Omaha and Rapid City

[Lonniebealestreet]

The two shows filmed for Elvis' final TV special, filmed two days apart, are indeed very different. The general consensus seems to be that the June 19 show was among his worst from 1977, and Rapid City was one of the best.

I watched them both last night, as always, with an open mind. Let me first say that if after the first time I ever watched That's The Way It Is, I went from that to the CBS tapes, I would not have responded nearly as well to it as I do now. So I acknowledge that we are almost talking about a different performer.

Having said that, Omaha really impressed me as being a better show than I remember. It hasn't been a terribly long time since I watched it last, so I'm thinking that the opinions of the majority had brought my expectation level down. It wasn't a great show, but it did have some great moments. How Great Thou Art is probably most notable, and the other songs used in the special--Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, Early Morning Rain, and Can't Help Falling In Love are also at least solid, with the exception of the first which was surely selected for the interaction with the audience. And I Love You So is a strong performance in my opinion; in fact when I first got the EIC CD, it was the track which I was drawn to the most. Fairytale, while obviously more challenging for him than it normally was, still makes for a nice listen (particularly with the benefit of the overdubs on the album). Last night I found myself liking I Really Don't Want To Know from that night better than the Rapid City performance.

The main difference is that vocally he was not running on all cylinders in Omaha. It isn't that he was off-key or his timing was off, or anything of the sort. It's that when he was singing with a normal amount of effort, the power just didn't seem to be there to deliver the proper loudness or fullness of voice. But it's just a couple steps below normal. Then when he was fully engaged, calling on his voice for the big notes, he delivered with gusto. And in those cases you would not detect that the "easier" singing from the same show would have been subpar in the least. HGTA and Hurt are the best examples of this.

One thing which you can't help but notice in these shows is the difficulty Elvis has with speaking at times. He himself said, rather lightheartedly, "I can sing, but I can't talk." It's a tragic thing to witness, for sure. It seemed to me that he struggled with this less in Omaha than he did in Rapid City. Just an observation...and I could be wrong about that. Maybe in my mind he was a lot worse off than in Omaha, so I was expecting to see him have more trouble with that then.

It isn't simply that Omaha wasn't as bad as I had been thinking; I really thought it was an entertaining show. I do believe Rapid City was considerably better. I'm just saying that I think Omaha, like all of 1977 for Elvis, gets a bad rap.

I recognize that a likely cause for having an elevated opinion of this show--both shows, for that matter--is the fact that we take in both the audio and the video. Listening to As I Leave You, for example (a bootleg of the Omaha show), you don't get as good an impression of the show than if you watch it too. That's why I think that when we hear a so-so soundboard tape or audience recording of a show, we sometimes mistakenly get the impression that the show was mediocre. Well, if that show had been presented in great sound, and there was high-quality video to go with it (or if you were there and had the Elvis concert experience with that amazing atmosphere), then you would not notice the flaws as much, having more to take in (the whole package) and less opportunity to focus on just one aspect of it.

Enjoying the Elvis In Concert material, in my case, simply boils down to the fact that this was not a different performer than the one seen on TTWII, or the one who "goosed up" rhythm and blues back in the fifties and shook up the world. Elvis is Elvis, and I can see not liking this aspect of his career as much as that one, but the way in which some people turn their backs on the man and performer he ultimately became never ceases to baffle me. Not being able to see past the physical changes and such, and focus in on and enjoy the real "Elvisness" of certain moments and performances is something that those that applies to ought to try and overcome. I'm not saying everyone should enjoy Elvis' final year(s) as much as I do or that you are less of a fan if you don't, but if you are open to this period, you may find that there is so much there for you to enjoy.

[Captain Elwood David]

EIC is quintessential EP viewing for hardcore fans. We know & accept what Elvis was in 1977, particularly Omaha & Rapid City.

Non-hardcore fans, however, will be shocked with parts of both venues. This is THE reason we are unlikely to ever see the "Outtakes" in their entirety ever released "officially."

EP is lethargic in Omaha, in essense, over-medicated. EP awareness, later, of his poorer performance in Omaha was the impetus for the much improved Rapid City show.

Both shows, for good & bad, represent who Elvis was in 1977. History cannot forever be kept swept under a rug; it has to be faced & understood simply because it part of the story - in fact, an important part of the ending. If done correctly, I think a revised version of EIC - heavily focusing on EP's moments of transcendence (yes, from both venues) could help to properly put into perspective what / who EP was by June of '77 ----->

A Legend whose golden voice was still capable of delivering that raw emotion, power, ......... and happiness to his audience .......... to the very end.

