Should EPE replace cast members in Elvis The Concert?

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

Should EPE replace cast members in Elvis The Concert with musicians who have never worked with Elvis?

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

I voted for NO

[ForeverTheKing]

No one can be at his place :nono:

[elvislady]

If this happend it wouldnt be elvis the concert... no way!

elvislady (n)

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

If this happend it wouldnt be elvis the concert... no way!
I have to agree with you on that.
Replacing the "original" members is a bad thing.
But on the other hand, there comes a time that it will happen.
They are all not that young any more.

[elvislady]

I have to agree with you on that.
Replacing the "original" members is a bad thing.
But on the other hand, there comes a time that it will happen.
They are all not that young any more.

you have a point... thats when the dream ends for me.

elvislady :'(

[debtdbruno]

I voted no, but now I've done it I'm not sure.
Obviously it has to be the best scenario for the original TCB band, but, on the other hand, Elvis is the main attraction. This is the closest thing some of us have to seeing the 'real' thing live.

[easyrider]

Not Sure!!!

[Sonny]

I agree for them to replace some members, like they do now, and have done before. If the majority of the band are the original members it's not that big a problem.

By replacing some member (s) at least the show can go on, and for a lot of people who have never seen or heard the live show that is a good thing!

[Diane]

I guess it's really up to the band members. If they want to go on and need to replace some then that's fine with me....it just doesn't seem the same to me but it's not my call.

Diane

[molokai123]

I have to agree with you on that.
Replacing the "original" members is a bad thing.
But on the other hand, there comes a time that it will happen.
They are all not that young any more.

as much as i wanna say no i have to agree,there will come a time. unless some one finds the fountain of youth:D,although thats where an Elvis rock band game or guitar hero game would come in handy(y)

[Pacerstar]

I think that if the majoritity of the band members have to be replaced, they should
change the name of the band and continued the format. I think to keep calling it the
"TCB" band would be misleading and not respectful to the original members. JMO.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Very difficult to say, the TCB Band are part of the attraction, I'm going to see them in January next year. I would be reluctant to go if the key plays are no longer playing for instance, I want Ronnie Tutt on the drums and I want James Burton on guitar, they for me are the engine of the band, if both of them were out, I wouldn't feel the same.

In truth there is a time and soon, where these great men will diminish in number! Only time will tell if people will still want to watch a show without the original cast? If you would have asked me 20 years ago would I go and see an Elvis concert without Elvis on the stage :blink: I would have said you were nuts! The show will continue without individual members if people still want to see the main attraction, which is Elvis when all said and done.

[Jungleroom76]

Very difficult to say, the TCB Band are part of the attraction...

Precisely right J.J.!!! (y)

Obviously we all know that Elvis himself is certainly not going to be on stage so what is the main reason to go see ELVIS - THE CONCERT?? In my opinion, it's to see the TCB Band and the other people who originally worked with Elvis. Clearly one of the highly interactive points of the show is to watch Elvis introduce the band...or when Elvis says "Play It James..." during JOHNNY B. GOODE. Without the original musicians, you lose those interactions and then you really lose most of the meaning of the show. By replacing the original musicians with new ones, it would almost be like watching an Elvis tribute band, in my opinion... :hmm:

Now clearly there are going to be times when an original band member can't be at a show for whatever reason (scheduling conflict, illness, etc.) and although I would be disappointed, I could certainly understand having to replace one of the band members for a show or two. But in the case of the upcoming tour, Jerry Scheff is not going to be on the tour at all...and everyone knows that going into the tour...and judging from Jerry's comments, it appears he is really considering not touring with ELVIS- THE CONCERT anymore. Unfortunately, if other original band members decide to follow Jerry's decision, then I really think it's time for EPE to put an end to the ELVIS - THE CONCERT shows. :'(

TCB!
Mike

[Diane]

Precisely right J.J.!!! (y)

Obviously we all know that Elvis himself is certainly not going to be on stage so what is the main reason to go see ELVIS - THE CONCERT?? In my opinion, it's to see the TCB Band and the other people who originally worked with Elvis. Clearly one of the highly interactive points of the show is to watch Elvis introduce the band...or when Elvis says "Play It James..." during JOHNNY B. GOODE. Without the original musicians, you lose those interactions and then you really lose most of the meaning of the show. By replacing the original musicians with new ones, it would almost be like watching an Elvis tribute band, in my opinion... :hmm:

Now clearly there are going to be times when an original band member can't be at a show for whatever reason (scheduling conflict, illness, etc.) and although I would be disappointed, I could certainly understand having to replace one of the band members for a show or two. But in the case of the upcoming tour, Jerry Scheff is not going to be on the tour at all...and everyone knows that going into the tour...and judging from Jerry's comments, it appears he is really considering not touring with ELVIS- THE CONCERT anymore. Unfortunately, if other original band members decide to follow Jerry's decision, then I really think it's time for EPE to put an end to the ELVIS - THE CONCERT shows. :'(

TCB!
Mike

Having seen Elvis in person twice I couldn't see myself paying now to see Elvis - The Concert without him there. If other people feel it's worth paying for I hope it goes on a while longer for them.

