the december 76 tour

[lvs2day]

many would say that the december 76 tour was one of his greatest of the year and i would have to agree , can you imagine if the deal with cbs was struck earlier and they filmed at least one of these performances , i just would like to know your thoughts about the perormances from 76.

[Jungleroom76]

By far, the final tour of 1976 (including the historic New Year's Eve show in Pittsburgh) was his best tour of the year!!! In my opinion, Elvis completely wore himself out in 1976 with all of the touring. I realize that Elvis wanted to celebrate the bicentennial with as many fans as possible, but I truly believe he wore himself out with all of that touring. Just listen to some of the shows from the summer and you can clearly hear the fatigue and weakness in his voice! :'(

And even as late as the final Vegas engagement at the beginning of December, Elvis wasn't in the best of shape physically or vocally. But something clearly changed from the end of the Vegas engagement to the beginning of the final tour. Some say it was because Ginger and Elvis were engaged to be married....maybe he just had a chance to enjoy a nice Christmas at home with his family...whatever the case, that final '76 tour was a GREAT one for sure!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

1976 is the worst year for Elvis IMO, he clearly struggled both physically and vocally, there was a light at the end of the tunnel in December.. However compared to 1975 it still wasn't great :blush: It was good for 1976.

I'm open and honest when it comes to performances from 1976/77 I'm not a big fan, don't get me wrong I would still sell body parts to have seen him even in his worst show :lol:

If CBS had recorded the Pittsburgh show it still would have been a shock for the casual fan to have seen Elvis looking very different to the Aloha show.

http://www.elvisconcerts.com/pictures/s76123107.jpg

[Pacerstar]

I can say, because I was there, the October, l976, Dayton OH show was absolutely
great! If this show had been filmed for EIC no one could badly criticize Elvis' performance,
weight, energy or voice, imo. Yes, it would have been a completely different show from
the 1977 EIC.

[Getlo]

The short, December '76 tour probably was the best of that year.

But as 1976 was such an abysmal year overall, that really isn't saying much.

Pittsburgh, IMO, is the best of the five shows.

For all the shows, he was in fine vocal form.

But physically, he certainly wasn't up to par.

The shows are better listened to than seen.

[lvs2day]

i have to agree with many of you about 76 as a whole , he just wasn't up to it and no doubt 77 he was on auto pilot again especially durring the feb tour.

[EnigmaticSun]

Oh please.. 1976 was only accentuated by Elvis' fatigue during the summer shows. Even in that year he delivered plenty of entertaining shows in good vocal shape, if we don't limit our view to All Shook Up and Hound Dog.

This vocal weakness mainly concerned the period July/August to approximately September/October. Elvis had started to develop some ups and downs concerning staying power and focus as early as 1971/1972, if you ask me.

The most difficult thing for Elvis in '76/'77 was probably articulated speech, not performing! For some reason Elvis simply continued his weakness in the (late) summer months leading up to his death in 1977.

[GIORGIA]

I can say, because I was there, the October, l976, Dayton OH show was absolutely
great! If this show had been filmed for EIC no one could badly criticize Elvis' performance,
weight, energy or voice, imo. Yes, it would have been a completely different show from
the 1977 EIC.
Really?
Lucky you!
Sorry,but I'm Soooooooooooooooooooooooooo Envy!
Can you tell Me more about this Concert and about Elvis in this concert?
Please!

[GIORGIA]

By far, the final tour of 1976 (including the historic New Year's Eve show in Pittsburgh) was his best tour of the year!!!

And even as late as the final Vegas engagement at the beginning of December, Elvis wasn't in the best of shape physically or vocally. But something clearly changed from the end of the Vegas engagement to the beginning of the final tour. Some say it was because Ginger and Elvis were engaged to be married....maybe he just had a chance to enjoy a nice Christmas at home with his family...whatever the case, that final '76 tour was a GREAT one for sure!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike
I totally agree with you My Friend!I see the New Year's Eve Show!On you Tube!
And I Love It:blush:!
And I think that the reason is the engaged from him and Ginger!
I believe in this!
Because Love Can do this:blush::hug:!

