HAVE YOU SEEN ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT?
New Years Eve with Elvis
Hello
I went to the 1975 new years concert in Pontiac, Michigan. We went on a bus tour from Toronto before Elvis came out on stage we heard there was a bomb scare but he came out anyways I don't think he wanted to disappoint his fans then on top of that he split his pants so he had to go off stage to change then he gave a great performance. I still have my ticket.
Aug 1971 - Cocktail Show - International Hilton - Las Vegas
I was a little girl when Elvis walked on the stage of the Ed Sullivan Show. When I saw him I was hooked. I went from finger paints to pink and gray RCA portable radio. In those days in Glen Burnie MD the grocery stores sold the top 10-20 45's. I would carefully tuck everyone of Elvis' in my mother's shopping cart. We did not have a lot of money. So I did not ask for the records. And Mom pretended to be shocked each week when we got home with the records. When Love Me Tender came out I saw it 12 times and the same with the next 3 pictures. I loved Elvis. Not having any money I never dreamed that some day I would see him, especially in Las Vegas! During the end of the 60's and early 70's I was busy birthing babies. However, not so busy that I missed the 68 Comeback Special.
My girlfriend Claire and I made a committed decision to save money and go to Vegas. We did not get there in 69 but in 1971 we were ready. We still had not saved the money but we did have all the necessary credit cards. I booked our rooms and show tickets at the International Hilton a year in advance. At the time I was living and working in Waltham, Mass. Everyone we knew probably hated hearing how we were going to see Elvis in Vegas! It is a wonder we were not on the news. In 1969 my parents and siblings moved to Buena Park Ca so Claire and I were spending 2 weeks in Ca, Mexico and Vegas! We could not be more excited. I had just had a baby in July and went to the doctor to lose some weight I was a large 125 lbs! (I wish that was my problem today!) The doctor gave Claire and I diet pills to lose the weight. Back then we did not know anything about diet pills. So we were taking them for about 1 month prior to the trip.
I am a very active person and diet pills and me do not mix. I started 400 projects at one time and did not finish any of them. The more hours I was up the less I got done. But hey I was looking great. The day came and we left for California, Claire,my 2 children, and myself. We already had not been to bed in two days. We arrived in California and met my family at the airport. They were so excited to see us. They had our next 24 hours planned. Knotts Berry Farm, the mall, the deer park, met their friends, etc, etc, needlessly to say we still had no sleep. The next day we rented a car and drove to Vegas. (Still had not been to bed) but hey ...... we were alert and felt great! Not only that we were a size 5! Boy would Elvis notice us. Well 6 hours later we arrive in Vegas at the International Hotel at around 10:00 AM. We are informed that our room will not be ready until 2:00 PM. We have tickets for the 6:00 Dinner Show. So we went to the Bar and decided to have a drink. We looked in the mirror and knew we needed sleep and a construction crew to apply the makeup! Oh well, so what ... we are here! I am going to see ELVIS! Who cares? So while I was sitting at the bar I decided to send some postcards home to brag on Vegas. That is when I discovered that maybe the brain was still awake but I could not write a single legible letter on to the postcard. In the meantime, Claire had struck up a conversation with this guy from Cincinnati he owned 7 restaurants and was loaded$$. He wanted us to be his guess at the Elvis Show tonight. He had a front row table and would make sure Elvis gave us a scarf. Well we thanked the gentleman but we were two prudes from Boston and we did not get picked up. Besides we had tickets to the dinner show and did not need any hassles. So at 2:00 PM we went to our room to get a nap. We asked for a wake up call for 4:00 so we could get ready and go downstairs. At midnight I sprung out of bed. I could not believe it! It could not be happening! We sleep thru the Elvis Show. It was even too late for the cocktail show. I woke up Claire. She mumbled that the wake up service had called and she went back to sleep. I had an uncontrollable urge to strangle her. Then I thought about jumping from the twelfth floor but I could not get the window open. How could we go back to Mass. and tell everyone we slept through the show! We were finished. All the planning.
We only had the room for one night. With Elvis in town there were no more rooms anywhere for any price! I was desperate. We got up, got dressed and went to see some stupid strip show. We had no more money but we had credit cards. I told Claire I did not care what we were going to have to do but I was not leaving Vegas without seeing Elvis if I had to break into his room myself. So first thing in the morning we went down stairs and stood in line with 400 other people for tickets. The people in front of us said even if you get tickets that does not mean you will get in. You would have to slip the guy at the door at least $100 to get a seat. I did not want to hear that. We had very little cash. So we got tickets and did what any respecting woman would do in this situation. We went shopping!
The prudes went out and bought outfits that would shock a pimp! We even bought long wigs. Now the problem is where were we going to dress. We had no room. We talked the man at the shoe store into letting us change in his 2 X 2 bathroom. He was so nervous that his wife would come because it was close to closing time. We got into our new outfits .... all but the wigs. We needed a mirror for that. We thanked the man and we ran over to the Desert Inn to use their bathroom for make up and hair(wig). We did not want to make an unfinished appearance at the Hilton. When we were finished we drove to the Hilton as nervous as we could be. I was dressed in a "HOT" Orange silk jump suit that had a plunging neckline down to my navel. Claire had a black hot pant outfit.
