elvis presley 1976 tour

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The long, dark road … elvis on tour in 1976-77.

It’s hard to believe that Elvis Presley has been gone for so long. August 16 is the anniversary of his death in 1977. That day a sense of disbelief overwhelmed Elvis fans like me. How could it happen? Why didn’t we see it coming?

In retrospect, we know that Elvis’ health was unstable for several years leading up to his passing. And yet, he kept up a personal appearance schedule that would have taxed the energy of a much healthier, younger man. Between mid-March 1976 and the end of June 1977, a period of less than 16 months, Elvis spent a total of 141 days on tour around the country, plus engagements of 10 days in Lake Tahoe and 11 days in Las Vegas. During breaks in the grueling schedule, Elvis dealt with legal problems, stressed relations with fired employees, and recurring health issues. Many reviews of his stage shows during this period provided clues to his deteriorating condition. Unfortunately, Elvis was moving too fast from city to city for the public to put the puzzle pieces together.

Elvis opened his 1976 tour schedule in March with a six-day, four-state hop through the Southeast. Writing in the  Cincinnati Enquirer  on the 22nd, Cliff Radel was brutally honest about Presley’s appearance and movements during his show the night before:

“The years have not been kind to Elvis. His eyes are puffy. His ample cheeks and fleshy neck overemphasize his surly lips. If he gains any more weight, they may be squeezed from his face. Presley’s girth is regal in the manner of Henry VIII. The man’s legendary hip gyrations are there in spirit, but not in action. The enormous six inch wide belt which before Presley split a rear seam in his powder-blue pants was a matching blue number encircled with the Presidential Seal—and the equally enormous paunch drastically restricted his movements.”

• “The pounds only make Elvis more imposing”

Elvis then had a month off before heading out on a seven-day swing through the Midwest and West. Reviewers at his first two stops in Kansas City and Omaha were much kinder to Elvis. Jess Ritter in the  Kansas City Star  on April 22 claimed, “From the moment he strode onstage last night, though, he proved clearly that, at age 41, he is still one of the most charismatic entertainers in America,” and in Omaha, reviewer Doug Smith noted, “The King is still the King, despite of reports that he has been depressed, debilitated and overweight. Indeed, Presley is maybe 30 or 40 pounds over his playing weight … But the pounds only make Elvis more imposing, if slightly less mobile.”

But out west Denise Kusel wasn’t pulling any punches in her review of Elvis’ Long Beach show on April 25:

“Watching Elvis at the Long Beach Arena Sunday night was like watching a parody of a dying legend … mostly it was like watching a chubby puppet wrapped in a double chin and a foreign body work through a series of Elvis songs. But heroes die and even the best sunrise melts into sunset and then darkness.”

In the spring and summer of 1976, Elvis worked a grueling tour schedule with only occasional breaks, all too short to restore his all to apparent precarious health. On May 28 in Bloomington, Indiana, writer Rich Stim noticed Elvis’ weight problem, but dismissed it as unimportant. “I might as well start out by saying that I could care less if Elvis was rolled out in a wheelbarrow, as long as his attitude was okay and his voice was in tune." After Presley’s June 27 show in Largo, Maryland, though, reviewer Charlie McCollum roasted the overweight singer. “Here was a fat (chubby is no longer the word) man … The lean, mean Elvis is long gone and, in his place, is a William Conrad-figure wearing a Sonny Bono wig. Instead of the lithe movements of a panther, this Elvis moved with the grace of a pregnant water buffalo.”

• "Elvis is fine, period"

Most reviewers that summer were content to make unflattering comments about Presley’s weight. Few wondered about the potential it posed to his overall health. One who did was Matt Damsker in the  Philadelphia Bulletin :

“His spokesman—tight-lipped and hard to reach at the Hollywood offices of his manager, the iron-handed Col. Tom Parker—insist that Elvis is fine, period. Still, the past year has produced a flurry of items concerning his various hospitalizations: for ‘an intestinal blockage from a twisted lower colon’; for ‘an enlarged colon that interfered with his breathing;’ for ‘flu,’ ‘fatigue’ and ‘exhaustion.’”  

By the end of August, Elvis was completely worn down, or so it seemed to reviewer John H. Anderson in Tuscaloosa:

“After two or three numbers it became painfully obvious that whatever Elvis had in his youth has escaped him in recent years. His outfit included an incredibly large belt and baggy pants, both designed to hide his expanding waistline. His face was puffy and his black-dyed hair was swept back into a middle-aged ducktail. The overall effect was that of a forty-year-old Fonzie with a beer gut. The vocals were disappointing. At times he sound tired. His occasional bursts of energy were short-lived.”

Elvis had five weeks off before starting another tour, this one 14 straight one-nighters, starting in Chicago on October 14, 1976. At first, it appeared Elvis had put his time off to good use. In Chicago, Jack Hafferkamp wrote, “Rest easy, ladies, Elvis is not as fat as you feared … Before he came to town, the gossip columnists had it that ol’ El had turned into a 41 years old butterball. But he fooled us.” And in Duluth, Jim Heffernan observed, “At 41, Presley is amazingly well preserved. He’s a little huskier now, but still trim.”

• "He seems to have matured into a sensitive artist"

With all the past angst about his weight gain, it was heartening to read Connie Trexler’s description of Elvis on October 26 in the  Fort Wayne News-Sentinel !

“Those saddening reports that Elvis had gone fat—in his attitude as well as in body—were probably true, but he seems to have overcome both physical and attitude problems. He seems to have matured into an excellent and sensitive artist. He is an impressive sight. He’s lost all the fat that recently plagued him, and he looks as young and sassy as he ever did.”

Even Robert Hilburn, the respected entertainment writer for the  Los Angeles Times , noted with optimism, “Most importantly, the loss of weight may be a sign of increased discipline that will now carry over into Presley’s recordings.”

And after Scott Cain wrote the following in the  Atlanta Journal  on the last day of 1976, Presley fans might have thought the King  had overcome all of his physical problems:

“There’s good news for Presley fans. Elvis is back in the groove. This Thursday show at the Omni was tops, the best possible year-end present for his Atlanta fans. From a vocal standpoint, Elvis was operating at his peak, both in tonal quality and exertion. He has lost a little weight and looks much healthier than he did last June. His vitality is restored and he was full of pep. Furthermore, he was in a good mood. He was giving his best and knew it, adding a wonderful aura of self-confidence to the show.”

