Why wasn't Elvis Told to lose weight for EIC?

[ph10579]

Don't know why I didn't really think about it until now? But why was Elvis told he should lose weight for the Aloha special, but not for Elvis in Concert?

[mozzarella]

EIC was not a challenge for Elvis... It was just regular shows filmed for some reason... who knew that they would record history... Anyway my question is: who's idea was to do EIC at all? They let it be filmed and now they don't want to release it... I swear I could make a fantastic remastered version if I got the tapes...Seriously

[debtdbruno]

Who said he wasn't asked?
He might have said he wasn't able to lose weight.
Maybe people around him knew he was too ill to diet, or didn't feel it was appropriate to ask him.

Deb

[Joe Car]

Don't know why I didn't really think about it until now? But why was Elvis told he should lose weight for the Aloha special, but not for Elvis in Concert?

First of all, Aloha was to be sent out world-wide, and was the first of it's kind, Plus Elvis had a producer for the Aloha that told him he needed to lose weight, challenged him if you will, that being Marty Passetta. Elvis never had any trouble with constructive criticism, thus when he worked with somebody new, ala Steve Binder for the 68 special, Chips Morman for the 69 Memphis sessions and Passetta for the Aloha, he was incredible. For EIC, that was a disaster, because there was no direction, and nobody to motivate Elvis who at this point, was a sick man. Basically, the EIC special, should have never happened! It only came about I believe, because EP needed money.

[debtdbruno]

Good post Joe

[TCB4ELVIS]

Elvis did his usual routine of going to Hawaii to tan but he knew that he didn't look as good as could for TV. Then again, drugs can make you see yourself different in the mirror. But the pictures of him in Hawaii he looked a lot better. He also looked 100X better on his last show June 26th 1977. I remember seeing one of his back up singers say, "when we were taping the CBS special, we thought wow he looks good, but when I saw it aired on TV I knew were blinded when we were with him".
It was just an obvious sign that he was running out of money or else he never would have allowed. To me, that's the only reason that I could think of. In fact, I don't know if this was rumor EPE spread but supposedly he didn't want it to air and wanted them to re-tape it on the next tour.
I don't know how true that is. I remember being really young my older sister was doubting it was Elvis until he smiled. She said, "yep that's him, no one has that smile". I thought it was sad when he was singing My Way, but then again Elvis always had a way of way of singing that mad you sympathize with him..lol

[molokai123]

First of all, Aloha was to be sent out world-wide, and was the first of it's kind, Plus Elvis had a producer for the Aloha that told him he needed to lose weight, challenged him if you will, that being Marty Passetta. Elvis never had any trouble with constructive criticism, thus when he worked with somebody new, ala Steve Binder for the 68 special, Chips Morman for the 69 Memphis sessions and Passetta for the Aloha, he was incredible. For EIC, that was a disaster, because there was no direction, and nobody to motivate Elvis who at this point, was a sick man. Basically, the EIC special, should have never happened! It only came about I believe, because EP needed money.

you hit it right on the nose.

[jak]

"but then again Elvis always had a way of way of singing that mad you sympathize with him"

Absolutely right.That's one of the reasons I think many just dont acknowledge how bad Elvis' level of performing had slipped at that point.Im not one of those fans that think the CBS footage should be hidden away forever however.It's all part of the story.The reality is that Elvis was putting on incredibly subpar shows during this time.Do I wish I could have seen them all?Of course.It was still Elvis.I watched On Tour last night and Lost Performances.I saw Elvis just knocking them dead.I think you can even sense the joy and satisfaction he's having on stage.He focused and full of life.It emits out of the tv screen.You can almost feel the energy.Go ahead just five years and I see and feel something totally opposite.The show has a somber tone in almost every aspect.The spark is gone for the most part.It's not the same performer from just a few years prior by a longshot.I've watched the CBS footage hundreds of times.I've never came away with a good feeling.The few bright moments cannot overcome the overwhelming gloom and sadness that hang over it.

[Donut]

I don't think Elvis was in his best moment to go on a diet for esthetic reasons. The last thing that worries me watching EIC is his weight.

[EnigmaticSun]

Well Elvis seemed slightly weaker during Aloha compared to earlier performances. That's what you get with an unnatural yo-yo effect. But in the end, both Aloha and EIC were filmed and it's gonna be hard to un-do it.

[Jungleroom76]

First of all, Aloha was to be sent out world-wide, and was the first of it's kind, Plus Elvis had a producer for the Aloha that told him he needed to lose weight, challenged him if you will, that being Marty Passetta. Elvis never had any trouble with constructive criticism, thus when he worked with somebody new, ala Steve Binder for the 68 special, Chips Morman for the 69 Memphis sessions and Passetta for the Aloha, he was incredible. For EIC, that was a disaster, because there was no direction, and nobody to motivate Elvis who at this point, was a sick man. Basically, the EIC special, should have never happened! It only came about I believe, because EP needed money.

Well said Joe!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[jak]

I don't think Elvis was in his best moment to go on a diet for esthetic reasons. The last thing that worries me watching EIC is his weight.

Great point and observation.He had far more serious problems than some extra pounds.I just dont think some people see it that way though.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Great point and observation.He had far more serious problems than some extra pounds.I just dont think some people see it that way though.

Great point, but if you do want to discuss these issues you get put on the rack :doh:

Elvis was a shadow of his former self, he knew it! As I said in another thread it makes me mad that a guy who had the world at his feet so many times was lost to drugs, I'm sorry I don't find that uplifting in any way. If Elvis had changed his lifestyle circa 1973 things could have changed drastically..