We were ready for anything. We made our entrance to the Hilton. Well as you know in Vegas gamblers will not look up from what they are doing if you walked by in the nude! Well when we walked in everyone looked! And who do you think the two prudes from Boston met as we came thru the door. yep! The guy from Cincinnati. Was he shocked! At this point I started to feel real silly. It no longer was funny. But I was driven ... I was seeing Elvis!!!! He wanted us to go to dinner with him. He said that he wanted us just to be his guest he wanted to be seen with two beautiful women and not to worry about Elvis. In fact we are lucky to run into him because he would guarantee that we would see Elvis. Well I looked around the casino. The dinner show was already in progress 15 mins and the line went all the way around the hotel 3 deep already for the cocktail show. How would we get in. I remembered what the couple told us earlier and decided he was our best bet. We would just have to run after the show! So off we went looking like two professional call girls to dinner with this man from Cincinnati. The dinner was fabulous and probably cost more than we spent for the entire trip. The fruit was so gorgeous I thought it was fake. Violins playing at the table. Claire thinks she died and went to heaven. I'm watching my watch, every ten minutes. Finally the man irritated with me asked for a phone. He called the Showroom and booked us. Then he walked us out into the main lobby of the Hilton. The line to get in by this time was unbelievable. I am thinking no way now! Then he walked us by the entire line up to the showroom door. He knocked a man met us at the door and let us in. I was sure someone was going to kill us. All those people outside had been standing in line for 3 hours and we were the first two people allowed in the showroom. We were seated at a table right above the front booths. Claire and I were the only ones in the room for about 15 minutes. I was scared to death that the people outside were going to stone us. What seemed an eternity was. The room filled up. They sat two old grandmother types across the table from us. All of a sudden I felt terrible in my low cut outfit. I looked around for a flower to put down the front. There was nothing. I felt flushed. But the two old grandmothers turned out to be swingers. They told us stories that made me blush. So I relaxed. Then the music started. I could not believe it. This was a moment I had waited 15 years for. It could not be happening. Then Elvis walked out on to the stage. He was so drop dead gorgeous I think I went into shock. I could almost touch him. The music was exciting, more than the records. The music went thru your body and touched evey nerve. I could not believe I was really hearing that voice ... in the same room. Then Elvis looked over towards me I was hoping he noticed but no ... he introduced Tom Jones. I was in such shock I had not noticed him sitting behind me. They carried about 3 women out on strecthers. I am thinking Oh God don't let that happen to me. I do not want to leave. And then the concert was over! I was so shocked and numb I can not to this day remember another minute.
I have not seen my friend since 1978. I tried calling Claire last night to see if she could add anything. But I could not reach her. After the show we went out into the casino and we never saw the guy from Cincinnati again. He was telling the truth after all. I don't even have a picture. In those days they were very strict about cameras in casinos in Las Vegas. If they caught you they took the camera and escorted you out. I did not want to risk it.
Margaret attended 4 times. One of them was in Houston, Texas !!
The first time I saw Elvis in person was on Feb. 28, 1970 at the Houston Astrodome, an immense place and as always Elvis drew crowds of major proportions. In driving to the Astrodome, the traffic was bumper to bumper for a few miles trying to get to the exit ramp.
Slowly as the traffic just seemed to crawl, I was becoming more and more anxious by the second. I was going to see E L V I S ! Finally, we made it inside and I think there were about 37,000 people and we all knew who we were there to see......not the rodeo and livestock show, but E L V I S ! The anticipation was almost too much to handle. The crowd noise in each concert was awesome! Elvis performed in the center of the arena, and in consideration of his fans, he did ride standing up in a jeep full circle around the place so that we fans could get a better view. We had great box seats and I have a favorite color picture that I took. He looked terrific, no doubt about it! What a gorgeous sight to behold!
The second time was at the Internatonal hotel (now the Hilton) in Las Vegas, in Feb. 1971. Imagine a dinner show with Elvis as the entertainment... I barely remember eating the meal for the Elvis excitement was in full swing and for me always preceded each Elvis concert. Beginning several days before and on the actual day, it was like a dream, believing it and not believing it. Tremendous show!
The third time was in San Antonio, Texas in April 1972. Again, Elvis was in true form giving us fans a heck of a show. He looked splendid and sounded simply the best.
The last time I saw Elvis in concert was August 1976 in San Antonio, Texas. The constant touring was beginning to take its toll. However, nothing could take away from the magic of Elvis. It was still there, and we fans responded approvingly as usual. The highlight for me was "America The Beautiful".
As soon as Elvis set foot on the stage, it was sheer pandemonium as he held the audience spellbound throughout the entire show. It's similar to being lifted up so high into a whole different world where the atmosphere is pure joy and even though you are having the time of your life, suddenly, ever so gently, you are set back down and you are left to reflect on the wonder of it all, along with not believing that the concert was really over just like that.....!
Elvis The Concert 1997, Mid-South Coliseum was a memorable experience as well. Watching Elvis on the huge screen with his former band members performing live on the stage certainly brought back so many wonderful memories, and I am so thankful to have been there along with so many other terrific Elvis fans.
Date: 06/26/76. Time: 8:30 p.m. Place: Providence Civic Center
Subject: My 1st Elvis Concert
It was springtime 1976. Elvis' latest record was out HURT/FOR THE HEART.. I was a junior at Framingham South High when I heard on the radio that Elvis was coming to Providence , Rhode Island--tickets would go on sale the next day...
I had been an Elvis fan since 1968, and I had never had seen him in person...
My friend and I skipped school and I drove his brother's car some 60 miles to the Providence Civic Center where we waited in line for hours. While we were in line we heard that the 2:30 show was sold out, but they then added an 8:30p.m. show. We were in luck and bought four $12.50 seats.
June 26th finally came as my fiend and I brought our dates to the Civic Center.
We treated them to McDonalds for dinner....We got our seats in the arena and the show began.. I remember Jackie Kahane doing a joke about Stuckeys(a then popular southern highway stop) "You are the Stuckee at Stuckey's"
I remember the Sweet Inspirations doing "Silly Love Songs" I remember The Stamps doing a song "Oh Operator Give Me Jesus on The Line" I remember the orchestra doing the theme song of some TV show that was a current hit...
