Elvis...tonight...8:30 pm...

[Unchained Melody]

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/766/tonight830fg4.jpg


http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/1971/tonight830cwo0.jpg

Tonight i decided to give this show a spin on the player...after reading Mike's (jungleroom76) comment about the way Elvis ended the show with an awesome ending to Can't Help Falling In Love i had to give it a listen..from the start i was amazed at how good this show actually was..especially for this tour..after coming off 2 shows (knoxville TN and Louisville KY) which were both pretty boring shows to be honest, nothing great at all really...this one really kicks butt..the sounds very good for an audience recording, and Elvis is just really in a singing mood tonight..was awesome hearing Funny How Time Slips Away in '77...and fairytale and My Way both rocked..for 1977, this is an awesome show to listen to(y) .

[Lonniebealestreet]

Absolutely. And is the end of CHFIL not incredible?

[elvis himselvis]

I want this CD so long
Great to hear it's a good sound for a audience recording.
I'll give it a try to get a copy of it in my hands

[Jungleroom76]

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/766/tonight830fg4.jpg


http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/1971/tonight830cwo0.jpg

Tonight i decided to give this show a spin on the player...after reading Mike's (jungleroom76) comment about the way Elvis ended the show with an awesome ending to Can't Help Falling In Love i had to give it a listen..from the start i was amazed at how good this show actually was..especially for this tour..after coming off 2 shows (knoxville TN and Louisville KY) which were both pretty boring shows to be honest, nothing great at all really...this one really kicks butt..the sounds very good for an audience recording, and Elvis is just really in a singing mood tonight..was awesome hearing Funny How Time Slips Away in '77...and fairytale and My Way both rocked..for 1977, this is an awesome show to listen to(y) .

THANK YOU SO MUCH CHEIF77!! :notworthy

I am glad you enjoyed the show so much...I agree it is DEFINITELY one of the best shows of 1977!! As you said, Elvis just seems to be into the show from beginning to end (and man, what an ending!!) (y)

If you enjoyed this show and you are a fan of Elvis' shows in 1977 (which it sounds like you are), might I also suggest UNCHAINED ELVIS (if you have access to this one) which was recorded in Binghamton, NY on 5/26/77 with 3 bonus tracks from the following nights performance in Binghamton as well. It's an audience recording in excellent sound quality, and the show in my opinion is on par, if not even a bit better, than the TONIGHT show. There is very little fooling around throughout the show, and we even get a rare 1977 version (the last time he performed the song?) of WHY ME LORD (although Elvis does try to break J.D. up during the song...one of the few "fooling around" moments in the show). This is also one of the last times that he included POLK SALAD ANNIE in his show as well, and although it's a typical 1977 version, it is cool to hear one of the last times he performed this song live!

I would be most interested to hear what you think of UNCHAINED ELVIS Cheif, if you get a chance to check it out (or if you've already heard it)!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

I want this CD so long
Great to hear it's a good sound for a audience recording.
I'll give it a try to get a copy of it in my hands

Well worth the search elvis himselvis!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Geoff the Chef]

whilst Elvis sang good the show DOES end super QUICKLY after the introductions!

[Unchained Melody]

Absolutely. And is the end of CHFIL not incredible?

Yes, very much so ! :notworthy

Especially love the ending when Elvis gives a kind of growl(y) . Literally awesome.

[Lonniebealestreet]

Yes, Cheif77. You are one of the enlightened ones. ;)

Geoff, that's a good point too. As good as he sounded that night, it was odd that he treated the crowd to a double-whammy from Sh'rill Nielsen and no performance of Hurt.

[Unchained Melody]

Yes, Cheif77. You are one of the enlightened ones. ;)

Geoff, that's a good point too. As good as he sounded that night, it was odd that he treated the crowd to a double-whammy from Sh'rill Nielsen and no performance of Hurt.

Thank you Bobby.

As for the 2 performances from Sh'rill Nielson, I think that really shows how worn out Elvis was during this tour, but still manages to give good shows.

