How Many Shows Did Elvis do from 69 to 77?

[TCBDavid]

can any one tell me how many concert elvis performed between 1969 and 1977 both vegas and on tour, its needed for a project im working on so a reply asap would be great.

[asian1]

Hello: If you can find the Paul Lichter book: The Boy Who Dared to RocK, I believe he lists all of Elvis'performances in the back.

[debtdbruno]

someone will definitely know the accuturate number..................I think it's over 1100

[asian1]

Hi again, a co=worker of mine says that Elvis performed 353 concerts since 1969. HIs last concert was on July 26, 77 in Indianapolis, IN at the Market Square Arena.
He seems to be certain of his facts but he will double check.

[italianfan]

Iv always thought it was around 1187. as debtdbruno said theres bound to be someone on here who knows exactly.

[asian1]

With regards to the above concert information, my co - worker mentioned that the number he gave me reflected the number of different concerts and not the total number of shows he perfomed. For example: in 1970, Elvis had an engagement at the International Hotel from Jan 26 - Feb 23. Elvis sometimes performed 2- 3 times in one night. He then had another engagement at the International Hotel from Aug 10 - Sept 7, performing more than once in a single night.

[debtdbruno]

1147............that's from elvisconcerts.com

[asian1]

1147 ! when did he have time for himself? The toll it must take on someone is incredible.

[debtdbruno]

....therein lies his problem.....................

[rickb]

Too many is probably the right answer when considering the star's health and wellbeing

[rogerM]

In the book "Elvis the Concert Years" it says that he had 1122 concerts from 31.July 1969 to 26. June 1977. The book also have a list over where and when the concerts was, how many people watching, name on the arena, witch suit he used, songs he did on each tour....
The book is EXELENT!

[Jungleroom76]

The number I've seen used quite often is 1,108. :hmm:

In any case, you guys are right....that is WAY too many shows during an 8 1/2 year period. Once again just more proof of how little The Colonel cared about Elvis during the final years of his life!!! :cursing:

TCB!
Mike

[TCBDavid]

well i'll take 1100 as a ball park figure then....thats about a 130 concerts a year thats insane

[Tony Trout]

In the book "Elvis the Concert Years" it says that he had 1122 concerts from 31.July 1969 to 26. June 1977. The book also have a list over where and when the concerts was, how many people watching, name on the arena, witch suit he used, songs he did on each tour....
The book is EXELENT!


The book may be 'excellent' but the book has many errors. The most factual account of the total number of concerts Elvis performed can possibly be found in the out-of-print book, "Elvis - His Life From A To Z", because there is a section in the book that lists all the concert dates from 1954-1977. So....if you take those 1950s shows and add them to the list, that is still way too dang many shows.

[TCBDavid]

to be fair though i wasnt looking for any of the concert dates before 1969 only after

[Erhan]

concerts tours keep him away from lazy unhealthy life style and mostly when he was at home his abuse increase all the time look at end of the 1976 he seems to be he could comeback lot of hopes due the worst year of his life (health wise) and than He look terrible first tour of 1977.

1977 He has no las vegas concerts anymore but it get worse and worse (same thing happened 1971)

He had to be busy but good organize schedule without boring same places in south but biger places biger crowds new directions may keep him awake.
December 28, 1976 (8:30 pm) Dallas, TX.
http://www.elvisconcerts.com/pictures/s76122803.jpg
February 12, 1977. (8:30 pm) Hollywood. FL. (only 45day later)
http://www.elvisconcerts.com/pictures/s77021207.jpghttp://www.elvisconcerts.com/pictures/s77021205.jpg

[Wonder Of You]

he didnt look terrible as i love elvis and always looked great to me
and some of the shows in february elvis looked very very great
thats just 2 pics from the first day of his new tour

[Erhan]

he didnt look terrible as i love elvis and always looked great to me
and some of the shows in february elvis looked very very great
thats just 2 pics from the first day of his new tour

Everyone become blind when fall in love...

[debtdbruno]

I think the jumpsuits made his weight look worse.
When you look at the last holiday in Hawaii in March...........he doesn't look bad at all.