Finally, at 10:10p.m. the 2001 theme sounded as Elvis appeared to me in person for the first time. He wore the bicentennial suit ,and I recall it was a blue suit with white sleeves. It was an awesome sight as the hall was filled the light of hundreds and hundreds of flashbulbs......
Elvis' voice to me that night was full of intensity, power and range that I had never heard on any record.....
The ending of America the Beautiful impressed me greatly.. When Elvis got to his latest record, he sang the entire song twice. He sang Hurt once with the regular ending and once with the higher ending . He sang it in the key of D...
Toward the end of the show, he sang one of his one of his favorites as he described it. He sang "It's Now Or Never" , but he sang the first part actually as O Solo Mio. This was a great version of this song!!
Murfreesboro & Graceland Memories on May 6th 1975.
I saw Elvis in concert a tolal of 13 times wish I could have seen him more each concert was so exciting and you could feel the anticapation and excitement in the air grow as 2001 Elvis theme song started to play and the lights would go down.
You could feel Elvis's there before you could actually see him then the lights would go up and there was Elvis and he helt his audiance captive the whole show. The fans loved him and he loved them and he always gave his best even when it took a toll on him, it was his way of communicating with his fans it was magic and I am so thankful to have been a small part of the magic that was Elvis.
My most memorable experience started about two weeks before his concert in Murfreesboro on may 6th 1975. I was visiting at the gates of Graceland just talking to the guard and the other fans there another fan and myself decided to go for a walk and left our things in the guardhouse.
We walked down the road beside the little church that sat beside Graceland the road led to a backgate going into Graceland a group of bikes came up behind us and it was Elvis and some of the guys they stopped and Elvis just asked us our names and where we were from we asked him about his upcoming tour then we asked if he would remove his helmet for us and he did his hair came falling down around his face and it was just a moment I will always remember He looked great and was very kind to us never once asked us why we were back there and in a few minutes he was gone.
Then on May 6th I went to the concert with my brother and a friend and the concert was in the round so from pictures it was hard to tell exactly where your seats were. Well we were behind the stage third row and close to the stage but we were afraid we would not be able to see but shortly after the show started Elvis walked around the stage and everyone was out of their seats so I just stepped over them to get closer to Elvis. He looked up took my hand and just said Hello Linda nice to see you again and let me tell you everyone was asking me how I knew Elvis and I was surprised he remembered I sure he met a lot of people. I didnt get a scarf or even close enough for a kiss but that memory will stay with me forever. The remainder of the show I was on a cloud.
His voice was always beautiful and his music never goes out of style. He was kind,considerate he made everyone around him feel special I think that is why even today those that were close to Elvis still disagree as to whom was closer to Elvis I think he made each of them feel special that was Elvis he always gave of himself that was his greatest gift. I will remember him always and he will always be number one in my heart.
Thanks for listening
Feb. 2, 1973, Las Vegas Dinner Show .
It was a once in a lifetime experience! Having been an Elvis fan since 1956 when I bought my first Elvis record, Don't Be Cruel, I had always dreamed of seeing him perform live. My opportunity came at the end of a business trip to Los Angeles when I decided to make an overnight stop over in Las Vegas to see the show on the way home to Toronto. It had been advertised on billboards all over LA. On arriving in Las Vegas, I was immediately hit with bad news. Elvis had cancelled his shows the day before due to a high fever and flu and it was questionable whether he would appear that day.
Anyway, I bought tickets ($15 including a steak and lobster dinner) and joined the line for the dinner show about two hours early. Rumours kept circulating that Elvis would appear, then he wouldn't and it wasn't until they started seating us that we were finally assured that, yes, Elvis would go on. As I was seated at a table well back in the showroom, a $20 tip to the Maitre'd obtained the commitment that after dinner, I would be moved up to the front near centre stage. Sure, enough, as the plates were being cleared, along he came and moved me to a long table right at the edge of the centre stage, close enough to touch Elvis as he passed by.
As Jackie Kahane and the Sweet Inspirations warmed us up, the room became increasingly tense with anticipation. I can't describe the excitement I felt as the opening strains of 2001 began. Then all at once, out bounded Elvis like a splendid white knight, looking fit and showing no visible signs of his illness, although he did say that he still had a fever of 103 degrees and did appear to be perspiring profusely. Elvis opened with See See Rider and went through much of the program that was seen on Aloha From Hawaii which had been broadcast barely two weeks previously.
Elvis' jumpsuit was a nearly identical American Eagle outfit to the one he wore on Aloha. The only differences I could see were that the inserts in the bell bottoms were baby blue instead of red and the blue rhinestones in the eagle were baby blue instead of royal blue. The only picture I have ever seen of this jumpsuit since was in the book included with the Walk A Mile In My Shoes box set.
Elvis performed for a full hour which seemed to me to pass by in seconds. Several times, he passed in front of our table and stopped to kiss the girls (I passed on that but did shake hands). I don't remember him giving out scarves, but he undoubtedly did. I remember the feeling of intimacy of the performance as Elvis made deliberate eye contact with everyone he could, making each person feel that he was singing directly to them.The highlights of the show, for me, were when sang Steamroller Blues, which was his newest song at the time and when he went to the piano and played a medley of songs. In a note of irony, it seemed that Elvis put a little more intensity than usual into his rendition of Fever that evening.
All too soon, Elvis launched into the beginning of Can't Help Falling In Love, and as quickly as he had entered, was gone to the echo of "Elvis has left the building. Thank you and good night."