[Unchained Melody]

THANK YOU SO MUCH CHEIF77!! :notworthy

I am glad you enjoyed the show so much...I agree it is DEFINITELY one of the best shows of 1977!! As you said, Elvis just seems to be into the show from beginning to end (and man, what an ending!!) (y)

If you enjoyed this show and you are a fan of Elvis' shows in 1977 (which it sounds like you are), might I also suggest UNCHAINED ELVIS (if you have access to this one) which was recorded in Binghamton, NY on 5/26/77 with 3 bonus tracks from the following nights performance in Binghamton as well. It's an audience recording in excellent sound quality, and the show in my opinion is on par, if not even a bit better, than the TONIGHT show. There is very little fooling around throughout the show, and we even get a rare 1977 version (the last time he performed the song?) of WHY ME LORD (although Elvis does try to break J.D. up during the song...one of the few "fooling around" moments in the show). This is also one of the last times that he included POLK SALAD ANNIE in his show as well, and although it's a typical 1977 version, it is cool to hear one of the last times he performed this song live!

I would be most interested to hear what you think of UNCHAINED ELVIS Cheif, if you get a chance to check it out (or if you've already heard it)!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

Yes Mike I do enjoy playing 1977 concerts. Have always had a soft spot for them:D . Unchained Elvis happens to be one of my favorite concerts from '77 (y) . Tonight I gave it a closer listen, haven't heard it in quiet some time. In this show Elvis seems to be just or more into the music as he was on the 'Tonight" show..even during And I Love You So Elvis tells the male vocals to drop back abit....It was great hearing the version of Why Me Lord..so much better than the last time it was performed on 2-21-77..and the bonus tracks kick but..especially Bridge Over Troubled water..and there is footage of that show from the May 27th concert out there..very good quality, and highly recommended(y) ..its strange that Elvis seemed in such good form during this concert in Binghampton, NY on the 26th and just 3 days in Baltimore on the 29th, had the "break down" with the leaving the stage etc..for sure an up and down tour..but this concert being a highlight definitley:notworthy ..wasn't much talking or goofing around, Elvis was serious about his music, and performed awesome! Oh, and did I mention the sound is really good for an audience recoding. Another small thing i want to point out, to me Elvis' voice sounded like it use to like in 1974..on this night, it didn't have that certain tone to it, that it had during alot of the 1976 and 1977 concerts.

[elvis himselvis]

Just like cheif77 said,this tour had alot ups and downs,but that was over the whole year of 1977...some concerts are really bad and some others kicks butts:) (y)
I have never heard the Baltimore concert,but i have seen photos and read some reviews and it was a dramatic show...absolutely a low point in his career.and just like cheif77 said,the concert 3 days before was a good concert...
Sad that his concerts couldn't be always good,and that was in 1977 because of his healt,but what must been said is that even the not so good concerts,always have some great performances.I think that is really the power of Elvis Presley

[Unchained Melody]

but what must been said is that even the not so good concerts,always have some great performances.I think that is really the power of Elvis Presley

I AGREE WITH YOU HERE ELVIS HIMSELVIS(y)

Even though the May 29th 1977 show in Baltimore was not so great..after Elvis left the stage and come back it was like a completey different person, and he did put on a great performance for the remainder of the show..even sang a little of The Wonder Of You (incompelte) but still nice to hear him attempt it for 1977(y) .

[elvis himselvis]

this thread makes me hungry to get more concerts of 1977:P
thanks guys for giving your toughts on some concerts of 1977 which are good in your opinions.(y)
that will help me to find some of these concerts on cd

[Unchained Melody]

Your welcome Elvishimselvis !(y) Imo, its ashame that so many fans just think of '77 as a throw away year..when their are many good concerts..and Elvis' voice was just as powerful as ever, had a more rich sound to it that just amazes me! When I see things like the Polk Salad Annie clip from the concert in Chicago of May '77, you know Elvis still had it, even towards the end and it always is great.

If you are looking for 1977 cds, I would suggest the following titles. Remember these are from my own personal taste of course;) .

