Last Memphis concert July 5,1976

[GirlHappy19]

Elvis Presley performs what would be his last Memphis concert July 5, 1976 before a crowd of 12,000 at Mid-South Coliseum. Exactly twenty-two years earlier (7/5/54), Elvis recorded "That's All Right" at Sam Phillips' little studio at 706 Union. Introducing the song, he said: "I've had some people say - well, you can't do that song anymore - well, you, by God, just watch me." (By Barney Sellers / The Commercial Appeal)
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[Lonniebealestreet]

Love that quote from that concert, and I love the listening to that entire show.

The Memphis '74 show was special -- obviously, as it included a Grammy-winning performance. (By the way, aside from the officially released show, there is also Hello Memphis.) The '75 show I probably enjoy even more, and think his voice was actually stronger then, including on How Great Thou Art. But this '76 show is my favorite of the bunch.

I haven't listened to it in some time now but it had a very nice setlist with many great performances. One special for that night was the usually Vegas-only Softly, As I Leave You, which his hometown crowd with memories of their young rockabilly hero seemed to really appreciate.

His voice wasn't perfect but the it was still a very spirited and enjoyable performance that he gave.

I had enjoyed this CD previously but it gained extra favor with me after listening to it one night on the way home from Memphis in August 2002. My wife and sister-in-law were with me but they were sleeping and I was driving and listening to that CD, and I felt like I was there. The great sound on the CD (for a soundboard) probably helped that.

If you'll pardon the random remembrance, I believe Elvis said hello to Gary Pepper in the crowd that night, didn't he?

Anyway, again, Elvis wasn't in top form that night, but to me there is something special about the show. It was as if it was a goodbye (not consciously) to his hometown...I say that remembering that he told the crowd he had been sick but it was "nothing serious" and he was in good health once again, which is sad. But what I mean is that it stands as an appropriate goodbye.

What he told the crowd as you said, GH19, and the performance that followed of That's All Right were indeed that. Thanks for highlighting this concert!


EDIT: moved link location

[boogie]

Love that quote from that concert, and I love the listening to that entire show.

The Memphis '74 show was special -- obviously, as it included a Grammy-winning performance. (By the way, aside from the officially released show, there is also Hello Memphis.) The '75 show I probably enjoy even more, and think his voice was actually stronger then, including on How Great Thou Art. But this '76 show is my favorite of the bunch.

I haven't listened to it in some time now but it had a very nice setlist with many great performances. One special for that night was the usually Vegas-only Softly, As I Leave You, which his hometown crowd with memories of their young rockabilly hero seemed to really appreciate.

His voice wasn't perfect but the it was still a very spirited and enjoyable performance that he gave.

I had enjoyed this CD previously but it gained extra favor with me after listening to it one night on the way home from Memphis in August 2002. My wife and sister-in-law were with me but they were sleeping and I was driving and listening to that CD, and I felt like I was there. The great sound on the CD (for a soundboard) probably helped that.

If you'll pardon the random remembrance, I believe Elvis said hello to Gary Pepper in the crowd that night, didn't he?

Anyway, again, Elvis wasn't in top form that night, but to me there is something special about the show. It was as if it was a goodbye (not consciously) to his hometown...I say that remembering that he told the crowd he had been sick but it was "nothing serious" and he was in good health once again, which is sad. But what I mean is that it stands as an appropriate goodbye.

What he told the crowd as you said, GH19, and the performance that followed of That's All Right were indeed that. Thanks for highlighting this concert!


EDIT: moved link location

Indeed a great show...always prefered the '74 show but this one is close

[Jungleroom76]

Love that quote from that concert, and I love the listening to that entire show.

The Memphis '74 show was special -- obviously, as it included a Grammy-winning performance. (By the way, aside from the officially released show, there is also Hello Memphis.) The '75 show I probably enjoy even more, and think his voice was actually stronger then, including on How Great Thou Art. But this '76 show is my favorite of the bunch.

I haven't listened to it in some time now but it had a very nice setlist with many great performances. One special for that night was the usually Vegas-only Softly, As I Leave You, which his hometown crowd with memories of their young rockabilly hero seemed to really appreciate.

His voice wasn't perfect but the it was still a very spirited and enjoyable performance that he gave.

I had enjoyed this CD previously but it gained extra favor with me after listening to it one night on the way home from Memphis in August 2002. My wife and sister-in-law were with me but they were sleeping and I was driving and listening to that CD, and I felt like I was there. The great sound on the CD (for a soundboard) probably helped that.

If you'll pardon the random remembrance, I believe Elvis said hello to Gary Pepper in the crowd that night, didn't he?

Anyway, again, Elvis wasn't in top form that night, but to me there is something special about the show. It was as if it was a goodbye (not consciously) to his hometown...I say that remembering that he told the crowd he had been sick but it was "nothing serious" and he was in good health once again, which is sad. But what I mean is that it stands as an appropriate goodbye.

What he told the crowd as you said, GH19, and the performance that followed of That's All Right were indeed that. Thanks for highlighting this concert!


EDIT: moved link location

COULDN'T AGREE WITH YOU MORE PAL!!!

The '74 show is definitely a good one, and most people would probably say that the '75 show is the best of the three. But I LOVE the '76 show as well!!!

1976 was a very up and down year in terms of the quality of Elvis' concerts, but it really seems like he was up for this show in his hometown and the extra long show coupled with the variety of songs he sang truly shows that he wanted to give his hometown fans the best show he could!

It is truly a great show and one that should be in every fans collection! Maybe one of these days, we'll even be treated to an FTD release of this show! I definitely think it would be a good seller for FTD!

TCB!
Mike

[danny]

It's one of the better shows from '76. I've heard bootleggers will re-release it soon.
I'll buy it because i still don't have it on CD.

[toffe]

Here is it on youtube folks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esbO98Ngo14

[Jungleroom76]

GREAT VIDEO TOFFE!!

Thanks for posting the link!!!

TCB!
Mike

[U.S. Male]

This show is one of my favorites from 1976 (and the Fort Baxter Import Label).

This show proves that inspite of a handful of sub-par performances during the bicentenial year, he could still deliver the goods in 76

The "By God you watch me" quote is a classic too

[Jungleroom76]

This show proves that inspite of a handful of sub-par performances during the bicentenial year, he could still deliver the goods in 76

Right on Boss Man!!!

This show and the Ft. Worth show from 7/3/76 (included with the ROCKIN' ACROSS TEXAS FTD book) are prime examples of how Elvis could still turn it on in 1976!!!

TCB!
Mike

[jon_burrows]

Click the link for some photos 7/5/76 Memphis show.


http://www.commercialappeal-web.com/...emphis_Concert

[utmom2008]

Right on Boss Man!!!

This show and the Ft. Worth show from 7/3/76 (included with the ROCKIN' ACROSS TEXAS FTD book) are prime examples of how Elvis could still turn it on in 1976!!!

TCB!
Mike

I can vouch for that show....I was there, and it was great!