Menwithbrokenhearts
01-10-2006, 11:46 PM
I don't mean to be too negative this time of year, forgive me a bit and I hope you'll indulge me on this one. But I have been through a reading quest of sorts of Elvis books, that have been recommended on a number of threads, and ended with "The Death of Elvis" and Peter Guralnick's books. Which, probably understandably, has put me in a strange state. There has been alot of talk on this board about Elvis in the 70's but after reading all these books, and reviewing concert and interview footage, I feel like I may have somewhat of a grip on all of it.
I think about the hysteria and mass marketing of Elvis in the 50's, the compliant Elvis doing movies in the 60's, but still passionate about music ( as heard on all the studio recording outtakes), still having fun, the revived Elvis of 68-72 and the pigeon holed, fed up and used up Elvis of the mid to late 70's. And although Elvis made some decisions on his own that were detrimental to him, I believe that mostly, it was those around him. "Friends, family and collegues" that were stuck between losing a job or staying on the gravy train. Yes, he refused help and was in denial but, HELLO! , all drug addicts are! The people that could have influenced him most, were still stuck with losing there bill payer, and they all were in deep debt at the time. Some broached the subject, but quickly backed off when challenged on it. With a full fledged drug addict that can't be done. Not most times anyway. That is why people are commited against there will.
I just feel there's alot of elements, over his career, and beyond his control, that kind of led him, without his knowledge, on this self destuctive path. Pressures from his fans ( image), his manager, family, and friends, ailments from the lifestyle and drugs, even had him so concerned and worried and paranoid that sometimes he was too imbarrassed to even come downstairs in his own house! Or go on buying sprees to make up for the altered personality that had developed that was out of his control, or because he thought that's what he needed to do to keep everyone happy.
I am overwhelmed by the fact that here was this man with so much talent, charisma and life and he doesn't see it in himself, and noone will help him. I know that some tried and times were different then. But people richer, more powerful and almost as famous have been commited before. It could have been done.
Anyway, just venting. I hope you don't mind. Noone else to talk to about this that really gives a ****. Thanks
I think about the hysteria and mass marketing of Elvis in the 50's, the compliant Elvis doing movies in the 60's, but still passionate about music ( as heard on all the studio recording outtakes), still having fun, the revived Elvis of 68-72 and the pigeon holed, fed up and used up Elvis of the mid to late 70's. And although Elvis made some decisions on his own that were detrimental to him, I believe that mostly, it was those around him. "Friends, family and collegues" that were stuck between losing a job or staying on the gravy train. Yes, he refused help and was in denial but, HELLO! , all drug addicts are! The people that could have influenced him most, were still stuck with losing there bill payer, and they all were in deep debt at the time. Some broached the subject, but quickly backed off when challenged on it. With a full fledged drug addict that can't be done. Not most times anyway. That is why people are commited against there will.
I just feel there's alot of elements, over his career, and beyond his control, that kind of led him, without his knowledge, on this self destuctive path. Pressures from his fans ( image), his manager, family, and friends, ailments from the lifestyle and drugs, even had him so concerned and worried and paranoid that sometimes he was too imbarrassed to even come downstairs in his own house! Or go on buying sprees to make up for the altered personality that had developed that was out of his control, or because he thought that's what he needed to do to keep everyone happy.
I am overwhelmed by the fact that here was this man with so much talent, charisma and life and he doesn't see it in himself, and noone will help him. I know that some tried and times were different then. But people richer, more powerful and almost as famous have been commited before. It could have been done.
Anyway, just venting. I hope you don't mind. Noone else to talk to about this that really gives a ****. Thanks