[Pacerstar]

Really?
Lucky you!
Sorry,but I'm Soooooooooooooooooooooooooo Envy!
Can you tell Me more about this Concert and about Elvis in this concert?
Please!

Georgia, I would say that of the five live concerts that I saw this was the
best one. It even surpassed for me the l971 live concert that I saw. Elvis'
weight was down from the March '76 show. He wore the red flame jumpsuit.
He was so energetic! The hi-lite of the show for me was toward the end
when he brought a stool to the front of the stage and told us he was going
to do Blue Christmas. After some false starts and some joking around with
the guys on stage he sat down on the stool and sang Blue Christmas. That
was the only time I heard him do it live. I loved it. I noticed toward the end
of the show that people on stage were looking at their watches It did seem
to me that Elvis stayed on stage longer than he had in any other concert
that I attended. Being at an Elvis concert was like riding a roller coaster
for me. It was constant ups and downs. By that I mean he would do a
fast up-tempo song and have the crowd rockin' then he would go into a slow
ballad and calm everyone down, even bringing us to tears with songs like
You Gave Me a Mountain. When he did American Trilogy the crowd would be
standing. And then he would take off into another rockin' one. I know at the
end of his show I was exhausted just watching him. I can only imagine how
drained he must have been. Being in the same room with Elvis was an
electrifying experience even when that room was one that held thousands
of other people. And it is true that you did think that Elvis was singing just
to you. It didn't really matter where your seat was. At this show my seat
was 6 row, center stage!

[EnigmaticSun]

..an Elvis concert was like riding a roller coaster for me. It was constant ups and downs. By that I mean he would do a fast up-tempo song and have the crowd rockin' then he would go into a slow ballad and calm everyone down..

That is so true as he was capable of combining the most unexpected.. combinations - altogether! I mean.. from One Night to Just Pretend, who could imagine that?

Thank you for sharing your memories.. If we, Elvis-proletarians, could only overthrow them negative Elvis-capitalists we will make ourselves a brave new world where Elvis' later performances are appreciated as well!!

[Pacerstar]

That is so true as he was capable of combining the most unexpected.. combinations - altogether! I mean.. from One Night to Just Pretend, who could imagine that?

Thank you for sharing your memories.. If we, Elvis-proletarians, could only overthrow them negative Elvis-capitalists we will make ourselves a brave new world where Elvis' later performances are appreciated as well!!
**********
You are welcome. If we don't succeed in making that brave new world, it
won't be from lack of trying on my part, anyway!(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)

[GIORGIA]

Georgia, I would say that of the five live concerts that I saw this was the
best one. It even surpassed for me the l971 live concert that I saw. Elvis'
weight was down from the March '76 show. He wore the red flame jumpsuit.
He was so energetic! The hi-lite of the show for me was toward the end
when he brought a stool to the front of the stage and told us he was going
to do Blue Christmas. After some false starts and some joking around with
the guys on stage he sat down on the stool and sang Blue Christmas. That
was the only time I heard him do it live. I loved it. I noticed toward the end
of the show that people on stage were looking at their watches It did seem
to me that Elvis stayed on stage longer than he had in any other concert
that I attended. Being at an Elvis concert was like riding a roller coaster
for me. It was constant ups and downs. By that I mean he would do a
fast up-tempo song and have the crowd rockin' then he would go into a slow
ballad and calm everyone down, even bringing us to tears with songs like
You Gave Me a Mountain. When he did American Trilogy the crowd would be
standing. And then he would take off into another rockin' one. I know at the
end of his show I was exhausted just watching him. I can only imagine how
drained he must have been. Being in the same room with Elvis was an
electrifying experience even when that room was one that held thousands
of other people. And it is true that you did think that Elvis was singing just
to you. It didn't really matter where your seat was. At this show my seat
was 6 row, center stage!
WOW:supriced:!
Thank you very much for your Beautiful Words:notworthy!
Reading this is like to Me here in this Show:blush:!
WOW:blush:!
Again,Thank you:notworthy!