[Hominuk]

I thought he still looked good for the Aloha concert....just older. Maybe he was a few lbs heavier, but certainly not anything to worry about. His body still looked great. He voice did seem weaker, but it WAS just four years before he died....by then, his addictions had a death grip on him.

[utmom2008]

The show has a somber tone in almost every aspect.The spark is gone for the most part.It's not the same performer from just a few years prior by a longshot.I've watched the CBS footage hundreds of times.I've never came away with a good feeling.The few bright moments cannot overcome the overwhelming gloom and sadness that hang over it.


I don't think Elvis was in his best moment to go on a diet for esthetic reasons. The last thing that worries me watching EIC is his weight.

You both "hit the nail on the head" IMO. To me, the most worrisome part of his "weight" problem is that it doesn't look like "normal" weight gain, he looks so bloated. It's not the look of a 42 year old man that's been eating too many nachos and/or drinking too much beer. Bottom line....he looks and sounds like a very sick man. I've seen it countless times and every time is just as depressing as it was the first time. He was a shell of his former self, almost like he had become a parody of the earlier Elvis years. If you really want to be depressed......watch TTWII and follow it up with EIC. :sad::sad:

[LtCarman]

I thought he still looked good for the Aloha concert....just older. Maybe he was a few lbs heavier, but certainly not anything to worry about. His body still looked great. He voice did seem weaker, but it WAS just four years before he died....by then, his addictions had a death grip on him.

I believe you have the wrong concert special here.

This is Aloha:

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo21/LtCarman/aloha3_793224.jpg

This is Elvis in Concert:

http://elvisconcerts.com/pictures/s77061906.jpg

[Brian]

maybe Elvis was told to lose weight and refused or was told to but couldn't

it's hard to loose weight when you are at a certain age and Elvis was at that point in his life.

[Hominuk]

I guess I did have the wrong concert in mind ;)

Maybe he didn't lose weight because he accepted the way he looked at the time?

[Tony Trout]

EIC was not a challenge for Elvis... It was just regular shows filmed for some reason... who knew that they would record history... Anyway my question is: who's idea was to do EIC at all? They let it be filmed and now they don't want to release it... I swear I could make a fantastic remastered version if I got the tapes...Seriously


It was good ol' Parker and CBS's idea to do EIC - and Parker agreed to it because CBS waved $750.000.00 in front of their nose. That show should've never happened at all, IMO.




First of all, Aloha was to be sent out world-wide, and was the first of it's kind, Plus Elvis had a producer for the Aloha that told him he needed to lose weight, challenged him if you will, that being Marty Passetta. Elvis never had any trouble with constructive criticism, thus when he worked with somebody new, ala Steve Binder for the 68 special, Chips Morman for the 69 Memphis sessions and Passetta for the Aloha, he was incredible. For EIC, that was a disaster, because there was no direction, and nobody to motivate Elvis who at this point, was a sick man. Basically, the EIC special, should have never happened! It only came about I believe, because EP needed money.



Aloha was NOT sent out 'worldwide' as has been debated here many times over....






Maybe he didn't lose weight because he accepted the way he looked at the time?

Exactly. He (and we, the fans) both accepted his appearance.......

[jak]

Great point, but if you do want to discuss these issues you get put on the rack :doh:

Elvis was a shadow of his former self, he knew it! As I said in another thread it makes me mad that a guy who had the world at his feet so many times was lost to drugs, I'm sorry I don't find that uplifting in any way. If Elvis had changed his lifestyle circa 1973 things could have changed drastically..

Im with you all the way.I think it's the fact he let drugs destroy him that's the difficult part to accept.It was preventable.

[jak]

[/b]

[/b]

You both "hit the nail on the head" IMO. To me, the most worrisome part of his "weight" problem is that it doesn't look like "normal" weight gain, he looks so bloated. It's not the look of a 42 year old man that's been eating too many nachos and/or drinking too much beer. Bottom line....he looks and sounds like a very sick man. I've seen it countless times and every time is just as depressing as it was the first time. He was a shell of his former self, almost like he had become a parody of the earlier Elvis years. If you really want to be depressed......watch TTWII and follow it up with EIC. :sad::sad:

You are exactly right.It's really sad that we refer to him being a parody of his former self.However it's the truth no matter how painfull it is to admit.It's a shame he has that cloud always lingering over his legacy.He did so much for so many years,yet those last couple of years seem so dominant when he is discussed.

[utmom2008]

He did so much for so many years,yet those last couple of years seem so dominant when he is discussed.

Not only in discussion, but every time you turn on the TV there's a commercial with a fat Elvis, with "Elvis" saying "Thank ya, thank ya very much." It's because of the last 2 years that we see things like that. It fascinates me though that "he" is always dressed in the AFH jumpsuit, the jumpsuit where in actuality he looked fabulous.:blink:

[Jungleroom76]

It was good ol' Parker and CBS's idea to do EIC - and Parker agreed to it because CBS waved $750.000.00 in front of their nose. That show should've never happened at all, IMO.

AMEN TONY!!! :notworthy

The Colonel wasn't going to turn down $$$ no matter how bad Elvis may have looked and/or sounded.