For the next couple of hours, I wandered in a daze through the lights of Vegas, considering going back for the midnight show. My decision was made for me when they announced that alas, that show was cancelled. It was fortunate in deed that, in the spirit of "The show must go on", Elvis decided to perform in spite of his fever, the one show that I was able to attend.
I'll never forget it.
Jay Hunt
Ottawa, Canada
Chicago, Illinois
Hello fans,
Yes, I had the good fortune of seeing Elvis three times in concert. All three times were in Chicago, October 1976, May 1, and May 2 1977.
It is very exhiliarating to be at an Elvis concert. The electricity that is generated by the fans actually raises the hair on your arms. When the music starts and you are waiting for Elvis to come out on stage is a feeling of wantingness like no other feeling, then, out of the corner pops out Elvis and the crowd goes crazy, camera flashes by the thousands and screaming like you've never heard before.
Elvis literally took command with his presence and he was so damn good that before you realized it, the show was over and away he went. Walking out of the arena after the show, people are just so talkative and friendly and so darn happy that what they just witnessed was so inspiring and awesome that it will live in their hearts and souls and memories forever.
Elvis was, is and always shall be the greatest entertainer that ever graced the stage!
TCB for Elvis....
Tom Sanocki......helping keep Elvis #1
Boston, MA
I was an Elvis fan since I was 8 years old.
I got to see a few good concerts while living there. By far Elvis put on the best show that the city would want to see. Elvis fans make his shows.
He actually seemed like he was playing for the crowd, a reaction his fans treated with respect. They stayed pretty much calm except when Elvis got too close to some young female fans. But that was to be expected, he was great doing one of my favorites How Great Thou Art.
It was a cool evening outside after the concert but it seemed like everybody was still warm from the radiant glow Elvis gave everything in the building.
Thanks for making one of my favorite memories come back to my life.
c t b forever
Another Boston concert
I remember everything. A month earlier, I'd seen the full-page ad in Sunday's Boston Globe. I was attending Holy Cross College, in Worcester, about an hour from Boston. On the following Monday, I left early, on a train for Boston, and was one of the first ten people in line. It was sold out, on the same day.
On November 10, me and my girlfriend at the time, a nurse from a Worcester Hospital, left for Boston, on her Ford PInto. Whe we arrived, parking was already a big problem, but we managed. As I entered the Garden I noticed that ads for an argentinian singer by the name of Sandro, were beinbg displayed next to info about Elvis'concert. As a peruvian, I knew Sandro well. He was, at the time, already somewhat fading as a big star in Latin America, but I couldn't believe it that, of all people, he would be also appearing at the Garden, which is a pretty big place. His concert though, was not there, but somewhere else in the city. Amazingly, I saw him a few minutes later, standing in the first row. Luck was not with me that day. First, my recorder didn't work. Then the flashbulb for my camera didn't either. I have, therefore, no mememtos that I could have kept from that incredible evening.
Luckily for me, Elvis was indeed in top form that night. Although I half-expected him to appear in his white jumpuit, the image of him walking on to the stage in that black matador outfit blew me, and my girlfriend away. I was on the tenth row, to the left side od the stage, and he looked about three inches tall!!! It wasn't a great seat, but in the end, it was OK.
There was a certain electricity in the air. The huge roar, the sound of the 2,001 intro, his magnificent appearance, and especially, the time he took to utter the first words of "That's all right" made it even more electrifying. I was delighted when he followed it with "I got a woman", but I wasn't expecting the full stop, then the re-entering in the song's finale, and again, it blew me away. As far as I am concerned, the only dissapointment was his rendition of "I'm leaving". I didn't know the song, and I thought that perhaps it slowed the show a bit. "Bridge" was one of my favourites, and heard live, it really got to me, as did "Suspiciou s Minds", which he ended with several karate moves to the sound of a Ronnie Tutt solo. At the end of "Can't help falling in love" and as Elvis dissapeared, my girlfriend, who wasn't an Elvis fan per-se, kept hoping for the King to comeback on the stage, but I knew better. Before I could say anything, the famous words were heard, quite loud, over the huge amplifiers: "Elvis has left the building. Thank you, and good night"
We headed back to Worcester, where I tried to convince my roomates, and other underclassmen in the corridors near my room, that they had really missed a great show. A few were interested, others said Elvis was no loger the King. How wrong they were. One of them, even after almost thirty years, told me recently that he regretted not being there with that night. But, as Elvis used to say, "That's how the mop flops"
Thanks and regards
Michigan concerts and New Year's Eve too !!
I was only fourteen at my first Elvis concert so I was kind of in a daze.
I did get a scarf from him, it even has his sweat on it! I wouldn't wash my hand for days because he touched me! It was an awesome experience.
Even though there were hundreds of people there, you felt like he was singing just to you. Even with all the screaming you kinda blocked it out to hear only his voice.
I have been in awe of him since his 68 concert special.
Always an Elvis fan,
Nevada, California, Arizona
We saw around 30 concerts live, in Vegas and around California and Arizona.
From the lst shows in Vegas to the last show done in Tempe Arizona where he was pale, very THIN and shakey but he did a great show. 3 days later he was puffy, bloated looking, pastey grey of skin, weak and obviously quite ill.
BUT he was out there pouring his heart out, trying to please the many people that he knew were there just to see him again. Elvis knew how to give, how to love, how to relate compassionately and he did his best to bring happiness to his concerts.
Anyone who hasn't been there can't understand those who have-it's something you have to experience first hand. Just like being in love-it either is or it isn't.
When we're all gone from this earth-those of us who saw him, who breathed the same air-there will be only written word, film and photos. And Elvis will still live in the minds and hearts of the people. Why? Because he loved them.