Diane

[GIORGIA]

Absolutely NO!

[Brian]

I agree for them to replace some members, like they do now, and have done before. If the majority of the band are the original members it's not that big a problem.

By replacing some member (s) at least the show can go on, and for a lot of people who have never seen or heard the live show that is a good thing!

When it gets to the point of where none of the TCB band are participating the show will probably close down for good.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

When it gets to the point of where none of the TCB band are participating the show will probably close down for good.

Unless people still pay to go! EPE will never deny an income source, they'll just come up with another name like the 'Elvis experience' featuring a TCB Tribute band :lol:

[Brian]

Unless people still pay to go! EPE will never deny an income source, they'll just come up with another name like the 'Elvis experience' featuring a TCB Tribute band :lol:

How well does Elvis in Concert do?

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

How well does Elvis in Concert do?

Well enough to keep touring... :lol:

[debtdbruno]

I've booked for Sheffield and Wembley
I've never seen Elvis...........so this is the only alternative, I'm looking forward to it

[elvislady]

I've booked for Sheffield and Wembley
I've never seen Elvis...........so this is the only alternative, I'm looking forward to it

you will have a ball, i seen it on to occasions at the M.E.N arena in manchester... its a fantstic experiance.

elvislady (y)(y)

[Jungleroom76]

Having seen Elvis in person twice I couldn't see myself paying now to see Elvis - The Concert without him there. If other people feel it's worth paying for I hope it goes on a while longer for them.

Diane

I can certainly see your point Diane, but for those of us who weren't fortunate enough to see Elvis during his lifetime, ELVIS - THE CONCERT is as close as we'll ever get! But without the original band members there, it really doesn't make it any more than a tribute concert, in my opinion...so I might as well stay home and watch the concert videos!!! :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

Unless people still pay to go! EPE will never deny an income source, they'll just come up with another name like the 'Elvis experience' featuring a TCB Tribute band :lol:

Good point J.J.!!! :hmm:

I never thought of it that way...in that case, the show could go on forever!!! :doh:

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

Well enough to keep touring... :lol:

Yeah, but only overseas these days... :'(

Unfortunately, the tours here in the U.S. only did well when the show initially came out. But after the first tour or so, attendance really declined at shows and shows wound up being cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Now the only appearance that ELVIS - THE CONCERT makes here in the U.S. is in Memphis during ELVIS WEEK!!! :'(

TCB!
Mike

[debtdbruno]

I'd like to know how many tickets they have sold for this European tour

[Angeline69]

I voted no.I know that they are not getting younger but as long as they wish to go on....

[mrsphilly]

I think they should everything the way it is.

[Sonny]

The last time they were in Holland, Rotterdam, the show was sold out in no time, and the concert hall had to come up with 200 additional seats!!

So it did very good, and my bet is it will be a new full house next year.

[Elisabeth]

I voted No.

[GIORGIA]

I can certainly see your point Diane, but for those of us who weren't fortunate enough to see Elvis during his lifetime, ELVIS - THE CONCERT is as close as we'll ever get! But without the original band members there, it really doesn't make it any more than a tribute concert, in my opinion...so I might as well stay home and watch the concert videos!!! :hmm:

TCB!
Mike
I'm totally agree with you My Friend!

[GIORGIA]

Having seen Elvis in person twice I couldn't see myself paying now to see Elvis - The Concert without him there. If other people feel it's worth paying for I hope it goes on a while longer for them.

Diane
Lucky You!
Unfortunatelly I'm not had the chance!
Because I'm born in 1988:'(!

[mozzarella]

NO WAY... Noone can play the drum intro to See See Rider like Ronnie does. He's still really strong and gutsy. And no way to James Burton and Jerry Scheff. Unless they themselves pick their posteriors. Paul Leim is okay for Ronnie but ermm.... I don't know really... Ronnie is the real stuff in your face. He can still create the atmosphere of Elvis entering the stage to me beacuse he was doing it for 8 years... Nuff said

[KPM]

If the purpose of the shows is to give people who never saw Elvis live an opportunity to get as close as possible to the Elvis live experience-I say yes continue the shows with new band members-as the ones who actually played with Elvis move on.
I would hope anyone who does play with the tour-would play in the style Elvis had built with his groups of singers and musicians.
But I assume as people come and go-the sound will change somewhat.