EIC is just as "classic" as any of the other filmed EP venues. EPE is / has already embraced it for what it is - in small incremental baby steps (The Sundial Jumpsuit is one of those chosen for constant display @ Graceland - not rotated like many of the other stagesuits / the EIC clips shown next to the stagesuit on the TV monitor on the tour / revised portions of EIC included with "This Is Elvis" / and unseen portions of EIC included with The Great Performances Video series / etc.) ...........

IMO, .......... this is all just an eventual lead in to the inevitable release of EIC in some form - someday in the future ......... when EPE deems the time to be ripe. Right now, EPE chooses not to focus on the ending portion of the story that is EP. This is because they view it as detrimental to the money machine & its bottom line. When EPE needs it, they will release it. To them, this is all about prolonging a product first ............. and doing justice to EP's Legacy second (or a very good case could also be made for - last).

I accept EP - warts & all - for what he was and have no delusions about the "man." As a result, I can enjoy EIC / The Outtakes for what it is - The Last Officially Filmed Perfomances of a Legend (all discussion about Indy being filmed professionally, put aside ....... because I think it is a bunch of malarky).


- Capt. "EL."

[stilllovinelvis]

A-aa-men to both of the above. I absolutely love Elvis in Concert. Still think he is brillliant! He was special, unique, lovely...(and too many more postitive adjectives to list) right up to the very end. He WAS always ELVIS... perfection AND flaws. And I love him for him.

[NightRider]

A great read Bobby

Having said that, Omaha really impressed me as being a better show than I remember

I got the very same impression when recently listening to Omaha...even on the very average quality recordings we have.

It isn't simply that Omaha wasn't as bad as I had been thinking; I really thought it was an entertaining show. I do believe Rapid City was considerably better. I'm just saying that I think Omaha, like all of 1977 for Elvis, gets a bad rap.

Sure does...people should take it for what it was....its still Elvis and part of Elvis' history....its a shame that its always hidden away...or simply over-looked at every opportunity.

I recognize that a likely cause for having an elevated opinion of this show--both shows, for that matter--is the fact that we take in both the audio and the video. Listening to As I Leave You, for example (a bootleg of the Omaha show), you don't get as good an impression of the show than if you watch it too. That's why I think that when we hear a so-so soundboard tape or audience recording of a show, we sometimes mistakenly get the impression that the show was mediocre.

A fantastic point...well made. How many shows do we get the same impression ? Even the new FTD has the same sort of sound in places.....i don't think that these sort of soundboards do give the TRUE impression of what elvis was like...or indeed the show overall.

Enjoying the Elvis In Concert material, in my case, simply boils down to the fact that this was not a different performer than the one seen on TTWII, or the one who "goosed up" rhythm and blues back in the fifties and shook up the world. Elvis is Elvis, and I can see not liking this aspect of his career as much as that one, but the way in which some people turn their backs on the man and performer he ultimately became never ceases to baffle me. Not being able to see past the physical changes and such, and focus in on and enjoy the real "Elvisness" of certain moments and performances is something that those that applies to ought to try and overcome. I'm not saying everyone should enjoy Elvis' final year(s) as much as I do or that you are less of a fan if you don't, but if you are open to this period, you may find that there is so much there for you to enjoy.

Amen my friend...i really couldn't have said it any better

[Lonniebealestreet]

Thanks, Chris.

You've heard this comparison made before, but I would by far prefer listening to Omaha over College Park or even the Dragonheart (South Bend) show from the Fall of '74.

I must agree that the complete CBS tapes will in all likelihood never be officially released, and that a properly done new edit of EIC, focusing on EP's moments of transcendence (well put, Cap), could really be made into an impressive video...one that would do Elvis in '77 plenty of justice. I think it could leave a very different impression than the original special did, thanks to its being better edited, and also because we are no longer a world that has just recently been awakened to the fact that the image was one thing, and the human being was another. Everyone has some idea about Elvis' demise; in fact, I think most people's ideas on the subject are quite exaggerated. Even if there is some element of truth to them, watching a revamped special would still indicate that they are considerably off-base.