P.s You saw also one 71' concert?

[Pacerstar]

WOW:supriced:!
Thank you very much for your Beautiful Words:notworthy!
Reading this is like to Me here in this Show:blush:!
WOW:blush:!
Again,Thank you:notworthy!

P.s You saw also one 71' concert?



You are so very welcome, Georgia. Yes, I saw Elvis live in concert for the
first time in l971. Needless to say, that was a fantastic and very memorable
show. That would be my second choice of the 5 live shows that I saw. But,
I will also say that I would love to see any one of them again.:D:D:D:D:D:D

[GIORGIA]

You are so very welcome, Georgia. Yes, I saw Elvis live in concert for the
first time in l971. Needless to say, that was a fantastic and very memorable
show. That would be my second choice of the 5 live shows that I saw. But,
I will also say that I would love to see any one of them again.:D:D:D:D:D:D
I Believe this:D!
And as I said before,LUCKY YOU!
And again,Thank you:notworthy!

[GIORGIA]

And it is true that you did think that Elvis was singing just
to you.
Me too:blush:!
When I see and listen Elvis is as Sing only for Me:blush:!
And this feeling is MARVELLOUS:blush:!

[Jungleroom76]

But physically, he certainly wasn't up to par.

The shows are better listened to than seen.

You really think so Getlo?? :hmm:

I've watched the Pittsburgh footage many times and I have to say that he was looking far better at that time then he did at just about any other time in 1976 and considering he was about to turn 42, I thought he was still moving pretty well....again, in comparison to much of the rest of 1976! Although I do have to say that the whole lying on the stage while singing the ending of HURT was a little over the top, in my opinion... :doh:

Anyway, I would be most interested to hear your thoughts on why you thought he wasn't physically fit during this tour. Certainly when you compare Pittsburgh '76 to Vegas '69 or '70, you are right...but again, given his physical fitness during a majority of 1976, Pittsburgh showed a much slimmer, more physically fit Elvis than we had seen in a long time... :hmm:

Again, just my opinion... :blush:

TCB!
Mike

[GIORGIA]

You really think so Getlo?? :hmm:

I've watched the Pittsburgh footage many times and I have to say that he was looking far better at that time then he did at just about any other time in 1976 and considering he was about to turn 42, I thought he was still moving pretty well....again, in comparison to much of the rest of 1976!

Anyway, I would be most interested to hear your thoughts on why you thought he wasn't physically fit during this tour. Certainly when you compare Pittsburgh '76 to Vegas '69 or '70, you are right...but again, given his physical fitness during a majority of 1976, Pittsburgh showed a much slimmer, more physically fit Elvis than we had seen in a long time... :hmm:

Again, just my opinion... :blush:

TCB!
Mike
Hi Darling Friend!
I agree with you:blush:!

[Jungleroom76]

Hi Darling Friend!
I agree with you:blush:!


Thanks Giorgia! ;)

TCB!
Mike

[Getlo]

And I think that the reason is the engaged from him and Ginger! I believe in this! Because Love Can do this:blush::hug:!

In love with Ginger? That's too funny.

Also, the rumoured engagement occurred on January 26th, 1977, so you're way off.

Elvis was in (relatively) good form in Pittsburgh because it was New Year's Eve and the final night of the tour. He was in a natural party mode, and it had nothing to do with young Miss Alden.

[Getlo]

You really think so Getlo?? :hmm:

Mike, you should know by now ... I only post what I mean! :D


I've watched the Pittsburgh footage many times and I have to say that he was looking far better at that time then he did at just about any other time in 1976

No argument there. They key words are "better at that time then he did at just about any other time in 1976". But, overall, his movements were sluggish, especially when compared with just a couple of years earlier.


