Elvis and playing Las Vegas

[Brian]

Hi everyone

I have this question that I'd like to get everyone's opinion on

When Elvis started performing again he played in Vegas and it was a big success where he broke all exisisting Las Vegas attendance records.
Elvis went back every year and sometimes would break his own attendance records and eventually became bored with Vegas.


Many fans feel that after that Elvis shouldn't have played Vegas again after 69 but then others say he should have stopped after TTWII.
and then some fans are okay with Elvis playing Vegas so much.

I'm kinda divided on this issue myself because I thought it was cool to see Elvis go back to Vegas in 1970 and break his own attendance records and I also liked the albums on stage and TTWII that were recorded in 1970.

I was just wondering if any of you think Elvis should've stopped playing Vegas after 1969 or should he have continued like he did or quit at another time?

[Getlo]

He should never have signed that first contract in '69 that booked him twice a year there until '74. That's just insanity, pure and simple.

After August 1970, I would have preferred him to concentrate on a couple of tours a year and getting back to making good albums again.

Three Vegas engagements of one month each over one year was way too much. By then, the novelty - and the challenge - had worn off.

[LtCarman]

He should never have signed that first contract in '69 that booked him twice a year there until '74. That's just insanity, pure and simple.

After August 1970, I would have preferred him to concentrate on a couple of tours a year and getting back to making good albums again.

Three Vegas engagements of one month each over one year was way too much. By then, the novelty - and the challenge - had worn off.

Agreed 100%.

[epmoodyblue]

def rlvis got bored with vegas

[italianfan]

He should never have signed that first contract in '69 that booked him twice a year there until '74

I didnt know the contract was for that long. I would have thought Elvis would be more careful about signing long term contracts after those movie contracts.

I feel around 1973 is when he should have quit vegas and as Getlo said do a couple of tours a year.

[Brian]

He should never have signed that first contract in '69 that booked him twice a year there until '74. That's just insanity, pure and simple.

.

I thought the contract he signed in 1969 was just for the first engagement then after the success of that engagement the Colonel negotiated more engagements and Elvis of course signed the contract for that.

[MissyM]

The schedule was insane. No man should have worked that hard. I honestly don't know what he was thinking. After the first one in 69, he should have had them charge more and he did less shows. With the draw he had, it would have been feasible. I have no idea why they didn't re-negotiate the contract.

[Raised on Rock]

Quit after TTWII Aug 1970 and never play vegas again until maybe 2005 if he lived that long. And go on a world tour in '71.

[elvispresleytheking]

I think he should've not renewed after 73, and maybe tried engagements somewhere else, as he could relax more than when on tour.

[midnight]

I do not think Elvis should have signed the contract that committed him for that long in Vegas. I do not think anyone should sign a contract that leaves them obligated to something for such a long period.

Having said that I do not think he should have stopped in 69. Some of his greatest shows were at Vegas. I know the fans who saw him there were never bored with his performances! The fancy showrooms and having Elvis so close during his shows must have been a completely different experience compared to the huge stadium concerts. He should not have performed to the extent that he did but to say he should have stopped playing there after 1969 would have been such a loss to the fans!

[Getlo]

I thought the contract he signed in 1969 was just for the first engagement then after the success of that engagement the Colonel negotiated more engagements and Elvis of course signed the contract for that.

I was referring to the second contract that was signed after the successful '69 gig, which, IIRC, was signed in late '69. If anyone has information to the contrary, please post.