• Elvis brushed aside his manager’s help

Unfortunately, the optimism about Elvis’ health faded quickly in the new year. In his  Miami News  concert review of February 13, 1977, Jon Marlowe described an over-the-hill, overweight idol—and his fans—just going through the motions:

“An Aging Rock Star’s Guide to Concert Appearances: Although your bulging stomach is now hanging half-way over your traditional hips, as soon as you walk out on stage, try shaking them at least once. The audience will give you a standing ovation and scream with sheer delight just for your effort.”

We now know Elvis’ manager was aware that his client’s condition, both physical and emotional, was in decline. When Elvis brushed aside the efforts of the Colonel and other insiders to help him, there was nothing Parker could do but shield Presley’s true condition from the press as best he could. After Elvis’s February 20 appearance in Charlotte, Frank Zupan wrote in the  Columbia Record :

“The 42 year old singer gave the hour and 15 minute performance with a touch of the flu, [a Presley spokesman] said. ‘Due to the fact that he had a virus, he was unable to do all the numbers he wanted to do.’ He said that there was no talk of Presley’s retirement by anyone in the singer’s party. ‘The way Colonel Park and them talk, they look forward to years and years of continued performing for the fans.’”

Although his condition did not improve, Elvis continued to take the stage, even though his illness sapped all the energy from his performance. Elizabeth Roberts wrote of Presley’s show in Alexandria, Louisiana on March 30:

“Presley was on stage less than an hour; he was impossible to understand when he talked between numbers … he never said one word to the audience or mentioned how nice or not nice it was to be in Alexandria or said ‘hi, how are you, we’re going to have a good time tonight and hope you enjoy the show.’ He came on stage, did a few numbers and then dashed off.”

• Cancelled shows … hospital stay … back on the road

The next night, Elvis was unable to go on stage in Baton Rouge. Sold out shows in Mobile, Macon, and Jacksonville were cancelled, and Presley returned home on April 1 and checked into Memphis Baptist Hospital. Four days later he went home, and, incredibly, by April 21 he was back on the road for shows in 11 cities over 12 days.

The first show was in Greensboro, North Carolina, and, according to Jerry Kenison in the  Greensboro Daily News,  Elvis was in no shape to start another grinding tour:

“There was no magic. The tremendous energy, humor, movement and emotion that characterized Presley’s 1972, 1974 and 1975 appearances here just weren’t on the stage much of the time … in general, Elvis moved very slowly, giving the impression that sudden or extreme motion would be painful … No matter how much he seemed to be trying … Elvis’ energy was lagging. He mumbled through ‘Hound Dog,’ seeming not to care. He improvised on other old standards, missing notes here and there.”

While a bout of the flu had been the excuse for a poor showing earlier in Charlotte, it was a “bad cold” that caused Elvis to cut short his show in St. Paul on April 30.  Pioneer Press  writer Charley Hallman reported, “Several times during Presley’s appearance, the singer had to stop for a drink of water and an assistant, Charlie Hodge, stood by with a box of Kleenex for Presley to use. Presley’s early cutoff of the music stunned many of the concertgoers. There was no applause at the end of the show.”

Elvis’ last concerts in May and June 1977, revealed a tired, disinterested superstar apparently just trying to survive the nightly ordeal on stage. For Presley fans, the reviews now are painful to read, knowing what lie just three months ahead. A couple of excerpts:

“Elvis ’77 is paunchy, puffy, lumbering, frequently off-key, apparently under-rehearsed (he has to read the first verse of ‘My Way’ from a page of sheet music) and, for all that, the most outrageously condescending showman I have ever seen. He performed Saturday as if just roused from a drunken slumber, slurred his witless patter as if still slightly in-the-bag, and otherwise gave no sign of artistic integrity. There are dolphins who perform more affectingly. What’s worse his fans don’t mind. They remain adoring and uncritical.”  — Matt Damsker,  Philadelphia Evening Bulletin , May 27, 1977

“Elvis Presley is 42, fat and losing his voice. His once famous bone-grinding wiggle has now shifted to an occasional twitch that leaves the so-called ‘king of rock’ breathless … The songs speak to those who have known deep joy and sorrow. Do they speak to him, an adored millionaire who lives as a recluse—a star who must keep alive the fantasies of millions, though he grows tired, and occasionally ill? The puffy face, the added weight are there, perhaps the toll of years of being what Elvis was marketed to be.”  — Randall Savage,  Macon News , June 2, 1977

• “Elvis, we love you, but please don’t do this to us”

No one saw Elvis’ sad ending as clearly, though, as Ken Williams, who reviewed Presley’s next to last concert in Cincinnati on June 25, 1977. No need to frame his comments. They were a final plea for Elvis to save himself:

“There comes a time when a performer should retire for the sake of his fans as well as for himself. I’m sad to say Elvis Presley has reached that time. Reports of recent Elvis concerts have been disheartening indicating that the King of Rock ’n Roll is dead. Apparently the reports are founded upon truth, and the King confirmed the suspicions with his listless, lifeless performance Saturday night at Cincinnati Riverfront Coliseum before another sellout crowd.       

“The King looked awful. Though loyal fans attending the concert with me insisted he has lost weight since last year’s concert, Elvis still has a paunch which could do a Santa Claus suit without needing padding. Ghastly pale, eyelids nearly swollen shut, Elvis tried to exercise his booty as in the golden years. I’ve seen senior citizens with better acts.

“There was an emptiness at the end. Yes, there comes a time when a performer should step down, retire or rest. Elvis, we love you, but please don’t do this to us. We prefer remembering you at your peak, rather than at your funeral. ‘The King is Dead. Long live the King!’”

• Could Elvis’ fans have saved him?

So we come to the heartrending question that accompanies our memories every August 16th. If we had known everything described above, would we, Elvis’ fans, have done everything possible to save him? Sadly, it’s very doubtful.

What Elvis needed in 1976 and 1977 was to stop touring and concentrate on regaining his physical and mental health. He deserves most of blame for what happened to him, of course, but we fans who saw him on stage in his final years will always experience a soul-searching dilemma. To save Elvis, would we be willing to erase our special memories of seeing him perform and hearing him sing? The only thing that would have kept him from the grueling tour schedule that surely contributed to his death would have been if we had refused to attend his shows. Not a chance of that happening.

Shifra Stein, writing in the  Kansas City Times  on June 20, 1977, said it best:

“Urged on and on around the country by fans who rely on his past glories to fuel their image of him, Elvis is like a bull in the ring. He belongs to the crowd—and they refuse to let him go.”