[Jungleroom76]

I think the jumpsuits made his weight look worse.
When you look at the last holiday in Hawaii in March...........he doesn't look bad at all.

Definitely a good point Deb!! (y)

Unfortunately, the jumpsuit was part of the "Elvis Image" so I highly doubt that he would have gotten rid of them. But like you said, had Elvis changed his stagewear to something a little more forgiving, he probably wouldn't have looked nearly as heavy as he did in the last couple years of his life. :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

[lvs2day]

i believe the correct number of concerts to be 11144 from 69-77, admitedly there are some mistakes in erick skars book ELVIS concert years matching up suits with performances , the reason i say this number was because it came from the logs of colonel parker he kept this log [tour sheets] minus cancelled shows , vernon had the same amount in the logs [tour sheets] he had, i've kept many of these tour sheets that we were sent by vernons office since 72 for me . RE- ELVIS tours killing him , i do think and believe he needed a hiatus , and lets be honest he did but i also believe he knew he had a hell of a payroll with 300 employees , and he loved being ELVIS PRESLEY and not to mention he had a very expensive lifestyle and drug habbit[its bin said his drug habbit cost a million a year].

[rickb]

There's no way you could say Elvis looked good at that 12-02-77 concert

[Brian]

There's no way you could say Elvis looked good at that 12-02-77 concert


Elvis looked good at that 12-02-77 concert

there is a way

[Getlo]

Hello: If you can find the Paul Lichter book: The Boy Who Dared to RocK, I believe he lists all of Elvis'performances in the back.

Don't use that book for any references at all.

Lichter is hopeless!!

[Tony Trout]

There's no way you could say Elvis looked good at that 12-02-77 concert

I agree....Elvis looked horrible at that show....and those photos seem to be the ones that crop up the most when newspapers/tabloids want to discuss Elvis's final years. :'(


Don't use that book for any references at all.

Lichter is hopeless!!


I agree, Getlo. Lichter is a leech in the Elvis world and a con-artist.

[Maricela]

1131 CONCERTS FROM 1969 UNTIL 1977

[hounddog]

1,156 is the figure listed on this site
http://www.elvis-in-concert.com/

[medleyofcostumes]

My count is 1135 shows as follows:

1969: Las Vegas 57 shows

1970: Las Vegas 57 + 58
Houston 6
Tour 9 + 9

1971: Las Vegas 57 + 57
Lake Tahoe 27
Tour 14

1972: Las Vegas 57 + 62
Tour 19 + 19 + 12

1973: Aloha 2
Las Vegas 54 + 58
Lake Tahoe 26
Tour 12 + 17

1974: Las Vegas 29 + 27
Lake Tahoe 22 + 8
Tour 24 + 5 + 25 + 15

1975: Las Vegas 29 + 5 + 16
Tour 18 + 17 + 21
Pontiac 1

1976 Las Vegas 15
Lake Tahoe 15
Tour 8 + 8 + 13 + 13 + 15 + 16 + 14 + 7 + 5

1977 Tour 10 + 8 + 13 + 14 + 10

[Nicole Presley]

he didnt look terrible as i love elvis and always looked great to me
and some of the shows in february elvis looked very very great
thats just 2 pics from the first day of his new tour

You´re right! To me he always looked beautiful, too. :)

[medleyofcostumes]

There's no way you could say Elvis looked good at that 12-02-77 concert

Photographs can be misleading. Different angles and lighting can make a person look better or worse. Just find different photos of the same show and compare them. In some he looks ok in other no. Even in close ups, Elvis looks fatter. How? A shot from the belt upwards will show him fatter that a full length shot. (Many tabloids way back in 1977 used to print Elvis photos either from the belt upwards of closeups of his face with rivers of sweat running down to emphasis his poor health.)

Notwithstanding this, during the first tour of 1977, particularly on the 12th Elvis' face was much more bloated COMPARED with his last outings on tour in December 1976.

[debtdbruno]

Definitely a good point Deb!! (y)

Unfortunately, the jumpsuit was part of the "Elvis Image" so I highly doubt that he would have gotten rid of them. But like you said, had Elvis changed his stagewear to something a little more forgiving, he probably wouldn't have looked nearly as heavy as he did in the last couple years of his life. :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

wasn't he supposed to be 250lbs when he died Mike?

