'68 Special question

[nashville cat]

This may be slightly off-topic, however it is Elvis-related. Can anyone confirm record producer Phil Spector is seen in the audience during the '68 special? I've read an interview with Spector done in '69 where he talks about Elvis and his career and talks about being about NBC while the special was being filmed.

I could've sworn I saw him sitting by the stage when Elvis was singing "Memories". I could just be seeing things though.... :blink:

[Davey]

I don't know if he is there, but it's a very good possibility because the band for the stand up shows & the set pieces are basically Spector's Wrecking Crew.
Tommy Tedesco guitar,
Al Casey guitar,
Larry Knechtal keys,
Don Randi keys,
Hal Blaine drums, John Cyr percussion,
Frank DeVito percussion,
Tommy Morgan harmonica.

They are also the same crew that played on most of the Beach Boys'albums, including Pet Sounds, the Byrds' Mr. Tambourine Man, as well as many other classic 60's songs. It's quite likely he'd go along with them just to watch.

[Cryogenic]

Nice list!

Priscilla is meant to be in the audience, too. Elvis is gesturing directly to her when he sings the opening lines, "Love me tender/Love me sweet/Never let me go".

[nashville cat]

I often wonder about those people that are in the audience of the NBC special. I wonder what their memories are of that moment. What were their expectations beforehand? Were the audience members hand-picked? That special has taken on such a mythical quality, it's easy to forget it really happened.

Good call on the band there Davey. A lot of members of the wrecking crew present. Bones Howe did a great job producing those sessions. I really like some of the arrangements that were done. (y)

The interview I was referring to with Phil Spector was done by Rolling Stone magazine in 1969. Phil Spector had a lot of very complimentary things to say about Elvis. This was before "Suspicious Minds" and the Memphis sessions. Phil doesn't hand out compliments freely, and even says he would like to produce Elvis. It's probably a good thing that it never happened, because Phil was becoming unhinged even at that point. Now he is accused of murdering someone. :sad:

[Davey]

My favourite moment of the stand up shows is when Elvis starts 'ker-plunk ker-plunk ker-plunk ker-plunk' and Hal Blaine comes crashing in on drums for Baby What you Want Me To Do. Totally spontaneous, totally rockin'! :cool:

[nashville cat]

I would like to revive this thread to ask a question. Someone on another non-Elvis related message board alerted me to the fact that Phil Spector received a producers credit on the '68 NBC Special. Now to my knowledge, Spector had no hand in the production of this special, other than being present at the taping.

Bones Howe produced the music for the soundtrack, right? Can anyone explain why Spector would receive a co-producers credit?

[Lonniebealestreet]

For sitting in the audience, perhaps? ;)

Seriously, I'm not sure. Do you have Ernst's book? I can consult that later if you haven't. Or Tunzi's Sessions books--does he address this?

Interesting question, and sorry if I can't help.

[nashville cat]

For sitting in the audience, perhaps? ;)

Seriously, I'm not sure. Do you have Ernst's book? I can consult that later if you haven't. Or Tunzi's Sessions books--does he address this?

Interesting question, and sorry if I can't help.

Thanks for your reply. I have Ernst's book - I'll check it when I get home. I don't have Tunzi's. If anyone else does and can check it I would appreciate it.

This seems to be an area that has not been documented at all.