Alan Hanson  | © August 2016

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terça-feira, 24 de novembro de 2009

• Elvis Concert List - 1976

March 17 th Johnson City, Freedom Hall. 21,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Silver Eagle Jumpsuit"

"Phoenix Over Tennessee" Recorded live at the Freedom Hall, Johnson City/Tennessee, March 17, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, You Gave Me A Mountain, Tryin' To Get To You, ASll Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, Until It's Time For You To Go, Hurt, Polk Salad Annie, Introductions/What'd I say, And I Love You So, How Great Thou Art, Love Me Tender, Let Me Be There, America The Beautiful, Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, Hawaiian Wedding Song, Mystery Train/Tiger Man, Can't Help Falling In love, Closing Vamp, Announcements.

March 18 th Johnson City, Freedom Hall. 7,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Silver Eagle Jumpsuit"

March 19 th Johnson City, Freedom Hall. 7,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Second Pontiac Jumpsuit"

March 20 North Carolina, Charlotte, The Coliseum. 12,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Silver Eagle Jumpsuit"

March 20 North Carolina, Charlotte, The Coliseum. 12,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

"Running For President" (King Records) Recorded live in Charlotte North Carolina, March 20, 1976, Evening Show. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, Love Me, Let Me Be There, You Gave Me A Mountain, Steamroller Blues, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear, Hound Dog, Heartbreak Hotel, Polk Salad Annie, Band Introductions, And I Love You So, Hurt, Burning Love, America, Funny How Time Slips Away, Fairytale, How Great Thou Art, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp.

March 21 Cincinnati, Riverfront Coliseum. 17,540 fans Elvis did 2 shows. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

March 21 Cincinnati, Riverfront Coliseum. 17,540 fans for two shows. Elvis wore his "Rainfall Jumpsuit"

"Holding Back The Years" (DAE) Recorded Live In Cincinnati, Ohio, March 21, 1976; Also Sprach Zarathustra, C.C. Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, Let Me Be There, Love Me Tender, Steamroller Blues, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, You Gave Me A Mountain, Polk Salad Annie, Introductions, Hail Hail Rock 'n' Roll, And I Love You So, Hurt, Hurt, Announcement By Elvis, Burning Love, America (The Beautiful), Hound Dog, Funny How Time Slips Away, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp.

March 22 St. Louis, Keil Auditorium. 10,564 fans. Elvis wore his "Dark Blue Aztek Jumpsuit"

"Another Night In Tahoe" Recorded live in Lake Tahoe, March 30, 1976, Midnight Show. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, Trying To Get To You, Steamroller Blues, My Way, Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Band Member solo's,Love Letters, Hail! Hail! Rock'n' Roll, Hurt, Hurt (reprise), Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock, American Trilogy, Can't Help Falling In Love/Closing Vamp.

April 21 Kansas City, Kemper Arena. 16,600 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

April 22 Omaha, City Auditorium. 10.564 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

April 23 Denver, McNichols Arena. 19,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

April 24 San Diego, Sports Arena. 17,500 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

April 25 California, Long Beach Arena. 28,000 fans for two shows. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

April 26 Seattle, Seattle Coliseum. 14,687 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

April 27 Washington, Spokane, Coliseum. 7,500 fans for Elvis’ last day of the tour. Elvis wore his "Dark Blue Aztek Jumpsuit"

April 30 Elvis opens in Lake Tahoe.

"Live at Lakeside" Recorded live in Lake Tahoe, May 1, 1976, Dinner Show. This CD contains the following tracks; See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Softly As I Leave You, Happy Birthday to Lorry, If You Love Me (Let Me Know), You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, My Way, Steamroller Blues, Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Band solo's, Hail! Hail! Rock'n'Roll, Hurt, Hound Dog, How Great Thou Art, Love Me Tender, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vam

"A Crazy Show At Lake Tahoe" Recorded live At Lake Tahoe, May 3, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, Happy Birthday (reprise), If You Love Me (Let Me Know), You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, I'll Remember You, An American Trilogy, Steamroller Blues (incomplete), What'd I Say (incomplete), Love Letters, Hurt, Hound Dog, Softly As I Leave You, Why Me Lord, Sweet Sweet Spirit (J.D Sumner & The Stamps), Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp.

May 9 th Elvis ends his tour in Lake Tahoe.

May 27 Indiana, Bloomington, Assembly Hall. 16,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Second Pontiac Jumpsuit"

May 28 Iowa, James W.Hilton Coliseum. 14,750 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

May 29 Oklahoma City, Myriad Center. 15,300 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

May 30 Texas, Ector Coliseum. 16,000 fans for two shows. "Second Pontiac Jumpsuit" and "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

May 31 Lubbock, Municipal Coliseum. 9,600 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

June 1 st Tucson, Community Center Arena. 20,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

"Tucson '76" REcorded June 1st, 1976, Community Center Arena, Tucson, Arizona. This CD contains the following tracks; See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Jailhouse Rock, Help Me, Fever, Polk Salad Annie, Band Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'D I say, Love Letters, Hurt, Burning Love, Help Me Make It Through The Night, Danny Boy, Hound Dog, Funny How Time Slips Away, Can't Help Falling In Love. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

June 2 nd El Paso, Civic Center. 7,050 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

June 3 Fort Worth, Tarrant Country Convention Center. 14,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Second Pontiac Jumpsuit"

"Cajun Tornado"CD 2; (Recorded in Fort Worth, Texas, June 3rd, 1976) 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, (The following songs were recorded in St. Petersburg, February 14th, 1977), You Gave Me A Mountain, O Sole Mio/It's Now Or Never, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Fever, My Way, Blueberry Hill, Love Letters, School Days, Hurt, Hound Dog, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp. (The following tracks were recorded in Charlotte, February 21st, 1977), Reconcider Baby, Moody Blue, Release Me, Closing Vamp.

June 4 th Atlanta, Omni. 68,000 fans for three shows. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

"One Night At The Omni" Recorded live in Atlanta, Georgia, June 5th, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, Elvis Talks, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, Help Me, America, Jailhouse Rock, Fever, Polk Salad Annie, Elvis Talks, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Band solo's, Love Letters, Hail! Hail! Rock'n'Roll, Hurt, Hurt (reprise), Burning Love, One Night, Funny How Time Slips Away, Mystery Train/Tiger Man, Can't Help Falling In Love. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

June 25 Buffalo, Memorial Auditorium. 17,500 shows. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

June 26 Rhode Island, Providence, Civic Center. 27,000 fans for two shows. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

June 27 Maryland, Capitol Center. 40,000 fans for two shows. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

"Beltway To Largo" Recorded live in Largo, June 27th, 1976, Matinee Show. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock, Fever, America The Beautiful, Blue Suede Shoes, Intro, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say/Johnny B.Goode, Intro, Love Letters/Hail! Hail! Rock'n' Roll, Hurt (with reprise), Help Me, Hound Dog, Funny How Time Slips Away, Can't Help Falling In Love/Closing Vamp. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

