Concert Review - Houston, Texas 8/28/76

[TotallyInsane]

My scanner is not working at the moment but I did find the review. So, I'm going to type it...

[TotallyInsane]

Music: Elvis Presley
by Bob Claypool

Elvis Presley has been breaking hearts for more than 20 years now, and, Saturday afternoon in The Summit - in a completely new and unexpected way - he broke mine.

In short, the concert was awful - a depressingly incoherent, amateurish mess served up by a bloated, stumbling and mumbling figure who didn't act like "The King" of anything, least of all rock 'n' roll.

It made for a sad, pitiful afternoon - even though the narrow-minded, but always-present, screamers-for-Elvis bunch were still squealing and jumping through the whole thing. But, on this day, there seemed to be less of them than ever. The Summit was sold-out, packed to the gills (17,500 people, maybe more), and for every die-hard screamer, there were at least two or three blank, stunned faces, staring at the stage in disbelief.

The show followed the usual format - a warmup set from the orchestra, a short gospel section from J.D. Sumner and the Stamps, a comedy spot by Jack Culhane and a closing performance by The Sweet Inspirations. That killed 43 minutes, and was followed by a 25-minute intermission.

Finally, the recorded strains of "Thus Spake Zarathustra" filled the hall, the flashbulbs began popping, the screams rolled down in waves...and...THERE HE WAS! The screams were deafening, as always, but on this day the minute Elvis got onstage, people all around me stated whispering to each other, in shocked tones, about how "at" how "bad" he looked.

They were right, but that first impression wasn't the worst of the afternoon, because Elvis didn't look "fat" so much as absolutely bloated. His jowls were puffy, his eyes (seen through a telephoto lens) looked horrible, and his sparkly, multi-colored brocade vest accentuated his protruding stomach.

Elvis slipped immediately into "C.C. Ridjer", but the old fire didn't seem to be there. From that moment on, it was a tossup as to which was worse - his singing (a generally lethargic, throwaway series of vocals, brightend only occasionally) or his between-songs raps (which sounded like a bad imitation of "lovable lush" Foster Brooks).

Every time Elvis, who, as we've all been told, doesn't drink or smoke - said "ladies and gentlemen", it came out like "ladishandshgennimen".

A stranger sitting next to me - a young blonde woman - said, "Oh, my god, what's wrong with him? He can't even talk! He can't even finish his sentences".

Elvis himself said that he'd caught the creeping crud, which several hard-cored fans interpreted as a "really bad cold".

Whatever it was, it didn't stop the screaming, and Elvis plunged ahead into "Mean Woman Blues" (one of the high points of the show - Elvis slipped "Amen" in the middle of it, then immediately gritted his teeth and ground his hips at the audience before getting back to "Mean Woman". He was, in small does, still able to express carnality and spirituality in the twinkling of a rock 'n' roll eye). "Love Me", "If You Love Me, Let Me Know, "You Gave Me A Mountain", a rock 'n' roll medley - the tunes rolled on and on, but few contained any real energy. One exception was his latest single "Hurt", during which Presley did his most bombastic (and impressive) vocalizing.

Otherwise, he often seemed to be a heartless parody of his former self. He moved very little - his pelvic thrusts were few and far between, and even they were clumsy, of all things. He walked the stage in a lumbering fashion, throwing those famous scarves out toward the clutching female hands.

Faithful as always, they still came down front - came bearing gifts (a painting of Elvis, a six-foot long stuffed dog, a small teddy bear, oodles of flowers). It made you realize that iff they would come and love him on a day like this, then they would always do so - no matter how bad, how ill, how uncaring he would get.

But for some of us, it would never be the same, because the man who had given us the original myth of rock 'n' roll - the man who created it and lived it - was now, for whatever reason, taking it all back.

[TotallyInsane]

After Elvis died, the author of this review, Bob Claypool, apologized in the Houston Chronicle for this review. He said something to the affect that he knew he was ill but had no idea he was that ill.