I have a feeling that if The Colonel could have figured out a way to charge the fans for Elvis' funeral, he would have!!! :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing:

TCB!
Mike

[utmom2008]

I have a feeling that if The Colonel could have figured out a way to charge the fans for Elvis' funeral, he would have!!! :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing:
TCB!
Mike

How sad......but you are probably right Mighty! :sad::blink:

[Jungleroom76]

How sad......but you are probably right Mighty! :sad::blink:

Very sad indeed Rosanne!!! :'(

TCB!
Mike

[Brian]

AMEN TONY!!! :notworthy

The Colonel wasn't going to turn down $$$ no matter how bad Elvis may have looked and/or sounded.

I have a feeling that if The Colonel could have figured out a way to charge the fans for Elvis' funeral, he would have!!! :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing:

TCB!
Mike

I think Elvis appearance in EIC is made out to be a big deal because he died shortly after taping it and then it was shown after his death becoming his last t.v. special thus becoming a part of his legacy in the process.
For many people non fans mostly the image of the fat Elvis comes from that special but if he hadn't of died EIC wouldn't of been as big a deal because it would'nt of been his final piece of work.

[jak]

I think Elvis appearance in EIC is made out to be a big deal because he died shortly after taping it and then it was shown after his death becoming his last t.v. special thus becoming a part of his legacy in the process.
For many people non fans mostly the image of the fat Elvis comes from that special but if he hadn't of died EIC wouldn't of been as big a deal because it would'nt of been his final piece of work.

Believe me on this one.Regardless of the fact he died prior to the show's broadcast.His appearance was a big deal.Evidently it wasnt a big enough deal.The man was literally being filmed whle he died a slow death.His appearance and actions showcased a guy in deep trouble who needed help.

[Tony Trout]

AMEN TONY!!! :notworthy

The Colonel wasn't going to turn down $$$ no matter how bad Elvis may have looked and/or sounded.

I have a feeling that if The Colonel could have figured out a way to charge the fans for Elvis' funeral, he would have!!! :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing:

TCB!
Mike



You're probably right on the money (no pun intended) with that statement, Mike. Even during Elvis's funeral he was trying to make deals with Vernon over certain things, if I'm not mistaken.

[Jungleroom76]

I think Elvis appearance in EIC is made out to be a big deal because he died shortly after taping it and then it was shown after his death becoming his last t.v. special thus becoming a part of his legacy in the process.
For many people non fans mostly the image of the fat Elvis comes from that special but if he hadn't of died EIC wouldn't of been as big a deal because it would'nt of been his final piece of work.

THAT is an excellent point Brian!! (y)

Who knows what might have happened had Elvis lived, but even if Elvis had lived past August 16th, the CBS Special had been set-up between CBS and The Colonel months before it was shot, so it still would have aired on TV and there probably would still have been some sort of an emotional outpouring from the fans on his condition, wouldn't you agree? :hmm:

If Elvis had still been alive when the show aired, would THAT have been enough to convince Elvis to change his ways? Would the fans reaction to the special have been enough to convince Elvis to change his ways? Maybe yes, maybe no....sadly, we'll never know what may have been... :'(

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

Believe me on this one.Regardless of the fact he died prior to the show's broadcast.His appearance was a big deal.Evidently it wasnt a big enough deal.The man was literally being filmed whle he died a slow death.His appearance and actions showcased a guy in deep trouble who needed help.

THAT is ALSO an excellent point Jak!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

You're probably right on the money (no pun intended) with that statement, Mike. Even during Elvis's funeral he was trying to make deals with Vernon over certain things, if I'm not mistaken.

I think I remember reading that as well Tony...if I am not mikstaken, I believe it was over the legal rights to Elvis' name and likeness and that The Colonel made a statement something along the lines of "Even though Elvis is dead, we still have to market him"...that is certainly not a quote per se, but that was the general idea of what The Colonel was trying to get across to Vernon....while the poor man was grieving the loss of his only son... :angry: :angry: :angry:

But I can certainly imagine The Colonel setting up a toll booth of some kind at the front door of Graceland charging fans admission to the house so them could pay their last respects. And, of course in the background you would hear the announcement for fans to pick up their "Elvis super souvenirs"!! :nono: :nono: :nono:

I know that sounds incredibly crass and horrible, but I am 99.9% sure that those ideas crossed that greedy old man's mind at some point following Elvis' death and that he probably would have pulled it off, given half the chance... :cursing: :cursing: :cursing:

TCB!
Mike

[Brian]

THAT is an excellent point Brian!! (y)

Who knows what might have happened had Elvis lived, but even if Elvis had lived past August 16th, the CBS Special had been set-up between CBS and The Colonel months before it was shot, so it still would have aired on TV and there probably would still have been some sort of an emotional outpouring from the fans on his condition, wouldn't you agree? :hmm:

If Elvis had still been alive when the show aired, would THAT have been enough to convince Elvis to change his ways? Would the fans reaction to the special have been enough to convince Elvis to change his ways? Maybe yes, maybe no....sadly, we'll never know what may have been... :'(

TCB!
Mike

I think the special would've been another t.v. special in that the fans still would've watched it.
no major outcry from the fans

Larry Gellar has said that he mentioned to Elvis a couple of times that he take a year off from working but said Elvis would always just put it off.
Larry says he did express a desire to take a year off and go to Hawaii to lose weight and get healthy again.
Now had Elvis got back into shape again EIC would've just been viewed as a low point in his life but since he died it became a sad end to his life and career.