June 28 Philadelphia, Spectrum. 19,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

"Hurt"Elvis Presley In Concert, June 28, 1976, Hartford. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up/Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Jailhouse Rock, Fever, Love Letters, Schooldays, Hurt, Hurt, Hound Dog, Funny How Time Slips Away, Can't Help Falling In Love. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

June 29 Virginia, Richmond, Coliseum. 11,900 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

June 30 North Carolina, Greensboro, Coliseum. 16,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 1 st Louisiana, Shreveport, Hirsch Coliseum. 11,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 2 nd Baton Rouge, Assembly Center. 16,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 3 Fort Worth, Tarrant Country Convention Center. 14,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 4 th Tulsa, Mabee Center, Oral Roberts University. 11,974 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 5 th Memphis, Mid-South Coliseum. 11,999 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

"Goodbye Memphis" (Fort Baxter Vol.13), Recorded Live In Memphis Tennessee, July 5, 1976. CD-1 contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, C.C. Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, Fairy Tale, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Jailhouse Rock, Fever, America The Beautiful, One Night, That's All Right, Blue Christmas, Band Introductions, Early Mornin' Rain, What'd I say, Johnny B.Goode, Band Solo's, Love Letters, Band Introductions, School Days, Hurt, Hurt (Full Reprise Version). CD-2; Hound Dog, Funny How Time Slips Away, Help Me, How Great Thou Art, Softly As I Leave You, Polk Salad Annie, Jambalaya (One Line Only), It's Now Or Never, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp. Concert 2, Toledo, April 23, 1977 O Sole Mio/It's Now Or Never, Little Sister, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Fever, Polk Salad Annie, My Way, Band Introductions, School Days, Hurt, Houd Dog, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp. Elvis Unplugged, Recorded At Home, 1974. Baby What You Want me To Do, Spanish Eyes. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 23 Kentucky, Louisville. 19,400 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 24 West Virginia, Charleston, Civic Center. 17,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

"Fire Of The King - Fever For The Fans" Recorded live at the Civic Center, Charleston, July 24th, 1976, 08:30. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bea'/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Jailhouse Rock, Fever, Love Letters, Schooldays, Hurt, Hurt (reprise), Hound Dog, Funny How Time Slips Away, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 25 Syracuse, Onondaga War Memorial Auditorium. 8,500 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 26 Rochester, Community War Memorial Auditorium. 10,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 27 Syracuse, Onondaga War Memorial Auditorium. 8,500 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

"Stormin' Syracuse" Recorded at the Onondga War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, July 27, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bea'/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Jailhouse Rock, Fever, America, Polk Salad Annie, Love Letters, Introductions, Hail! Hail! Rock "n' Roll, Hurt, Hurt (reprise), Hound Dog, Funny How Time Slips Away, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp. Bonus Track ; Pieces Of My Life (asheville, Evening Show, July 24, 1975. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 28 Hartford, Civic Center. 12,314 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 29 Massachussetts, Springfield, Civic Center. 10,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 30 Hartford, Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum. 9,600 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

July 31 Virginia, Hampton Roads, Hampton Roads Coliseum. 22,000 fans for two shows. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

"The Bicentennial Elvis Experience" (Fort Baxter Vol.7). Recorded live at the Hampton Coliseum, Hampton Roads, Virginia, August 1, 1976. The CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Jailhouse Rock, Fever, America The Beautiful, Return To Sender, Band Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Band Introductions, Love Letters, Band Introductions/Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll, Hurt (with reprise), Hound Dog, Funny How Time Slips Away, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

August 2 nd Roanoke, Civic Center. 10,598 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

August 3 Fayetteville, Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium. 7,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

August 4 Fayetteville, Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium. 7,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

August 5 Fayetteville, Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium. 7,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

August 27 San Antonio, Convention Center. 11,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

August 28 Houston, Hofheinz Pavilion. 12,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

August 29 Alabama, Mobile, Municipal Coliseum. 10,720 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

"One Night In Alabama" Recorded live August, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Jailhouse Rock, Fever, Introductions, Love Letters, Introductions, School Days, Hurt, Hound Dog, Mystery Train/Tiger Man, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp.

August 30 Tuscaloosa, Memorial Coliseum. 12,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

"Old Times They Are Not Forgotten" (DAE) Recorded Live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, August 30, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Gota A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Jailhouse Rock, America, Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'D I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Introductions, Love Letters, Introductions, Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll, Hurt, Hound Dog, Heavenly Father (Kathy Westmoreland), Mystery Tain/Tiger Man, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

August 31 Georgia, The Coliseum. 10,200 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

"Southbound" (Luxor) Recorded Live in Macon, Georgia, August 31, 1976; Also Sprach Zarathustra, C.C. Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Elvis Talks, Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Jailhouse Rock, Fever, America, Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Introductions, Love Letters, Introductions, Hail Hail Rock 'n' Roll, Hurt, Hound Dog, That's All Right Mama, Blue Christmas, Mystery Train/Tigerman, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp. Bonus; Trying To Get To You * , Hurt (First Live Version Ever * ) Recorded live in Johnson City, Tennessee, March 17, 1976; 8:30 p.m. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

September 1 st Jacksonville, Jacksonville Coliseum. 9,500 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

September 2 nd Tampa, Curtis Hixon Hall. 7,500 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

September 3 St. Petersburg, Fort Center. 8,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

September 4 th Florida, Lakeland, Civic Center. 16,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

September 5 th Mississippi, Jackson, State fair Civic Center. 12,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

September 6 th Alabama, Huntsville, Von Braun Civic Center. 16,000 fans for two shows. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

September 7 th Arkansas, Pine Bluff, Convention Center. 15,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

"Still Rocking The Nation" Huntsville, October 9, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, Fairytale, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Jailhouse Rock, Fever, America (with reprise), Band Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'D I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Band Solo's, Love Letters, School Days, Hurt (with reprise), Hound Dog, Danny Boy (sung by Sherill Nielsen), That's All Right, Blue Christmas, Mystery Train/Tiger Man, Funny How Time Slips Away, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp. Elvis wore his "Bicentennial Jumpsuit"

October 14 th Chicago, Chicago Stadium. 19,,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Inca Gold Leaf Jumpsuit"

October 15th Chicago, Chicago Stadium. 19,,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Indian Feather Jumpsuit"

