The show was over in a little over 70 minutes.

June 23, 1977. Des Moines, IA

The show of course was phenomenal! I was a relativley new Elvis fan at the time. I had never seen him in concert before. Being 14 at the time I was more into KISS and Aerosmith then. I had helped my mother one day clean out the garage and she offered to buy me an album for helping. So of course I ran right for the KISS section to get the newest album. She stopped me and said, no I offered to buy it, but I get to pick it. She got me and Elvis album. I was so embarrassed! I said Mom I cant play this for any of my friends, they'll laugh at me. Well in the privacy of my room I decided to listen to it and couldnt believe how much I liked it. Still couldnt tell my friends though. Ha! About a year later the TV said Elvis was coming to Des Moines. I couldnt believe my eyes, I said Mom!! We have to go!! The next day she picked me up from school and we had the radio on with the announcer saying all the Elvis tickets were gone......SOLD OUT in 3 hours. I was so depressed then. Mom asked me to get her cough drops from her purse for her, so I did. Under the plastic wrapper sat two tickets to see Elvis! She had gone down that morning after dropping me off and stood in line and was one of the few to get them.

I was beside myself with excitement! I had started doing Elvis shows about 6 months before that on our back porch for kids around the nieghborhood. I was no longer ashamed of my liking Elvis Presley. In July of 77 I did my first paid Elvis show for a local event in Des Moines, but thats a whole other story. The days were fast approaching to see Elvis and I couldnt wait. My Grandmother had been living with us at the time due to her declining health, and the day before the concert she was admitted to the hospital. My mother had said to my grandma that she would stay with her at the hospital till she was feeling better. My grandma said oh no you wont! If Jeff misses that concert he'll never forgive me. I of course would have stayed with her as well, disappointed, but she was my grandma and I loved her dearly.

Well the night finally came! June 23rd, 1977, and here we were standing out in front of Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines ready to see the King! My add and my other brother went to see the new hit movie, Young Frankenstien. (Has it really been that long ago?) The whole front walkway area to the auditorium was crawling with people! Some wearing Elvis T-shirts and pins, of course the usual scalpers, and people of all ages! I even saw some my age and it made me feel better! Ha! As we walked in all you could hear were the sounds of people scrambling for thier seats, some were even crying they were so excited. The sound of people shouting, " Elvis Super Souvineers! Get your Elvis Super Souvineers!! Everybody loves Elvis, get em while you can!!" was everywhere. The entire building just seemed like it was wired with electricity, you could just feel it in the air! He was there, you could just feel it, he was in the building!

The lights went down, and you could hear the band getting ready to start, like the opening of an orchestra concert. Instruments tuning, people saying check one two, one two, on the microphones. Then it started, the lights came up and the band started playing. I was shaking, not sure why but I was shaking bad. I was so excited and I couldnt believe I was there to see this. We had been teasing my Mom about having a crush on Elvis when she was in High School and that she would probably attack him on stage when he came out. This being a ridiculous idea as my mother could not have been and more quiet and shy or she would have been asleep. A very devoted worker in the church and in our perocial school which we attended. She kept saying to us, you guys are crazy and acted embarrassed. For the first hour or so we were treated to the comedy of Jackie Kahane, who also informed us that Elvis looked great, he felt great and couldnt wait to get out here and start the show. He also told several Elvis related jokes that I do somewhat remember. Something about a guys wife always telling him to slow down when he is driving unless they were on theyre way to an Elvis show and then she would tell him, "STEP ON IT SUCKER". We heard the music of the Sweet Inspirations, as well as JD and the Stamps, Kathy Westmoreland and of course the TCB Band and the Joe Guercio Orchestra!

Since this was our first concert we kept wondering when does Elvis come out? Then we heard some screaming to the left of the stage. Elvis had stuck his head out to look at the crowd I guess I was spotted. The whole corner was screaming hysterically! Then we here the announcement that we were taking a 30 minute intermission. So I took the oppurtunity to get myself calmed down, mom seemed fine and calm as well, so we went to the concession stands and bought everything I could with the paper route money I had been saving. A poster of Elvis in a blue suit, a T-shirt, and a button.

We're back in our seats now. The lights once again drop and the band starts playing 2001 space oddessy. I was really shaking now! I heard this song on a live album of Elvis' and I knew this was his entrance. I couldnt stand it, mom was still very calm. I am sure I drove her nuts with my constant, "I think this is it mom, I think he is coming out now." I had never noticed until them just how long 2001 space oddessy can be! Ha! Then I hear the drum start for CC Rider and I knew this was it! Spotlights were swinging all over the room, huge flashes of light were exploding from all sides, the stage lighting was at full bright and in one fell swoop, all the spots came together at stage left and there he was walking out across the stage. He was wearing a white jumpsuit with an Aztec Sundial on it and the entire room exploded into a frenzy. Then the strangest thing of the evening happened, my mother started screaming! I thought she had been stabbed from someone behind us! I looked over and she was standing up and screaming! My mom! I had never seen her act that way and never saw it again. She had gone mad I was sure. None the less it was a sound I would get used to during the course of the show. Ha!

Elvis was fantastic and very funny which surprised me. I didnt think he would tell jokes and laugh and so forth. Now in retrospect I think he may have been a little more at ease since they had stopped the filming for the In Concert special. Although they did have cameras set up. He talked with people in the crowd, shook hands, and of course threw scarves. I remember one instance in particular where he was leaning down and talking to someone at the edge of the stage but you couldnt really hear what he was saying. A bunch of people started yelling "We cant hear you", he looked up and said, "I aint said nothing yet". The whole place started laughing. I watched one lady get strangled.....true! She had taken her blouse off, (by the way had nothing on under it! That was fun for a 14 year old boy...HA!) She threw it to Elvis, he picked it up and looked at her and said "is this yours?" She just kept screaming Elvis, Elvis!! He wiped his face off with it and threw it back to her. She put it back on and was immediatley jumped by 4 or 5 other ladies that ripped it back off her and the one peice that wouldnt rip off became like a noose that was strangling her as they pulled it. I wondered how she would explain being topless when she got home! Elvis introduced his father and his girlfriend Ginger Alden and several from her family in the show, featured almost everyone on stage, did the guitar toss, and the usual bantering with Charlie Hodge which was funny.

The show was awesome. Elvis sang everything I wanted to hear and then some. I am sure my mouth was hanging open the entire show. One other point of interest I might mention. Elvis introduced us to his new song Moody Blue that night. On all the websites I have looked at where they show Elvis song lists for concerts not one says he sang Moody Blue. I know he sang the song, because my mom and I went to our record store the next day to look for the album because we liked the song he sang from it so much. We wouldnt have looked for the song if he hadnt sang it.

Jeff Brandt