[epmoodyblue]

:hmm:something was def wrong that night i have heard its one of elvis worst concerts ever..i dunno i have to hear a tape of the show and make my own conclusions..i also heard that later elvis was aked about the concert the day after he replied he didint even remember that show ... so go figure:doh: for sure elvis wasint well that night in texas... how could he not remember a concert he did the day before? well this bob fellow obviosly wasint following elvis through the years like a real fan would..he was expecting elvis to come out looking like he did in aug 70 or msg 72 ..forget it years go by age catches up with you add countless health problems . ...thats just the way things were..but when elvis felt like it in 76 he put on great shows if he was in a good mood ..there were a few bad shows here and there in elvis career..u can go way back to sept 74 for some of those ..baltimore 77 and others i cant remember...eh who really cares about reviews anyways yes elvis did some poor shows but most of his concerts were great..always king no matter what..peace

[Jungleroom76]

Thanks for posting the review TotallyInsane!! (y)

WOW!!! Mr. Claypool certainly didn't pull any punches with his review, did he? :hmm:

Well there is definitely no doubt that the show wasn't one of Elvis' better ones...now I'm going to have to see if I can find a copy of the show so I can hear it for myself!

Thanks again for the review!!

TCB!
Mike

[TotallyInsane]

Thanks for posting the review TotallyInsane!! (y)

WOW!!! Mr. Claypool certainly didn't pull any punches with his review, did he? :hmm:

Well there is definitely no doubt that the show wasn't one of Elvis' better ones...now I'm going to have to see if I can find a copy of the show so I can hear it for myself!

Thanks again for the review!!

TCB!
Mike

Please remember me if you find an audio of that show!!!! I would love to hear it again - especially when he's singing Love Me!!!

[utmom2008]

Good gosh Gail....that is really sad to read. That made me go pull out my reviews from Dallas and Vegas and re-read them, what a difference.

[Unchained Melody]

That was a very sad read indeed.

And so far NO audio so out there of this show so hopefully we will see it surface one day..even an audience recording I would pray for just to see for myself how bad this show was.

"Whatever it was, it didn't stop the screaming, and Elvis plunged ahead into "Mean Woman Blues" (one of the high points of the show"

This right here is an example of what killed Elvis.. the fans appreciated Elvis in any way they could get him. They still couldn't see, even though how bad he looked and sounded, they still were their wanting him like they had always and praised his every movement even during his probably most low point of his career this show..very depressing..and a sad paraody of himself comes to mind when reading this!:'(

[toffe]

What a great review, thank you for sharing! :)

[jak]

The concerts in the summer of 76 were absolutely awfull.Elvis was never more uninspired on the stage.He was on downers during this time and his shows moved at a snail's pace.A few months later he would bouncing of the rafters for a short time during his shows.It was a true rollercoaster ride that year.That was a sad time.
Jak

[epmoodyblue]

some shows in 76 were below par because of heatlh probs..elvis wasint feelin well..we can forgive those ..bit i love those 76 performances .elvis was a much more mature better performer in 76 better set list of songs too and richer voice he sounded better than ever..he put on some awesome shows in 76..i can name a ton of them .we all got our opinions..peace

[utmom2008]

.elvis was a much more mature better performer in 76 better set list of songs too and richer voice he sounded better than ever..he put on some awesome shows in 76..i can name a ton of them .we all got our opinions..peace

Which shows in 76 did you see epmoodyblue?

[Unchained Melody]

some shows in 76 were below par because of heatlh probs..elvis wasint feelin well..we can forgive those ..bit i love those 76 performances .elvis was a much more mature better performer in 76 better set list of songs too and richer voice he sounded better than ever..he put on some awesome shows in 76..i can name a ton of them .we all got our opinions..peace

Agreed MoodyBlue he did give alot of good shows in 1976. But he also gave alot of below par shows too. But one thing that never failed him all the way to is death, was that amazing voice!!!!:notworthy

Like you say its a matter of opinion which is why we are all hear to discuss with one another.(y);)

[epmoodyblue]

Which shows in 76 did you see epmoodyblue?well lets see.....:hmm: i saw the buffalo 76 concert..memphis 76 pittsburgh 76 ...:lmfao:how i wish u know i never seen elvis in person .. if u remember a while ago i sent u a pm once concerning elvis..u were so lucky to have sen elvis many times...anyways i love all the phases in elvis concert years each year weather he was in good shape or not there were magial moments including 76 -77 thats my opinion ..his voice never abandonded him until the end. it got better and better..course some 76 shows were not good.some peeps here wanna make everyone here in this forum believe all 76 concerts were terrible and thats a lie.....u were there in dallas 76 that was an awesome concert(y):notworthy..sadly 5 weeks later into 77 things changed elvis regained so much weight it was hard to believe it was the same person u saw perform in dec 76.
(y):notworthypeace to uhttp://www.freewebs.com/elvisnowyoulightupthesky/PICS1/2joedoub.jpg