Las Vegas, NV. Bloomington & Indianapolis, IN
My dream my whole life was to see Elvis and my dream came true in 1971 I was in Vegas on a trip with my dad and my 2 sons and we stopped at gas station and attendant told us Elvis was at the International Hotel and I had $100 and told my dad I didn't care if it took every penny I had I was going to see Elvis.
When he came on stage I felt like my heart just stopped he was so amazing and all I could do was stare. Then in June of 1974 I saw him in Bloomington, IN. had floor seats and I tired getting up to the stage 2 x's and was escorted back to my seat by security and told not to do it again! But I tried the 3rd time and when security came towards me Elvis said "Let Her Come", and boy did I beat it to the stage of course everyone else got up also but I got right at the edge of stage and Elvis grabbed my hand and that is a moment I will remember all my life. All I could do was once again stare and cry.
Then I was lucky enough to see him at his last concert in Indianapolis, IN. in June of 77 and I was so very sad because you could tell he was sick, couldn't remember some of the words to his songs, but not one time did that great wonderful voice falter. I cried through most of the concert and I just knew something bad was gonna happen, and it did. But I thank God thank I got to experience all that I did.
Las Vegas, NV. Philadelphia, PA
I saw Elvis 3 times Phil, PA 11/7/71, Las Vegas Hilton Aug. 1973, Phila, PA 6/28/76
I was surprised when I saw him in 1976 I did not know how sick he was then at the time he had gained a lot of weight. The album covers at the time used pictures of him looking good from the early 70,s
I would like to say the Vegas show was great and he looked great. He was in rare form that night. At the beginning of the show the See See Rider Vamp went on for a longer than normal time. I remember looking at James Burton's face, he looked as if to say: when is he coming out! What is going on!
I also saw the Elvis in Concert March 21, 1998 at the Sony e Center in Camden , New Jersey. After seeing Elvis 3 times in person , the new Elvis in Concert show really come as close as it gets to the real experience.
Christopher wrote two books about Elvis' Concerts
I was very lucky to have seen Elvis 29 times in person. I was preparing to see him again on August 16th, when I heard the unbelievable news that he had died.
I have written two books about those 29 shows. Only the first, ON TOUR WITH ELVIS, is still available.
My first book covered the May/June 1975 which I followed in total. I was very lucky to have seen 17 shows in 12 days. The tour started in Huntsville, Alabama where Elvis performed 5 shows in three days. I was able to buy tickets for three of the shows from the box office that weekend in May. (May 30, 31 and June 1, 1975) In fact, outside of Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, Elvis never EVER performed five shows in a row at any one venue!
On this great weekend, I saw Elvis from up in the balcony, from the 18th row, center stage, and three times from just the right of the stage, three, four rows up. Unbelievable!
Many of you are probably familiar with the shows on this tour, as many have been issued on Soundboard. But highlights this weekend for me were FOR THE GOOD TIMES, I'M LEAVIN', THAT'S ALL RIGHT and one verse of the original TROUBLE.
Elvis wore new suits this tour, and he looked good for a man of 40 years (I can say that now that I'm 42).
This tour moved on to two shows in Mobile, the second time Elvis did a matinee show on a MONDAY when there was a holiday (I was lucky to have seen the first MONDAY matinee he gave in Niagara Falls, New York on June 24, 1974). The next day we were in Tuscaloosa (another show available on Soundboard), and then two days in Houston, Texas for two great shows at the Hofheinz Pavalion. Here, my friend J. Rock yelled out for Elvis to sing TRYING TO GET TO YOU -- and he did. The ONLY time on this tour!
On the Thursday evening, NBC was showing THAT'S THE WAY IT IS on TV. And so, being in Central Time, the movie started at 8:00 PM, and we were able to watch the first hour and a half before we walked across the street from our motel, and watched him in person.
And, at that show, he mentioned the fact that he was on TV tonight and that we could have all stayed home and saved money!! I don't (and didn't) think so at the time, or this time!!
There are so many highlights of the shows, that if you would like to order my book, you'll really be delighted. We moved on to Dallas, Shreveport for two shows (where I SHOOK ELVIS' HAND at the matinee show -- and yes, I did eventually wash it), three shows in Jackson, and the tour finale in Memphis -- where Elvis sang FAIRYTALE for the first time on the tour.
Elvis was really up for this tour, and the Soundboard recordings still bear this out.
My other book featured the other 12 shows I saw, which were, again, in Niagara Falls, New York on June 24, 1974 and two shows on July 13, 1975, Pontiac, Michigan for the famous (but not the best) NEW YEAR'S EVE show on December 31, 1975, a FANTASTIC show in Buffalo, New York on June 25, 1975 where Elvis sang HURT twice, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Barbara, three rather not-so good shows in Syracuse, New York (July 25 and 27, 1976), and Rochester, New York on July 26 -- where my brother, David, and I bought FRONT ROW TICKETS that afternoon for the show that evening!!!!!
After this date, I had to wait until April to see Elvis -- but the difference in three shows in a row was amazing. Detroit, April 22, Toledo, April 23, and Ann Arbor, April 24, 1977 featured a heavier Elvis, but he was really singing well, and performed a varying repetoire, unlike the 1976 shows, and included, of course, UNCHAINED MELODY and LITTLE DARLIN' (as found on the MOODY BLUE album), HELP ME, POLK SALAD ANNIE, and many others.
My last show, and Elvis' second last performance, was in Cincinnati on June 25, 1977. Elvis performed okay, but for a man performing for a new TV Special there were NO new songs, other than I REALLY DON'T WANT TO KNOW which was very powerful, but short. I did get to see Elvis sing UNCHAINED MELODY one more time -- but it was not as good as ANN ARBOR.