Translated in UK terms (we work in stones and pounds)....LOL.....it makes him around 18 stone. I don't think that is that excessive for a 6ft Man......
I'm not saying he wasn't overweight, however there's probably a lot of Men near there...........

Unfortunately, he wasn't allowed to age by the Media..........he had to be the endless sex symbol...........unrealistic!!!!!

[Jungleroom76]

wasn't he supposed to be 250lbs when he died Mike?

Translated in UK terms (we work in stones and pounds)....LOL.....it makes him around 18 stone. I don't think that is that excessive for a 6ft Man......
I'm not saying he wasn't overweight, however there's probably a lot of Men near there...........

Unfortunately, he wasn't allowed to age by the Media..........he had to be the endless sex symbol...........unrealistic!!!!!

I agree completely Deb! Yes the reports were that he weighed around 250lbs. when he died, but like you, I have to say that for a 6 ft. man I really don't think that is excessively overweight. Yes certainly he was carrying more weight than was healthy, but again, I really think it's the jumpsuits with the large belts and belt buckles that made Elvis look much heavier than he was. :hmm:

You are right too about the unrealistic expectations of the media. Regardless of how heavy or not Elvis was, the man was 42 years old and even if he was the picture of perfect health, he certainly was not going to move around on stage in 1977 as he did in 1956...it just wasn't going to happen.

TCB!
Mike

[medleyofcostumes]

I agree completely Deb! Yes the reports were that he weighed around 250lbs. when he died, but like you, I have to say that for a 6 ft. man I really don't think that is excessively overweight. Yes certainly he was carrying more weight than was healthy, but again, I really think it's the jumpsuits with the large belts and belt buckles that made Elvis look much heavier than he was. :hmm:

You are right too about the unrealistic expectations of the media. Regardless of how heavy or not Elvis was, the man was 42 years old and even if he was the picture of perfect health, he certainly was not going to move around on stage in 1977 as he did in 1956...it just wasn't going to happen.

TCB!
Mike


It isn't much the weight but the general appearance.

Let's take 1975 as a pivot.

In 1975 he was overweight but for most shows he was bright, in good spirits, and quite mobile.

During the September-October 1974, Elvis was slimmer than 1975, but his appearance was worse. He 'wasn't there' for some shows and was static and uninterested.

By 1977, although not gaining excessive weight compared to 1975, he was frequently very static and slurred the words to songs and dialogue in between songs. His eyes were puffy many times.

There were exceptions particularly during late 1976, but overall his appearance was not good. (Note I am comparing 1977 to 1975 NOT to 1970)

My point is, you can be slim but still not in good health or otherwise, sassy but in good spirits, enjoying oneself and giving an inspired performance EVEN WITHOUTgyrations, karate kicks etc.

[debtdbruno]

A lot of that was his state of mind (assentuated by the pills) which was to blame for his performances.

But the media did stick the knife in with the 'fat and forty' jibes

[Getlo]

1,156 is the figure listed on this site
http://www.elvis-in-concert.com/

1156 is the correct number.

People tend to forget the several cancelled shows in '73 and they are often left is as part of the listing.

[TCBDavid]

ah so have people been counting canceled shows...as i need to know what he did not what he was supposed to have done

[Jungleroom76]

It isn't much the weight but the general appearance.

Let's take 1975 as a pivot.

In 1975 he was overweight but for most shows he was bright, in good spirits, and quite mobile.

During the September-October 1974, Elvis was slimmer than 1975, but his appearance was worse. He 'wasn't there' for some shows and was static and uninterested.

By 1977, although not gaining excessive weight compared to 1975, he was frequently very static and slurred the words to songs and dialogue in between songs. His eyes were puffy many times.

There were exceptions particularly during late 1976, but overall his appearance was not good. (Note I am comparing 1977 to 1975 NOT to 1970)

My point is, you can be slim but still not in good health or otherwise, sassy but in good spirits, enjoying oneself and giving an inspired performance EVEN WITHOUTgyrations, karate kicks etc.