[Tommy]

If the purpose of the shows is to give people who never saw Elvis live an opportunity to get as close as possible to the Elvis live experience-I say yes continue the shows with new band members-as the ones who actually played with Elvis move on.
I would hope anyone who does play with the tour-would play in the style Elvis had built with his groups of singers and musicians.
But I assume as people come and go-the sound will change somewhat.

I agree with you!(y)(y)(y) Let the whole orchestra carry on, even with new members, to carry Elvis into the future. (y)

[rickb]

no, if the original Elvis band can't remain as the TCB band it's time to end it

[debtdbruno]

If the purpose of the shows is to give people who never saw Elvis live an opportunity to get as close as possible to the Elvis live experience-I say yes continue the shows with new band members-as the ones who actually played with Elvis move on.
I would hope anyone who does play with the tour-would play in the style Elvis had built with his groups of singers and musicians.
But I assume as people come and go-the sound will change somewhat.

Agree Ken.
It would be great for them all to carry on forever, but they are getting older.
The main thing is Elvis himself, if this means the younger generation can have a fraction of the feeling what it was like to see him live............it's keeping him in the public eye!!!

[SleepyJack]

I don`t think they should replace the tcb-band members,after all that`s what gives it its` authentic "feel" when they are all together on stage...it would be a bit of a cheat to have it any other way.
Out of curiosity....how would you all feel about it if a similar type of show was put together,except with other stars rather than the tcb-band? I`m thinking along the lines of Eric Clapton,Springsteen etc.... seems like something that would grab the public imagination..... just wondering what you all think...not even so sure I`d like it myself...I`ll have to do some more thinking!

[Diane]

Personally if even just Ronnie Tutt and James Burton were replaced but especially Ronnie, it would not be the TCB band for me anymore.

Without all the original band members it would not longer be authentic and I feel that keeping the image of Elvis alive doesn't totally depend on this. There are those of us who will always remember him and there are countless young people who discover him along the way. He'll be alive for a long time to come regardless of what happens with the band.

Diane

[KPM]

Personally if even just Ronnie Tutt and James Burton were replaced but especially Ronnie, it would not be the TCB band for me anymore. Without all the original band members it would not longer be authentic and I feel that keeping the image of Elvis alive doesn't totally depend on this. There are those of us who will always remember him and there are countless young people who discover him along the way. He'll be alive for a long time to come regardless of what happens with the band.

Diane
Thats a very good point-if they do continue without any of the TCB originals they should out of respect for those guys no longer call it the TCB band.
Its like the the Coasters or any of the bands of the 50s and 60s who still tour and sometimes none of the members are original guys who sang and played on the hits-how can you be the Coasters with no real members of the hit making group?

[Diane]

Thats a very good point-if they do continue without any of the TCB originals they should out of respect for those guys no longer call it the TCB band.
Its like the the Coasters or any of the bands of the 50s and 60s who still tour and sometimes none of the members are original guys who sang and played on the hits-how can you be the Coasters with no real members of the hit making group?


Thank you, you understood what I was saying.(y)

Diane

[Sonny]

The last time I saw this show, Ronnie Tutt was not there.

And most of you here know how much I love the full TCB Band, but I do have to say, this new drummer (his name escapes me now, someone might know) he lifted the music to a new plan, I tell you!!!

The arena was shaking!

Of course, we all want to see the original band members, but when one or so is replaced when needed it's not that big a deal.

If the entire band (or James Burton, he's the leading man!) would not be there it's a diffrent story!

[KEVIN WILDE]

I VOTE NO TO THIS QUESTION

[Jungleroom76]

Thats a very good point-if they do continue without any of the TCB originals they should out of respect for those guys no longer call it the TCB band.
Its like the the Coasters or any of the bands of the 50s and 60s who still tour and sometimes none of the members are original guys who sang and played on the hits-how can you be the Coasters with no real members of the hit making group?

EXCELLENT POINTS KEN!!! :notworthy

TCB!
Mike

[debtdbruno]

Thats a very good point-if they do continue without any of the TCB originals they should out of respect for those guys no longer call it the TCB band.
Its like the the Coasters or any of the bands of the 50s and 60s who still tour and sometimes none of the members are original guys who sang and played on the hits-how can you be the Coasters with no real members of the hit making group?