[utmom2008]

well lets see.....:hmm: i saw the buffalo 76 concert..memphis 76 pittsburgh 76 ...:lmfao:how i wish u know i never seen elvis in person .. if u remember a while ago i sent u a pm once concerning elvis..u were so lucky to have sen elvis many times...anyways i love all the phases in elvis concert years each year weather he was in good shape or not there were magial moments including 76 -77 thats my opinion ..his voice never abandonded him until the end. it got better and better..course some 76 shows were not good.some peeps here wanna make everyone here in this forum believe all 76 concerts were terrible and thats a lie.....u were there in dallas 76 that was an awesome concert(y):notworthy..sadly 5 weeks later into 77 things changed elvis regained so much weight it was hard to believe it was the same person u saw perform in dec 76.
(y):notworthypeace to uhttp://www.freewebs.com/elvisnowyoulightupthesky/PICS1/2joedoub.jpg
I couldn't remember epmoodyblue.....it's sometimes hard to keep straight who saw Elvis where! :lol: And since we have access to all the bootleg and import CD's I know to some it's almost like being there! We have that to be thankful for! (y)(y) And, yes, you are right....the December 76 Dallas show was a good one! (y)

[Unchained Melody]

Wow, that is awesome..i'm sure if you got the chance to see Elvis in person you didn't see there and criticize me and such..just would be amazing seeing him in person giving it his all in the last years!!

[Jungleroom76]

Please remember me if you find an audio of that show!!!! I would love to hear it again - especially when he's singing Love Me!!!

Will do!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Unchained Melody]

Will do!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

If your talking about Dallas December 28th 1976 look for the import released on the Fort Baxter label "A Hot Winter Night In Dallas";)(y)

[Jungleroom76]

If your talking about Dallas December 28th 1976 look for the import released on the Fort Baxter label "A Hot Winter Night In Dallas";)(y)

Nope, actually, I was referring to the Houston show still... :blink:

TotallyInsane asked me to keep her in mind if I ever find an audio copy of that show!! (y)

I have the HOT WINTER CD and that is a GREAT show....actually that entire short year-ending '76 engagement was FANTASTIC!!

TCB!
Mike

[Getlo]

I have the HOT WINTER CD and that is a GREAT show....actually that entire short year-ending '76 engagement was FANTASTIC!!

I thought Pittsburgh was the last of the "great" shows. Dallas was good as well.

But Birmingham? I just don't see what all the fuss was over ...

[Jungleroom76]

But Birmingham? I just don't see what al the fuss was over ...

The Birmingham show is an overhyped show in my opinion too Getlo, but considering where Elvis had been throughout parts of 1976 (including this Houston show we have been talking about), the Birmingham show is head and shoulders above some of the other 1976 performances.

I do believe the Birmingham show has it's moments....the version of THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE is a great one!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Getlo]

I do believe the Birmingham show has it's moments....the version of THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE is a great one!! (y)

Yes, I mentioned this in another thread. Can't stand the song myself ... but that 30 seconds where it's just Elvis and Briggs on piano. Pure bliss. The rest of the song is the usual overblown approach. I wish he'd recorded that song like Roberta Flack's soft, sensitive original. It was not meant to be so bombastic.

It's a pity the audience couldn't shut up during Elvis' attempt to strip the song back to something special.

[utmom2008]

I wish he'd recorded that song like Roberta Flack's soft, sensitive original. It was not meant to be so bombastic.


To me, her version is one of the all time classic songs. I remember hearing it for the first time, in a theater watching "Play Misty For Me." The song had an instant impact.(y)

[Jungleroom76]

Yes, I mentioned this in another thread. Can't stand the song myself ... but that 30 seconds where it's just Elvis and Briggs on piano. Pure bliss. The rest of the song is the usual overblown approach. I wish he'd recorded that song like Roberta Flack's soft, sensitive original. It was not meant to be so bombastic.

It's a pity the audience couldn't shut up during Elvis' attempt to strip the song back to something special.

EXACTLY!!! :notworthy

That part where it is just Elvis & David is something special indeed!!! It's too bad he didn't perform the whole song that way, like he did with LOVE LETTERS. It would have been BEAUTIFUL!!

TCB!
Mike

[Unchained Melody]

Nope, actually, I was referring to the Houston show still... :blink:

TotallyInsane asked me to keep her in mind if I ever find an audio copy of that show!! (y)

I have the HOT WINTER CD and that is a GREAT show....actually that entire short year-ending '76 engagement was FANTASTIC!!