Coming On Strong
Moodyblue and Other Great Performances
Unchained Elvis
Elvis..tonight..8:30 pm
Tennesee Starlight
Elvis Rocks Rapid City
The Last Live Sessions (6/26/77)
Since Cincinnatti
King Time In Abilene
Shaking Up The Great Lakes
From Fans To Fans (Ann Arbor Concert)
Elvis Rocks Lincoln (Mainly just for the incredible version of Unchained Melody...has to be one of the best version Elvis did)(y)

[elvis himselvis]

woow thank you Cheif77
I will look if i can buy some:D

[Jungleroom76]

Yes Mike I do enjoy playing 1977 concerts. Have always had a soft spot for them:D . Unchained Elvis happens to be one of my favorite concerts from '77 (y) . Tonight I gave it a closer listen, haven't heard it in quiet some time. In this show Elvis seems to be just or more into the music as he was on the 'Tonight" show..even during And I Love You So Elvis tells the male vocals to drop back abit....It was great hearing the version of Why Me Lord..so much better than the last time it was performed on 2-21-77..and the bonus tracks kick but..especially Bridge Over Troubled water..and there is footage of that show from the May 27th concert out there..very good quality, and highly recommended(y) ..its strange that Elvis seemed in such good form during this concert in Binghampton, NY on the 26th and just 3 days in Baltimore on the 29th, had the "break down" with the leaving the stage etc..for sure an up and down tour..but this concert being a highlight definitley:notworthy ..wasn't much talking or goofing around, Elvis was serious about his music, and performed awesome! Oh, and did I mention the sound is really good for an audience recoding. Another small thing i want to point out, to me Elvis' voice sounded like it use to like in 1974..on this night, it didn't have that certain tone to it, that it had during alot of the 1976 and 1977 concerts.

RIGHT ON CHEIF!!! (y)

I LOVE the moment you are talking about during AND I LOVE YOU SO when he tells the male singers to drop back...clearly Elvis still had a passion for making music and performing live in concert, and he knew EXACTLY how he wanted the song to sound at that moment and by directing the vocalists like that, it only further enhances my opinion that Elvis, while clearly not always in the best shape during 1977, was not as "out of it" during the final year of his life as many would like you to believe....just my opinion though, as I said!!

I also agree that the bonus track of BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER is a highlight indeed....MUCH, MUCH better than the version released on the FTD release SPRING TOURS '77, in my opinion! Again...just another notch in my theory about Elvis' ability to still perform in 1977!! :hmm:

Interesting point about the quality of Elvis' voice being compared to 1974....I'll have to give UNCHAINED ELVIS another spin and listen closely for that... (y)

This is indeed an excellent audience recording, as you pointed out...one of my favorites for sure! It is so great to hear that you are also a fan of Elvis in 1977!! While I mentioned above that clearly Elvis was dealing with his own personal issues during the final 8 months of his life, he is not nearly as "out of it" (sorry to use that term again) as many people would want you to believe he was! Yes, there were nights (like the infamous Baltimore show) where he was just not up to performing, but then there are nights like Binghamton and Largo where Elvis continued to show why he will always be "The King Of Rock N' Roll"!! And to me, it's truly a shame that many people want to focus more on the off nights like the Baltimore show than on the positive side like the Binghamton show!! :angry:

But Cheif, it is nice to know that you clearly are not one of those people focusing on the negative aspects of Elvis in 1977....and that you truly have an appreciation for the music that Elvis was STILL making during those final months of his life!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

but what must been said is that even the not so good concerts,always have some great performances.I think that is really the power of Elvis Presley

WELL SAID ELVIS HIMSELVIS!!! (y)

Nice to see another fan of Elvis in 1977 amongst us... :clap:

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

Coming On Strong
Moodyblue and Other Great Performances
Unchained Elvis
Elvis..tonight..8:30 pm
Tennesee Starlight
Elvis Rocks Rapid City
The Last Live Sessions (6/26/77)
Since Cincinnatti
King Time In Abilene
Shaking Up The Great Lakes
From Fans To Fans (Ann Arbor Concert)
Elvis Rocks Lincoln (Mainly just for the incredible version of Unchained Melody...has to be one of the best version Elvis did)(y)

EXCELLENT LIST CHEIF!! (y)

If I might add one title to your list....how about THAT'S ALL RIGHT (also released as SPRINGTIME IN SAGINAW) which is an audience recording from Saginaw 5/3/77?? :hmm:

One of the highlights for me is the fact that he opens the show with THAT'S ALL RIGHT instead of SEE SEE RIDER....perhaps not the strongest version of THAT'S ALL RIGHT I have ever heard, but unique in the fact that it's the first time he opened with something other than SEE SEE RIDER in quite a while!!