On a sidenote i've always been disappointed in EIC as a t.v. special regardless of Elvis appearence because if you look at his other specials 68 Comeback and Aloha they had concepts behind them while EIC was just a show from a random state nothing spectacular about it and the material he performed hadn't changed very much in the past 4 years

[Brian]

I think I remember reading that as well Tony...if I am not mikstaken, I believe it was over the legal rights to Elvis' name and likeness and that The Colonel made a statement something along the lines of "Even though Elvis is dead, we still have to market him"...that is certainly not a quote per se, but that was the general idea of what The Colonel was trying to get across to Vernon....while the poor man was grieving the loss of his only son... :angry: :angry: :angry:

But I can certainly imagine The Colonel setting up a toll booth of some kind at the front door of Graceland charging fans admission to the house so them could pay their last respects. And, of course in the background you would hear the announcement for fans to pick up their "Elvis super souvenirs"!! :nono: :nono: :nono:

I know that sounds incredibly crass and horrible, but I am 99.9% sure that those ideas crossed that greedy old man's mind at some point following Elvis' death and that he probably would have pulled it off, given half the chance... :cursing: :cursing: :cursing:

TCB!
Mike


I don't think Vernon or the rest of the family would've went along with that.

[mozzarella]

EIC should have taken place in July 1975. That period from AFH to EIC is a poorly documented timeframe at least regarding pro footage. What a shame... He did some helluva shows in between the two TV specials. Ok, except for the summer of the '76 shows. Parker woke up too late for making a concert movie. They missed so many good opportunities before... Sometimes I play with the thought of an Elvis in Concert special my way, the way I would like to see it, with jumpsuits, sounds, different camera angles, Elvis movements, everything. I can play with the idea to the point where I actually get goosebumps by just imagining it. :D So sad it's not real...

[utmom2008]

I think I remember reading that as well Tony...if I am not mikstaken, I believe it was over the legal rights to Elvis' name and likeness and that The Colonel made a statement something along the lines of "Even though Elvis is dead, we still have to market him"...that is certainly not a quote per se, but that was the general idea of what The Colonel was trying to get across to Vernon....while the poor man was grieving the loss of his only son... :angry: :angry: :angry:

TCB!
Mike

It was also during this time that the Colonel made the infamous statement....."The body died....Elvis didn't.":blink:

[TotallyInsane]

AMEN TONY!!! :notworthy

The Colonel wasn't going to turn down $$$ no matter how bad Elvis may have looked and/or sounded.

I have a feeling that if The Colonel could have figured out a way to charge the fans for Elvis' funeral, he would have!!! :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing:
TCB!
Mike


He did - who do you think was peddling those shirts right there in front of Graceland that said Elvis Presley 1-8-35 - 8-16-77? Not the Col. himself but I bet he was behind it!

[Jungleroom76]

I think the special would've been another t.v. special in that the fans still would've watched it.
no major outcry from the fans

Hmmm....perhaps....but I still say something would have been said about his appearance... :notworthy


Larry Gellar has said that he mentioned to Elvis a couple of times that he take a year off from working but said Elvis would always just put it off.
Larry says he did express a desire to take a year off and go to Hawaii to lose weight and get healthy again.
Now had Elvis got back into shape again EIC would've just been viewed as a low point in his life but since he died it became a sad end to his life and career.

I've heard the same thing about Elvis wanting to take time off to get healthy again....but it was that **** Colonel Parker who kept booking him on tour after tour after tour. :cursing: :cursing: :cursing: :cursing: :cursing:

And I know that Elvis could have said something to the Colonel about not booking anymore tours so he could have a break, but somehow I don't think it was that easy... :hmm:


On a sidenote i've always been disappointed in EIC as a t.v. special regardless of Elvis appearence because if you look at his other specials 68 Comeback and Aloha they had concepts behind them while EIC was just a show from a random state nothing spectacular about it and the material he performed hadn't changed very much in the past 4 years

True, but if you hadn't had the opportunity to see Elvis live, then you probably didn't know what material Elvis was performing in concert so in that aspect, it was something new for those fans.

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

I don't think Vernon or the rest of the family would've went along with that.

I know they wouldn't have...that's why I threw the "given half a chance" disclaimer in there! ;)

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

That period from AFH to EIC is a poorly documented timeframe at least regarding pro footage.

Well remember, there was an Easter Special planned for 1974 at one point, according to the advertisement on the TAKE GOOD CARE OF HER 45 picture sleeve. :hmm:

So it looks like an effort was made to document that year of Elvis' career, even though the plans fell through for whatever reason. (n)

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

It was also during this time that the Colonel made the infamous statement....."The body died....Elvis didn't.":blink:

Yeah, I forgot about that one!! :doh:

Another famous "Colonel-ism"!!! :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing:

TCB!
Mike

[SeeSeeRider777]

With the Col is was $$ first and everything else second. The man would sell his mother for a quick buck.

I don't think Elvis really could lose the weight. I mean he had not only the drug addiction but some colon problems. The side effects from the drugs and the colon problems made Elvis bloated.

I am surprised that Elvis could even do any shows at this point.



And what pisses me off is that this concert is what many people that are non Elvis fans, remember Elvis as (an overweight has been). Really ticks me off. 1976-1977 are the two years that people remember. 1953-1975, no one remembers. :(

[Jungleroom76]

He did - who do you think was peddling those shirts right there in front of Graceland that said Elvis Presley 1-8-35 - 8-16-77? Not the Col. himself but I bet he was behind it!

Good point Rosanne!!! :hmm: ;)

But just think of the money he could have raked in with the toll booth at the front door!!! :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry:

Sorry....everytime I think about The Colonel and how things went down in those final few years, it just causes my blood pressure to go through the roof!!!! :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry:

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

With the Col is was $$ first and everything else second. The man would sell his mother for a quick buck.