"Chicago Beat" (Live Archives). Recorded live at the Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, October 14, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Fever, Polk Salad Annie, Band Intro's, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Ronnie Tutt Solo, Jerry Scheff Solo, Tony Brown Solo, Davis Briggs Solo, Love Letters, School Days, Hurt, Hurt (full reprise), Love Me Tender, Hound Dog, Funny How Time Slips Away, Mystery Train/Tiger Man, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp." Elvis wore his "Inca Gold Leaf Jumpsuit"

"Bringin' The House Down" Chicago Stadium, Oct 15, 1976. The Tracks Are; I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me (Let Me Know), You Gave Me A Mountain, Help Me, Jailhouse Rock, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Steamroller Blues, Band Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Ronnie's Drum Solo, Jerry's Bas Solo, Tony's Piano Solo, Davids Electric Piano Solo, Love Letters (Incomplete), School Days, Hurt (With Reprise), Hound Dog, It's Now Or Never, Blue Christmas, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp. Elvis wore his "Indian Feather Jumpsuit

"My, It's Been A Long, Long Time" (Luxor) Recorded Live in Duluth, October 16, 1976, 8:30 p.m.; Sweet Inspiration, The Last Time I Saw Him (Performed by The Sweet Inspirations) Introductions, 2001 Thema, C.C. Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, You Gave Me A Mountain, All Shook Up/Teddy Bear, And I Love You So, Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, America, Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Introductions, Love Letters, Introductions, Hail Hail Rock 'n' Roll, Love Me Tender, Hurt, Hurt, Funny How Time Slips Away, Hound Dog, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vaamp, Announcements. "White Jumpsuit"

October 17 th Minneapolis, Metropolitan Sports Center. 15,800 fans. "Inca Gold Leaf Jumpsuit"

October 18th Sioux Falls Arena, 7,903 fans. Elvis wore his "King Of Spades Jumpsuit"

October 19 th Wisconsin, Madison, Dane County Coliseum. 10,211 fans. Elvis wore his "Blue Rainbow Jumpsuit"

October 20 Indiana, Notre Dame Athletic and Convention Center. 12,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Flame Jumpsuit"

"Eternal Flame" Recorded live at the South Bend, Indiana, October 20th, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me (Let Me Know), You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, Help Me, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Fever, Steamroller Blues, Band Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Band Solo, Love Letters, Schooldays, Hurt (with reprise), Funny How Time Slips Away, Little Darlin', Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp. Elvis wore his "Flame Jumpsuit"

October 21 Kalamazoo, Wings Stadium. 7,500 fans. Elvis wore his "King Of Spades Jumpsuit"

October 22 Illinois, Assembly Hall. 7,500 fans. "Inca Gold Leaf Jumpsuit"

October 23 Richmond, Ohio, Cleveland Coliseum. 20,000 fans. Elvis wore his "King Of Spades Jumpsuit"

"Fairy Tales" Recorded live at the Richfield Coliseum, Cleveland, Ohio, October 23, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, Fairytale, You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, America, Polk Salad Annie, Band Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Love Letters, Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll, Hurt, Hound Dog, Danny Boy/Walk With Me (Sherrill Nielsen), Heartbreak Hotel, How Great Thou Art, Mystery Train/Tiger Man, Can't Help Falling In Love.

October 24 Indiana, Roberts Stadium. 13,500 fans. Elvis wore his "Indian Feather Jumpsuit"

October 25 Indiana, Fort Wayne, Memorial Coliseum. 8,500 fans. Elvis wore his "Blue Rainbow Jumpsuit"

"Blue Rainbow" (2CD-Set) Recorded live in Fort Wayne, October 25, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, Fairytale, You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, Help Me, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, Trying To Get To You, Fever, America, Band introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Band solo's. CD2; Love Letters, Hail! Hail! Rock'n'Roll, Hurt, Hound Dog, How Great Thou Art, Funny How Time Slips Away, Blue Christmas, Mystery Train/Tiger Man, Danny Boy/Walk With Me (Sherill Nielsen), My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me (Kathy Westmoreland), Burning Love, Can't Help Falling In Love. Elvis wore his "Blue Rainbow Jumpsuit"

October 26 Dayton, Ohio University. 13,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Flame Jumpsuit"

October 27 Southern Illinois University Arena. Final concert of the tour. "Inca Gold Leaf Jumpsuit"

November 24 Elvis starts his new tour at the Centennial Coliseum in Reno. Elvis wore his "Indian Feather Jumpsuit"

November 25 Oregon,McArthur Court. Elvis wore his "Blue Rainbow Jumpsuit"

November 26 Portland, Memorial Coliseum. 11,000 fans. "Inca Gold Leaf Jumpsuit"

November 27 Oregon, McArthur Court. Elvis wore his "Indian Feather Jumpsuit"

November 28 San Francisco, Cow Palace. 14,300 fans. Elvis wore his "King Of Spades Jumpsuit"

November 29 San Francisco, Cow Palace. 14,300 fans. Elvis wore his "Blue Rainbow Jumpsuit"

November 30 Anaheim Convention Center, 8,500 fans. Elvis wore his "Indian Feather Jumpsuit"

"America The Beautiful" (King Records). Recorded live at the Cow Palace, San Francisco, November 28, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; Also Srach Zarathustra, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, It's Now Or Never, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear, Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Fever, America, Polk Salad Annie, Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Love Letters, Hurt, Hound Dog, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp.

"The Nation's Only Atomic Powered Singer" Live from the Cow Palace, San Francisco, November 29, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, You Gave Me A Mountain, Blue Suede Shoes, It's Now Or Never, All Shook Up/Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, And I Love You So, Fever, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Intro, Early Morning Rain, What'D I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Band Solo's, Love Letters, Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll, Hurt, Hound Dog, Funny How Time Slips Away, Blue Christmas, Mystery Train/Tiger Man, Hawaiian Wedding Song, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp.

November 30 Anaheim Convention Center. The end of the six-days tour. 55,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Indian Feather Jumpsuit"

December 2 nd Elvis opening in Las Vegas.

"Love letters from Nevada" Recorded live in The Las Vegas Hilton, December 4th, 1976, Dinner Show. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, C.C Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me (Let Me Know), You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, It's Now Or Never, Tryin' To Get To You, Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, America, Bridge Over Troubled Water, What Now My Love, Early Morning Rain , What'd I Say, Band solo's, Hail! Hail! Rock'n'Roll, Hurt, Hound Dog, How Great Thou Art, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp.

"In Free Fall" Recorded live at the Las Vegas Hilton, December 5, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Monologue, Blue Christmas, That's All Right, Monologue, Are You Lonesome Tonight?, Monologue, Sweet Caroline, You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, O Sole Mio/It's Now Or Never, Monologue, Tryin' To Get To You, Fever (incomplete), America, Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Band Solo's, Love Letters, Hail! Hail! Rock'n'Roll, Hurt, Hound Dog, Monologue, How Great Thou Art, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp.