Anyway, I would be most interested to hear your thoughts on why you thought he wasn't physically fit during this tour. Certainly when you compare Pittsburgh '76 to Vegas '69 or '70, you are right...but again, given his physical fitness during a majority of 1976, Pittsburgh showed a much slimmer, more physically fit Elvis than we had seen in a long time

Yes, he was slimmer than earlier in '76. It's a pity he didn't continue the weight loss all through '77. He looked compartively okay, sounded great, but he moved rather sluggishly.

The movements from December '76 are somehow incongruous to the vocals. That's why I prefer to listen to Pittsburgh et al than actually watch.

[Brian]

Elvis was in (relatively) good form in Pittsburgh because it was New Year's Eve and the final night of the tour. He was in a natural party mode, and it had nothing to do with young Miss Alden.

If Ginger Alden had been with me I would've been happy.

[GIORGIA]

In love with Ginger? That's too funny.

Funny?
For Me No!
Because for Me Elvis is was In Love with Ginger!And Ginger is was in Love with Elvis!
And this,for Me as I said before,is the reason of hapiness in this show,because the love do this:blush::wub::hug:!
As Kathy Said in your interview!And I believe in her!
I believe in this!Of Course is My Personal Opinion;)!

[GIORGIA]

Also, the rumoured engagement occurred on January 26th, 1977, so you're way off.
You right about the year and the date:P!But I not agree with the word rumour,because for Me is true that He want married Ginger,and He was engagement with her!
As Said Kathy,and as I said before I believe in Her!
Of Course is My Opinion;)!

[Jungleroom76]

Mike, you should know by now ... I only post what I mean! :D

Sorry...rhetorical question... :blush: ;)


No argument there. They key words are "better at that time then he did at just about any other time in 1976". But, overall, his movements were sluggish, especially when compared with just a couple of years earlier.

Yes, he was slimmer than earlier in '76. It's a pity he didn't continue the weight loss all through '77. He looked compartively okay, sounded great, but he moved rather sluggishly.

The movements from December '76 are somehow incongruous to the vocals. That's why I prefer to listen to Pittsburgh et al than actually watch.

Points well taken my friend!!! :notworthy

TCB!
Mike

[Unchained Melody]

Does anyone here think that Elvis often "oversings" on songs during this tour like he did during the infamous September/October 1974 tour?

I've read rumors that he was on a liquid cocaine kick during this last tour of '76. :supriced::hmm:

[Pacerstar]

Does anyone here think that Elvis often "oversings" on songs during this tour like he did during the infamous September/October 1974 tour?

I've read rumors that he was on a liquid cocaine kick during this last tour of '76. :supriced::hmm:

What do you mean by "oversings"? I wasn't at the September/October l974
shows. But, I found nothing to complain about the way her performed in
or sang in the shows that I saw in l976.:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Unchained Melody]

What do you mean by "oversings"? I wasn't at the September/October l974
shows. But, I found nothing to complain about the way her performed in
or sang in the shows that I saw in l976.:D:D:D:D:D:D

Yellin' & shoutin' kind of thing...don't know how to explain it.:doh:

[Pacerstar]

Yellin' & shoutin' kind of thing...don't know how to explain it.:doh:

No, I didn't hear any of this type of thing in the concerts I attended in l976.:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Unchained Melody]

Oh okay. I think if you listen to the FTD Dragon Heart you can tell he is over singing on songs like Mountain, Let Me Be There etc..;)

[Pacerstar]

Oh okay. I think if you listen to the FTD Dragon Heart you can tell he is over singing on songs like Mountain, Let Me Be There etc..;)

Maybe what some would call yelling and shouting, others would interpret as
Elvis "being into the song" or putting soul and emotion into his music. S'pose?:D:D:D:D:D:D

[thomas civello]

lets face it guys..after the summer of 75...elvis was on a real fast decline..except for a few shows...take a listen...ive heard better karioke versions of his music....he nose dived big time...and you would be hard pressed to find a good photo of elvis from 76...and...77 was a joke...he totaly,and with a vengance...destroyed himself...
and im a great fan..and sen elvis live,....in his prime..1972...