I don't think Elvis really could lose the weight. I mean he had not only the drug addiction but some colon problems. The side effects from the drugs and the colon problems made Elvis bloated.

I am surprised that Elvis could even do any shows at this point.



And what pisses me off is that this concert is what many people that are non Elvis fans, remember Elvis as (an overweight has been). Really ticks me off. 1976-1977 are the two years that people remember. 1953-1975, no one remembers. :(

All excellent points SeeSeeRider!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Brian]

Good point Rosanne!!! :hmm: ;)

But just think of the money he could have raked in with the toll booth at the front door!!! :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry:

Sorry....everytime I think about The Colonel and how things went down in those final few years, it just causes my blood pressure to go through the roof!!!! :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry:

TCB!
Mike

Why is the Colonel the only one to blame?

maybe we don't know the whole story

[Brian]

Well remember, there was an Easter Special planned for 1974 at one point, according to the advertisement on the TAKE GOOD CARE OF HER 45 picture sleeve. :hmm:

So it looks like an effort was made to document that year of Elvis' career, even though the plans fell through for whatever reason. (n)

TCB!
Mike


I've heard Parker wanted Elvis to do an all gospel show but he wasn't interested in doing it so it never happened.

Given Elvis love for singing gospel music it could've been good

[Brian]

True, but if you hadn't had the opportunity to see Elvis live, then you probably didn't know what material Elvis was performing in concert so in that aspect, it was something new for those fans.

TCB!
Mike

I was thinking that a lot of the same songs performed for EIC were also sung during Aloha and Elvis many live albums tended to have the same songs on them.

With as many hit songs as Elvis had he should've changed his repetoire up for the special

Way Down and Moody Blue should've been peformed because they were recent singles
Then you could throw in ''She thinks I still Care'' and ''T-R-O-U-B-L-E
As for oldies you could add Heartbreak hotel, I feel so bad, it's now or never and my favorite song of all time Kentucky rain to replace certain songs that were being performed over and over again like Hound dog, Jailhouse Rock, Teddy Bear etc.

[debtdbruno]

With the Col is was $$ first and everything else second. The man would sell his mother for a quick buck.

I don't think Elvis really could lose the weight. I mean he had not only the drug addiction but some colon problems. The side effects from the drugs and the colon problems made Elvis bloated.

I am surprised that Elvis could even do any shows at this point.



And what pisses me off is that this concert is what many people that are non Elvis fans, remember Elvis as (an overweight has been). Really ticks me off. 1976-1977 are the two years that people remember. 1953-1975, no one remembers. :(


YES, absolutely!!!!! S*** isn't it????
His legacy to the 'outside' world is a white jumpsuit, sideburns and sunglasses.

EPE should take more time to promote a different Image, showing his genius as a singer, an Icon........if they want the younger generation remembering him. They have got to keep his Image 'cool'.

Deb

[EnigmaticSun]

EPE should take more time to promote a different Image, showing his genius as a singer, an Icon........if they want the younger generation remembering him. They have got to keep his Image 'cool'.

You've got a point that, for some reason, people mistake Elvis for what he truly was(n't) and overlook the good stuff.

One can find almost everything in America: pizza, fries, hamburgers and icons. However, this focus on the image might be just part of the problem.

I know mankind and appearance is very important (the golden-calf effect). If you'd let some crowd listen to Elvis' stronger ballads or powerful vocals in general (from EIC) they wouldn't mind. The image-thing is already in use to promote the death-after-the-Aloha-special idea.

Elvis did plenty of new songs not performed during Aloha or before that. In some other cases it had been quite some time and the song was interpreted again with a very different touch.

What bothers me about his live repetoire is that the producers didn't have a clue as to when Elvis was going to give great performances. We are yet to hear a soundboard of the tour from July '75, if ever (?). A decent live album could have been made out if it.

[debtdbruno]

The Sony release of FEIM is a prime time to promote, and get his music out to future generations. (Not EPE's domain I know) He recorded some stunning music in 69, his vocals were amazing......it will be sacrilage to waste this opportunity. Sorry, off topic!!

Deb

[Jungleroom76]

Why is the Colonel the only one to blame?

Certainly The Colonel is not the only one to blame Brian....that is for sure!!! :hmm:

HOWEVER The Colonel certainly could have stepped in and told Elvis that he wasn't booking any more shows until Elvis got himself straightened out. Would Elvis have gotten mad and fired him for threatening that? Probably! But then, it wouldn't have been on The Colonel anymore. But The Colonel did no such thing...he didn't even really address the issue...as long as Elvis could step out on that stage, the show had to go on!!! There were PLENTY of warning signs that The Colonel had to have seen/heard to give him an indication of where things were headed, and he could have stepped in at any point to try and do something. But he didn't! And why is that?? No Elvis = no $$$$$$ :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry:

If The Colonel had cared at all for Elvis, he would have tried to do something -- maybe it would have suceeded, maybe not -- but at least an effort would have been made. And considering The Colonel was the one who put all of Elvis' deals in place, I would think that threatening to not book Elvis anymore tour dates until he got himself straightened out might have had an impact on Elvis. Again, maybe Elvis would have just fired The Colonel and found another manager, but I suspect that would not have been the case... :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

I've heard Parker wanted Elvis to do an all gospel show but he wasn't interested in doing it so it never happened.

Given Elvis love for singing gospel music it could've been good

Yes, now that you mention that Brian, I do remember it being planned as a gospel show...and you are right, given Elvis' passion for gospel music, it would have been a FANTASTIC show!!

