What's Elvis' best concert year?

[Albert]

What concert year do you prefer? We all know that his voice was the rawest in 1969, that he grew as a performer in 1970, was on top of the world in 1973 with the Aloha, had wonderful spring and summer tours in 1975 and did great shows in december 1976, but overall; what's his best year as a live performer?

Take in consideration the art of entertaining (feeling at ease with the crowd, in between talking, directing the band, etc), the setlist, the quality, the energy and the joy Elvis was getting out of performing and you by listening to it.

[Albert]

I've voted for 1974. So why not the other years:

1969: All shows were great, but Elvis was clearly repeating the setlist, chatter and jokes that were rehearsed before the first show. Also the setlist was to limited. But the energy and rawness he'd put in those shows were unmatched and not of this earth. I also dig the r&b vibe of the songs and the mixture of the instruments.

1970: Elvis clearly felt he was obligated to change his raw rock'n roll and quite contemporary setlist to suit it better with the (lame?) Las Vegas Crowd. TTWII shows the changes made and although the songs were great, it didn't really belong to a setlist of the year after the return to live performing of the King Of Rock'n Roll.

1971: Probably the worst documented year, but definitely one hell of a year. Performing in Las Vegas started to sound like a routine, a job (just like shooting movies in Hollywood), so his first tours sounded like a true liberation. Performing for crowds, other than the Las Vegas visitors really gave Elvis that much needed boost. Too bad his voice was starting to loose the 1969/1970 rawness.

1972: The year Elvis finally found a good mix between his golden oldies, some good contemporary songs and the Las Vegas style songs. But all the Las Vegas commitments, the many tours and the recording obligations started to demand a toll on his private life, leading to the devastating divorce with Priscilla. Instead of taking a break and trying to deal with the changes, Elvis just kept on touring and performing. Though many shows are top notch (like the MSG shows), with fantastic set lists, you can't help but notice that the joy wasn't there all the time.

1973: besides the Aloha (which I consider by far not his best show), this year doesn't has much highlights. Elvis started to have problems with his voice and even started gaining weight. Elvis must have felt that he peaked with the Aloha, had no stability in his personal life, saw his 40th birthday coming closer and closer and had no clue what challenges were to expect.

1975: having turned 40, Elvis tried to change his appearance by changing the jumpsuits with 2-piece suits. He changed some songs in his setlist with songs like The Wonder Of You getting back on the list. Changing back to normal suits, he returned with some new designs. His May-June-July shows are widely considered as his funniest, most cheerful concerts ever. Elvis had become an outstanding performer at the top of his game, knowing how to work the crowd and direct his band. During his time off after the spring/summer tours, Elvis gained much weight and never lost it (besides a short period in november/december 1976). The fact that Elvis decided to perform on new years eve, was a clear sign that something was very, very wrong in Elvis life. He had money problems and was performing for money and to escape his empty house.

1976: a horrible year. His circle of friends was falling apart, he had relationship problems with his girlfriends, had tremendous health issues and seemed not to enjoy himself while on stage. He often just looked plain fat in his suits and didn't seem to want to hide it or work on it, like in the years before. The shows became short, uninspired with very few highlights or surprises. Too bad that the sound quality of the recorded shows in 1976 and 1977 was so much better than those recorded by Felton in the years before.

1977: due to the good sound quality of the recorded shows, I listen to 1976-1977 much more frequently than the years that I prefer more. The Omaha and Rapid City shows pretty much say (and show) it all: Elvis could be terrible with a few amazing highlights. The bar for a 1976-1977 show were set so low by the fans (even today), that a mediocre, uninspired show with some good renditions of My Way and How Great Thou Art were already considered good shows. The lack of honest critique didn't force Elvis to change his shows, appearance and life. Heck, he even didn't bother to order new suits or loose weight for the CBS Special! His death in August 1977 is the best proof that this was by far not his best year.