TCB!
Mike

[Unchained Melody]

Thanks for the kind comments Mike ! (y)

It's great to know there are fans like you and I out there who appreciate Elvis and his music, even for 1977 and truly have an appreciation for the music Elvis was still making even when the end was near...That's one thing that goes along with being a fan of Elvis' I think, and thats learning to appreaciate it all...through the thick and thin..and imo, 1977 is put down to much..of course the shows are nothing like the 1970, 1972, or even 1975 shows...there alot different..but the music is always good imo..even the infamous Omaha 6-19-77 concert..pretty much through the whole concert Elvis seemed "out of it"..obviously on some type of pain medication and the show wasn' that great...but still when you hear How Great Thou Art from that show, and watch it, it will still amaze you...the ending was spectacular...

As for the SPRINGTIME IN SAGINAW Mike I haven't heard that one yet, but am really wanting to hear That's All Right used as an opener...pretty sure I have that one around here somewhere, now going to go find it (y) !

[elvis himselvis]

WELL SAID ELVIS HIMSELVIS!!! (y)

Nice to see another fan of Elvis in 1977 amongst us... :clap:

TCB!
Mike

Thanks for your kind reply(y)

[elvis himselvis]

I also think the concerts Elvis gave in the february tour are good concerts...just heard FTD Unchained Melody and i think Elvis was in great shape on 2-20-1977

[Unchained Melody]

I agree Elvishimselvis. Especially that tour opening show in Hollywood Florida on Febuary 12th 1977 (y) . If you've not seen the dvd Love Letters From Nevada / Unchained In Hollywood I would suggest getting it. Even though Elvis was obviously overweight, he still put on an awesome show even singing one line of My Boy...is it just me, or did a few of those shows from that first tour of 1977 seemed abit rushed:hmm: . Oh well, they were still good imo.(y)

[Wilton]

Hi

I agree with you about the Unchained show, I bought the cd when it it was out, and even thou that it?s been out for some years now, I haven?t found another show yet that match it really.. Elvis voice is strong from the first note, and remains troughout the whole show.
The Bonus songs are also good I think, by the way have any of you seen the version of Love me from the 05-27 show in Binghampton on video??
The way he attacks the ending of the song, could be similar to the ending of Can?t help falling in love, from the "Tonight" show, I think it?s awsome!!

I also think that Elvis still had it in 77, you just have to search a little bit more to find these shows... maybe that?s what makes it exiting.

Wilton

[elvis himselvis]

that's true Wilton
Elvis did gave great performances,only it weren't very much good concerts in 1977,but as i have said before,even on the bad concerts there are good performances

[Wilton]

that's true Wilton
Elvis did gave great performances,only it weren't very much good concerts in 1977,but as i have said before,even on the bad concerts there are good performances

That?s right elvis himselvis
How great thou art from the CBS show is a good example of this.

[elvis himselvis]

yeah you're right
that song is so beautiful and performed so good
he really puts his energy in it

[stefankoch]

This is absolutly one of my top 3 concerts from `77
He`s so brilliant this evening:notworthy (y) :notworthy

[Jungleroom76]

and imo, 1977 is put down to much..

As for the SPRINGTIME IN SAGINAW Mike I haven't heard that one yet, but am really wanting to hear That's All Right used as an opener...pretty sure I have that one around here somewhere, now going to go find it (y) !

You are 100% right Cheif about Elvis' work in 1977 being put down too much!! It's so bad that even EPE won't acknowledge much of Elvis' work post Aloha (especially his concert material)!!! If it weren't for people like Ernst and the FTD label, the sad truth is (in my opinion) that EPE would continue to treat Elvis like he died after the Aloha special. That is the feeling that I had for many years, until the spotlight was finally turned on to some of Elvis' work in the later years thanks to the FTD label!! Before that, you could never find a picture of Elvis from the later 70's, let alone much of (if ANY) of his music post Aloha!!! Like I said, they basically refused to acknowledge that Elvis did anything after the Aloha special....but now thankfully some of that ignorance is being corrected!! :clap:

But it is so nice to hear from a fan like yourself that is just as much into Elvis in 1977 as I am (along with the many other fans on this board who are also into Elvis in 1977)!!! (y)

If you have a chance to listen to SPRINGTIME IN SAGINAW, I would be interested to hear what you think of it!!