Agree Ken(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

I guess it's really up to the band members. If they want to go on and need to replace some then that's fine with me....
They are still having fun on stage and they do like it to play for the Elvis fans.


it just doesn't seem the same to me but it's not my call.
I know what you mean.
If all the band members are "replaced", than it is not the same.

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

thats when the dream ends for me.
The same for me.

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

Unless people still pay to go! EPE will never deny an income source, they'll just come up with another name like the 'Elvis experience' featuring a TCB Tribute band :lol:
You are right, EPE will never deny a income source.
But if they decied to start a concert with a new name and with a TCB Tribute band, then it is over me.

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

no, if the original Elvis band can't remain as the TCB band it's time to end it
Well said :notworthy:notworthy

[dicke.katze]

Elvis' band slightly changed during the "Concert Years" (G.Hardin left, D.Bardwell stood in during some seasons, Voice joined the band, R. Tutt was missing at one season, The Imperials left etc.)

So it shouldn't be a problem to replace single members. But the main body should come from TCB ...

TCB,

Thomas

[jak]

Eventually all of the original bandmembers will need to be replaced.That's if you want to see it continue.Let's be honest about it.The best playing days are far behind all of those guys.They are all up there in age.It's coming to an end.Seeing those guys playing Elvis' music is great.I've been twice myself.I just realize they cant go on forever.The concert is a cool experience.It would be great if it could be performed off and and on indefitnetly.I dont think anybody expects the original guys to be up there 5 or 10 years down the road.The real reality is that Elvis' time was long ago.Everything in the "Elvis world" is going to change.The passage of time is taking away the people who were there.Each year we lose fans and personal friends who witnessed Elvis firsthand.It's just the way it is.

[Diane]

Eventually all of the original bandmembers will need to be replaced.That's if you want to see it continue.Let's be honest about it.The best playing days are far behind all of those guys.They are all up there in age.It's coming to an end.Seeing those guys playing Elvis' music is great.I've been twice myself.I just realize they cant go on forever.The concert is a cool experience.It would be great if it could be performed off and and on indefitnetly.I dont think anybody expects the original guys to be up there 5 or 10 years down the road.The real reality is that Elvis' time was long ago.Everything in the "Elvis world" is going to change.The passage of time is taking away the people who were there.Each year we lose fans and personal friends who witnessed Elvis firsthand.It's just the way it is.

Sad but true.....


Diane

[Jungleroom76]

Eventually all of the original bandmembers will need to be replaced.That's if you want to see it continue.Let's be honest about it.The best playing days are far behind all of those guys.They are all up there in age.It's coming to an end.Seeing those guys playing Elvis' music is great.I've been twice myself.I just realize they cant go on forever.The concert is a cool experience.It would be great if it could be performed off and and on indefitnetly.I dont think anybody expects the original guys to be up there 5 or 10 years down the road.The real reality is that Elvis' time was long ago.Everything in the "Elvis world" is going to change.The passage of time is taking away the people who were there.Each year we lose fans and personal friends who witnessed Elvis firsthand.It's just the way it is.

You are right jak, although as Diane said....a very sad fact indeed... :'( :'( :'(

TCB!
Mike

[Annie]

Noooooooo!!!!! :angry::'(:cursing:

[Unchained Melody]

If the time comes that they need to replace the entire band I think its obvious to call it quits. Heck whats next replace the lead vocal I mean come on its the ELVIS Presley show.:blink:

[john carpenter]

I Voted No...Without John,Ronnire,Gary, And the Sweets it would'nt be the same. Unless,they all die off like the great J.D. Sumner (i say keep em(y)):notworthy

[Brian]

If the time comes that they need to replace the entire band I think its obvious to call it quits. Heck whats next replace the lead vocal I mean come on its the ELVIS Presley show.:blink:

I agree with you but as Ken pointed out several of the top vocal groups from the 50's and early 60's still tour under their original names despite all the original members being gone except maybe one.

I could see EPE going this route if Elvis in Concert stays profitable.
IIRC after the 30th Anniversary they announced it would be the last show but then they did another tour a couple of years later.

EPE must've figured theirs still profit to be had.

Elvis played with different bands throughout his career and if one guy couldn't cut the mustard they got someone else.

[Jungleroom76]

I agree with you but as Ken pointed out several of the top vocal groups from the 50's and early 60's still tour under their original names despite all the original members being gone except maybe one.