Wow, 29 shows, and they're still fresh in my mind. If interested in my book, please write, or if you just wish to talk about Elvis' shows, I'd be happy to that to.
Christopher Brown Ajax, Ontario, Canada
NOV 10 1971. BOSTON,MA.
It was the most incredible experience one could ever have. 2001 buildup, Elvis is on stage.
Boston Garden was lit up like daylight with only flash bulbs. The whole show you were watching and listening to Elvis with continuous thousands of flashbulbs that never stopped.
It was unreal. Elvis was in great form and put on one hell of a show. Also saw him in Hartford Conn. I think 76. Last Friday we went to Antioch, Tenn for Elvis the Concert.
For those who did not go, you really missed a great show. It was very easy to forget elvis was not really there. Hats off to the Graceland staff for putting this show together. If you have never seen Elvis live, this is really good. Long live the King!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 25, 1977. Cincinnatti, Ohio.
Elvis was really late for the Cincinnati show - over 45 minutes after he was expected on stage. We worried he may not appear and he told us a lie about being at the dentist when really he had stormed out of his hotel room because it had no working air-conditioning. This was the first time I had seen him and I was only 30 feet from the stage. I was 19 and screaming when he walked out and the flashbulbs hit him. His voice was mindblowing when he cam in on 'Oh Shee', See See Rider.
At the show, he seemed hesitatnt and to slur his words but was in great spirits, joked with us but still got on with the job. Hurt and Unchained Melody were real highlights. The inros felt like they were going on too long but then I realized just how much his musicians meant to him. I was amazed at the looks between Elvis and James Burton and J.D. Sumner.
Prior to Elvis coming on, I had convinced 'Sam - Oh Stan' the sound man, to lend me his In Concert Jacket for a picture taken by my friend. During the intermission, Joe Guercio came round and we thought he was coming to say hello to the 275 UK fans, mainly young, who were there. Instead he was coming to check out the women with the hint that they might meet Elvis. Towards the end of the show, I got over the little wall I was sitting behind and got within 6 feet of the stage while Elvis was singing Hound Dog and then Can't Help Falling In Love. He just looked like God and smiled all the time at a crowd that was going crazy.
I'll always remember the sign in front of me that was getting in my way seeing Elvis - 'Get Way Down Elvis and give me a scarf' - I bought the single the next day in Cleveland. I also remember a kid with an exact copy of the sundial suit on, and he was no more than 5 years old - who would do that to their kid. I also remember the US fans as being very old in comparison to the UK fans. On our way back to the hotel in the bus, eight or so of us had bought Kermit The Frog glove puppets and we all ducked down behind the seats and held our puppets up, singing Hurt, really badly.
It was a brilliant night and he was so much better than I'd even hoped for. The next night would be even better though.
Chicago 1976 & 1977.
I was fortunate to see Elvis twice. Going back to October of 1976 and May of 1977 at the Chicago Stadium. The few things that I remember was the charisma, power, and professionalism he and his band brought to the stage.
At the time I thought Elvis was cool,but was more into Aerosmith, AC/DC and Kiss. After arriving to the stadium on both occasions I could remember the anticipation in the crowd before the shows started. After the first part of the shows and a intermission, 2001 started to begin.
As I sat and looked around the stadium you could see and feel the excitement and electricity, as Ronnie Tutt started the drum roll there was a roar with screams, chants and than an explosion. Elvis was onstage!! What I remember most about these shows was his incredible voice!!!
1998, 38 years old,and I still like Aerosmith, AC/DC and yes,I am an Elvis fan!
Ken
Dayton 1976.
I saw Elvis only once in Oct 26, 1976 in UD arena in Dayton, Ohio. He put on a great show! He wore a suit simular to the one he wore in "Thats the way it is", he did something he normally didn't do, at the end of the show, he stayed on stage and shook hands for about 5-10 mins then left the building.
I do remember that during the show a very large woman kept running up the the main isle to grab his scarves he handed out, she was very rude and Elvis quit giving them to her. I'll never forget the experience!
Baltimore May 29th, 1977.
I saw Elvis when I was 10 years old and it was my first concert and I also have the tape and two photos from that show any.
This was the night that Elvis walked off the stage. I thought he was leaving. Anyway, he left because when he did this Charlie Hodge did the introducing part, to introduce the band and did a swell job. When they got to "hail hail rock 'n roll," Elvis came back and finished the show. He sang songs like Help Me , One Night, It's Now Or Never and others. At the end of the show Elvis apologized to the crowed and said that he was sick and he threw in a joke by saying "When you gotta go, you gotta go!" It was a good show and I'll always remember it.
Thank you
12 Concerts!!.
I saw Elvis 12 times in concert and 12 times candidly. I was like I love lucy, chasing him from hotel to hotel. I have many great memories, and can tell you first hand, he loved his fans and was a wonderful warm loving person. Very giving of himself. And not at all like the papers say he was. Jelly donuts did not occupy his life.
I remember the feeling at each and every concert, of the electricty in the air. You could truly feel, that Elvis was in the room. It always felt as if he were singing directly to you, and every woman in the Arena felt the same thing. Elvis had a way to captivate you. The room changed the excitement grew the moods were full of excitement and everyone was in awe of the man named Elvis.
I get chills thinking of the electricity that filled there. The second Elvis walked in, you knew you were with someone very special in this life. You could feel it. It was like nothing I had ever felt since.
Keep in touch
Friends Thru Elvis
Feb.12, 1977. Hollywood, FL
In the 21 years since I saw Elvis in concert I have heard and read so much negativity about his performances in the last two to three years of his life.