And I know you are a big 1977 fan, but what do you think about Elvis' shows in 1976? Lately, I've been on a bit of a '76 kick myself, listening to different shows throughout the year! I just recently was FINALLY able to pick up the ROCKIN' ACROSS TEXAS FTD book/CD set and was truly BLOWN AWAY by how great the Fort Worth '76 show was that came with the book!! Elvis was in fine voice on this show, which is nice to hear since he did have his vocal up's and down's for sure during 1976!!! It's a great show, with very little fooling around and some excellent versions of AMERICA, AND I LOVE YOU SO, and HURT (with a full reprise that in my opinion rivals the CBS Special version!). It even seems to me that he puts a little something extra into the "throwaway" standards like JAILHOUSE ROCK and HOUND DOG during this show!!! Definitely worth a listen, in my opinion, if you haven't heard it!! (y)

Take care Cheif and thanks again for the kind words!!

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

Thanks for your kind reply(y)

MY PLEASURE!!! :D

TCB!
Mike

[elvis himselvis]

Jungleroom76,

you are so right with what EPE is doing and pretending Elvis just died after the Aloha show,and he didn't do anything after that...but what i never have understood is why they are making so much problems about it...OK,he wasn't very healty,but he did some great work after the Aloha from Hawaii special,like the Memphis concerts in '74 and fine shows in '75 '76 '77...and what i don't understand about not release the CBS TV-special,is that they know almost every Elvis fan already has them...so what's the problem???
Are they afraid about the critics?who cares..we fans are what still keeps his memory alive,so do us a favour,and please release it!!!

[Jungleroom76]

Jungleroom76,

you are so right with what EPE is doing and pretending Elvis just died after the Aloha show,and he didn't do anything after that...but what i never have understood is why they are making so much problems about it...OK,he wasn't very healty,but he did some great work after the Aloha from Hawaii special,like the Memphis concerts in '74 and fine shows in '75 '76 '77...and what i don't understand about not release the CBS TV-special,is that they know almost every Elvis fan already has them...so what's the problem???
Are they afraid about the critics?who cares..we fans are what still keeps his memory alive,so do us a favour,and please release it!!!

You are EXACTLY right elvis himselvis....EPE is STILL worried about the public reaction from a worldwide official release of the CBS Special even today -- almost 30 years since his death!! (n)

I could understand EPE's thinking about the public reaction from the CBS Special even 10 years after Elvis had passed away....but 30 YEARS??? It's really time for EPE to move on and just release the footage, in my opinion!! Even if they didn't want to release the outtakes (although I think if they release the CBS Special itself, they should just go all out and release everything at once....but knowing EPE, IF they choose to release the '77 material at some point, they'll probably release the CBS Special first...then when the money starts dying down from that, they'll go ahead and release the outtakes...as I'm sure you know with EPE, it's all about the $$$$....but I digress... :blink: ), they could at least release the actual special itself!! With everything else that goes on in popular music today, such as the half-dressed celebrities running around on national TV, I truly believe that releasing the CBS material to a worldwide audience will not be as big of a deal as EPE thinks it will....of course, it's just my opinion!! :hmm:

And like you said....despite Elvis' well known health problems, he did manage to record some GREAT material during the last 4 years of his life....and it is truly a shame that it took 25 years until Ernst and the FTD label finally had the nerve to bring that material to light officially for the fans to enjoy!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[elvis himselvis]

yes,i think we can be very happy with the FTD label

[toffe]

I love 77 shows
There are so many great shows from 77
Anybody know where i can get "Tonight 8.30" Cd ? :)

[Getlo]

EPE is STILL worried about the public reaction from a worldwide official release of the CBS Special even today -- almost 30 years since his death!! (n) I could understand EPE's thinking about the public reaction from the CBS Special even 10 years after Elvis had passed away....but 30 YEARS???

As well they should be worried. This is one of the rare instances where EPE is showing good judgement - assuming the reports about them actually owning the footage (as opposed to CBS) are true.