With the upcoming warts-and-all documentary from CBS, this is another indication that EPE's defenses are gradually being let down. Furthermore, if received well, that could give them even more confidence in a new edit of Elvis In Concert.

[Liverbobs]

Excellent thread everybody, my sentiments exactly

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Great thread Bobby, EPE treat EIC like a poor cousin who is locked in the back room because you are ashamed of them most of the documentaries that carry a clip of EIC are preceded in hushed tones with someone reading the last rights, this should not be the case, a more fitting monologue would be?. ?Despite failing heath Elvis never wanted to give up performing for his fans, this clip shows that he could still deliver a powerful performance?.

Lets hope that in the future EPE eventually get past this mental block and deliver the goods to the fans who want a DVD quality issue of the king still belting out the hits!!

[buttonhead]

I think that EPE not yet released DVD of both concerts because they worry with public opinion,..not fans opinion ...worry if public would bring up the past again about elvis being fat or druggie in his concert .. plus some people are so shallow when they get to elvis music, they rather judge him from his appearance rather than his music...

[Lonniebealestreet]

Thanks, everybody.

Sounds good to me, Matt.

Dessy, my take on it is that even though the 'latter-day Elvis' has not been exposed to the public in recent years (save for the short clips here and there, not always presented in a great way, like Matt was saying), people still remember the special from '77, or have read or heard things, and generally have this very negative image in their minds about the way he was at the end of his life. Part of the reason for this is that there has not been much released officially which could set them straight on the issue, so they are left to believe all the rumors and exaggerations. Yes, Elvis was overweight--everyone knows that, but a well-edited new special could show that despite the physical decline (and some will be surprised he was not grossly overweight), he still could sing quite well and put on a great show. So I truly believe, now that many people have a new respect for Elvis but still view his final years in such a negative light, a new special could potentially do some good.

But maybe I have too much faith in people, and releasing it via FTD or something similar would be the way to do it, despite its potential for changing some minds.

[stilllovinelvis]

I guess different people WILL have a different take on these concerts. I for one had only barely remembered the special in 1977. And until a couple of months ago had only a couple Elvis cd's and video. So I was under the expectation that when I purchased these concerts and watched them that I would find Elvis barely able to stand, slurring, just a total mess since it was so close to his death. I thought he would be so messed up by drugs he could barely sing or know where he was. But for me, that wasn't the case at all! I was shocked, yes! But not at what I saw or heard because it was BAD, but that he was SOOO much better than I had thought in my mind all these years. I know he had declined physically etc. and it wasn't 1969 or 1970, but I still thought he was at many time SENSATIONAL! I don't have a problem with the weight, to me there is no way he cannot be sexy when he speaks or sings in that voice, calls someone in the audience "baby" or gives that grin like he KNOWS he's got it and did good on a note etc. To me ...sexy, sexy, sexy!!! AND somewhat sad. To know that he had serious problems, but that he didn't APPEAR to me as bad as what I had imagined in my mind and yet in such a short time later he would leave us. He sounded SO good on so many songs! I guess some people would look at these concerts and feel similar to me, and then there are others who may just find him repulsive and nothing like the Elvis they used to know. I just feel like, if you REALLY love Elvis, you don't have to be blind to the problems, but you will see the many wonderful and positive aspects to these concerts in spite of the problems.

[Lonniebealestreet]

Well there you go.

You are right--there are some people who would be shocked in a bad way, but I think such people would have to have been living under a rock to not have some preconceived notion about Elvis' demise.

But I think that the very response you just gave as being your own is the one a LOT of people would have.

Unfortunately, that still doesn't mean the media might not have a field day with the footage, if they decided to pay attention to it at all. I wouldn't think an FTD release would garner that kind of attention though.

[Captain Elwood David]

I know, from first-hand experience, ......... that EIC positively impresses, emotionally moves, and shatters some misconceptions about EP in his final year / months.

I have shown portions of EIC & Unchained Melody (in crystal clear picture from "The Great Performances") to both non & casual fans --------> the reaction is consistently one of awe at the sheer power / emotion of EP's songs / voice / delivery .............. and have several times heard the same comments to the effect that he does not appear / come across as they had thought or expected.

IMO, ....... the damage has been long done and a properly done EIC focusing on EP's moments of transcendence (with Unchained Melody being the prototypical example) ............ will actually serve to counter-balance all of the mistaken & overblown misconceptions. Granted, it will have to be done properly.