[Pacerstar]

lets face it guys..after the summer of 75...elvis was on a real fast decline..except for a few shows...take a listen...ive heard better karioke versions of his music....he nose dived big time...and you would be hard pressed to find a good photo of elvis from 76...and...77 was a joke...he totaly,and with a vengance...destroyed himself...
and im a great fan..and sen elvis live,....in his prime..1972...

If that is your opinion of Elvis after l975, then, that is your opinion. I disagree
with your opinion. I saw him 3 times in 1976 and once in l977. Yes, he was
different than in l972, in his prime; but, age and bad health can do that to
any of us.

[Dudcowboy_1]

I have to agree Elvis was not in love with Ginger because on his new tour in 1977 as he was gone he told people at the house to move Ginger out and he wanted to start dating a lady at a local bank there. I've read that in a book and few of his friends have said that too.

If I had to pick a show from the December '76 Tours it would be the Altanta Show was the best. From footage and some of the re-mastered versions of the show on CD. But only really down time was in late summer '76 some of his best shows on Soundboard came from Spring and Fall, Winter of '76.

Love to all,
Tim

[Brian]

Oh okay. I think if you listen to the FTD Dragon Heart you can tell he is over singing on songs like Mountain, Let Me Be There etc..;)

No, I don't think I could tell.

[Pacerstar]

I have to agree Elvis was not in love with Ginger because on his new tour in 1977 as he was gone he told people at the house to move Ginger out and he wanted to start dating a lady at a local bank there. I've read that in a book and few of his friends have said that too.

If I had to pick a show from the December '76 Tours it would be the Altanta Show was the best. From footage and some of the re-mastered versions of the show on CD. But only really down time was in late summer '76 some of his best shows on Soundboard came from Spring and Fall, Winter of '76.

Love to all,
Tim

I was at his Louisville KY show in July. While it wasn't as upbeat and energetic
a show as Dayton OH in October, it was better in my opinion that March of
76 in Cincinnati OH. And I thought Cincinnati was very good.:D:D:D:D:D:D

[rickb]

I think he sings wonderfully in the Dec 76 tour without the over-singing that plagued late 1974

[Unchained Melody]

I think he sings wonderfully in the Dec 76 tour without the over-singing that plagued late 1974

So glad someone else understood what I was referring to with the oversinging.

[Brian]

So glad someone else understood what I was referring to with the oversinging.

everybody understood what you were referring to they just didn't agree.

Elvis is known for what you are talking about and it isn't called yelling or screaming.

[Unchained Melody]

everybody understood what you were referring to they just didn't agree.

Elvis is known for what you are talking about and it isn't called yelling or screaming.

Ok that is your opinion and I will leave it at that man.

I personally believe there was some "chemical" push that was giving him some of that energy he had during end of 1974 and also during the last tour of 1976.

I'm out have a great evening:smoke:

[medleyofcostumes]

Re the physical & vocal aspects of Elvis. If judgement of Elvis' live show is based on physical movements, then he is seen as ageing quickly. Let me explain -

Elton John, on his 60th birthday performed a 3+ hour show at MSG, which is on dvd. Since, Elton John's show, since the 70's was never dependent on physical gyrations and dancing, his recent shows do not show a slowed down Elton John. The same with the dvd of the concert done by The Shadows. The 60 year old plus musicians' act did not suffer with the age.

With Elvis' gyrations in the 50's and even in the period 1969-70, I think the fans expected that type of show with more emphasis on physical movement rather than on the singing. That put Elvis in a corner, IMO, making fans expect a turbo-ed performance. If Elvis were fitter in the mid 70's, I don't think he could have kept the energy levels of the 69-70 period, let alone with the medication-dependency he was experiencing.

Believe it or not, I am more shocked when listening to an Elvis show and he is finding it difficult to talk between songs or reading / forgetting lyrics, than seeing a 'static' show. Listening to Elvis' versions of 'My Way' 'You gave me a mountain' 'Unchained melody' 'How great thou art' from Elvis in Concert still give me goosebumps even though EP was far from his best physically.

[Sonny]

Guys lighten up!

[Getlo]

Funny?
As Kathy Said in your interview!And I believe in her!