All definitely good points!!! I was merely referring to the fact that many of the concert reviewers, newspapers, etc. were commenting on how Elvis had slowed down and was not performing like he was. Besides the obvious health issues Elvis was battling, just the fact that Elvis was 42 years old meant that he certainly wasn't going to be able to perform the same way he did when he was in his 20's or even 30's. Just the fact of getting older unfortunately... :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

[Tony Trout]

1156 is the correct number.

People tend to forget the several cancelled shows in '73 and they are often left is as part of the listing.


So, this blows the "1094 shows" from Ral Donner in "This Is Elvis" out of the water.....that quote has always bugged me. You'd figure they would've done their research properly for that movie.

But, I say again, 1,156 shows over an eight year period was way too **** many shows. No wonder Elvis died at forty-two - although the prescription drug abuse (and other drugs) didn't help.

[debtdbruno]

WELL SAID TONY.........way too many!!!!!

[Jungleroom76]

WELL SAID TONY.........way too many!!!!!

Right on Deb!!! (y)

Goes right back to my continuing stand on what a (insert your own profanity here) The Colonel was... :cursing::cursing::cursing:

TCB!
Mike

[debtdbruno]

Tom Parker was a genius in the 50's......I'm not sure anyone else could have done what he did.
Maybe when Elvis was in the army too...........but after that............?????

He was the richest actor at the time, but at what expense??

[Jungleroom76]

Tom Parker was a genius in the 50's......I'm not sure anyone else could have done what he did.
Maybe when Elvis was in the army too...........but after that............?????

I have always maintained that theory as well Deb. I really think The Colonel did a great job managing Elvis during the early portion of his career and what he was able to do by keeping Elvis in the public eye during Elvis' Army stint was sheer brilliance. Around the mid-60's sadly is when The Colonel had clearly outlived his usefulness in terms of managerial abilities and that was when Elvis really needed to find someone new that could take Elvis to newer and more creative heights... :hmm:


He was the richest actor at the time, but at what expense??

Precisely right...at WHAT expense? The rest of Elvis' career, sadly... :'(

TCB!
Mike

[debtdbruno]

Right on Mike....................

[Tony Trout]

Tom Parker was a genius in the 50's......I'm not sure anyone else could have done what he did.
Maybe when Elvis was in the army too...........but after that............?????

He was the richest actor at the time, but at what expense??


I have always maintained that theory as well Deb. I really think The Colonel did a great job managing Elvis during the early portion of his career and what he was able to do by keeping Elvis in the public eye during Elvis' Army stint was sheer brilliance. Around the mid-60's sadly is when The Colonel had clearly outlived his usefulness in terms of managerial abilities and that was when Elvis really needed to find someone new that could take Elvis to newer and more creative heights... :hmm:



Precisely right...at WHAT expense? The rest of Elvis' career, sadly... :'(

TCB!
Mike



It's been discussed here before but I think that Elvis should've gotten rid of Parker after the Army because, IMO, I don't think Elvis needed him anymore. I mean....take the Comeback Special, for instance, when Elvis 'bucked the Colonel' and did the songs that he, himself, wanted to do for the show instead of the standard Christmas special that the Colonel wanted which, IMVHO, would've ruined his comeback and possibly the rest of his career.

[debtdbruno]

Absolutely Tony................imagine never having the 68 special...................

[Jungleroom76]

Absolutely Tony................imagine never having the 68 special...................

...or as Tony said, doing a 60-minute special filled with Christmas songs... :'(

TCB!
Mike

[debtdbruno]

...or as Tony said, doing a 60-minute special filled with Christmas songs... :'(

TCB!
Mike

deosn't bare thinking about:doh::doh::doh::doh::cursing:

[medleyofcostumes]

Although I agree with the fact that Elvis' schedule could have been arranged better, I try not to overestimate Elvis' efforts.

A 55 min show a day for 15 days, two weeks off, 55 min show a day for 15 days and so on isn't that bad COMPARED to the return.

To be fair - Elvis' effort for touring wasn't as bad. Elvis never rehearsed for tours just rehearsed for Las Vegas (occasionally). Had nothing to do with the set up of the show (except for the 68 comback, the 1969 return and the Aloha). When a new musician was in the band, Elvis never bothered to rehearse for the new guy as the 'rookie' had to learn his parts from the records. Even in 1976 he didn't bother go into a recording studio but had the musicians and engineers move to his house. You call that effort?