TCB!
Mike

[debtdbruno]

Certainly The Colonel is not the only one to blame Brian....that is for sure!!! :hmm:

HOWEVER The Colonel certainly could have stepped in and told Elvis that he wasn't booking any more shows until Elvis got himself straightened out. Would Elvis have gotten mad and fired him for threatening that? Probably! But then, it wouldn't have been on The Colonel anymore. But The Colonel did no such thing...he didn't even really address the issue...as long as Elvis could step out on that stage, the show had to go on!!! There were PLENTY of warning signs that The Colonel had to have seen/heard to give him an indication of where things were headed, and he could have stepped in at any point to try and do something. But he didn't! And why is that?? No Elvis = no $$$$$$ :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry:

If The Colonel had cared at all for Elvis, he would have tried to do something -- maybe it would have suceeded, maybe not -- but at least an effort would have been made. And considering The Colonel was the one who put all of Elvis' deals in place, I would think that threatening to not book Elvis anymore tour dates until he got himself straightened out might have had an impact on Elvis. Again, maybe Elvis would have just fired The Colonel and found another manager, but I suspect that would not have been the case... :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

Excellent point(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)

[Jungleroom76]

I was thinking that a lot of the same songs performed for EIC were also sung during Aloha and Elvis many live albums tended to have the same songs on them.

Yes and no....many songs were the same, but there were newer songs like IF YOU LOVE ME (LET ME KNOW), FAIRYTALE, AND I LOVE YOU SO and HURT that were performed during EIC that weren't included on previous live albums.


With as many hit songs as Elvis had he should've changed his repetoire up for the special

Way Down and Moody Blue should've been peformed because they were recent singles
Then you could throw in ''She thinks I still Care'' and ''T-R-O-U-B-L-E
As for oldies you could add Heartbreak hotel, I feel so bad, it's now or never and my favorite song of all time Kentucky rain to replace certain songs that were being performed over and over again like Hound dog, Jailhouse Rock, Teddy Bear etc.

I agree 100% Brian!!! With so many songs to choose from, it really is a shame that Elvis didn't have the courage, ambition or drive (whatever you want to call it) to bring more of his hits into his shows. Many of Elvis' songs would have translated very well to the concert stage, and it is such a shame that he didn't try to vary his lineups more often. (n)

TCB!
Mike

[utmom2008]

He did - who do you think was peddling those shirts right there in front of Graceland that said Elvis Presley 1-8-35 - 8-16-77? Not the Col. himself but I bet he was behind it!


Good point Rosanne!!!

TCB!
Mike

:lol::lol: That was Gail, Mighty, not me.
No one would EVER accuse me of being "totally insane." http://smiley.net.ru/emowin042.gif (http://smiley.net.ru/emowin2.htm) http://smiley.net.ru/emolau061.gif (http://smiley.net.ru/emolau2.htm)

[franny]

Certainly The Colonel is not the only one to blame Brian....that is for sure!!! :hmm:

HOWEVER The Colonel certainly could have stepped in and told Elvis that he wasn't booking any more shows until Elvis got himself straightened out. Would Elvis have gotten mad and fired him for threatening that? Probably! But then, it wouldn't have been on The Colonel anymore. But The Colonel did no such thing...he didn't even really address the issue...as long as Elvis could step out on that stage, the show had to go on!!! There were PLENTY of warning signs that The Colonel had to have seen/heard to give him an indication of where things were headed, and he could have stepped in at any point to try and do something. But he didn't! And why is that?? No Elvis = no $$$$$$ :angry: :cursing: :angry: :cursing: :angry:

If The Colonel had cared at all for Elvis, he would have tried to do something -- maybe it would have suceeded, maybe not -- but at least an effort would have been made. And considering The Colonel was the one who put all of Elvis' deals in place, I would think that threatening to not book Elvis anymore tour dates until he got himself straightened out might have had an impact on Elvis. Again, maybe Elvis would have just fired The Colonel and found another manager, but I suspect that would not have been the case... :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

Great post, Mike. (y) I agree. :notworthy The Colonel didn't step in and that is the same result as doing nothing, IMO.

franny

[Brian]

Certainly The Colonel is not the only one to blame Brian....that is for sure!!! :hmm:

:

If The Colonel had cared at all for Elvis, he would have tried to do something -- maybe it would have suceeded, maybe not -- but at least an effort would have been made. And considering The Colonel was the one who put all of Elvis' deals in place, I would think that threatening to not book Elvis anymore tour dates until he got himself straightened out might have had an impact on Elvis. Again, maybe Elvis would have just fired The Colonel and found another manager, but I suspect that would not have been the case... :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

some people like Sonny West and Joe Esposito say the Colonel did talk with Elvis about taking a break and he refused.

I've heard when they got into the fight in 1973 the Colonel mentioned Elvis behavior and lifestyle to which Elvis replied it's none of your business.

I don't know if the Colonel stood by and did absolutely nothing some sources say yes while others say no.

[debtdbruno]

This is the problem, it's all 'heresay' and depending which side of the fence you sit, who tells the story, the Colonel was in the wrong, or he was a genius

Deb

[_waitinformyelvis_]

People around him were afraid to say something he didn't want to hear like you should lose weight or eat healthier... and they didn't...maybe they asked and he refused...you never know....