"Run On" (Front Row Productions) Recorded live at the Las Vegas Hilton, December 7th, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, If You Love Me Let Me Know, You Gave Me A Mountain, O Sole Mio/It's Now Or Never, Blue Christmas, That's All Right, Are You Lonesome Tonight, Softly As I Leave You, Fever, All Shook Up/Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, Introductions, What'd I Say, Love Letters, Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll, Hurt, Hound Dog, Hawaiian Wedding Song, You'd Better Run, Rock My Soul, Can't Help Falling In Love/Closing Vamp, Christmas Souvenir Announcement

"Tornado From Vegas" December 8, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, if You Love Me, You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, O Sole Mio/It's Now Or Never, Blue Christmas, That's All right, Are You Laughing Tonight, Softly As I leave You, Blue Suede Shoes, Heartbreak Hotel, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Early Morning Rain, What'D I say, Love Letters, Hurt, Mystery Train/Tiger man, How Great Thou art, Can't help Falling In Love.

"Vegas Remembering" Recorded live at the Las Vegas Hilton, December 10th, 1976, Dinner Show. This CD contains the following tracks; Opening Vamp, See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen/I Got A Woman, Love Me, All Shook Up/Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, O Sole Mio/It's Now Or Never, Blue Christmas, That's All Right, Softly As I Leave You, Are You Lonesome Tonight, Steamroller Blues, Band Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Love Letters, Introductions, Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll, Hurt, Hawaiian Wedding Song, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp.

December 12 th Elvis ends his shows in Las Vegas.

"Black Diamond" (2CD-set) Recorded live in Las Vegas December 12, 1976. CD 1; 2001 Theme,See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, My Way (with false start), Fairytale, You Gave Me A Mountain, Elvis Talks With The Audience, Jailhouse Rock, Little Sister, O Sole Mio/It's Now Or Never, Trying To Get To You, Happy Birthday Charlie Hodge, Blue Suede Shoes, Elvis Talks About His Birthstone, Blue Christmas, Softly As I Leave You, Are You Lonesome Tonight (Laughing with the audience), That's All Right, Bridge Over Troubled Water. CD 2; Early Morning Rain/What'd I say/Johnny B.Goode, Band Solo's, Love Letters, Band Introductions/Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll, Hurt, Such A Night, Sweet Caroline, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Theme. Bonus Songs;Elvis A Time In Life; If I Loved You, Baby What You Want Me To Do, Separate Ways, Snowbird, Little Egypt, Burning Love, For The Good Times, Wearin' That Loved On Look.

December 27 Texas, Witchita Falls, Henry Levitt Arena. 10,000 fans. Elvis wore his "Blue Rainbow Jumpsuit"

December 28 Dallas, Memorial Auditorium. 9,800 fans. Elvis wore his "Indian Feather Jumpsuit"

"A Hot Winter Night In Dallas" (Fort Baxter Vol.16). Recorded Live In Dallas, December 28, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; 2001, C.C. Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, Fairy Tale, You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, O Sole Mio, It's Now Or Never/O Sole Mio, Tryin' To Get To You, Blue Suede Shoes, My Way, Polk Salad Annie, Band Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I say, Johnny B.Goode, Ronnie Tutt Drum Solo, Jerry Scheff Bas Solo, Tony Brown Piano Solo, Davis Briggs Electric Piano Solo, Love Letters, School Days, Hurt (With Reprise), Unchained Melody, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp.

December 29 Birmingham, Civic Center. 18,056 fans. Elvis wore his "Inca Gold Leaf Jumpsuit"

"Burning In Birmingham" (2001-05 Label) Recorded Live At The Civic Centre, Birmingham December 29, 1976. This CD contains the following tracks; C.C. Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Love Me, Fairy Tale, You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, O Sole Mio/It's Now Or Never, Trying To Get To You, My Way, Polk Salad Annie, Band Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Band Solo's, Love Letters, School Days, Funny How Time Slips Away, Hurt, Hound Dog, For The Good Times, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Unchained Melody, Mystery Train/Tiger Man, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp.

December 30 Atlanta, Omni. 17,000 fans. Elvis wore his "King Of Spades Jumpsuit"

December 31 Pittsburgh, Civic Center Arena. 16,049 fans. Elvis wore his "Black Eagle Jumpsuit"

"Auld Lang Syne" (Live Archives) 2 CD-set. Recorded live at New Year's Eve, Pittsburgh, PA, December 31, 1976. CD 1; 2001 Theme, See See Rider, I Got A Woman, Amen, Big Boss Man, Love Me, Fairytale, You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, Presentation Of Liberty Bell, It's Now Or Never, My Way, Funny How Time Slips Away, Auld Lang Syne, Introduction of Vernon & Lisa Presley, Blue Suede Shoes, Trying To Get To You. CD 2; Polk Salad Annie, Band Introductions, Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, Ronnie Tutt Solo, Jerry Scheff Solo, Tony Brown Solo, Love Letters, Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll, Fever, Hurt, Hound Dog, Are You Lonesome Tonight, Reconsider Baby, Little Sister, Unchained Melody, Rags To Riches, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp.

"Rags to Riches" (2CD-Set). Recorded live in Pittsburgh, December 31, 1976. This CD contains the following track; CD1 2001 Theme, I Got A Woman/Amen, Big Boss Man, Love Me, Fairytale, You Gave Me A Mountain, Jailhouse Rock, Presentation of Liberty Bell, It's Now Or Never, My Way, Funny How Time Slips away, Auld Lang Syne, Introductions, Blue Suede Shoes, Tryin' To Get To You, Polk Salad Annie. CD2; Early Morning Rain, What'd I Say, Johnny B.Goode, band solo's, Love Letters, Schooldays, Fever, Hurt, Hound Dog, Are You Lonesome Tonight, Reconsider Baby, Little Sister, Unchained Melody, Rags To Riches, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp.

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To be honest 1976 is not an easy Elvis live-in-concert year to review. There were no major set-list changes as had happened in earlier years, no dramatic "emotional roller-coaster" of 1974 and no high-flying "Huntsville" 1975 excitements. Apart from the exceptional blast of the final December 1976 Tour (inspired by the challenge of new-young-love Ginger) 1976 in retrospect seems a slow-grind continuing the inevitable downward spiral.

