Re: Hidden Symbolism in "Unchained Melody" 1977 CBS Special "Elvis in Concert"
I know this is an old thread, but I'll jump in . . .
The comments here about total acceptance by the fans are indeed true.
During '76 and '77, he was just going through the motions, and sometimes very slowly at that.
There was no comparison between Elvis 1970 and Elvis 1977.
There was no challenge, no spark, nothing that seemed to motivate and stimulate him . . . he was just getting through each show, same drill, doing the job he was paid to do.
The fans should have expected more and demanded more - perhaps it would have sent a strong message and might have helped him. But really, it shouldn't even have been up to the fans - the people around him who "allegedly" cared so much about him should have exercised some control and intervened. No one can convince me that no one could help him or tell him what needed to be done. I think too many were just too afraid of the gravy train derailing, and in some convoluted type of thinking, they thought helping him would do that - instead of understanding that NOT doing something was precisely what caused the derailment.
The lack of spark in his shows was health-related AND due to the fact that his career was not headed in any particularly interesting or challenging direction . . . be it the fault of Parker and cronies or that Elvis just did not take charge, the fact was that he needed to stay up with the times, do something extraordinary to perpetuate the excitment of who he was and what he had done. But sadly, that did not happen.
If E had taken time off beginning around 1975, just stepped back and evaluated his life and career, things would have been different, at least for awhile.
One can argue that it was destiny and heredity for him to leave so young, but had he gotten clean, hired a qualified fitness trainer and nutritionist, "cleaned house" (gotten rid of the excess baggage) and worked with some phenomenally talented writers and producers, he could have blazed trails into the eighties and beyond and left everyone else in the business in the dust.
Re: Hidden Symbolism in "Unchained Melody" 1977 CBS Special "Elvis in Concert"
Nice post seyeregit, very succinct. The problems were exacerbated by the Vegas stints where Elvis was expected to do two shows a night and three at the weekend! I don't care who you are, your probably going to take something to help you get through the punishing schedule. Elvis was a major star, he didn't need to do that many shows.
Re: Hidden Symbolism in "Unchained Melody" 1977 CBS Special "Elvis in Concert"
I am always in awe of Elvis' vocal range. People (not true Elvis fans) but some focus on his weight at the end of his life and forget just how gifted this man was. I believe he was the best singer ever. MJ could dance but his vocal's were studio enchanced and didn't have the pipes of an Elvis, I don't know of any entertainer that could take a song and make it sound so unique. When you listen to him you hear a man with an amazing ability to sing from his soul. God, when I listen to Unchained Melody I get gooose bumbs, Love him and always will.
Re: Hidden Symbolism in "Unchained Melody" 1977 CBS Special "Elvis in Concert"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
chloe13
People (not true Elvis fans) but some focus on his weight at the end of his life and forget just how gifted this man was.
Hi Chloe, I not so sure that the first part of the section I have highlighted is true, the weight issue is separate IMO, The weight was a symptom of a bigger problem which was Elvis' health. This IMO then lead to other problems including his vocal ability. I don't question there were songs like HGTA and YGMAM where Elvis gave good performances, however these do not compare to say 1972?
Fans can discuss all elements of Elvis life and be objective, to gloss over the problems is what lead to Elvis' downfall in the first place.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
chloe13
I believe he was the best singer ever.
I agree, Elvis was an outstanding artist who's vocal ability was amazing.
Re: Hidden Symbolism in "Unchained Melody" 1977 CBS Special "Elvis in Concert"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
seyeregit
I know this is an old thread, but I'll jump in . . .
I saw Elvis for the last time in 1977, and the comments here about total acceptance by the fans are indeed true.
Having seen him every year from 1970 forward, I can tell you that especially during '76 and '77, he was just going through the motions, and sometimes very slowly at that.
There was no comparison between Elvis 1970 and Elvis 1977.
There was no challenge, no spark, nothing that seemed to motivate and stimulate him . . . he was just getting through each show, same drill, doing the job he was paid to do.
Back then, I was one of the accepting fans.
Looking back now, I realize that the fans should have expected more and demanded more - perhaps it would have sent a strong message and might have helped him. But really, it shouldn't even have been up to the fans - the people around him who "allegedly" cared so much about him should have exercised some control and intervened. No one can convince me that no one could help him or tell him what needed to be done. I think too many were just too afraid of the gravy train derailing, and in some convoluted type of thinking, they thought helping him would do that - instead of understanding that NOT doing something was precisely what caused the derailment.
I personally believe the lack of spark in his shows was health-related AND due to the fact that his career was not headed in any particularly interesting or challenging direction . . . be it the fault of Parker and cronies or that Elvis just did not take charge, the fact was that he needed to stay up with the times, do something extraordinary to perpetuate the excitment of who he was and what he had done. But sadly, that did not happen.
I think that if Elvis had taken time off beginning around 1975, just stepped back and evaluated his life and career, things would have been different, at least for awhile.
One can argue that it was destiny and heredity for him to leave so young, but had he gotten clean, hired a qualified fitness trainer and nutritionist, "cleaned house" (gotten rid of the excess baggage) and worked with some phenomenally talented writers and producers, he could have blazed trails into the eighties and beyond and left everyone else in the business in the dust.
As it was, we'll never know what he could have done . . .
excellent post(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)
on a side note, when my Parents watched the dvd of EIC, my Dad said he thought he did remarkably well singing this, especially considering he was sitting down
Re: Hidden Symbolism in "Unchained Melody" 1977 CBS Special "Elvis in Concert"
I think when you look at it this way, his physical appearence from even say 1975 to 1977, there is clearly something alarming happening to Elvis in such a short amount of time.
Re: Hidden Symbolism in "Unchained Melody" 1977 CBS Special "Elvis in Concert"
I suppose it was a buildup............his body had, had enough, it was shutting down..............Tragic
Re: Hidden Symbolism in "Unchained Melody" 1977 CBS Special "Elvis in Concert"
Oh my god, this is so true and so well described....Unchained..the way he did it on the CBS...it's really something else..it's like Elvis last will...or legacy....you are so right I like to think that it's a hidden message....and there is only one other song in that period live...with elvis on piano...with good old Charlie by his side ( rest in peace Charlie ) I saw Where no one stands alone, done with that same spirit...with the same greatness...and that emotion...wow...I hope you have a chance to see that one too....alone with Unchained melody....there you can see what kind of voice and enterner Elvis was.....and either what kind of companion Charllie was for Elvis....
so long friends and thanks for reading me
Re: Hidden Symbolism in "Unchained Melody" 1977 CBS Special "Elvis in Concert"
Please no more of these nonsense remarks.
Re: Hidden Symbolism in "Unchained Melody" 1977 CBS Special "Elvis in Concert"
Where can I get my hands on this show? I have seen a few YouTube clips from it,but never the whole show. I have heard that EPE will not offficially release this. Any thoughts on this?
Re: Hidden Symbolism in "Unchained Melody" 1977 CBS Special "Elvis in Concert"
You can buy both shows on the net and e-bay, just do a quick search on Google and it will be there in the top ten (y)