Today's standards for touring have risen and normally today's shows run for almost 3 hours and require weeks / months of rehearsals, coordination, stage lights, overhead projections.

OK they don't do 2 shows a night for a month like Elvis did in Las Vegas but still it requires lot of work.

Elvis' curse was the emphasis on physical gyrations which put in the background other important aspects of the show which were very good - such as rapport with the audience, vocal performance. That's why I like shows like he did in tahoe on closing night in May 1976 where he sang for 2 hours and almost 40 songs including 'Happy Birthday' or even the Pittsburgh 31.12.1976 show. There the emphasis was giving a good show irrespective of physical activity.

Celebrities (including Elvis) are paid millions of dollars and are/ were expected to sweat for them just like any other worker. Elvis had talent, a great voice, an aura round him, great persona and sense of humour but his effort was no more no less that others in the field.

[debtdbruno]

I agree with what you are saying............IMO, it was the monotony which was the worst part of it.
Also, perpetually living at night, sleeping during the day must have been hard for everyone around him

[Jungleroom76]

Although I agree with the fact that Elvis' schedule could have been arranged better, I try not to overestimate Elvis' efforts.

A 55 min show a day for 15 days, two weeks off, 55 min show a day for 15 days and so on isn't that bad COMPARED to the return.

True, if Elvis was only performing one show a night...but he was doing 2 shows a night, 6 nights a week in Las Vegas and 1 show on the 7th day. That's 26 shows in 14 days....definitely a lot of pressure for Elvis to keep up, especially with the energy he exerted on stage.

And again, let's not forget that one of the reasons for the hectic schedule is because rumor has it The Colonel had huge gambling debts to pay off and if Elvis wasn't working, he wasn't making money. And as we all know, The Colonel was only after one thing... :cursing:


Today's standards for touring have risen and normally today's shows run for almost 3 hours and require weeks / months of rehearsals, coordination, stage lights, overhead projections.

OK they don't do 2 shows a night for a month like Elvis did in Las Vegas but still it requires lot of work.

Another aspect of that is the ticket prices that The Colonel charged for an Elvis Presley show. Elvis was always of the mind that the ticket prices needed to be kept low so that his fans could afford to see his concerts. If Elvis were touring today, certainly a ticket to one of his shows would cost exorbitantly more than they did in the 70's. :hmm:

This, of course, also plays into the whole situation of The Colonel booking Elvis for as many shows as he possibly could. With the lower ticket prices that Elvis required, The Colonel needed Elvis to perform as much as possible to make as much money as possible! :cursing: :cursing:

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

I agree with what you are saying............IMO, it was the monotony which was the worst part of it.
Also, perpetually living at night, sleeping during the day must have been hard for everyone around him

Excellent points Deb! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Brian]

True, if Elvis was only performing one show a night...but he was doing 2 shows a night, 6 nights a week in Las Vegas and 1 show on the 7th day. That's 26 shows in 14 days....definitely a lot of pressure for Elvis to keep up, especially with the energy he exerted on stage.

And again, let's not forget that one of the reasons for the hectic schedule is because rumor has it The Colonel had huge gambling debts to pay off and if Elvis wasn't working, he wasn't making money. And as we all know, The Colonel was only after one thing... :cursing:



Another aspect of that is the ticket prices that The Colonel charged for an Elvis Presley show. Elvis was always of the mind that the ticket prices needed to be kept low so that his fans could afford to see his concerts. If Elvis were touring today, certainly a ticket to one of his shows would cost exorbitantly more than they did in the 70's. :hmm:

This, of course, also plays into the whole situation of The Colonel booking Elvis for as many shows as he possibly could. With the lower ticket prices that Elvis required, The Colonel needed Elvis to perform as much as possible to make as much money as possible! :cursing: :cursing:

TCB!
Mike


I think Parker felt by charging higher ticket prices it wouldn't be fair to fans and it's true some of them couldn't afford it.
That was nice of him.

I think Elvis wanted to play 2 shows in Vegas at least in the begining.

