Reply With QuoteElvis died only six weeks after it was filmed, as you know. I've never read anywhere that he would have even had time to see any of the footage.
According to Joe,did Elvis like any part's of the CBS Special(From straight up vol.1)
I know that Joe answers this in vol.1 of his new book series,and i sincerely hope he say's that Elvis DID like some part's of the special as he DID put forth some amazing performances!!!
Elvis died only six weeks after it was filmed, as you know. I've never read anywhere that he would have even had time to see any of the footage.
Joe states in the preview to the book that he does have Elvis' reaction to the concert footage.
Elvis saw the Omaha footage and was appalled at how bad he thought he looked and sounded and even went as far as telling Gary Smith that he would "Do Better" for his next filmed performance in Rapid City ...Originally Posted by nolvis
Joe states in the preview to the book that he does have Elvis' reaction to the concert footage.
And he did a better job in Rapid City
I'd like to go to Graceland
Memphis,Tennessee
I would venture to say that Elvis only saw parts of his show in Omaha....he most likely never saw the footage from Rapid City.
Tony trout is correct. EP was embarrassed by how own performance in Omaha and apologize to the CBS producers and asked them to film another show which they decided to do. The original plan was to only film one complete show in Omaha on June 19. The poor performance demanded a second filmed show which took place on June 21. But despite a better show on June 21, EP still looked and sounded bad. He actually looked better 5 nights later in Indianapolis for his final show ever.
It was always intended to film two shows (originally 3) but it is apparently true that Elvis realised his poor condition on the 19th and promised a better performance.
I understood he saw a rough cut of the special in July.
Jow - can you answer our question?
Rick
C'mon Jay, I've taught you plenty about Elvis' career over the years and now you delibertely dismiss my reply and don't want to gimme any credit ?
Not Fair ...
Where do you come up with this stuff anyway ?
It was always planned to film 3 concerts, Omaha, (June 19), Lincoln, (June 20), and Rapid City, (June 21).
The Lincoln show fell thru due to security and insurance problems so the producers, Gary Smith and Dwight Hemion, canceled the filming altogether.
Elvis' excuse and exact words to Gary and Dwight were, " I Know I Was Terrible", (In Omaha), but in Rapid City, Elvis looked and sounded much better than the 2 nights before.
The best part of the show actually proved to raw for it's inclusion in the network broadcast, thus the mistake of it's deletion as part of the repetoire, came at the end, when a sweaty puffy Elvis struggles to achieve grace when he performs a beautiful "Unchained Melody" .
That lil boy sense of relief at the end of the performance is both entrancing and heartbreaking.
I'm sorry but despite some outstanding songs the whole CBS Special is very hard for me to watch, yes I would like to see a Deluxe DVD Edition but can see why EPE are reluctant to, given Elvis' appearance.
Put quite simply this is not Elvis' finest hour. Elvis has suffered from an Image problem that primarily came from 1976/77 releasing an official DVD even today will only contribute to this Image failure.
If Elvis had survived Aug 77 I don't think this would have been the Image he would have wanted to perpetuate, I think that the CBS Special was a knee-jerk response to the book "Elvis What Happened" and clearly gave credence to that sensationalist claptrap.
Before there is a barrage of "Elvis was Ill", "Unchained Melody was awesome" & "How Great Thou Art was powerful" is levied at me! I know, I am a fan. The fact is if you were to introduce a fan to Elvis..... this would not be your first port of call and believe that even Elvis would pick something like the 68 Special before CBS.
Ive always wondered what Elvis would have thought if he had sat down and watched the special.I cant imagine what would have went through his mind.That footage is a record of a man in serious trouble.In spite of some great renditions, I too find it hard to watch sometimes.It's amazing to me that Elvis agreed to that project considering his condition.The fact he didnt pull himself together somewhat for it shows he just couldnt stop the slide.It was to late.
Jak
Well to keep the positive comment's coming,i just want to say one more time that when i saw the '77 special,it was as exciting an event as i've ever experienced in my life.Elvis' heart and soul came shining thru just like a run away locomotive!I loved him even more after seeing and hearing this special!!!Sure he was'nt in the same shape as the '68 special and Aloha,but it was still Elvis,and the the man gave everything that he had in his wonderful soul and body to please us,all of the people that love and admire him,and he put forth some amazing performances!Illl never forget that smile,charisma,and absolutely electric atmosphere of experiencing a "brand new" Elvis concert!It really felt like i was able to experience the feeling of seeing him in concert!!!!!
Yeah, maybe they need to run a few more Elvis impersonator contests or flog a few more ducks, plates and Teddy Bears......how about a new line of Elvis wines or coffee.....this would be guaranteed to keep the Kings image just how I want it.
Look at your signature JJ, for therein lies the answer.
"Mr Dickman certainly can take care of himself."
I don't disagree that EPE have a skewed view and weird perspective on what is good and bad regarding sales etc.Yeah, maybe they need to run a few more Elvis impersonator contests or flog a few more ducks, plates and Teddy Bears......how about a new line of Elvis wines or coffee.....this would be guaranteed to keep the Kings image just how I want it.
Look at your signature JJ, for therein lies the answer.
As for the signature, everybody here knows that I change my avatar up to twice a week or whenever I see a picture I like. It doesn't have to conform to some steriotypical Image of Elvis!
I have made you a nice avatar........enjoy
Hi JJ.........I was referring to your sig. "The Image is one thing, the human being is another" .....
"Mr Dickman certainly can take care of himself."
Ahhhhh........ EPE have all but de-humanised Elvis, he is a product! One that Priscilla has taken great pleasure de-constructing to get her own back for the lack of any discernible talent other than being the ex-wife of a superstar.
Her motto is "The $ is Everything"
Agreed and well said!
After seeing Elvis in person and upclose when he was at his awesome best (70& 71)............it is most difficult seeing the difference in 76 & 77.
Perhaps if I hadn't seen the star shining so gloriously at it's brightest...I wouldn't find the dimming as difficult to watch?Aside from my own thoughts. I can't imagine that the perfectionist in ELVIS would have been pleased to see the film no matter how many loving, faithful fans, told him it was great.
I will never forget you Rosanne.
R.I.P. 4-27-59~7-22-09
Absolutely right, the Elvis of 1969-71 was on top of his game, there are certainly good periods after that but this is without doubt the time period I would have loved to see Elvis live.Agreed and well said!
After seeing Elvis in person and upclose when he was at his awesome best (70& 71)............it is most difficult seeing the difference in 76 & 77.
Perhaps if I hadn't seen the star shining so gloriously at it's brightest...I wouldn't find the dimming as difficult to watch?
I would love to hear some stories and see pictures if you have any!!
JJ
Sean Shaver once stated that if you didnt see Elvis perform in 1971 or before,you never had the chance to see the real Elvis.
Jak
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