Think about it: if Elvis In Concert was released officially on DVD, some music journalists may be able to get past Elvis' physical appearance, but a DVD is a visual medium .. and the visuals in this case are just as important - maybe even more important - than the vocals.

And Elvis looked like crap for these two shows, especially compared with Aloha. Is this how we want him to be seen in the real world?

And the general public? Forget about it! They'd have a field day, as all they'd see is F-A-T Elvis. And, let's be honest, that's what he was in June '77.

But back to the vocals: the Omaha show is woeful. He's slurry and out of it. Yes, there are good moments, but overall it is a poor reflection of what Elvis once achieved on stage. Remember, people would see this on DVD. The Rapid City show, while much, much better falls into the same category.

EIC should never be released publicly.

EPE should do an FTD project for it though. Release it only to fans who want to seek it out. A 2-DVD set. The original special, galleries and extras on one disc, and the two complete shows on the other. Maybe even a "deluxe" FTD version, with a book.

Without a doubt, this would be one of the biggest-selling FTDs ever. It's what most fans want. But the general public doesn't want it.

And, sadly, due to Elvis' performances, they shouldn't have to be subjected to it.

In a perfect world, EIC would be released publicly and most of the world would accept it as Elvis' last hurrah. But that ain't the way of the world. They'd tear him - and we fans - to absolute shreds were they to see it.

[geordie]

As well they should be worried. This is one of the rare instances where EPE is showing good judgement - assuming the reports about them actually owning the footage (as opposed to CBS) are true.

Think about it: if Elvis In Concert was released officially on DVD, some music journalists may be able to get past Elvis' physical appearance, but a DVD is a visual medium .. and the visuals in this case are just as important - maybe even more important - than the vocals.

And Elvis looked like crap for these two shows, especially compared with Aloha. Is this how we want him to be seen in the real world?

And the general public? Forget about it! They'd have a field day, as all they'd see is F-A-T Elvis. And, let's be honest, that's what he was in June '77.

But back to the vocals: the Omaha show is woeful. He's slurry and out of it. Yes, there are good moments, but overall it is a poor reflection of what Elvis once achieved on stage. Remember, people would see this on DVD. The Rapid City show, while much, much better falls into the same category.

EIC should never be released publicly.

EPE should do an FTD project for it though. Release it only to fans who want to seek it out. A 2-DVD set. The original special, galleries and extras on one disc, and the two complete shows on the other. Maybe even a "deluxe" FTD version, with a book.

Without a doubt, this would be one of the biggest-selling FTDs ever. It's what most fans want. But the general public doesn't want it.

And, sadly, due to Elvis' performances, they shouldn't have to be subjected to it.

In a perfect world, EIC would be released publicly and most of the world would accept it as Elvis' last hurrah. But that ain't the way of the world. They'd tear him - and we fans - to absolute shreds were they to see it.

I AGREE 100% (y)

[jon_burrows]

As well they should be worried. This is one of the rare instances where EPE is showing good judgement - assuming the reports about them actually owning the footage (as opposed to CBS) are true.

Think about it: if Elvis In Concert was released officially on DVD, some music journalists may be able to get past Elvis' physical appearance, but a DVD is a visual medium .. and the visuals in this case are just as important - maybe even more important - than the vocals.

And Elvis looked like crap for these two shows, especially compared with Aloha. Is this how we want him to be seen in the real world?

And the general public? Forget about it! They'd have a field day, as all they'd see is F-A-T Elvis. And, let's be honest, that's what he was in June '77.

But back to the vocals: the Omaha show is woeful. He's slurry and out of it. Yes, there are good moments, but overall it is a poor reflection of what Elvis once achieved on stage. Remember, people would see this on DVD. The Rapid City show, while much, much better falls into the same category.

EIC should never be released publicly.

EPE should do an FTD project for it though. Release it only to fans who want to seek it out. A 2-DVD set. The original special, galleries and extras on one disc, and the two complete shows on the other. Maybe even a "deluxe" FTD version, with a book.

Without a doubt, this would be one of the biggest-selling FTDs ever. It's what most fans want. But the general public doesn't want it.

And, sadly, due to Elvis' performances, they shouldn't have to be subjected to it.