With the exceptions 1974 when you think about it Elvis didn't really work that much.
In 1970 and 1971 he worked 3-4 months out of the year.
in 1973 he only did a couple short u.s. tours in addition to Vegas
in 1977 he worked 55 days out of the year and even if you count the tour he was going to go on plus the rumored Vegas engagement that tops around 70 work days.
Most people work 8-9 hour days, 5 days a week all year around. Elvis had it easy.

[Jungleroom76]

I think Parker felt by charging higher ticket prices it wouldn't be fair to fans and it's true some of them couldn't afford it.
That was nice of him.

I think Elvis wanted to play 2 shows in Vegas at least in the begining.

With the exceptions 1974 when you think about it Elvis didn't really work that much.
In 1970 and 1971 he worked 3-4 months out of the year.
in 1973 he only did a couple short u.s. tours in addition to Vegas
in 1977 he worked 55 days out of the year and even if you count the tour he was going to go on plus the rumored Vegas engagement that tops around 70 work days.
Most people work 8-9 hour days, 5 days a week all year around. Elvis had it easy.

According to Elvis-In-Concert.com:

1969 - 56 shows
1970 - 137 shows
1971 - 157 shows
1972 - 165 shows
1973 - 167 shows
1974 - 158 shows
1975 - 107 shows
1976 - 129 shows
1977 - 55 shows

Elvis may have had it easy in terms of the money he made per show, but still...imagine traveling hundreds (or thousands) of miles, having to sleep during the day, walking onto stage to perform mostly the same songs night after night, leaving the stage and traveling hundreds (or thousands) of miles to the next city, etc. That is a LOT of work and even when Elvis had the "luxury" of not having to travel, when he was in Vegas or Tahoe, he had to pretty much stay secluded most of the time because of who he was. He couldn't just go out to see shows, go to the gaming floor or out to the restaurants...so that also had to take a toll on Elvis as well. :hmm:

I think there just was a whole lot more to the reasons why Elvis was worn out besides strictly the number of dates he played each year. But still..when you look at the numbers, 165 dates a year is a LOT of shows to give. And we all know who we have to thank for that, don't we... :cursing: :cursing: :cursing:

TCB!
Mike

[Brian]

According to Elvis-In-Concert.com:

1969 - 56 shows
1970 - 137 shows
1971 - 157 shows
1972 - 165 shows
1973 - 167 shows
1974 - 158 shows
1975 - 107 shows
1976 - 129 shows
1977 - 55 shows

Elvis may have had it easy in terms of the money he made per show, but still...imagine traveling hundreds (or thousands) of miles, having to sleep during the day, walking onto stage to perform mostly the same songs night after night, leaving the stage and traveling hundreds (or thousands) of miles to the next city, etc. That is a LOT of work and even when Elvis had the "luxury" of not having to travel, when he was in Vegas or Tahoe, he had to pretty much stay secluded most of the time because of who he was. He couldn't just go out to see shows, go to the gaming floor or out to the restaurants...so that also had to take a toll on Elvis as well. :hmm:

I think there just was a whole lot more to the reasons why Elvis was worn out besides strictly the number of dates he played each year. But still..when you look at the numbers, 165 dates a year is a LOT of shows to give. And we all know who we have to thank for that, don't we... :cursing: :cursing: :cursing:

TCB!
Mike

I don't know people say that when Elvis wasn't working he'd get bored so he would call the Colonel and ask for more shows.

I still mantain working 130-150 days out of the year sometimes more and sometimes less wasn't that bad.
If Elvis had stopped playing Vegas entirely after 1970 (Which I think should've happened) the number of shows he played would've lowered significantly

You also have to consider that in the 70's touring and playing shows was really his only source of income since he wasn't making films anymore.

[Junebug]

I think there just was a whole lot more to the reasons why Elvis was worn out besides strictly the number of dates he played each year. But still..when you look at the numbers, 165 dates a year is a LOT of shows to give. And we all know who we have to thank for that, don't we... :cursing: :cursing: :cursing:

TCB!
Mike

Yeah.....like the stress of living a life in a way you don't want and not knowing how to change it...........


:king:

[Getlo]

I don't know why people moan about the amount of on-the-road shows Elvis did.