TCB!
Mike

My mistake Mike. I would love to see a recording of the august houston show come out. Would be very interesting release thats for sure!

Agreed. Dallas in December was amazing as was the other shows imo.:D

[jak]

The late Dec shows of 76 are all over hyped.They are good shows.They just are not worthy of the mythical status they have axchieved over the years.The reason they stand out is they offer a stark comparison to the level Elvis had been performing at the previous months.The Dec tour offered hope that maybe he was going to be ok.The same fans that were so fearfull for him after witnessing some of the summer shows were given a small reason to think maybe he was getting back on track.This "spark" was only good for 4 or 5 shows and was quickly gone.
Jak

[TotallyInsane]

Which CD is it where he's talking to some woman and she tells him her age and he says something like honey you haven't seen 30 in a long time????? Cracked me up the first time I heard it but now don't remember which one it's on???

[Getlo]

Which CD is it where he's talking to some woman and she tells him her age and he says something like honey you haven't seen 30 in a long time?????

"Honey, you'll never see 35 again ..."

It was originally issued on the Silver Box Set in 1980, later reissued as Live in Dallas (though the tracks were recorded in various cities).

[TotallyInsane]

"Honey, you'll never see 35 again ..."

It was originally issued on the Silver Box Set in 1980, later reissued as Live in Dallas (though the tracks were recorded in various cities).

That's it!!! Gosh, that just cracks me up - can't believe he said that!!!
Thanks - now I gotta go find it and listen to it again!!

[Kris P]

The late Dec shows of 76 are all over hyped.They are good shows.They just are not worthy of the mythical status they have axchieved over the years.The reason they stand out is they offer a stark comparison to the level Elvis had been performing at the previous months.The Dec tour offered hope that maybe he was going to be ok.The same fans that were so fearfull for him after witnessing some of the summer shows were given a small reason to think maybe he was getting back on track.This "spark" was only good for 4 or 5 shows and was quickly gone.
Jak

You will find that most things that achieve mythical status do so for a reason, they have merit.
Vis a vis the December tour, the mythical status is deserved, considering the year in total, this was his 'Comeback Special' for 1976.

[Kris P]

..i dunno i have to hear a tape of the show and make my own conclusions.....eh who really cares about reviews anyways yes elvis did some poor shows but most of his concerts were great..always king no matter what..peace

I agree.
I am reminded of a Thomas Jefferson quote:
"The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers."

[jak]

You will find that most things that achieve mythical status do so for a reason, they have merit.
Vis a vis the December tour, the mythical status is deserved, considering the year in total, this was his 'Comeback Special' for 1976.

Just because the year was so bad overall I dont think a small handfull of "decent" shows should warrant excessive praise.Let's just be gratefull the real "comeback" for Elvis wasnt of the 76 caliber and wasnt as brief.Elvis gave no shows during the last couple of years that come anywhere near legendary status quality wise.You have to look pre 73 for anything of that level.

[Kris P]

Just because the year was so bad overall I dont think a small handfull of "decent" shows should warrant excessive praise.Let's just be gratefull the real "comeback" for Elvis wasnt of the 76 caliber and wasnt as brief.Elvis gave no shows during the last couple of years that come anywhere near legendary status quality wise.You have to look pre 73 for anything of that level.
Me thinks you may have succumb to the teachings of EPE.

[jak]

Me thinks you may have succumb to the teachings of EPE.

Me thinks you want to revise history.Elvis himself set the bar pretty high from 69-73.He would never match that level again.Dont forget a good Elvis concert from the last two years isnt in the same league with his earlier efforts.If anybody thinks those Dec 76 shows were as good as the 69 or 72 shows they are just fooling themselves.Those were indeed mythical performances.

[Elvistcbkirch]

EXACTLY!!! :notworthy

That part where it is just Elvis & David is something special indeed!!! It's too bad he didn't perform the whole song that way, like he did with LOVE LETTERS. It would have been BEAUTIFUL!!

TCB!
Mike

All in all he was'nt there anymore in 76, wich I consider to be the worst period in his last years, but still there are highligts. The 'funk axe' introduction of David Briggs, the crushing version og 'Hurt', the low-fi 'Love Letters' and 'Danny Boy' represent the highlights of this period. Listen to Tucson 76, and you'll understand, what I'm talking about.

Best regards

Martin

[Kris P]

Me thinks you want to revise history.
EPE are already taking care of that for you.