Hiding something (like EP's condition in 1977) merely makes fans / the public focus all the more heavily on it with a microscope and even contributes to the hyperbole surrounding the topic. Such is the case here with EIC; the negative MYTH has overtaken the REALITY of the situation .......... and only by witnessing EP's great moments during these two filmed June of '77 venues first hand, ........ can those misconceptions ever hope to be corrected.

Nevetheless, I'm under no delusions that there will always be those that will look down on anything EIC related - both fans & non-fans, .......... but I think the overall impact, if done correctly, won't be as bad as many have made it out to be. I dare say, it will even make new fans.


- Capt. "EL."

[Lonniebealestreet]

Well, I guess we can agree to disagree...

You are so right that Unchained Melody is the prototypical moment of transcendence. That's why it's just mind-boggling that it wasn't chosen for inclusion on the special.

The most significant thing in this whole matter, and it's great to hear other people say it, is that EPE fails to realize that the way they handle Elvis '77 (and post-Aloha in general) has the exact opposite effect of what they are shooting for...Why don't they get it?

[Jungleroom76]

Well buddy, as you and I have discussed numerous times, if EPE doesn't get it by now, chances are they NEVER will!!!

And, before I forget, you made mention earlier of the proposed "warts and all" TV mini-series that CBS is working on....how much do you want to bet that, because of EPE's influence, we WON'T see much (if anything) regarding Elvis' life in the later 70's? I mean, just look at EPE's stance on releasing the video for ELVIS IN CONCERT to the general public? EPE absolutely refuses to allow that footage to be released to the general public even today -- 27 years after Elvis' death!! So, with that in mind, how can we expect EPE to allow this upcoming CBS mini-series to deal with anything regarding Elvis in the later 70's? According to the information that has been released thus far, regarding the CBS mini-series, the network is working in conjunction with EPE....meaning (in my opinion) that EPE ultimately has the final say as to what is included in the mini-series and what is not....and I just can't imagine EPE agreeing to anything (or very little at the most) post-Aloha being included in the mini-series, especially knowing their views on ELVIS IN CONCERT!!! But, obviously, time will tell...

As for your synopsis of OMAHA vs. RAPID CITY, once again, you are right on target! Without ever having seen the video for either of these shows, someone who has listened to all of the talk regarding these shows will be inclined to think that Elvis is GROSSLY overweight, can hardly move, talk, or sing while out on stage in Omaha and is only slightly better in Rapid City. But, when watching these 2 performances, it is clear that Elvis is indeed giving his absolute best for his fans, despite his obvious problems. Yes, Elvis is overweight, but not GROSSLY so....I mean, just watch the actual CBS Special at the beginning, when he is walking across the stage during the opening theme before he takes the rose from the fan in the audience....they do a montage shot, which shows a very clear side view of Elvis....just from looking at this, you can tell that he is somewhat overweight, but not GROSSLY overweight. I mean, let's face it....Elvis was 42 years old....it isn't uncommon for someone as they get older to weigh a little more than they did in their teens and 20's, is it? From the way some people speak about Elvis' weight in 1977, you would think he had to be driven out to the stage because he was too overweight to walk. Obviously, this is CLEARLY not the case!!

Yes, Elvis doesn't move as well in either show as he did years earlier, but again, can we expect a man of 42 years old to move as well or be as limber as he was in his 20's? Now, I am a realist and I do acknowledge that if Elvis had weighed less than he did in 1977, that he might have been able to move a little better or do more of the moves that he was able to do in his concerts from the early 70's, but still....Elvis was 42 years old, and this (in my opinion) has to be taken into account when talking about how Elvis had slowed down, in terms of his movement during his performances of 1977.

When comparing these 2 shows in terms of Elvis' overall performance, I would give the edge to Rapid City as being better, but only slightly so. There were many outstanding performances from Omaha (as Bobby has touched on) and the most notable problem with Elvis from this show is when he is talking between songs. But, he also seems to have the same problems (losing his train of thought, nervousness, occassional rambling) in Rapid City as well. But, in my opinion, there is EVEN MORE of this type of problem showcased in the FTD releases DRAGONHEART and IT'S MIDNIGHT (and even CLOSING NIGHT, from what I have read about this CD so far). So, to give a negative critique of these 1977 shows based on this, the same critiques would have to be given to the shows from '73 and '74, as showcased in the aforementioned FTD releases. But, we hear far less criticism of Elvis' shows from '73 and '74...why? Because there is this preconceived illusion of Elvis and his shows from 1977...an illusion which is just not there, when you watch the shows from Omaha and Rapid City. Yes, there are moments during these shows where Elvis is obviously not at his best....but FAR FEWER moments than some people, INCLUDING EPE, would want fans to believe!!!