Compared to many other artists, it's nothing.

Chuck Berry still performs over 300 nights a year.

None of Elvis' tours were all that long. Look at all the bands and singers - then and now - who travel the world night after night after night.

And I know Elvis gave his all (well, usually), but come on. A maximum of an hour on stage each night isn't all that much when you weigh it all up.

Vegas, on the other hand, is a different kettle of fish. One month is too long in the same venue. Starting with February, 1970, he should have only been doing two weeks at a time.

[medleyofcostumes]

Vegas, on the other hand, is a different kettle of fish. One month is too long in the same venue. Starting with February, 1970, he should have only been doing two weeks at a time.

Just a small point, Elvis performed in Vegas for 1 month UNTIL September 1973. From January 1974 it was fifteen days twice a year two shows a night. As from December 1975 it was fifteen days, 1 show a night except on weekends (2 shows a day).

[Getlo]

Just a small point, Elvis performed in Vegas for 1 month UNTIL September 1973. From January 1974 it was fifteen days twice a year two shows a night. As from December 1975 it was fifteen days, 1 show a night except on weekends (2 shows a day).


Yes, I know.

But as I said, "Starting with February, 1970, he should have only been doing two weeks at a time."

[debtdbruno]

like I said.............the monotony was the worst part

[Jungleroom76]

I don't know people say that when Elvis wasn't working he'd get bored so he would call the Colonel and ask for more shows.

That is a good point...I've heard that also! So perhaps there may be some blame to place on Elvis for the amount of shows he did per year, but still... :hmm:


I still mantain working 130-150 days out of the year sometimes more and sometimes less wasn't that bad.

It certainly doesn't sound like a lot of days to work, but still...the traveling, the amount of energy Elvis put into his shows...all of that definitely put a strain on Elvis.


If Elvis had stopped playing Vegas entirely after 1970 (Which I think should've happened) the number of shows he played would've lowered significantly

Absolutely right! By the time 1972 or so rolled around, there wasn't anything left for Elvis to conquer in Las Vegas. He had already broken all the attendance records repeatedly and it was time to leave Vegas behind for the most part...an occasional show or two wouldn't have been a bad thing, but 2 multiple show engagements per year was clearly no longer necessary. But again....this was mainly all thanks to The Colonel who reportedly had Elvis play Vegas to support his own personal gambling habit and debts... :cursing: :cursing: :cursing:


You also have to consider that in the 70's touring and playing shows was really his only source of income since he wasn't making films anymore.

Sadly, it didn't have to be! If The Colonel hadn't made that HORRIBLE deal to sell Elvis' back catalog in 1973 and had the ability to make better managerial decisions than to just continue to maintain the status quo and run Elvis into the ground (concert stage) night after night after night, then there could have been PLENTY of other income sources for Elvis other than concert tours. :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

Yeah.....like the stress of living a life in a way you don't want and not knowing how to change it...........


:king:

Very true Junebug!! :'(

TCB!
Mike

[Albert]

1147 ! when did he have time for himself? The toll it must take on someone is incredible.

It sounds much, but: that's 1147 shows from about 90 minutes. Let's say he did one show a day. Then he would have had 1147 workdays from about 90 minutes in 7 years (which is about 2500 days).

If you compare that with Joe Average, who works 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 46 weeks a year. That is the same as 1610 workingdays (of 8 hours, breaks and traveling time not included).

The Vegas seasons of 2-3 shows a day (eventhough that's 3x 1 hour working), 4 weeks in a set must have been terrible. But don't forget that after such a Vegas engagement, he was free for quite some weeks. Many Vegas performers (often the lesser stars) actually live in Vegas and see it as a jon (where you also work every day).

The tours also were very short: only 1-3 weeks per tour. Always in the same country (mostly even in the same part of the US). That's different from artists touring the world and being away from home for months.

So in short: the shows in 1969/1970 were very physical (and I guess also very demanding for Elvis' voice). But later on the average Elvis show wasn't a full-speed ahead, high energy, 'give it all' concert. Just watch the Aloha: I love this show, but Elvis is very, VERY static with little movement. If you watch fan footage of Elvis shows, Elvis does very little else than walking around during singing. The amount of karate chops are limited to just a few mostly at the end of a song. Even songs like Polk Salad Annie and Suspicious Minds were shortened to save on the karate routine.