By early 1976 Elvis’ set-list had become routine. I Got A Woman would always feature the JD Sumner double dive-bombing routine, the Introduction and solos would be drawn out with the inclusion of Bass and Drum solos, usually two piano solos plus Early Morning Rain and Love Letters. Hurt and America the Beautiful became the regular dramatic highlights with only the occasional surprise addition ( Danny Boy !) making a real difference.

Unfortunately for collectors the number of Elvis soundboards available in good quality increase at a similar rate that Elvis’ performances declined. His tours also got shorter and shorter. This means that if FTD are to release a soundboard from every Elvis tour we will always get more concerts from 1976 than any other year.

This is a real shame as there are proportionately far fewer good quality soundboards from Elvis’ sensational early years of touring.

FTD will soon have released sixteen concerts from 1976 - compared to only two from 1971. Go here to see the stats and EIN’s list of FTD/BMG live releases.

Following on from the 1976 double 'Elvis in Alabama: The Last Double Date' the latest soundboard release by FTD is 'Elvis: The West Coast Tour' 76'

This double 1976 live performance FTD was released in early march, delayed slightly by the addition of 5 new Bonus tracks from the same tour, 3 from Eugene on 25th and 2 from Eugene on 27th November 1976.

By late November 1976 Elvis had become involved with new love Ginger Alden who was only 20 years old. As fans are well aware Elvis’ final 1976 tour of December is well known for having the most energetic and exciting concerts from this tiring and lacklustre year, however back in November Elvis was already more energised, losing weight and excited to be with Ginger. If you can glimpse some of the Elvis’ new found happiness in these concerts it would be due to Ginger being in the audience and seeing Elvis in action for her 2nd and 3rd time since she first caught his Memphis show back on July 5th.

The double digi-pack features five photos, 4 from Anaheim, November 30 1976 , in his Indian Feather jumpsuit and one from San Francisco wearing his Blue Rainbow jumpsuit a day earlier. There are no liner notes apart from track listings on the back cover. So it is minimalistic packaging but, after all, it’s the content that matters.

Both shows are incomplete with them both missing 2001 and the opening vamp. Back in 1975 with Glen Hardin threatening to leave the TCB Band, some soundboards were recorded as “binaural” with solo piano on one track. This meant that future pianists could easily rehearse the show by listening to these tapes. By November 1976 pianist Tony Brown had been with the group 8 months and would stay with Elvis’ band until the final concert, yet for some reason these concerts were also recorded split-track with solo piano.  FTD audio engineer Jean-Marc Juilland has mixed the concerts to “stereo”, however the only stereo component  is still the piano and so it does dominate the mix.

DISC 1: San Francisco, November, 29,1976 Immediately you notice the sound for the San Francisco show is left channel heavy and with a tiny bit of distortion present at times. However in general, off reel-to-reel tapes they are Good Quality with good bass sound, a good mix of the orchestra and a pleasure to listen too.

Press reviews of this show were ‘rather harsh’, yet in some videos you can see Elvis looks quite ok performing the Mystery Train/Tiger Man medley which is in fact missing from this end of the incompletely recorded concert.

LA Times Journalist Robert Hillburn said he did at least appreciate a slimmer Elvis since he saw him in April in Long Beach!

“Not only did the weight loss make Presley more animated on stage - there was even a rare these days karate kick during "Polk Salad Annie" - but it also enabled him, crucially, to better fulfil visually the requirements associated with the celebration of his past that is very much at the heart of his concerts.”

During the opening numbers I get my ears to adjust to the sound featuring Piano and am enjoying this mix. (Reviews of the Cow Palace - a venue I have indeed visited myself! - mention that the sound was poor/tinny!) Also reviews say Elvis didn’t move around much - well if they last saw him in this venue in November 1970 then I would agree!

There is a bit of distortion present during the opening number as they sort out the sound levels but Elvis does sound pretty all right and more energetic on ‘See, See Rider’ than other earlier 1976 performances.  The set-list is all too familiar though and, yes, JD Sumner does repeat the low-flying bomber routine both nights.

Elvis had played San Francisco the previous night also at Cow Palace, holding over 14 thousand adoring fans. Love Me is ‘ok’ before Elvis gets concerned about kids hurting themselves rushing forward in the audience, “The only thing we are concerned about is you falling down and getting hurt, have a good time but just be careful.”

Whilst both shows are pretty much identical up until ‘Bridge’, songs such as It’s Now Or Never (luckily with no Sherrill Nielsen solo), You Gave Me A Mountain and even Fever that are memorably ‘nicely’ performed.   I can also imagine Elvis singing his ‘standards’ he introduces as ‘some of my Old  & established songs’ as less than ‘exciting’ for regular fans present.(Although some band members found Elvis’ description  hilarious!)

“Last night we performed Jailhouse Rock, so tonight let’s do Blue Suede Shoes” Elvis comments before the audience-pleasing number. The song sounds very different being piano led rather than guitar driven!

‘And I Love You So’ was a regular on the set-list and tonight’s version is somewhat spoilt by intense fan screams which causes Elvis to get distracted mid-verse.

Fever seems ‘ok’ though and afterwards Elvis performs ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ for only the 2nd time this year (since May 6th). He would perform it only three times in the whole of 1976 and has to ask for the lyrics as well as checking first that the band know it.    “We haven’t rehearsed this so if we make some mistakes, you know… Take it from the top, I’ll ad-lib!” With Elvis singing delicately a capella - with Tony Brown solo piano - for the first section it is a nice addition although not outstanding – and has a some bad peak distortion towards the ending. The audience rightly go crazy, which Elvis acknowledges.

The Intros at 16 minutes are as lengthy as always. It does however amuse me as when we get to David Briggs and his instrumental sounds quite similar to incidental music in the T.V series ‘The Streets of San Francisco’. Similarly Love Letters is ‘ok’, as is Morning Rain. The rest of the intros however are highly boring and tedious.

“Our latest record is called Hurt, so I’d like to Hurt for you” Elvis announces and it is not bad tonight with a slightly longer and up higher ending – but no reprise. It was the show's “performance piece” and another crowd pleaser.

The all too routine Hound Dog and Funny How Time Slips Away follow before the tape runs out. Mystery Train/ Tiger Man, Hawaiian Wedding Song and Can’t Help Falling In Love are all missing.

The big pleasure however is in five great quality sounding Bonus Songs from two, earlier in the month, Eugene, Oregon shows of November 25 and 27.

It’s Now Or Never is delightfully sung and America is sincere and ‘ok’.  Elvis was performing ‘America The Beautiful’ at every show earlier in the year but started leaving it out on this November tour.

Steamroller Blues only performed once on this short tour is of course another ‘highlight’ and is a strong version for 1976 with Elvis really digging into the band solos.