Sorry for rambling on here....but, as Bobby knows, this topic just ruffles my feathers!!!

THANKS for bringing it up buddy!!
TCB!
Mike

[rick]

It may never happen, but we should all be discussing a pristine, re-edited version of these shows, not the old fuzzy `imports' that we own.
A properly constructed DVD release combining these two shows (mostly Rapid City but a few songs from Omaha) would be fantastic for fans and could even surprise a few non fans.
rick

[SouthPaw]

I couldn't agree anymore EIC is a must for any fan's collection.

I do believe EPE will one day release it all in a new dvd but several things must happen first, the demand for material will decrease and a dip in all sales will make it happen.

There is a theory that when a celebrity dies there is what is called the "J" effect, where for several years there is a huge demand for product.
With Elvis this has continued and continues today many years after what is common place with most entertainers. Alot of this is simply the fact no other entertainer reaches a broad demographic of fans as Elvis does and did. Also I believe EPE is very shrewd in how they control the packaging of Elvis. When demand ever decreases I exect EIC would be repackaged then.

[Lonniebealestreet]

That may also be what ultimately makes them decide to open the upstairs at Graceland, although I understand LMP presently is opposed to it.

[Jungleroom76]

It may never happen, but we should all be discussing a pristine, re-edited version of these shows, not the old fuzzy `imports' that we own.
A properly constructed DVD release combining these two shows (mostly Rapid City but a few songs from Omaha) would be fantastic for fans and could even surprise a few non fans.
rick

I AGREE WITH YOU 99% RICK!!!

While I agree a re-edited version of ELVIS IN CONCERT is definitely warranted, I do believe that releasing the original special would be appropriate, if for no other reason, than for historical purposes.

Of course, the ULTIMATE ELVIS IN CONCERT DVD release would be in a format similiar to the recent ALOHA FROM HAWAII DELUXE EDITION DVD SET, with Disc One giving us the original 1977 version of the special as well as a newly re-edited version of the special, and Disc Two giving us the complete Omaha and Rapid City performances along with any additional extras that CBS/EPE might have from this material.

Will this ULTIMATE ELVIS IN CONCERT DVD release ever materialize? Probably not in my lifetime! (which is really showing my negativity toward the potential for this material to be officially released, considering I am only 32 years old and am planning to live for another 60 years or so!! )

BUT WE CAN ALWAYS HOPE, CAN'T WE???

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

That may also be what ultimately makes them decide to open the upstairs at Graceland, although I understand LMP presently is opposed to it.

GOOD POINT PAL!!

I agree with both you and SouthPaw....when sales of Elvis releases start to dip, or when visitor attendance at Graceland starts to decrease, I think those would be the most appopriate times (in EPE's eyes) to release ELVIS IN CONCERT and open the upstairs at Graceland, respectively!

Although....I would have to imagine (and I think this has been mentioned) that opening the upstairs at Graceland is a MAJOR project!! Not only is handicap accessability a major issue (like it is for the 2 downstairs rooms now), but with the upstairs being opened, fire escapes and other emergency exits would have to be installed, thus changing the overall look of Graceland greatly! I mean, let's face it....would you really want to look at metal fire escapes all over the outside of Graceland? It would dramatically change the outer facade of the house, which would be an issue I think!

But, maybe I am wrong with this....

TCB!
Mike

[stilllovinelvis]

This is continuing to go off the subject a little bit, but I feel, as much as fans would like to see it, the upstairs at Graceland should stay off limits. I hope Lisa Marie continues to uphold this view. She has stated that she wants to keep some things for herself only (referring to her thoughts and memories of her father). And I respect her so much for that. She SHOULD have a part of him that is ALL hers. She deserves that. She is his daughter. I just feel like his bedroom is just too personal and shouldn't be displayed. It remains like it was when he left, pretty much. And it almost seems sacred and should be kept for Lisa only. I was a little disappointed she allowed Nic Cage to enter. I guess it seemed like a good idea at the time.