Very good point Ken & Brian, but I think as long as there remains some kind of link to Elvis in the group (for instance, Ray Walker and Gordon Stoker still perform with The Jordanaires but there are other guys in the group who didn't work with Elvis), then I don't have a problem with that so much. Yes, it would be wonderful if all of the original members could be at all the shows, but we know that for whatever reasons, that just isn't possible.


Elvis played with different bands throughout his career and if one guy couldn't cut the mustard they got someone else.

Again, very true but when you think of Elvis on stage in the 70's, the TCB Band is synonomous with Elvis Presley and it just wouldn't be the same without the original TCB-Band. Again, as I pointed out before, occasionally a member has to be replaced short term for some reason (other obligations, illness, etc.) and that is understandable, although certainly disappointing. But when the time comes for a complete (or nearly complete) overall of the entire band, then I think it's time to retire the ELVIS - THE CONCERT stage show. :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

[Brian]

Again, very true but when you think of Elvis on stage in the 70's, the TCB Band is synonomous with Elvis Presley and it just wouldn't be the same without the original TCB-Band. Again, as I pointed out before, occasionally a member has to be replaced short term for some reason (other obligations, illness, etc.) and that is understandable, although certainly disappointing. But when the time comes for a complete (or nearly complete) overall of the entire band, then I think it's time to retire the ELVIS - THE CONCERT stage show. :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

I've heard several stories about James Burton always complaining and wanting more money so he was going to quit in 1976 but then changed his mind at the last minute.

It was said that Elvis was going to replace him with guitarist Billy Sanford

before or during some of Ronnie Tutt's absents Bob Lanning was the drummer.

Emory Gord played Bass sometimes and everybody knows Duke Bardwell replaced Jerry Scheff.

These guys were all expendable as long as Elvis was on stage the people would keep coming and I bet he would've changed bands completely in the
80's.

I'm also surprised Colonel Parker didn't try to get Elvis to do a whole tour by himself with just a guitar so they could keep more money in their pocket.

That's said they should probably have one original band member that played with Elvis at some point doing the Concert shows or I really think it would be a good time to end it.

[Diane]

I agree Matt, with none of the original players there would be no point to Elvis the Concert.


Diane

[Brian]

I agree Matt, with none of the original players there would be no point to Elvis the Concert.


Diane

oh yes, there would be.

They go to see Elvis on the big screen
the main concept for the show is to allow people who didn't have an opportunity to see him when he was alive see him now.

Question

If you had the opportunity to see Elvis in person would you have gone to see Elvis or the TCB Band?

2.Which is more important to you?

3. If you did get to see Elvis would you really care which band was backing him up?

I mean just as long as they were competent musicians

[Unchained Melody]

I agree Matt, with none of the original players there would be no point to Elvis the Concert.


Diane

I'm with Matt and you Diane, there wouldn't be no point to it.

[Jungleroom76]

I've heard several stories about James Burton always complaining and wanting more money so he was going to quit in 1976 but then changed his mind at the last minute.

It was said that Elvis was going to replace him with guitarist Billy Sanford

before or during some of Ronnie Tutt's absents Bob Lanning was the drummer.

Emory Gord played Bass sometimes and everybody knows Duke Bardwell replaced Jerry Scheff.

These guys were all expendable as long as Elvis was on stage the people would keep coming and I bet he would've changed bands completely in the
80's.

Absolutely true, but I suspect that Elvis would have done whatever he needed to in order to keep James, Ronnie, etc. if they decided to leave the band. Those guys truly were the backbone of the TCB-Band, and even though Ronnie was replaced for short periods, I really can't imagine the TCB-Band without Ronnie. :hmm:


I'm also surprised Colonel Parker didn't try to get Elvis to do a whole tour by himself with just a guitar so they could keep more money in their pocket.

I'm sure if The Colonel had thought of that idea, or if Elvis was confident enough in his own abilities to go out on stage in front of an audience and do an unplugged style performance, The Colonel would have DEFINITELY done that to save money on the touring costs (so that he could pocket more of it, of course...as you eluded to)!!! :doh:


That's said they should probably have one original band member that played with Elvis at some point doing the Concert shows or I really think it would be a good time to end it.

I agree 100% Brian!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[debtdbruno]

oh yes, there would be.

They go to see Elvis on the big screen
the main concept for the show is to allow people who didn't have an opportunity to see him when he was alive see him now.

Question

If you had the opportunity to see Elvis in person would you have gone to see Elvis or the TCB Band?

2.Which is more important to you?

3. If you did get to see Elvis would you really care which band was backing him up?

I mean just as long as they were competent musicians

I'm with Brian on this one(y)(y)(y)