Let me tell you something, I have seen well over 100 performances of various artists since then and none have compared to Elvis' in 1977. I waited in line at the Orange Bowl in Miami for over 5 hours to get my much coveted ticket and had no regrets about it because the show I saw was amazing.
Elvis came on stage dressed in his Indian Feather suit that night and I can still remember thinking to myself ( amidst the thuderous roar of the crowd and the blinding flash of 15,000 cameras) that reports of his deteriorating physical condition were greatly exaggerated. Not only did he look good but he seemed to be on fire that night because the man never stopped and the intensity of the show never let up. I recently purchased a bootleg copy of this show and my memory is not playing tricks on me-the show was that good.
The rush of the fans toward the stage was so great that the arena security finally pushed all seats together so that no aisles existed and everyone could enjoy the performance in relative safety. I was young at this time and the excitement was so terrific that I have forgotten alot of the actual "moments" of the show (I'm so glad I have the CD) but I met very nice people who kind of watched over me (I was only 12 and my parents didn't attend) and pointed out all the things I might have otherwise missed in my youthful excitement. The only regrets I ever had from this wonderful experience were that my concert program that I bought was stolen and my inexpensive Instamatic camera just didn't take very good photos of this incredible man. In conclusion, I have one question to ask all the naysayers and people who routinely put Elvis down. If he was in such lousy condition and his shows were so bad in that period of his life why have I bothered searching for any pictures and recordings of this show for over 21 years? I would suggest that all the negativity spewed forth since his death comes from folks who never witnessed this incredible performer live on stage.
June 27, 1976. Largo, MD.
I was eleven years old. I remember the cameras flashing out of control. The people were screaming so loud it was hard to hear Elvis sing at times, but without a doubt every other performer I've ever seen has been a distant second to this concert. I will never forget it !
East concerts.
I've been looking this site over with my new PC, just looking for anything on Elvis, and reading all the letters from other people who feel as I do and I have tears running down my face. All the memories of years that were so wonderful come rushing back to me. The memories are great ones but they also leave me so very sad that he's gone. I saw Elvis in concert quite a few times over the years.
Everytime he came to Charlotte, NC and almost everytime in Baltimore, Md. and a few place near to Charlotte. There was such an electric feeling in the air that will never be duplicated again for me. You knew when Elvis had entered the building somehow, the electric charge was so strong. Each time I saw him, the concert seemed to last only minutes, seeming to end as soon as soon as it began. My first concert I was in the nosebleed section but over time I finally got front row. He always gave the greatest performance and you felt as if he sang just to you. I was very fortunate in meeting!! Elvis in Charlotte and spent a few hours talking with him and you could never hope to meet anyone as wonderful as he was. He truly gave me some of the greatest yeas of my life and I wish there was some way to thank him
June 22, 1977. Sioux Falls, SD
I went to stand in line at 4:00 am the morning the tickets went on sale. At 10:00 my friend and I bought the last tickets for the concert!
What a thrill to have been at the concert. We were allowed to take pictures I went right up the center aisle took pictures. I have to admit, I didn't know I was that excited about Elvis, until we got to the concert and I heard him sing. No matter what anyone says about how he was at the time his voice was wonderful!
The intro that night was awesome. I think it might have been from the movie 2001? The electricity in the arena was something I'll never forget.
After the concert, my husband and I went up to the stage area. The opening act was a comedian. (Anyone know who it was?) We talked with the comedian. He thought I had been crying and told me not to. Then, he went to Elvis' music stand and handed me his white guitar pick. WOW!
Miss you Elvis!
June 26, 1977. The last Farewell
I remember the anticipation of the chance to get to see him, I was so nervous, we were sitting there waiting and I saw somebody on stage and it looked like him behind the curtain playing his guitar, so I said to my sister isn`t that him ?
Look!!!! She laughs and says , no , I don`t know who it is. Well, when the theme song started playing( I have chills) and I was so excited. He sounded good and I really thought he looked pretty good, of course I would think he looked good no matter what.
I had a thing for this gorgeous man when he burst on the scene. I was only 7 yrs. of age when became famous. I wished we could have sat closer, but when he sang I can`t help falling in love w/you, we know he is gone soon. But, we have the videos and the cds , books etc.etc. to hang on to,I wish i could have got close to him, at least a smile, a kiss would have been better , but i would have settled for a smile.
Aloha from Hawaii
I remember my Mum getting a red scarf from Elvis. She tried to grab it off him and he would not ley go. I have got a picture of this and I will send it to you. A great moment we had with the King
Cameron
Las Vegas January'70 & Atlanta
I remember the absolute hysteria I felt as the 2001 Intro reached its max, as Elvis began to come on stage...that crescendo was heart-stopping and then he entered the stage...in all his glory!
The charisma was like lightning bolt interaction immediately. I wanted to drink in all of him. I watched every movement. I tried looking at his face, his hands, his stance,his karate actions. I just wanted to soak it all up so that when the concert would be over, I could re-live it again and again. Unfortunately, try as I might, many of his songs would become a blur. The concerts passed too fast and try as I may to store them, portions of the concerts never reached my short-term memory let alone my long-term memory. And, yet, other things I can recall rather vividly.
One such time in Jan. of 1970 in Las Vegas, I was sitting pretty far back in the Showroom and Elvis was sort of enticing some of the women to come down to the stage and I wanted to be one of them. At first, my date wouldn't let me out of my seat, but seeing my determination, he let me get up. As I proceeded down the steps towards the stage, I was afraid Elvis would start singing and I wouldn't be able to touch him, or whatever. Well, my heart about to burst, I yelled to him, "Elvis, don't forget me", and much to my surprise, he said into the microphone, "I won't forget you, baby!" And then I was just on the other side of the stage and he leaned down and kissed me on the lips! My heart just about gave out! There were so many flashbulbs going off that I know someone had to have gotten a picture of me being kissed by Elvis.