Elvis himself set the bar pretty high from 69-73.He would never match that level again.
Dont forget a good Elvis concert from the last two years isnt in the same league with his earlier efforts.If anybody thinks those Dec 76 shows were as good as the 69 or 72 shows they are just fooling themselves.Those were indeed mythical performances.
Maybe. Though such comparisons are unfair as they lack perspective.
Being somewhat of a sportsman myself my current achievements pale in comparison to my achievements of 10 years ago, though that does not diminish them.

...........

[jak]

EPE are already taking care of that for you.

Maybe. Though such comparisons are unfair as they lack perspective.
Being somewhat of a sportsman myself my current achievements pale in comparison to my achievements of 10 years ago, though that does not diminish them.

...........

EPE is just trying to shy away from the bloated Elvis image that was the reality for the majority of the last few years.They are selling a product,thus they put forth the best product they have available.I may not always agree but fortunately I do understand.
I dont see how the comparisons of Elvis concerts over the years can be considered unfair or lack perspective.I would be curious what you think Elvis accomplished in those dec shows?Do you think those shows would rate in his best 10 ever?The top 50?Youre diminsihing the true greatness of his performing ability by even mentioning those dec shows with his amazing earlier efforts.I dont think some fans actually realize just how stunning Elvis was from 69-72.It wasnt just his incredible voice.It was his looks.It was his gracefull command of the stage.The way he moved when he sang.The intensity of his shows wwas incredible.Im sorry to say that by 76 the total package was no longer there.You can always find a great performance here and there from 76 and 77.Youre not going to find his striking good looks anymore.Youre not going to see the gracefull performer anymore.All the pieces that truly set Elvis apart were no longer there.We just got bits and pieces.Elvis gave all when he performed earlier on.He busted his *** on that stage.Nobody could touch him.When 76 rolled along you were lucky to just catch a small glimpse of that.

[jak]

All in all he was'nt there anymore in 76, wich I consider to be the worst period in his last years, but still there are highligts. The 'funk axe' introduction of David Briggs, the crushing version og 'Hurt', the low-fi 'Love Letters' and 'Danny Boy' represent the highlights of this period. Listen to Tucson 76, and you'll understand, what I'm talking about.

Best regards

Martin

Excellent observation and I entirely agree.The great moment just didnt happen as often the last couple of years.From 69-72 the greatness occured on a regular basis with incredible frequency.

[Kris P]

Then we are as one, Jak.
Thanks for the input.(y)

[utmom2008]

I dont think some fans actually realize just how stunning Elvis was from 69-72.It wasnt just his incredible voice.It was his looks.It was his gracefull command of the stage.The way he moved when he sang.The intensity of his shows wwas incredible.Elvis gave all when he performed earlier on.He busted his *** on that stage.Nobody could touch him.When 76 rolled along you were lucky to just catch a small glimpse of that.

You are correct Jak. I was there early on and I was there in December 76. The shows were NOT in the same ball park. I love how you mention his graceful command of the stage...yes, that was gone in the last year...GONE

[jak]

[/B]

You are correct Jak. I was there early on and I was there in December 76. The shows were NOT in the same ball park. I love how you mention his graceful command of the stage...yes, that was gone in the last year...GONE

In my opinion Elvis was in a class of his own those first few years of performing.I doubt we will ever see anybody like that again.In spite of my comments regarding the later shows I still root for our guy.I admire the times he pulled out a showstopper during those rough times.I like it as much as anyone.I just cant ignore the overall situation that developed the last couple of years.I dont see many truly great concerts back then.I mainly see the greatest performer that ever lived just struggling to get by and that was a real shame.
Jak

[Getlo]

I still root for our guy.

Jak, didn't I tell you what this means in Australia? :lmfao:

I agree with you about the mythic status of the December '76 tour.

The shows can only be called "great" when compared to every other show in '76, certainly not one of his best years. December was a vast improvement on what had come previously. But they were not great when compared with Elvis' oeuvre overall.

If only he had continued with this newfound verve and spark, who knows what might have happened.

Having said that, I still believe Pittburgh was the last "great" show he gave (vocally anyway ... on video it certainly loses its impact).

And again, there's no comparison between this show and anything from 1969-71. Elvis himself may not have been "great" for this show, but I think the overall concert itself - Elvis' energy, the NYE spirit, whatever - makes it a fine show.

Nothing in '77 reached Pittsburgh's heights, I'm sorry to say. It was Elvis' last hurrah.

[jak]

Jak, didn't I tell you what this means in Australia? :lmfao:

I agree with you about the mythic status of the December '76 tour.

