Elvis Gave Up Combing

[nabelt24]

Just curious about your thoughts on why Elvis wasn't combing his hair beginning around mid July of 1976 and until around June of 1977. He just started letting it fall and wasn't combing it back like he did all the years before. Usually he would have it combed and looking nice and it would fall through the performance... anyway, just a topic to discuss. :blush:

[Albert]

I've always wondered that. I think it looked horrible. His hair, along with some of the weirdest jumpsuits, his extreme weight and many below average shows made this my least favorite period to listen or watch to.

The other extreme are those Larry Gellar coupes like Elvis had during the Clambake period. The hair looks mat and almost like a cotton candy. When Larry returned, this coupe came right back (which can be witnessed the best on the intro of CBS In Concert where Elvis walks to the stage). It's miles apart from the more nonchalant way Elvis had it throughout 1969-1975

[Joe Car]

I always believed that the better Elvis felt, the sharper he looked. I always wondered if this didn't rub off to his makeup people, hair stylist and such. Many photos of EP from 76, show uneven sideburns that were not trimmed and messy.

[Unchained Melody]

I think his depression, lack of interest in his career at this point had something to do with it.

And got to admit, I'm not that fond of Larry Gellar's styling of Elvis' hair.:hmm:

[Albert]

This is a nice example of "the Larry Gellar coupe"

http://www.elvisinfonet.com/image-files/LarryElvisx.jpg

[May]

I think his depression, lack of interest in his career at this point had something to do with it.

And got to admit, I'm not that fond of Larry Gellar's styling of Elvis' hair.:hmm:

Agreed(y)(y)(y)(y)

[LuckyJackson]

Well, everyone has bad hair days whether they are a superstar or not LOL

[KPM]

It was a down period in Elvis's life, so it probably was just not a concern like it normally was.

[Unchained Melody]

It was a down period in Elvis's life, so it probably was just not a concern like it normally was.

Think you are right Ken, i agree.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Perhaps it's me but I have always be stunned by the serious lack of attention Elvis paid to his hair during a concert, this is very prominent even in 1970 where his hair would fall into his eye or on his face and he wouldn't fuss it. I guess it was important but not enough that he would pay so much attention to it??

I do have to say that 1976 is probably the worst Elvis' hair was, it was just terrible with the bangs!!!

[Unchained Melody]

Perhaps it's me but I have always be stunned by the serious lack of attention Elvis paid to his hair during a concert, this is very prominent even in 1970 where his hair would fall into his eye or on his face and he wouldn't fuss it. I guess it was important but not enough that he would pay so much attention to it??

I do have to say that 1976 is probably the worst Elvis' hair was, it was just terrible with the bangs!!!

I've never really paid attention to it but you are right...doubt it would've made a difference though the way he moved around in the early 70's era, it was bound to happen.

But when he came on stage with it down in his eyes you could tell, something was missing. And honestly for me, its most noticable in the February 1977 tour...

[Lonniebealestreet]

Speaking of uneven sideburns...if you watch TTWII or Aloha, or just browse through our galleries, you'll see that they were not even at all even during this period -- one in which he was considerably happier, healthier and enjoying more successes in general. The left one is considerably longer than the right and they're not even shaped quite the same. I've always wondered the reason for this.

Agreed about the straight bangs look in '76. Not good. But that's much different than having his hair fixed and then it works its way down during a performance. The man had great hair and it looked fine messed up. That may be why he didn't worry with it unless he needed to get it out of his face or something. Example of that: think of the comeback special standup shows how it was all combed and styled into his classic pompadour look. Well it looked way better as it worked its way down after a few minutes.

Aforementioned sideburn issue...in this photo below from MSG you can sort of see both at the same time (his shirt collar is NOT obscuring his right sideburn). But you can check other photos where they are seen individually and perhaps better get the picture.

[Diane]

Most of the hairdos he wore during his movie period was too short and neat...it didn't suit him after we were so used to the wilder "Hillbilly Cat" style....and those bangs later on were definitely the worse.

I never minded when his hair fell during the concerts as I felt it was natural and I didn't think he looked bad at all. I'm sure most women including me wanted to reach up and comb it back with their fingers.:D

[Joe Car]

I don't think his hair being messed up during a concert, was an issue, for obvious reasons.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I realise that his hair would get messy during a concert, the point I was making is that he didn't pay much attention to it, that he just wasn't vein.

[rickb]

I think his hair was combed before concerts...it was just too `boofy' at the time