In a perfect world, EIC would be released publicly and most of the world would accept it as Elvis' last hurrah. But that ain't the way of the world. They'd tear him - and we fans - to absolute shreds were they to see it.

Agreed 100% Getlo.

[Unchained Melody]

That's why Ernest and EPE should release it through the FTD Label where only the hardcore fans will be aware of it..that's probably our only chance..:hmm::hmm:

[nolvis]

:DThank's alot for this awesome thread guy's!!!!! And as far as looking " horrible?! ", well I don't see anything but an absolutely unbeleivable charisma and the greatest smile ever, as well as the heart and soul that comes shining thru as loud and clear as anything thats ever been!!!!! I think people are way too critical of his appearance and it's so annoying to hear that cra- all the time.People could, I mean guys could only hope in their wildest dreams to look as good as Elvis did through-out a goodly portion of 1977. :D(y):king:(y):king:(y)

[Unchained Melody]

I think people are way too critical of his appearance and it's so annoying to hear that cra- all the time.:D(y):king:(y):king:(y)

I Could Not Agree Anymore My Friend!!!!(y)(y)

[elvis himselvis]

There are so much pictures here on tcb world,and on google and other sites,that's shows Elvis in poor shape...we all know he didn't look very well those last years but do we hate Elvis about that,or looking in a different way to him???NO!!!!!
We love the man and his music,and that Tv-Special didn't changed that.
So what's the problem?We are allowed to see bad pictures,but we are not allowed to see footage of Elvis in that period????COME ON!!!!
On both we see a Elvis who isn't very good looking,but on the footage we see a man who still can sing great so I think it's better to release it,and shows the world we love Elvis the way he was,and we not should be afraid about people who are not Elvis fans and give critic.Let them think what they wanna think,we Elvis fans know better...no matter what,or how he looked,He was and is the king,Elvis Presley.
:king:

[Unchained Melody]

Nicely put elvishimselvis;)

[BrianK]

If EPE or CBS or whoever owns them puts all the concert material out on DVD - what's the worst that could happen? Poor sales? A few jokes on the Tonight show? You could easily add vocal tracks or introductions, explainiing that Elvis was in poor health, but the music was still good until the end of his career. I think this approach would create a lot of sympathy for Elvis. Look at all the stars today talking about going into rehab. You can't tell me it's less tastefull than Elvis ducks & dolls, I don't think the release of these concerts is going to hurt the stream of visitors to Graceland, or the popularity of Elvis'music.

[Getlo]

If EPE or CBS or whoever owns them puts all the concert material out on DVD - what's the worst that could happen? Poor sales? A few jokes on the Tonight show?

How old are you, BrianK? Are you old enough to remember the constant slurs Elvis received about his weight well into the 80s and beyond, until the "joke" finally died down? The constant references to his drug abuse? (fine for a forum like this, but not in the real world). And the almost complete lack of credibility for being Elvis and being an Elvis fan? Releasing EIC publicly would start all that crap again. No thanks.



You could easily add vocal tracks or introductions, explainiing that Elvis was in poor health, but the music was still good until the end of his career.

That would do even more harm: it would appear as if EPE was drawing even more attention to his problems. Sympathy? You overestimate the general public. Look at how quickly they turn on a star when they're down; Britney Spears being the prime example of late. Once they saw Elvis as fat and bloated as he was, they'd go in for the kill. Again.


I don't think the release of these concerts is going to hurt the stream of visitors to Graceland, or the popularity of Elvis'music.

You're right; the amount of visitors wouldn't change nor would the popularity of his music. It's his credibility as an artist that would be once again in the crapper. Elvis' reputation is much improved over what it was 20 years ago: the public, generally, sees past the drugs and the fat, and enjoys the music (as they did with Conversation in 2002). Releasing EIC would be a retrograde step in terms of his reputation.

[elvis himselvis]

Maybe you're right GetLo,but everybody knows now what was wrong with him and what he was doing to himself...so what's the problem???we all know what he did,but we don't want to see him on footage that shows us the things we already know???EPE should know better...besides, Elvis himself did this special and agreed with it...he know how he looked but agreed,and now EPE don't want to show us it...I don't think it's fair

[Getlo]

Maybe you're right GetLo,but everybody knows now what was wrong with him and what he was doing to himself...so what's the problem???