So the winner is: 1974
Elvis seemed to love touring and even performing in Las Vegas. He regained his physic by his newfound love for karate. He made quite some changes to his setlist by adding a number of contemporary country and r&b songs. It seems like he was getting a new balance in his life, accepting his divorce with Priscilla and embracing his new life. Even the shows that are considered by many as his worst (College Park and the Las Vegas Opening show), Elvis was clearly enjoying himself. Thanks to those shows, we got an honest sight into his life. Not pretty persé, but honest nonetheless. And he also mentioned during both of these shows that he enjoyed performing. Allright, he might have taken drugs during those shows, but they must have been better drugs than what he was prescribed in 1976 and 1977. And what if he was using the same in 1969 or the great October/december 1976 shows? Are those shows then bad all of a sudden?

[Snake Eyes]

What a tough question. For me this is very difficult because Aloha was the first concert I watched and although it has people divided, I loved it! TTWII was the next batch of concerts and for completely obvious reasons I adore TTWII.

I have yet to listen to a concert that I feel is terrible, I know I will run the gauntlet with that last statement but it is just my opinion. I know 77 wasn't the best and although we all know the outcome, there are bits from these shows that clutch the heart strings and endear him to me even more.

My prefered years are 70,71,72 & 73 even though there are shows in the later stages that I have really enjoyed for reasons I can only understand. To pick just one is very difficult, but it will have to be 1970 TTWII. I will never tire of seeing or hearing him during these shows.

[ELVIS_]

Wow this is really a tough one. For one I feel that Elvis was a victim of The fans wanted to hear nothing but the hits, The Colonel hogging up Publishing rights to songs so Elvis can't record the good songs being offered to him (New Hits). I personally feel that in 1970 in addition to the his bodyguards Elvis should have made friends with musicians to form a band. At least the foundation of members like, Guitarist, Bass player, Drummer and Piano. This way all that down time at Graceland, California or in Vegas could have been spent on band members and Elvis coming up with new songs and fresh ideas. I for one personally loved Jerry Reeds playing. From what I've read, In 1977 he was planning on leaving the Colonel and RCA so he was on the right path.

it was really hard for me to decide between 72 & 74 but I chose 1972 cause in my personal opinion he was able to finally gel the whole spectrum of styles in a single show. Now the FTD re-release of 1974 Live in Memphis LP is amazing!!! but in my opinion some of the rock n roll hits sound too straight forward/simplified (here's when I miss Scotty Moore & Jerry Reed) I love James Burton but at times I felt like he would play the same licks and almost identical solos over similar cord progressions)

Late 1976 & 1977 was a very interesting turn for some of the songs. With the addition of the new piano and keyboard player some of the songs like, "My Way" CBS 1977 LP, you could hear how much more colorful it sounds. Even in the easy early 50s hits, like the Teddy Bear/Don't be cruel, medley.

On a Side Note here: I'm I the only one who feels that 1972 MSG Shows should have been pro-filmed & The CBS Special should have been filmed on the "New Years Show 76/77. Don't know when the deal was made but talk about an action pack performance.

[molokai123]

Man this is a tough one! I love the 1970 season! 72,73,74,75 all those seasons have so many highlights and also low's but it was a tough one for me between 69,70,72 but I'm going with 69,yes the set list is limited and similar but man Elvis came back so full of energy and just kicking @$$ in 69! his voice is raw and has an R&B flavor to it, and the few ballads are sung tender, but plusthe way he's going in those concerts its almost punk rock going on in vegas 69! Elvis sounds awesome the band sounds awesome!

[Kajo]

Well I voted for 1972 even though if I could choose for more years I would vote for 1974-1977 (especially 1976 and 1977). I don't care what people think or say but 1976 and 1977 were vocally his best years. That's just my opinion. I voted for 1972 though cause of the energy, setlists, emotions and the the voice was really fantastic a very nice full and round rich "healthy" baritone voice.

[KPM]

I voted for 71. Elvis was still super thin, his movements were explosive and smooth all at the same time-his voice not as powerful as 73 but still could be raw and silky - once again all in the same moment.....but most importantly IMO.... he was not at all bored he loved every show- he could not wait to perform.

[Snake Eyes]

Love everyone's choices so far, hope more people comment as this is a good topic, don't be shy tcb'ers............

[Hans]

1972 for me; Elvis had his act together and reached superstar-dom beyond belief. The band never sounded better before or after, and he really seemed to enjoy himself. With 3 tours and 2 vegas-engagements it also was his busiest year to date.

[Joe Car]

I'm going with 1969. He essentially left off from the 68 special. Still great points and choices gang!