Wow! As I share this story to you, I am sort of re-living it again and he is still as wonderful to me after all these years as he was then.
Blue Suede Shoe 1972
Did You Know Dept.:
Did you know that Elvis Presley once heaved a blue suede shoe into his audience?? I don't mean tossed it like a scarf. I mean, he was goin' for distance. April 6,1972 Elvis was doing a concert in Detroit at the Olympia Auditorium. He was in the middle of this song, a very solemn version of "American Trilogy", when someone in the audience threw the shoe onstage - nearly hitting a startled Elvis.
He apparently found the gift neither funny nor appropriate. The shoe waited patiently 'til the end of the song when Elvis jumped on it with a VENGEANCE and did a lightning fast pantomime version of "Return to Sender"!
I was there and wondered at the time whether someone caught the thing properly, or merely stopped it with the old 'head butt' ploy.
Four days in March
The four days in March, were the 17th through 20th, 1976. Elvis would be playing in Johnson City, Tn. Never heard of it, till it popped up on the tour schedule. Got out the map and found it. Then we had to take a Sunday trip to see if we could find tickets. My husband, Steve had just been laid off from his job. So doing a few Elvis shows was no problem while he looked for another one. Got a few leads on tickets, but everyone was being real quiet about what they had. The sheriff had promised to crack down on scalpers. Everyone would get a fair chance to see Elvis.
We stayed in the Holiday Inn in Johnson City. Freedom Hall was a very small place on the campus of the local high school. Steve went over to check out the ticket situation at the box office. He was able to buy third row center for that night's show. Seems Col. Parker had come in and told them to add two seats down the aisle to the center section. Before he left the box office, the girl got two front row seats. He bought them. Sold the third row to the lady in line behind him.
This was the opening night of touring in 1976. Rumors had been going around all day that Elvis would come over for a soundcheck, but he didn't. That night was a magic one for me. Front row center seat. Elvis wore the dark blue eagle suit. When he started, "Love Me", he gave a scarf to a lady on the other side from us, but he didn't kiss her. Then he came to our side. Elvis reached out the scarf to me. As I stood to get it, he pulled me up to him and kissed me! Then we were mobbed. Ladies came from everywhere. Elvis held me till everyone was seated, then let me go. I have one picture from that night. When I saw it, I was stunned to see I had my hand up around his neck.
In all that excitement, I had forgotten to give Elvis a pair of sunglasses I had for him. When he came back over to our side, I called his name, holding the glasses over the crowd. He took them. Putting them on, when everyone was seated, he turned to me and started talking! I stood up and he said, "here she comes, she wants them back. Can I have them?" Of course I said he could. The he said I wanted to make him look like Elton John or Isaac Hayes. I was later told by one of the bodyguards, Elvis kept the sunglasses and played with them in his room. A few days later, I got my second autograph, thanking me for the glasses.
Elvis sang for about an hour and half that night. I remember a killer version of "Hurt". This song wasn't so good in Pontiac on New Year's Eve. Then again, what was? The place was so big and cold. The audience reception for Elvis was overwhelming here. This whole tri city area had gone Elvis crazy. Found out how much the next morning. The newspaper not only carried a review of the show, but pictures of the crowds waiting to see Elvis leave his hotel. It was wild. Elvis was staying in an old Holiday Inn in Bristol, TN and driving to Johnson City each night. The story going round was the hotel belonged to some friend of Col. Parker's. He had gotten a promise from the Col. that if Elvis planned in the area, he would stay at his hotel. All the doors opened to the outside, so Elvis was trapped. People waited outside all day. This was the worst place I ever saw Elvis stay. One night, a police car got trashed with people standing on it to get a better look of Elvis leaving. All of this ran every day in the local paper. Including a couple of nice shots of Elvis.
The second night in Johnson City, I had seventh row. Elvis had on the same jumpsuit. His hair was shorter and with bangs. Someone's girlfriend was cutting his hair everyday. A very good version of " It's Now Or Never" sticks out in my mind. Steve hollered for "Rags to Riches" and got a very strange look from Elvis. Our seats on the last night in Johnson City were on the side. Elvis wore the white jumpsuit with the puffy sleeves from Pontiac. "How Great Thou Aren't" was the stand out that night. Steve took a beautiful picture of Elvis with a banquet of flowers. The flowers looked like they came from someone's garden. Elvis was smelling them. He appears to really be enjoying them.
Elvis flew to Charlotte, NC for his next two shows, but we drove. Had to go to his hotel to pick up some tickets. This was the last time I saw Vernon Presley looking very healthy. He came off the elevator and some children stopped him. I remember thinking all of Elvis' looks didn't come from his Mama. Vernon was a handsome man, before he became ill. Something in the way Vernon was carrying himself that day reminded me of Elvis.
The afternoon show in Charlotte was wild. Same blue eagle jumpsuit again. Charlie dropped the guitar when Elvis threw it to him that afternoon. A girl managed to get up on stage that afternoon, so security was beefed up for the night show. Alot of kids were put up on-stage with Elvis. I never understood this till I had kids of my own. I thought it was just the parents way of getting close to Elvis. Now, with my own kids, I know there is a certain singer they have loved all their life. Even at a very early age, they would have loved to been near him. I know now,these people have that wonderful memory of being on-stage with Elvis,even if just for a short time.
All too soon, it was over. Time to head back to real life. In a few months, we'd back out there. Going to see Elvis again.
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