Don't forget, Elvis was ONLY in his late 30s when the energy level of the show dramatically started to decrease. I don't like to compare Elvis with other artists (since he's a league of his own), but for the sake of discussion I will do so: Brian Johnson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Johnson) is the leadsinger from AC/DC. This guy is 63 recently came back from a two year long world tour. These shows were about two hour long where the whole band gave 100% to the (huge) crowds. Same goes for the members of Iron Maiden: all in their 50s and still giving amazing shows around the world. Or Mike Love (from the Beach Boys): his performance (movement and stance on the podium) can be compared with Elvis (unlike singers from hard rock bands of course). He'll become 70 this year and he (along with fellow Beach Boy Bruce Johnston) has about 100+ shows a year. Shows from about 80-100 minutes.

I don't want to put Elvis or his shows down. I only want to make a point that it wasn't the amount of shows or the energy Elvis put into them, that brought Elvis down. Elvis lost passion in things quickly: making movies, recording, performing, women, food, etc. He was clearly out of balance. Just notice that Elvis did very little in all these weeks (sometimes months!) off that he had (after movies, tours or Vegas engagements). He didn't take acting classes, his weight often increased, he didn't try to write music himself, had no interest in the business behind show business and didn't growas an artist.

Just like with making movies, Elvis started strong in 1969-1970, but then it all became a drag and a way to make money and an attempt to fill that void in his life. But it wasn't pure passion anymore that made Elvis tour, extend his Vegas contract (or visit the studio) during the later part of the 70s.

[KPM]

Albert my friend you make some great points-one of the biggest questions in my thoughts on Elvis is why his passion for things was so quickly lost ....performing, movies, recording etc..........
I always come back to the same idea-once he conquered something-the challenge was not there.... his "id" needed to think his back was up against the wall in order to produce the passion he needed to give his all.
WHY I have no idea, but once he mastered something he coasted. As I have often said, we all have our inner conflicts and history which shaped who and what we become as adults and he was no different.
As far as acting classes or writing music "he was never encouraged to do so" on the contrary if he got an idea from someone which may have led to his growth as an actor, or in music, or philosphy of life-what happened... Parker would work to nip those thoughts and ideas in the bud. Parker did not want a hungry, interested, thinking client-he wanted one who stayed in the dark and came out on cue....and he knew how to keep him that way.
Elvis was happiest when he was performing, and when his juices were encouraged by people outside his influence such as Chips Moman, Binder, Pasetta etc....did Parker make sure Elvis ended up meeting these type people-No he did the opposite..."to protect his control over Elvis Presley the product" and Elvis fearful of what might happen if Parker was out of the picture-listened.

[Albert]

By the way, imagine how hard everything must have been for the TCB band, JD Sumner & The Stamps, The Sweet Inspiration and Joe Guercio?

All of them did the same shows as Elvis, many of them also did the pre-shows. And they also had recording careers besides touring with Elvis. JD Sumner & The Stamps often had their own shows in towns nearby where they would perform in the evening with Elvis. The also travelled not in the same way as Elvis did (as can been seen in Elvis On Tour). While Elvis left the building during the Closing Theme, the musicians and vocalists were longer in the arenas.

Joe Guercio worked with local musicians. So he traveled to the next town earlier, so that he could rehearse with these unknown musicians, trying to make them ready to be part of the Elvis show.

So all of these men and women were at the same shows as Elvis (obviously), putting in more time than Elvis, also having family and friends waiting at home with a whole lot less luxury. Then again, they didn't have to cope with the stress and they could walk freely through the towns in their spare time.

[Jimmy1966]

A Lot of concerts thats for sure and just to put it into context,
just heard 'Tony bennett' talking and he has been in show business 60 years
with his forthcoming album being his 100th album he says he has done 200 concerts
in his lifetime, it just reminds me how hard elvis worked especially '69 to '77
no wonder he was so tired at times.

[debtdbruno]

He did far too many shows, it's no wonder monotony set in.........ridiculous