[Unchained Melody]

From this list easily 1969.
But what about 1954,55,56,and 57.
Those were most definitley touring years.

[Jungleroom76]

This is indeed a VERY TOUGH QUESTION, but one that actually made me think a little bit about why I love each year of Elvis' concert touring years during the 1970's!! :hmm:

After much deliberation, I decided on 1972 as my choice. I guess mainly because Elvis had really gotten his concert routine well established, but still would throw in surprises at times. His stage presence was truly larger than life in 1972, having switched to more embellished jumpsuits and his voice was as strong as ever! Yes he was going through some personal stuff, but in my opinion, those personal trials only helped to fuel some of Elvis' performances...songs such as MY WAY recorded during the summer '72 Vegas engagement (particularly the one on the SUMMER FESTIVAL FTD) are such clear windows into the soul and emotions of Elvis! But despite the beautiful and powerful ballads that Elvis was not only singing, but actually living during 1972, he could still rock n' roll with the best of them!! Songs like BURNING LOVE, POLK SALAD ANNIE and even SEE SEE RIDER were always performed with such gusto and energy...perhaps like they would never be performed again!! For the most part, 1972 was a very even year for Elvis...not the on stage highs and lows that his future concert touring years would provide. Basically there was no question as to which Elvis fans would see when he stepped out onto the stage in 1972...Elvis was always ready to go!!

Aside from that, of course, 1972 also brought fans ELVIS ON TOUR and the immortal MADISON SQUARE GARDEN shows, which in my opinion are WAY better and MUCH MORE UNDERRATED and UNDER APPRECIATED than the ALOHA FROM HAWAII show. It is such a shame that one of the MSG shows wasn't used as the worldwide telecast in place of ALOHA...but that is another discussion for another day... ;)

In summary, basically in my opinion, 1972 was the most well-rounded concert touring year of Elvis' career!! :king:

TCB!
Mike

[Unchained Melody]

This is indeed a VERY TOUGH QUESTION, but one that actually made me think a little bit about why I love each year of Elvis' concert touring years during the 1970's!! :hmm:

After much deliberation, I decided on 1972 as my choice. I guess mainly because Elvis had really gotten his concert routine well established, but still would throw in surprises at times. His stage presence was truly larger than life in 1972, having switched to more embellished jumpsuits and his voice was as strong as ever! Yes he was going through some personal stuff, but in my opinion, those personal trials only helped to fuel some of Elvis' performances...songs such as MY WAY recorded during the summer '72 Vegas engagement (particularly the one on the SUMMER FESTIVAL FTD) are such clear windows into the soul and emotions of Elvis! But despite the beautiful and powerful ballads that Elvis was not only singing, but actually living during 1972, he could still rock n' roll with the best of them!! Songs like BURNING LOVE, POLK SALAD ANNIE and even SEE SEE RIDER were always performed with such gusto and energy...perhaps like they would never be performed again!! For the most part, 1972 was a very even year for Elvis...not the on stage highs and lows that his future concert touring years would provide. Basically there was no question as to which Elvis fans would see when he stepped out onto the stage in 1972...Elvis was always ready to go!!

Aside from that, of course, 1972 also brought fans ELVIS ON TOUR and the immortal MADISON SQUARE GARDEN shows, which in my opinion are WAY better and MUCH MORE UNDERRATED and UNDER APPRECIATED than the ALOHA FROM HAWAII show. It is such a shame that one of the MSG shows wasn't used as the worldwide telecast in place of ALOHA...but that is another discussion for another day... ;)

In summary, basically in my opinion, 1972 was the most well-rounded concert touring year of Elvis' career!! :king:

TCB!
Mike

Well said Mike and at the end of the day I think I'd have to agree with you.

Nice seeing ya' buddy how are you?

[Jungleroom76]

Well said Mike and at the end of the day I think I'd have to agree with you.

Nice seeing ya' buddy how are you?

Thanks pal, and it's GREAT to see you too! I'm doing fair, thanks so much for asking! Hope you're doing well also!! ;)

TCB!
Mike

[Snake Eyes]

1970 in the lead, but it could all change, 1972 is holding it's own, what year will triumph? I'm a gambler and I'm putting my house on 1970 :smoke::smoke::smoke: