Which Live Show Do You Prefer?

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Which show is you favourite?

68 Special - The King is back on form after years in the wilderness, the sit down show with Elvis Jamming with his buddies, the stand up show with Elvis in the retro leather suit or the the gospel show, not forgetting the fantastic finale with Elvis in the white suit singing "If I Could Dream".

That's The Way It Is - Back on the road, the King looking fantastic, a new routine a new look, the Jumpsuit making It's debut, behind the scenes rehearsals, a glimpse of Elvis as you had never seen him before.

Elvis On Tour - The Jumpsuits had taken on a new style and elivated the King on stage, there was something old something new, this was Elvis on the road away from Vegas pleasing the crowds as only he could.

Aloha From Hawaii - Perhaps this is the King at his Jumpsuited pinnacle, beamed around the world to millions of fans, this had never been done before and marked a point in his career that would never be surpassed. The Jumpsuit shouted out he was the King and proud to be American.

CBS Special - Perhaps not the defining moment of Elvis' career, but never the less shows us Elvis at his most vunerable where he bares his soul to us the fans to see. There are without doubt some highlights that every fan can share and empathize with.

Difficult to choose I know :hmm: but we all have our favourites and this does not take anything away from the other, they all have there place and make the complete package. I look forward to your replies.

Matt

[Unchained Melody]

This was a hard choice but I like Elvis On Tour the best. Cooler jumpsuites, newer songs, I just liked 1972 overall more than I like 1970 although I do like 1970 alot don't get me wrong.

[emsteph]

I love 1972.

So much energy in his concerts.
Even his studio recordings offer some excellent songs.

Would love to see a remake of Elvis on Tour.

[ForeverTheKing]

A very hard choice...I voted for "Elvis On Tour" but just to choose something...I like all those shows because there was always something great and particular, especially in the Comeback and in TTWII....I like also the Aloha because of the atmosphere, the jumpsuit (more than the songs he choosed for the show).

It's a cruel question for a fan..:'( :doh:

[Jim Saidhello]

I've been watching the 77 special lately and find it oddly compelling. When I first watched it several years ago I found it quite sad and disturbing - but watching it now it's really inspiring. Obviously he's not in top form - yet this is still quite an entertaining show. To see Elvis' true spirit and determination shining thru his cloak of fat and mask of pain - what a showman, what a soul.

I'm not saying it's the best (indeed it's probably the worst of this list) yet right now it's my favorite.

[elvisdownunder]

TTWII has the king at his best. joking around, relaxed, and the electricity! Elvis is at his best, i would show this dvd to a non fan and i bet they would have their view changed. superb(y)

[Elvisgirl]

That's The Way It Is will always be my favorite because that's what made me a Elvis fan

[amzietamzie]

Great question...

TTWII is my favourite.

It basically introduced me to Elvis and has actually made many non-Elvis-fan people I know admire him! I think he felt under less pressure in TTWII than in the others and so he joked around a lot and was obviously enjoying himself. The very fact that he is enjoying it so much makes me love it to bits! I also think that you get to see Elvis, the man, doing his stuff, very clearly. The jumpsuits are great... my favourite will always be the concha... and he was completely and utterly drop dead gorgeous with the best fashion sense and look in the world! 1970 is my favourite overall Elvis year so yeah... it's TTWII for me. I'm amazed my copies of it haven't worn out I watch them so often!

However, I really do love the others. They're all fantastic and if TTWII wasn't there then I simply would not be able to choose.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Great question...

TTWII is my favourite.

The very fact that he is enjoying it so much makes me love it to bits! I also think that you get to see Elvis, the man, doing his stuff, very clearly. The jumpsuits are great.

Completely agree (y) there is an energy throughout TTWII that is not there for various reasons in the others. Elvis On Tour has a feel of going through the motions and the eyes just have that spark missing! 68 Special pressure to come back but fantastic all the same, the sit down show is awesome.
The Aloha rehearsal is IMO better than the live telecast more loose and relaxed, but I prefer the song lineup in TTWII as for the CBS it speaks for its self, not at his best but some fantastic moments. TTWII has all the ingredients coming together for me with the added bonus of it still being edgy and new........ The Ultimate performer.

[graceland123]

its a hard choice but i would say thats the way it is.
totally in his prime.
still full of energy and excitement.
love all the songs and unlike most people i would rather watch the original and not the special edition.
i suppose because it holds a lot of memories for me.
does any one know what happened to the couple who got married on the original version i wondered if they stayed together?

[amzietamzie]

Completely agree there is an energy throughout TTWII that is not there for various reasons in the others. Elvis On Tour has a feel of going through the motions and the eyes just have that spark missing! 68 Special pressure to come back but fantastic all the same, the sit down show is awesome.
The Aloha rehearsal is IMO better than the live telecast more loose and relaxed, but I prefer the song lineup in TTWII as for the CBS it speaks for its self, not at his best but some fantastic moments. TTWII has all the ingredients coming together for me with the added bonus of it still being edgy and new........ The Ultimate performer.

I completely agree with you...

In the Comeback Special I think Elvis obviously, and rightly so, felt under pressure. He was making one of the most crucial and important performances of his life. Even in the sit down sections when Charlie is making jokes and he's with his friends just jamming, he somehow seems more restrained. I don't think he felt that he could mess around as much. The performances are absolutely stunning however and complete and utter evidence why he is the eternal King.

In EOT there are some spectacular performances and moments but sometimes I feel that Elvis is just going through the motions. He doesn't look as excited as in the other shows. However, American Trilogy, I Got A Woman, Bridge Over Troubled Water and so many more are fantastic and he did look healthy and his voice was absoluetely beautiful.

Aloha... well obviously he was under pressure- he was performing live to the world by satellite- the first time such a feat was ever accomplished in history! I also prefer the rehearsal- he looked more relaxed and seemed to interact with the audience more. His performances were amazing though. He completely took my breath away with every single song. But when I watch it, I can't explain it, but something seems to be missing...

EIC is a tricky one. It's an absolutely spectacular performance and Elvis should be proud of it- we all should. However, he does look ill and that really upsets me when I watch it. He still was stunning, beautiful, talented and produced some absolutely AMAZING performances but all the time at the back of my mind I can't help feeling such sadness. I got the feeling that he didn't really want to be there. The fact that he was and he did it to make us happy makes me enjoy it though. EIC is one amazing show in all and deserves far more care, love and recognition than it gets.

All in all... TTWII, to me, just has all the positives of all the others mixed into one brilliant show. The rehearsals and backstage footage are so revealing... the songs are pure perfection and he is enjoying himself. Elvis as a man just seems to jump off the screen and you feel him so much. He looked so happy and healthy and seemed to be really enjoying life and performing. It rubs off on me 100%... I seriously couldn't love a video more. I have both the SE and the original now and still want more!

[THENATUREBOY]

I would have to say that every single one of these are great, and all of them have something to offer. But I voted for "Thats The Way It Is". Elvis is in tip top shape in every single way, and we see it in every performance both vocally, mentally, and physically. I think that sets TTWIS apart from all the others, because I dont think you can say that about any of the others.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

A really nice post amzietamzie and pretty much sums up how I feel (y)

Matt

[amzietamzie]

A really nice post amzietamzie and pretty much sums up how I feel

Thanks! :blush:

Once you get me started on the topic of TTWII, I can't stop! :blush:

[Joe Car]

I would have to say that every single one of these are great, and all of them have something to offer. But I voted for "Thats The Way It Is". Elvis is in tip top shape in every single way, and we see it in every performance both vocally, mentally, and physically. I think that sets TTWIS apart from all the others, because I dont think you can say that about any of the others.

I love the other shows, but TTWII shows Elvis at his absolute peak, he had no weakness during this stage of his career. Lets be honest, if we had to show a non Elvis fan film of EP performing in "a white jumpsuit", this would be the film 95% of us would choose.

[Cryogenic]

The "sit down" portions of the 68 Special are my favourite. I can watch both performances all the way through without once gritting my teeth (OK: a slight lie -- Elvis trying for the high notes on "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" is awkward). Elvis is alive. More than alive, in fact -- he's on fire. He cannot be stopped. He wants to keep going and going. And he does. His magnetism leaps off the screen. His talent seems limitless. He goes from one song to the next with equal aplomb. This is a defining moment in his career and the history of popular music.

Things get hazy after that.

I take a mixture of good and bad from the other shows. It's all rather: apple and orangie. :D

[franny]

I would have to say the 68' Special, but I haven't seen TTWII yet, but after all the comments on here about it, I can't wait to see it!

franny

[Unchained Melody]

You really need to watch TTWII Special Edition man, you are missing out on something.

[VEP]

The 68 comeback represents a singer at the peak of his career with the desire to show why he is the King , and TTWII represents the best 70s period in which Elvis sang songs old and new with such passion :)

[KPM]

Completely agree (y) there is an energy throughout TTWII that is not there for various reasons in the others. Elvis On Tour has a feel of going through the motions and the eyes just have that spark missing! 68 Special pressure to come back but fantastic all the same, the sit down show is awesome.
The Aloha rehearsal is IMO better than the live telecast more loose and relaxed, but I prefer the song lineup in TTWII as for the CBS it speaks for its self, not at his best but some fantastic moments. TTWII has all the ingredients coming together for me with the added bonus of it still being edgy and new........ The Ultimate performer.
I have to third this motion-I had been a fan since 1961 and did not realise how chrismatic he was, how talented he was, how funny he was until I saw this in 1970. He was at the top of his game-and he knew it. His performances were nothing short of brilliant. Saw it in 70 with friends who were not really fans and they gained a huge respect for him that they had not had before.

[nashville cat]

Even in the sit down sections when Charlie is making jokes and he's with his friends just jamming, he somehow seems more restrained.

:supriced:

[geordie]

ttwii for me everytime closely followed by 68 comeback:notworthy

[amzietamzie]

Even in the sit down sections when Charlie is making jokes and he's with his friends just jamming, he somehow seems more restrained.:supriced:

I didn't mean it in a negative way at all... I love the 68 Comeback to bits and Sit Down Show #2 is my favourite part of the whole thing.

What I meant was that, to me, Elvis seems to be holding back somewhat. Not in his performances but somehow in presenting himself as a man to us. Sometimes the others are talking and he's just sitting and listening. The performances of the songs were OUTSTANDING- completely out of this world! I mean Laudy Miss Claudy, One Night, Trying to Get to You... ALL of them are completely and utterly fantastic.

However... I personally think that he felt restrained in some way. He looked as though he wanted to get up and move about- there was so little space- and sometimes he just looked slightly... I don't know the word. I think that the show was just so HUGELY important to him and he really didn't want to mess it up- not that he could lol. I think he felt that his future, in a way, depended on this one performance... one show... At the end of If I Can Dream I can see it in his eyes- although obviously that's not the only hope of his that comes across- I believe he felt the words of that amazing song right down to his very bones.

When you see him in TTWII prancing about, making lots of jokes, looking so vivacious, free and liberated, looking back at the Comeback, he, in my opinion, seems more under pressure and serious, although he did make some jokes and was vivacious in a different way- a powerful desire to prove himself.

I know what I mean by the way, although I know it doesn't seem that way!

But each to their own... I'm not criticising the 68 Comeback at all- it's a work of art and as someone said, is Elvis proving exactly why he's the King.

[nashville cat]

I was not trying to question you Amzie. That was just the first time I had ever heard someone used "restrained" when describing the comeback show in any way! :)

I think he was a ball of nerves, definitely, wondering how the crowd was going to react. It had been so long since he was in front of an audience. I can sense some uneasiness in that first show - as if he doesn't know what to do next. When he starts singing is when the magic started happening. I don't think Elvis was really ever comfortable talking about his career or his music, so that may attribute to some of the uneasiness. I totally resent Goldman's position that Charlie Hodge saved the show. That was just stupid. Let's try and remember also these were not really proper performances like Aloha, but they were sections taped similar to a movie that would be edited together for maximum effect. So you will have "down" moments that were never meant to be seen.

I love the informal jam sitting down concept. Thankfully, we also have the stand up shows which are amazing and he is anything but restrained!

[amzietamzie]

I think he was a ball of nerves, definitely, wondering how the crowd was going to react. It had been so long since he was in front of an audience. I can sense some uneasiness in that first show - as if he doesn't know what to do next. When he starts singing is when the magic started happening. I don't think Elvis was really ever comfortable talking about his career or his music, so that may attribute to some of the uneasiness.

That is exactly what I was trying to say... I don't think i worded it very well. Unease is definitely a more accurate description.

I completely agree with you in everything you say (y) and sorry for going on the defensive :blush:

Your point regarding how it was filmed is very interesting- I never really thought about it in that way. During the majority of the show I feel that Elvis was completely unleashed and wild... he really was on fire when he sang. You can tell during the Sit Downs that he wanted to get up and move. It is only in those moments where he's not singing that I saw some holding back. As for Goldman, well I really couldn't give a toss what he says. All he ever uttered regarding Elvis was a complete load of nonsense and lies and it seems to me that he may have been somewhat lacking in the eyes and ears department....

[nashville cat]

As for Goldman, well I really couldn't give a toss what he says. All he ever uttered regarding Elvis was a complete load of nonsense and lies and it seems to me that he may have been somewhat lacking in the eyes and ears department....

:clap: (y)

[Cryogenic]

However... I personally think that he felt restrained in some way. He looked as though he wanted to get up and move about- there was so little space- and sometimes he just looked slightly... I don't know the word. I think that the show was just so HUGELY important to him and he really didn't want to mess it up- not that he could lol. I think he felt that his future, in a way, depended on this one performance... one show...

That's an interesting observation and a view I've long held myself.

I think, in Elvis not being able to stand up but clearly wanting to, we're given something unique -- absolute confirmation that this man, when in his element, could not be contained. The music and the energy just poured out of him. It's rather fascinating to watch.


When you see him in TTWII prancing about, making lots of jokes, looking so vivacious, free and liberated, looking back at the Comeback, he, in my opinion, seems more under pressure and serious, although he did make some jokes and was vivacious in a different way- a powerful desire to prove himself.

It's a great package and I love watching it -- but the sitdown sessions are great music. Elvis is a little too lose in everything he did after the Comeback for me. He trades off his image a little too freely, and as the years wear on, we see this magnified to extreme and ultimately tragic proportions.


I totally resent Goldman's position that Charlie Hodge saved the show. That was just stupid.

Charlie Hodge, God rest his soul, actually pointed out in one edition of Sirius Radio that Elvis spontaneously SWIPED the script -- off him! Goldman was talking pure and utter trash at that moment (to say nothing of the rest of his book). It's amusing that he would let his own vitriol even interfere with his perception of the Comeback Special. He could have made the book seem convincing -- but the extent of his malice turns it into a 500 page farce. But that's hatred for you.

[Trev1]

Things get hazy after that

My favourite Elvis show is the 68 special its so great he oozes talent and he gives it everything.....

But I also think that Thats The Way It Is ...is great also he's on fire...... some great moves, singing and bundles of electricity... have the 2 version on VHS..... would like if the 2 versions were put
out on DVD, packaged similarly to the ALoha From Hawaii DVDs.

The Hawaii concert is also very good........to me he appears a little nrevous on this
one and good reason as its going live to a lot of people. But he's voice is so ..
controlled.....e.g. the song 'Welcome To My World' makes the hair stand up on the
back of my neck.... a part of the new DVD that I really enjoyed are the after show
recordings .... again he oozes charisma and the songs are so beautifully sung....
also I find this set of songs some of the most relaxing music I have ever heard.. its just great...
man he had something....
The only one that I saddens me sometimes is the Elvis on Tour doc, as he appears
a little bloated, puffy and black round the eyes. However I still like Elvis on tour and my favourite parts are the informal gospel sections which are very good...
and some of the interviews and fan footage is good... another part I like is when he is introducing his band..... on the bass..."Jerry Sheff"...... "Its a couple of degrees cooler".......
I have never seen the 77 special and I am nearly afraid to as I don't think I could take it.......

Great forum and nice talking elvis with everyone (y)

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

I just watched all of these back to back, which I have never done before and I now have a new appreciation of " Elvis on Tour" . I think we get the true Elvis Concert experience here, as well as some great dialogue from Elvis, and Backstage peeks. Great Stuff! Aloha and TTWII used to be my favorites but I like this one the best now.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Just to try and add another dimension to TTWII and the On Tour show's I have the Outtakes for both. The repackage of the Aloha shows was done in a fantastic way (Two Shows released, arrival & inserts etc) the same for the 68 Special (False starts & outtakes etc). Elvis On Tour would benefit greatly from the deluxe treatment e.g. digitally remastered colour corrected dolby surrond sound etc. This could really lift this show from the dated feel it has with the split screens and vox pops. There is reputed to be over 7 disks of outtakes of On Tour out there on the black market and if this was orginally recorded in the 16 track and the masters can be found they can be digitally remastered giving the same effect as the deluxe releases of the 68 Special and TTWII

That's The Way It Is SE also seems to have been shortened to just one disc? Having seen the outtakes it seems incredible that this couldn't have been extended to a three disc special like the Aloha set! When you watch TTWII, when you get to the live segment it says that the shows were filmed over six.... YES, SIX engagements!!!!! this does NOT include rehearsals or candid filming.

Put simply, if the large array of footage that is out there was used to full effect many people would perhaps change there view of these shows.

Matt

[Cryogenic]

"That's The Way It Is" is heinously missing great material from the original cut (let alone footage that's never been seen): "Sweet Caroline", "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "I Just Can't Help Believin'". These are great performances and their omission is a crime.

And we don't even have an official release of "On Tour" at all.

Oh, the pain. Thank God EPE got it right and went all-out for the "Comeback Special" and "Aloha".

[ForeverTheKing]

"That's The Way It Is" is heinously missing great material from the original cut (let alone footage that's never been seen): "Sweet Caroline", "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "I Just Can't Help Believin'". These are great performances and their omission is a crime.

And we don't even have an official release of "On Tour" at all.

Oh, the pain. Thank God EPE got it right and went all-out for the "Comeback Special" and "Aloha".

I'm really waiting for a good version of "Elvis On Tour" 'cause I like it a lot and they could make a great job as they did with Aloha and '68 Comeback.

I've already told it has been really hard to choose just one of these shows...I voted at random because I like all the shows in a different way, even the last one although my big pain when I watch it.

The deluxe versions of Aloha and Comeback are great....unfortunately I don't have "On Tour" and "TTWII" outtakes and I 'm sure there's a lot of extra material to see in those DVDs. I have "The Lost Performances" but it would be great to see soon a deluxe version of "TTWII"and "On Tour".
Does anyone know when they'll realize them?:hmm:

[MysteryTrain]

There is no contest, TTWII gets my vote hands down:notworthy .
You can't go wrong with Elvis in 1970,he sung like a tenor and a rocker combined. He was fit phusically and moved like a tiger. He was still able to enjoy doing most of the 50's songs without a rush to get them done. Every song gets a proper treatment (Maby except love me tender, but the female fans gets more than proper treatment:lmfao: .) You did not get a hasty medly of old classics in 1970 or an almost over tempoed Polk salad annie. every **** thing was performed with passion and care.

Also the set lists featured in august 1970 is very strong, the stage show is fantastic, and Elvis is superb on every single aspect. He was on the top of his game.(y) :clap:

[TCE]

That's a though question. I like Many live shows, but I love the Aloha show, the'68 comeback special and the CBS special in particular. His voice sounds strong, he is good looking and has lots of energy in these shows.

Be safe and take care,

Christel (TCE)

[JerryNodak]

If you're speaking of the ORIGINAL TTWII, then I perfer that one. But, I suspect you are referring to the SE which I don't like. Therefore, I voted for Aloha.

[RJL]

I prefer On Tour over TTWII..
Elvis on tour shows more exitement, Elvis in Las Vegas was not affordable for the general, but loyal EP fan...

Let's hope 2007 will be the big year for all on Tour fans... :clap:

Cheers, RJ

[Unchained Melody]

Let's hope 2007 will be the big year for all on Tour fans... :clap:
Cheers, RJ
We can only Hope so.

[0349054]

I think the 68' Comeback and TTWII are the best to showcase Elvis to the public.

But, personally a good new version of On Tour, would top both of them for me.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

The total so far:-

68 Special 9 Votes
TTWII 18 Votes
Elvis On Tour 9 Votes
Aloha From Hawaii 5 Votes
CBS Special 2 Votes

A little surprised about the Aloha score :supriced:

Matt

[Unchained Melody]

The total so far:-


Aloha From Hawaii 5 Votes
A little surprised about the Aloha score :supriced:
Matt
Yes, Matt so am I:hmm: .

[amzietamzie]

I'm also a bit surprised that Aloha has so few votes.

It appears sometimes to have more publicity and attention in the general public than the others... and it did get a marvelous special edition DVD. Just goes to show that the others deserve the same treatment.

[nashville cat]

Aloha is a bit of a strange phenomenon, isn't it? It's Elvis at his slickest and most professional - and consequently, his most bland. By that I mean, few of the performances really catch fire. There's little of the rawness and explosive energy that make some of the other moments so great. Not really even the naked emotion and pathos that makes the CBS special so intense. It's Elvis trying to appeal to the largest audience possible. That was the point - and it was wildly successfull.

You also have to consider who was at the helm of the special. I don't know much about Dennis Sanders or the producers of the CBS show, but I know that Steve Binder and Abel and Adidge were rock n' roll fans, and thus that's the way they tried to portray Elvis - as the rock n' roll icon. I think Marty Pasetta was more of a general entertainment kind of guy. And he was probably the right choice for the special, because they were trying to have "something for everybody". I think the special is great, I just think that's the reason it doesn't make as much of an impression as the others.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I agree with your analysis Nashville Cat, the Live broadcast you can feel Elvis is restrained, the rehearsal felt more like the real Elvis on tour without the tension of the live show.

The song line up just doesn't do for me, I think at this point Elvis had gone more towards the power ballads rather than the Rock 'n' Roll.

I think looking at this now is out of context also, some of the songs covered were current like "Something" by the Beatles etc.

I'm still surprised at how little it has got in the votes :hmm:

Matt

[amzietamzie]

Aloha is a bit of a strange phenomenon, isn't it? It's Elvis at his slickest and most professional - and consequently, his most bland. By that I mean, few of the performances really catch fire. There's little of the rawness and explosive energy that make some of the other moments so great. Not really even the naked emotion and pathos that makes the CBS special so intense. It's Elvis trying to appeal to the largest audience possible. That was the point - and it was wildly successfull.

You also have to consider who was at the helm of the special. I don't know much about Dennis Sanders or the producers of the CBS show, but I know that Steve Binder and Abel and Adidge were rock n' roll fans, and thus that's the way they tried to portray Elvis - as the rock n' roll icon. I think Marty Pasetta was more of a general entertainment kind of guy. And he was probably the right choice for the special, because they were trying to have "something for everybody". I think the special is great, I just think that's the reason it doesn't make as much of an impression as the others.

I agree with you nashville cat... (y)

[ForeverTheKing]

I like the Aloha...(y) anyway if you put it next to '68 Comeback or TTWII...well, I can easly understand that if you have to choose just one you vote those 2 because, to me, they show you better who Elvis was...his carisma, energy and so on...(y)

The Aloha is much more "static" but you can't say it's a bad show...he had so much passion singing "My Way" or "An American Trilogy" :'( :'(
I personally voted for "Elvis On Tour" but, as I've already told, I closed my eyes and click because it was a very hard choice...:doh: :cursing:

[renapap05]

I choose TTWII(y)(y):wub:

[elvispresleytheking]

Elvis On Tour
I Love The Jumpsuits, Capes, songs, and energy

[shelley.m.]

The 68' Comeback.Elvis in leather,you can't beat that.

[laura17]

thats the way it is. as a child i was there.elvis was in his prime.the best there ever was!the tickets were $15.00 each by the way.

[ehollier]

'68 Comeback HANDS DOWN!!!