[mozzarella]

Well remember, there was an Easter Special planned for 1974 at one point, according to the advertisement on the TAKE GOOD CARE OF HER 45 picture sleeve. :hmm:

So it looks like an effort was made to document that year of Elvis' career, even though the plans fell through for whatever reason. (n)

TCB!
Mike

Yeah, and an alleged professionally filmed version of the Los Angeles show on May 11. Which I think didn't happen. It might show up someday though. I'm really curious how many 'holy grails' EPE is still hiding :king:

[Brian]

Yeah, and an alleged professionally filmed version of the Los Angeles show on May 11. Which I think didn't happen. It might show up someday though. I'm really curious how many 'holy grails' EPE is still hiding :king:

I truly believe all those shows that were rumored to be shot are just rumors
if there was any type of footage of the rumored 69 Vegas, 1971 Boston Garden, 72 MSG or L.A. 74 shows we would've seen them by now.

EPE likes money too much to have held them back from being released.

Same thing with Sony BMG/RCA and all the rumored songs Elvis is said to have recorded in the studio if he had recorded these songs they would've released them by now.

[Jungleroom76]

:lol::lol: That was Gail, Mighty, not me.
No one would EVER accuse me of being "totally insane." http://smiley.net.ru/emowin042.gif (http://smiley.net.ru/emowin2.htm) http://smiley.net.ru/emolau061.gif (http://smiley.net.ru/emolau2.htm)

OOPS....A THOUSAND APOLOGIES GAIL!!! :blush: :blush: :blush:

Thanks for setting me straight Rosanne, as only you can!!! ;)

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

some people like Sonny West and Joe Esposito say the Colonel did talk with Elvis about taking a break and he refused.

Hmmm....I find that hard to believe... :hmm:

If I had to guess, I would say that Sonny & Joe were probably trying to cover someone's *** by saying that...

I find it VERY HARD to believe that The Colonel would tell his gravy train to take a break....again, remember the equation...

NO ELVIS = NO $$$$$$$ :angry: :angry: :angry:


I've heard when they got into the fight in 1973 the Colonel mentioned Elvis behavior and lifestyle to which Elvis replied it's none of your business.

That I have heard before, and I believe that...which is why I said in my previous post that, had The Colonel stepped in, Elvis would have probably threatened to fire him and find a new manager. But again, if The Colonel had done something more drastic to try and change Elvis' ways and he did wind up firing The Colonel, then it wouldn't have been on The Colonel anymore. And why would The Colonel want to risk that?? Again, remember the equation...

NO ELVIS = NO $$$$$$$ :angry: :angry: :angry:


I don't know if the Colonel stood by and did absolutely nothing some sources say yes while others say no.

I'm sure that if The Colonel did anything, he probably didn't put much effort into it...again, remember the equation...

NO ELVIS = NO $$$$$$$ :angry: :angry: :angry:

The Colonel certainly wasn't going to do anything to lose his meal ticket!!!

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

EPE likes money too much to have held them back from being released.

RIGHT ON BRIAN!!!! (y)

Taking a page right out of the ol' Colonel's playbook... :angry:

TCB!
Mike

[utmom2008]

Thanks for setting me straight Rosanne, as only you can!!! ;)

TCB!
Mike

:lol::lol: You know if I had a name similiar to that mine would be.....Totally SANE." http://smiley.net.ru/bigoth0227.gif (http://smiley.net.ru/bigoth7.htm)

[Jungleroom76]

:lol::lol: You know if I had a name similiar to that mine would be.....Totally SANE." http://smiley.net.ru/bigoth0227.gif (http://smiley.net.ru/bigoth7.htm)

Hmmm...I'm not so sure about THAT one... :hmm: :wacko: :lmfao:

TCB!
Mike

[Brian]

Hmmm....I find that hard to believe... :hmm:

If I had to guess, I would say that Sonny & Joe were probably trying to cover someone's *** by saying that...

I find it VERY HARD to believe that The Colonel would tell his gravy train to take a break....again, remember the equation...

I don't find it hard to believe Colonel Parker didn't want Elvis to die and if he died that would mean no more money for the Colonel.

[utmom2008]

Hmmm...I'm not so sure about THAT one... :hmm: :wacko: :lmfao:

TCB!
Mike

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

[debtdbruno]

I don't find it hard to believe Colonel Parker didn't want Elvis to die and if he died that would mean no more money for the Colonel.


Maybe he thought he was invincible, like the rest of us:hmm::hmm::hmm:

[Brian]

Maybe he thought he was invincible, like the rest of us:hmm::hmm::hmm:

That was certainly possible we have the advantage of hindsight but when you are around it when it was actually happening like the Colonel and the Memphis mafia guys were things might not have seemed as bad as they really were. An example is Myrna Smith who commented after seeing EIC that they were all wearing blinders because to them Elvis didn't look as bad as he really looked, EIC made her realize that.

[President Presley]

Jungleroom 76, you keep saying No Elvis = No Money, but everyone could see he wouldn't live very long so in their own interest it was better if he recovered so they
could make more money for a longer period.

[elvispresleytheking]

EIC was not a challenge for Elvis... It was just regular shows filmed for some reason... who knew that they would record history... Anyway my question is: who's idea was to do EIC at all? They let it be filmed and now they don't want to release it... I swear I could make a fantastic remastered version if I got the tapes...Seriously

Money needs, and I've heard some claims that he lost some weight. In my opinion, the weight wasn't a problem as much as the bloating.

[EnigmaticSun]

In my opinion, the weight wasn't a problem as much as the bloating

Very good point! (y):notworthy:king::mail::):!: It seems Elvis kept a lot of water under his skin, a typical side-effect of prescription medication. And no, not everyone is a junkie as I've known examples of people getting older and just not being able to change a d@mn 'bout it.