The shows can only be called "great" when compared to every other show in '76, certainly not one of his best years. December was a vast improvement on what had come previously. But they were not great when compared with Elvis' oeuvre overall.

If only he had continued with this newfound verve and spark, who knows what might have happened.

Having said that, I still believe Pittburgh was the last "great" show he gave (vocally anyway ... on video it certainly loses its impact).

And again, there's no comparison between this show and anything from 1969-71. Elvis himself may not have been "great" for this show, but I think the overall concert itself - Elvis' energy, the NYE spirit, whatever - makes it a fine show.

Nothing in '77 reached Pittsburgh's heights, I'm sorry to say. It was Elvis' last hurrah.

Getlo
I was wondering if my use of the 'root' word would catch youre eye.How could I forget it's Australian definition.
I agree with you on the Pittsburgh show.It was all downhill after that.I've got several friends who were there that night.He wouldnt even come close to that level of performing again.

[danny]

I thought Pittsburgh was the last of the "great" shows. Dallas was good as well.
But Birmingham? I just don't see what all the fuss was over ...
B/S!
Are you an Elvis Presley-fan???
I don't think so. :mad:

[Tony Trout]

B/S!
Are you an Elvis Presley-fan???
I don't think so. :mad:


Getlo is a fan...he just chooses to see things as they are.

[danny]

Getlo is a fan...he just chooses to see things as they are.
:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:
You're both crazy.

[utmom2008]

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:
You're both crazy.

How sweet.;) Welcome to the board.....;);)

[Tony Trout]

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:
You're both crazy.


With an introduction like that I don't suspect you'll be around here long......I do not like to be called crazy....so.....back off!

:angry::angry:

[danny]

How sweet.;) Welcome to the board.....;);)
Welcome??? :hmm:
I'm a member here since 2005.

[utmom2008]

Welcome??? :hmm:
I'm a member here since 2005.

And an active one I can tell.;)

[KPM]

If you compare the Houston show of 76 with the first Astrodome shows in 1970 its like 2 different people.

[Getlo]

B/S!
Are you an Elvis Presley-fan???
I don't think so. :mad:

I am more of a fan than you will ever be; I have been a fan for longer than you - longer than you've been alive, pal - and I will be a fan long after you've returned to your collection of Backstreet Boys.

As direct and harsh as I may be, I never query a person's level of fandom - but I will make an exception with you. Just because I choose to see a concert or particular year of Elvis' career without blinders does not mean I deserve idiocy such as this.

Back in your hole.

[Tony Trout]

I am more of a fan than you will ever be; I have been a fan for longer than you - longer than you've been alive, pal - and I will be a fan long after you've returned to your collection of Backstreet Boys.

As direct and harsh as I may be, I never query a person's level of fandom - but I will make an exception with you. Just because I choose to see a concert or particular year of Elvis' career without blinders does not mean I deserve idiocy such as this.

Back in your hole.


The fact is that you don't deserve it, Getlo. Kudos to you, my friend! :notworthy:notworthy:notworthy:notworthy




If you compare the Houston show of 76 with the first Astrodome shows in 1970 its like 2 different people.


That's simple. By 1976, Elvis was nowhere near the performance level of the Elvis of 1970.

[U.S. Male]

Whatever it was, it didn't stop the screaming, and Elvis plunged ahead into "Mean Woman Blues" (one of the high points of the show - Elvis slipped "Amen" in the middle of it, then immediately gritted his teeth and ground his hips at the audience before getting back to "Mean Woman".

I'm pretty sure that this song was actually the usual "I Got A Woman/Amen" and not the classic rocker "Mean Woman Blues" from the film Loving You.

Also, does anyone know if there's a recording of this show out there, either on soundboard or audience recording?

I'd like to hear this show for myself and see if it matches the review it was given.

[Tony Trout]

Also, does anyone know if there's a recording of this show out there, either on soundboard or audience recording?

I'd like to hear this show for myself and see if it matches the review it was given.


Steve,

To this day, no recording (audience or soundboard) has ever surfaced....

[TotallyInsane]

I'm pretty sure that this song was actually the usual "I Got A Woman/Amen" and not the classic rocker "Mean Woman Blues" from the film Loving You.

Also, does anyone know if there's a recording of this show out there, either on soundboard or audience recording?

I'd like to hear this show for myself and see if it matches the review it was given.

Yes, I don't think the reporter knew exactly what he was talking about - he was close though - the title of the song did have "woman" in it :D:D