Kathy said a lot of things, including that Elvis had bone cancer.

[GIORGIA]

I have to agree Elvis was not in love with Ginger because on his new tour in 1977 as he was gone he told people at the house to move Ginger out and he wanted to start dating a lady at a local bank there. I've read that in a book and few of his friends have said that too.

Is the first time that I heard this thing,
maybe is true,maybe no,
but for Me Elvis was in Love Of Ginger.
And I don't believe all these things that I read,especially from his "friends".
Of course is My Opinion.

[GIORGIA]

Kathy said a lot of things, including that Elvis had bone cancer.
I know this,but I believe in her.
And I believe that is Elvis was in Love of Ginger.
And for Me Love Can Do This.
Of course is My Opinion.

[EnigmaticSun]

I bet by oversinging was meant this "YEAH SEE" (CC Rider) phenomenon, which can be heard during the show in Dallas, for example. It appeared he had a lot more physical power to spend compared to the majority of touring in 1976.

I often have a lot to criticize about arrangements and choral work by Elvis and his crew in the 70's. However I prefer hearing him being energetic rather than lethargic.

My opinion is that he found a better overall balance as the tour approached its conclusion.

During the CBS Special in '77 he was rapid in rapid city, also speech-wise, but the voice was more mellowed-out which I do like. (y)

[Pacerstar]

I bet by oversinging was meant this "YEAH SEE" (CC Rider) phenomenon, which can be heard during the show in Dallas, for example. It appeared he had a lot more physical power to spend compared to the majority of touring in 1976.

I often have a lot to criticize about arrangements and choral work by Elvis and his crew in the 70's. However I prefer hearing him being energetic rather than lethargic.

My opinion is that he found a better overall balance as the tour approached its conclusion.

During the CBS Special in '77 he was rapid in rapid city, also speech-wise, but the voice was more mellowed-out which I do like. (y)

I agree, especially with him being more energetic than lethargic.(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y) But it seems like Elvis just can't please some people either way!:D:D

[Unchained Melody]

I agree, especially with him being more energetic than lethargic.(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y) But it seems like Elvis just can't please some people either way!:D:D

I was pleased with the December tour. As a matter of fact, my two favorite shows are Pittsburg and Dallas. :notworthy

[Pacerstar]

I was pleased with the December tour. As a matter of fact, my two favorite shows are Pittsburg and Dallas. :notworthy

(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)

[TotallyInsane]

I was pleased with the December tour. As a matter of fact, my two favorite shows are Pittsburg and Dallas. :notworthy

I was pleased with the December shows as well - my favorites being the last 3 shows in Vegas!!

[Kajo]

By far, the final tour of 1976 (including the historic New Year's Eve show in Pittsburgh) was his best tour of the year!!! In my opinion, Elvis completely wore himself out in 1976 with all of the touring. I realize that Elvis wanted to celebrate the bicentennial with as many fans as possible, but I truly believe he wore himself out with all of that touring. Just listen to some of the shows from the summer and you can clearly hear the fatigue and weakness in his voice! :'(

And even as late as the final Vegas engagement at the beginning of December, Elvis wasn't in the best of shape physically or vocally. But something clearly changed from the end of the Vegas engagement to the beginning of the final tour. Some say it was because Ginger and Elvis were engaged to be married....maybe he just had a chance to enjoy a nice Christmas at home with his family...whatever the case, that final '76 tour was a GREAT one for sure!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike



I wouldn't really agree with this post. From 1974-1977 Elvis was in the shape of his lifetime (vocally of course) The 1977 tours were the best and the 1976 tour was very very good. I have the whole last Vegas engagement. The man sang 2 concerts a day 15days in a row. 1 1/2 hour. Out of all of those concerts there were maybe only 3 or 4 weaker ones. Plus He sang Hurt almost on every concert and America the beautiful...the hardest songs from his repertoire.Then after that he had a quick Christmas break and then went to Pittsburgh for New years eve and sang one of the best (if not the best ) concert/s of his life.