From another thread:


EPE is STILL worried about the public reaction from a worldwide official release of the CBS Special even today -- almost 30 years since his death!! (n) I could understand EPE's thinking about the public reaction from the CBS Special even 10 years after Elvis had passed away....but 30 YEARS???

As well they should be worried. This is one of the rare instances where EPE is showing good judgement - assuming the reports about them actually owning the footage (as opposed to CBS) are true.

Think about it: if Elvis In Concert was released officially on DVD, some music journalists may be able to get past Elvis' physical appearance, but a DVD is a visual medium .. and the visuals in this case are just as important - maybe even more important - than the vocals.

And Elvis looked like crap for these two shows, especially compared with Aloha. Is this how we want him to be seen in the real world?

And the general public? Forget about it! They'd have a field day, as all they'd see is F-A-T Elvis. And, let's be honest, that's what he was in June '77.

But back to the vocals: the Omaha show is woeful. He's slurry and out of it. Yes, there are good moments, but overall it is a poor reflection of what Elvis once achieved on stage. Remember, people would see this on DVD. The Rapid City show, while much, much better falls into the same category.

EIC should never be released publicly.

EPE should do an FTD project for it though. Release it only to fans who want to seek it out. A 2-DVD set. The original special, galleries and extras on one disc, and the two complete shows on the other. Maybe even a "deluxe" FTD version, with a book.

Without a doubt, this would be one of the biggest-selling FTDs ever. It's what most fans want. But the general public doesn't want it.

And, sadly, due to Elvis' performances, they shouldn't have to be subjected to it.

In a perfect world, EIC would be released publicly and most of the world would accept it as Elvis' last hurrah. But that ain't the way of the world. They'd tear him - and we fans - to absolute shreds were they to see it.

[Unchained Melody]

Here's what I posted in another recent thread;)

These shows from June 1977 that were professionally filmed are part of Elvis' career and they're part of the man himself. By NOT releasing this footage is practically denying that it NEVER happened. Imo, EPE not releasing it should not be an option AT ALL!!!

It is sad that alot of fans, even some here, are in agreement with RCA/ or EPE that Elvis died January '73 right after Aloha!! Let me be the one to assure you, that you have no idea of what great stuff your missing out on!!

[Getlo]

There's three threads going about this subject; we should combine them.

[elvisfan1999]

I agree Elvishimselvis. Especially that tour opening show in Hollywood Florida on Febuary 12th 1977 (y) . If you've not seen the dvd Love Letters From Nevada / Unchained In Hollywood I would suggest getting it. Even though Elvis was obviously overweight, he still put on an awesome show even singing one line of My Boy...is it just me, or did a few of those shows from that first tour of 1977 seemed abit rushed:hmm: . Oh well, they were still good imo.(y)
where can I get a copy of that DVD it sounds interesting

[Unchained Melody]

I would suggest Ebay...its a EID release I do believe;)

[elvis himselvis]

Here's what I posted in another recent thread;)

These shows from June 1977 that were professionally filmed are part of Elvis' career and they're part of the man himself. By NOT releasing this footage is practically denying that it NEVER happened. Imo, EPE not releasing it should not be an option AT ALL!!!

It is sad that alot of fans, even some here, are in agreement with RCA/ or EPE that Elvis died January '73 right after Aloha!! Let me be the one to assure you, that you have no idea of what great stuff your missing out on!!

It annoys me too BradM,he did so much great things after the Aloha show,even in 1977 he did some great concerts.

[BrianK]

(Almost) any publicity is good publicity. Elvis' problems 30 years ago seem mild compared with what current celebrites get up to.. Elvis rise & fall is the same as most singers/entertainers/celebrities. All I want is a nice clean copy of EIC. It is less embarrassing than some of the Elvis movies that have been out for years. I think the "sky is falling" warnings about releasing EIC are silly. Most people would not even know it was out there, and if they did, most wouldn't care. BTW I am 56 yrs old.

[jak]

IMO Elvis didnt give any "great" concerts in 77.Some were better than others certainly.He gave occasional great performances of certain songs on certain nights.I would have loved to have seen them all,but none would qualify as great.Elvis himself probably would have agreed given the chance.
Jak