I still don't know why other artists such as Aretha Franklin or Pavarotti get/got away with some extra pounds. ;) I'm not Lawrence of Arabia myself, but who cares..

[cbg84]

Very good point! (y):notworthy:king::mail::):!: It seems Elvis kept a lot of water under his skin, a typical side-effect of prescription medication. And no, not everyone is a junkie as I've known examples of people getting older and just not being able to change a d@mn 'bout it.

I still don't know why other artists such as Aretha Franklin or Pavarotti get/got away with some extra pounds. ;) I'm not Lawrence of Arabia myself, but who cares..


Totally agree! (y) :cheers:

[Jungleroom76]

I don't find it hard to believe Colonel Parker didn't want Elvis to die and if he died that would mean no more money for the Colonel.

I agree completely Brian....but for whatever reason, whether The Colonel didn't see it, didn't want to see it, or actually did try to intervene and Elvis turned him away, obviously things didn't work out that way...

But as was mentioned before, The Colonel knew that even with Elvis having passed away, the money was still rolling in and it was The Colonel who convinced Vernon that it was in everyone's best interest to keep things just the way they had been when Elvis was alive...that is until the Estate stepped in and stopped The Colonel.

I just have a feeling that by this point (1976-1977), The Colonel really felt he was untouchable in terms of being caught with all of the shady deals and questionable managing that had taken place over the last few years of Elvis' life and the first couple of years after Elvis passed away. In fact, the only thing that really caused The Colonel's whole world to come crashing down was Vernon's passing in 1979. If Vernon hadn't passed away when he did, who knows how much longer The Colonel would have been able to carry on and how much more damage he would have done to the estate in terms of the money that he was sponging off of it??? :hmm: (n) :angry: :angry: :angry:

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

Jungleroom 76, you keep saying No Elvis = No Money, but everyone could see he wouldn't live very long so in their own interest it was better if he recovered so they
could make more money for a longer period.

Well maybe everyone but The Colonel... :hmm:

As I said in my post above, once Elvis passed away, The Colonel just keep rolling on by keeping Vernon in the dark, insisting it was the best thing to just keep everything the way it had been when Elvis was alive. And if Vernon hadn't passed away in 1979, who knows how much longer the charade would have continued??? Perhaps so long that Vernon may have had no choice but to sell Graceland, since the estate wasn't receiving nearly what it should have in terms of royalties from the many different deals that The Colonel had set up!!! :cursing:

After Elvis' passing, The Colonel's motto simply changed to:

NO ELVIS = STILL RAKING IN THE $$$$$$

That is, until Vernon died and the estate caught wind of what was really going on and had The Colonel removed!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

Money needs, and I've heard some claims that he lost some weight. In my opinion, the weight wasn't a problem as much as the bloating.

Good point!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

It seems Elvis kept a lot of water under his skin, a typical side-effect of prescription medication.

Also a good point!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Brian]

But as was mentioned before, The Colonel knew that even with Elvis having passed away, the money was still rolling in and it was The Colonel who convinced Vernon that it was in everyone's best interest to keep things just the way they had been when Elvis was alive...that is until the Estate stepped in and stopped The Colonel.

:

TCB!
Mike


The estate didn't stop the Colonel that's a common misunderstanding
they wanted to keep doing business with him and were going to keep paying him 50% until the Judge ordered them to no longer due business with him because of how he abused his client financially

[Jungleroom76]

The estate didn't stop the Colonel that's a common misunderstanding
they wanted to keep doing business with him and were going to keep paying him 50% until the Judge ordered them to no longer due business with him because of how he abused his client financially

Right....sorry....my mistake on that!!! :blush: :blush: :blush:

Thanks for correcting me!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[KPM]

The estate didn't stop the Colonel that's a common misunderstanding
they wanted to keep doing business with him and were going to keep paying him 50% until the Judge ordered them to no longer due business with him because of how he abused his client financially
Because of the tangled web the Col. had built-the estate really had no clue as to lengths that conflict of interest was present. The judge on the other hand "had a clue" by seeing what was going to Parker and what was left for the estate after Parker got his.
Also I think that like Elvis and his father-there was some apprehension (if not out and out fear) of the Col. when it came to business-he always had the answers right or wrong.

[KPM]

I don't find it hard to believe Colonel Parker didn't want Elvis to die and if he died that would mean no more money for the Colonel.
As we can see with hindsight-the Colonel moved swiftly to make sure that if any money was made after Elvis died-the Col. got the lions share.
I would think that the Col. gave a thought in Elvis's last few years as to what the Colonels move would be-if Elvis would die. But I don't think he wanted Elvis to die.

[Jungleroom76]

As we can see with hindsight-the Colonel moved swiftly to make sure that if any money was made after Elvis died-the Col. got the lions share.
I would think that the Col. gave a thought in Elvis's last few years as to what the Colonels move would be-if Elvis would die. But I don't think he wanted Elvis to die.

Precisely Ken!!! (y)

I don't think The Colonel wanted Elvis to die either, but obviously The Colonel was not immune to hearing the rumors about Elvis' lifestyle and his health and he certainly wasn't a stupid man....he knew he had to have a plan in place in case Elvis died...and as history shows us, he swooped in quickly to make sure that his piece of the pie wasn't taken away from him just because Elvis had passed away. :angry:

And as I said, if Vernon hadn't passed away when he did and outside people began looking into The Colonel's shady dealings, who knows how much longer The Colonel's extortion would have been allowed to continue... :cursing: :cursing: :cursing:

TCB!
Mike