Reply With QuoteWell said, Mike - agree with you.
As I was finally able to sit down to watch some of the Super-8 film from THE FINAL CURTAIN box set, I was reminded of how Elvis certainly was still able to put on a fine performance during the last few months of his life.
Of course, the press reviews from Elvis' 1977 shows were more often than not unfavorable and there has been a general perception that his last concerts were fair at best. But as I sat watching some of the amazingly restored Super-8 film in the set, my memory was refreshed and I was enjoying watching these performances from the last 8 months of The King's life. Yes, clearly he was not in the best of health and certainly his stage performances were much less energetic than in the early 70's, but performances like POLK SALAD ANNIE from his May '77 shows in Binghampton, N.Y. could still bring out the best in Elvis. Aside from the obvious health issues that Elvis was faced with, I reminded myself that Elvis was 42 years old and certainly couldn't be expected to move like he did in his earlier years...so to see Elvis moving around and still performing some of his karate and dance moves during this performance was a fantastic sight to see.
Couple that with the quality of his voice, which I personally think got stronger over the years, and I truly think that fans who have not had the opportunity to seek out some of these rare 1977 videos should try to catch them, if possible. I really think that if fans could see some of these fan-shot films and not just judge the 1977 Elvis solely on the footage from "Elvis In Concert" (which clearly did not show Elvis at his best), they might also come away with a different perspective on the quality of Elvis' concerts during those final tours.
TCB!
Mike
R.I.P. Tommy
We will miss you dearest friend
Well said, Mike - agree with you.
I agree with you Mike also, his voice was fantastic.
I've always liked Elvis in the '70's. Possibly, the closer we get to his age the more we can appreciate where he was at the time.Anyway, I liked him then.
When he put in the effort his voice was certainly still magical, and his charisma still shines though
I think that a lot of how Elvis is viewed then is coloured by what we've learned about this life since then.
It is really a study to compare how he was been written about through the decades.
_________
there is no snooze button on a cat that wants breakfast.
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A show that I always come back to is the 2-19-1977 concert, and the import Cd titled "Tonight, 8:30"....always loved these shows, and imo, Elvis puts on very good shows give the circumstances he was under health wise.
A great post and tribute that 1977 Elvis deserves Mike.
"How do I get placed in situations like this? Ah hell, I guess it's all part of showbusiness "~ Elvis in his limo on his way to perform in Omaha, NE on June 19th 1977
Thanks pal!!Originally Posted by Unchained Melody
A show that I always come back to is the 2-19-1977 concert, and the import Cd titled "Tonight, 8:30"....always loved these shows, and imo, Elvis puts on very good shows give the circumstances he was under health wise.
A great post and tribute that 1977 Elvis deserves Mike.
I agree with you about that "Tonight...8:30" show...the way he holds that final note on CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE is just out of this world!!!
As I've said zillions of times before, yes Elvis was clearly not in the best health during 1977, but there are far more outstanding moments from his 1977 performances than many give him credit for. Unfortunately the bad performances still overshadow the great ones, but hopefully with enough help from those of us that enjoy those great '77 performances, we can get the word out there and change people's opinions of The King's final months.
TCB!
Mike
R.I.P. Tommy
We will miss you dearest friend
I agree buddy.Thanks pal!!
I agree with you about that "Tonight...8:30" show...the way he holds that final note on CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE is just out of this world!!!
As I've said zillions of times before, yes Elvis was clearly not in the best health during 1977, but there are far more outstanding moments from his 1977 performances than many give him credit for. Unfortunately the bad performances still overshadow the great ones, but hopefully with enough help from those of us that enjoy those great '77 performances, we can get the word out there and change people's opinions of The King's final months.
TCB!
Mike
I think for most people that turns fans off from 1977 is his looks, which for me does not matter, when I listen to a show and its good and it is from 1977 then that don't make it bad just because of the year. Take the Rapid City performance, to me, that was a really good show, quiet a few highlights actually and the best version of Unchained Melody and My Way I've ever heard by ANY artist!
"How do I get placed in situations like this? Ah hell, I guess it's all part of showbusiness "~ Elvis in his limo on his way to perform in Omaha, NE on June 19th 1977
I agree completely that his looks have a lot to do with the misconceptions of Elvis in 1977, but if those people would look back they would find periods during the mid to late 70's where he looked just as bad or sick as he did during 1977, especially many parts of 1976. But again, despite his obvious health issues, Elvis pulled out some d**n fine performances during 1976 as well when he didn't look his best. So obviously, this would go to show people that just because he didn't look his best didn't mean his performances always suffered.
TCB!
Mike
R.I.P. Tommy
We will miss you dearest friend
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