concert comments

[cutiepie]

Hello!

I've been watching the Lost Performances, where Elvis singe I Just Can't Stop Believing--Elvis commented that it was originally sung by BJ Thomas, but he didn't like it. What did he mean? Was it a joke?

I noticed that in "Aloha," Elvis thanked the audience a lot. Is this where the stereotype "thankyouverymuch" came from ? He was very sincere about thanking the audience...but could he have said something else to mix it up a bit?

Also, in "Aloha," Elvis sounded different when he talked--well, when he said "thank you"--was he trying to iron out his southern accent???

Thank you for your thoughts!!

[KPM]

Elvis, I noticed, was able to turn on or off his accent. He could sound thickly southern, or have very little accent. Probably worked some on his articulation for his movies. He was not always playing a person from the south, but usually it was part of his role to make it a little easier. Trouble with Girls comes to mind as a role where his acent is not as noticeable.

[NEA]

Hi Cutes,

The moment in "T.T.W.I.I." where EP denounces "I Just Can't Help Believin'" is quite a funny moment indeed. Elvis had been having problems remembering the words to the song throughout the rehearsals and build-up to performing the song live. In a spur-of-the-moment situation where he announces the fact that B.J. has out a new record he took a sip of water and to lighten the moment of truth he quips: "And...er...I don't particularly like it...it's just his own thing, y'know!"

The King then proceeds to perform the much-loved hit single version we all know so well, and as a matter of fact Elvis managed to remember the words to the song - he started out with a little help from the lyric sheet. I do believe that it was Charlie Hodge who got his words 'muddled' during the song - have a listen!

Regarding Aloha: I think it is quite obvious that Elvis was very nervous overall so both his singing and speaking voice were affected during the Satellite transmission. I think he did his utmost to keep his spoken words to a minimum in order to focus on performing the great repertoire, or should I say performing the repertoire greatly!

Did the stereotype "Thankyouverymuch" come from this? Well, that's anybody's guess especially when it comes to dealing with non-fans and critics alike regarding this subject. The question is did they hear him say it a number of times on CD/Record from a 50's Concert or a '70's concert? Did they hear him say it a number of times during "T.T.W.I.I.", "On Tour", "Aloha" or "EIC"?

I know that the 'blinkered' view appears to be that of a Jumpsuited Elvis stating "Thankyavermuch!" after every song in Vegas because that appears to sum-up the general view of non-fan 'Joe Public' who thinks that EP didn't do anything other than sing to small audiences of slot-machines and roulette tables in the Seventies. Nevertheless, it's with great thanks (Not!!) to our dear old 'Impersonators' who have played a helping hand in caricaturing this image that 'Joe Public' likes to ridicule. Impersonators - "THANKYANOTSOVERYMUCH!!"

NEA.

[Joe Car]

Hello!

I've been watching the Lost Performances, where Elvis singe I Just Can't Stop Believing--Elvis commented that it was originally sung by BJ Thomas, but he didn't like it. What did he mean? Was it a joke?

I noticed that in "Aloha," Elvis thanked the audience a lot. Is this where the stereotype "thankyouverymuch" came from ? He was very sincere about thanking the audience...but could he have said something else to mix it up a bit?

Also, in "Aloha," Elvis sounded different when he talked--well, when he said "thank you"--was he trying to iron out his southern accent???

Thank you for your thoughts!!

EP was joking around, B.J. Thomas was a friend of his and EP liked his music. EP could turn the accent on and off whenever he wanted, hence the southern accent in TTWII when telling the G.G. story to the Sweets. As far as "thankyou, thankyou very much" saying goes, I'm not sure when it originated so Aloha would be as good a guess as any.

[elvisdownunder]

i have sung 'i just can't help believin' in public and that was where i heard that muddle up with charlie hodge. even i laughed. but i really noticed it when Elvis laughed in the footage, thats when i first heard it.

[cutiepie]

I appreciate all your thoughts!



NEA--I do notice that Elvis takes a lot of sips when he performs--perfectly understandable, since he's singing...but he takes very *small* sips! it doesn't seem to be enough to quench a thirst, what with all that sweating! I wouldn't expect him to chug it down, but still... would you have any idea??

Thanks!

[KPM]

Elvis usually drank Gatorade or bottled spring water during shows. Like a boxer who is only allowed small drinks in between rounds- small sips may have been to protect from stomach cramps and feeling bloated during a fight or in his case extremely physical performances.

[NEA]

Cutie,

I think KPM hit the nail on the head with that one. It was all to do with pacing himself I presume and obviously his intake of water came into that category also.

But in saying that how about EP's big gulps of juice whilst he 'rocks-da-house' with his rip-roaring version of "One Night" in the special edition of "That's The Way It Is" - great to see!

NEA.