Love Me Tender, again only performed once on this short tour, just seems a throw-away addition but there is a strong finish with the medley of Mystery Train/Tiger Man (missing from the end of the concert on 29th) Sound for ‘bonus tracks’ is ‘very good indeed’.

Overall Elvis' show at Cow Palace comes across as a passable show in great sound with nice bonus tracks.

As FTD have released what they had from 29th November it nicely complements what the bootleggers released as the partial 28th “Recorded Live at Cow Palace” November 1976 show in 1997 and again in 2011 where Elvis looks ‘fine’ and enjoying himself.

Disc 2 - Anaheim – November 30, 1976 Anaheim was the closing concert of this short 7 date tour and as soon as the performance starts straight away it is quite an up-beat and fast See See Rider with a very noticeable strong piano sound in the left channel, more annoying in the sound mix than the overall better sounding San Francisco show - although the audio quality is very fine here no peak distortion tonight.

By the time we get into You Gave Me A Mountain I get the impression a sluggish sounding Elvis has now woken up and the better part of the concert continues with a not bad (for 76) Jailhouse Rock, then It’s Now Or Never receives a nice intro and is a touching version-also here the Piano seems better in the overall mix.

The required “Oldies” All Shook Up / Teddy Bear / Don’t be Cruel are passable scarf throwing-away fare.

And I Love You So is a very nice, sincere version tonight – and the end Elvis notes, “Oh yeah” while Fever really shows up Scheff’s BASS in the mix! - Also Elvis injects the amusing line change of ‘when her Daddy tried to Milk him’ not a bad version.

Elvis selects Bridge Over Troubled Water again noting, “I’m going to look at you for the words, Ok?” and performed for the 2nd time here since May 6th 1976. There is something interesting about hearing how Elvis performs this classic 1970 song later in his career and tonight it is a very a passable version - as well as being a change from singing America. However the start is interesting since it is affected and delayed by a female fan running into Elvis across the stage.

This means Tony Brown has to keep repeating the piano intro until everything is sorted out  and also causes Elvis to chuckle on the very first line. Annoyingly Elvis also stops the song halfway through himself claiming he mistakenly caused a microphone ‘pop’ – as if his adoring fans would care! This is a real pity as otherwise there are some nice asides / falsetto and it is a lovely gentle song of love performed here tonight (EIN recommends a quick edit to fix the interruption for maximum enjoyment!).

Elvis would perform Bridge only a handful more times in his career including his final concert – the best version of the year being his 4th 1976 attempt in Las Vegas on Opening Night December 2nd .

Tonight another bonus for the crowd was the addition of some ‘Polk Salad’, only performed twice this short tour, which lacks any bite compared to his 1970 versions but gets a good work-out towards the extended ending and was certainly a crowd-pleaser. (there is some unfortunate tape-damage at the end).

As always the Intros are the long, boring 15 minute 1976 ones with only a bit of ‘interest’ like when Elvis introduces Ed Enoch as having “a powerful voice and a weak mind” !

The tape cuts before the end of Morning Rain and starts again for What’d I Say. Next J.B.Goode and the drum solo suffer an amplifier ‘Buzz’ and by the time we get to David Briggs he is off on his ‘Streets of San Francisco’ styled electric keyboard solo.

Love Letters performed next is again quite nice before Marty Harrell is introduced as conducting the Joe Guercio Orchestra.

FTD collectors may remember that School Day /Hurt /Hawaiian Wedding Song /Blue Christmas /That's All Righ t were all released by mistake (at the time the tape was noted as being Dayton in October) on the FTD ‘A Minnesota Moment’ some 6 years ago - but back then with a mastering error causing 'Hawaiian Wedding Song', 'Blue Christmas' and 'That's All Right' to have thin out-of-phase image. Thankfully now, although strictly speaking some of these are a re-release, the sound is ‘consistent’ throughout the Anaheim show. (see A Minnesota Moment review & details here )

Hurt again has a very lengthy and surprisingly good power-ending – but with no reprise - before we get the complete throwaway Hound Dog.

The Hawaiian Wedding Song is beautifully sung but the ending seems to ‘fade away’. Just after Elvis has asked for the lights are brought up and is preparing to perform ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ a fan requests Blue Christmas and he sings it well. Elvis says he’s going to play guitar, "Is the guitar in tune?" There’s a lovely touch where Elvis says in a deep voice "last line" and it has a nice slow "country" feel.

Another treat is ‘That’s All Right’ with the fabulous joke that someone in the audience suggests the 1957 movie song ‘Lonesome Cowboy ’! Elvis reacts with shock and the band even begins playing a few bars of the song! It sounds fine for 1976 although perhaps taken too fast a tempo. Elvis however sounds pumped-up as he kicks the band along, "Walk on, Walk on.."

Elvis then notes, “All Kidding aside, you’ve been a pleasure to work for and anytime you want us back just lets us know and we’ll come back here. Until we meet again..”

Sadly, Elvis would never get the chance to return to the West Coast.

Can’t Help Falling in Love seems ok tonight and then it’s a full 2’30” of closing vamp & announcements featuring Jerry Scheff’s playing the hell out of his Bass.

Overall this Closing Show was a good solid show and quite enjoyable throughout. It was not the usual ‘short’ 1976 summer Quick-Close-Syndrome disappointment of only Hurt / H.Dog / C.H.F.I.L. after the introductions. Instead this final show of the tour featured the additional ‘Polk’ before the intros plus another three songs afterwards running a full 76 minutes even with the 2001 theme missing.

As Double-Pack for a single FTD price this is a very fine representation to cover this better quality 1976 tour. A welcome release even if a few tracks we had already released before - Thanks once again to the team at FTD.

As we have no FTD from December 1976 in Las Vegas it is nice to get the end of the tour show just before Elvis kicked off his final Vegas season on FTD in stereo / binaural mixed sound.

Review by Geoffrey McDonnell - with added comments by Piers Beagley. -Copyright EIN March 2016 EIN Website content © Copyright the Elvis Information Network.

Click here to comment on this article

FTD CD Credits: Album and Art produced by Ernst Jorgensen & Roger Semon

- Mixed by Jean-Mark Juilland - Mastered by Jan Eliasson.

Elvis Presley Timeline: 1976

A Historical Elvis Presley Timeline of Dates and Important Events

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Here's a handy database of dates and events in Elvis Presley's life during 1976. You can also find out what else Elvis was up to in 1976 and in all the years of his life.

January 4: Elvis, girlfriend Linda Thompson, and 17 others fly to Denver after the King decides, on a whim, to vacation there for his 41st birthday. Members of the Denver police force help them find accommodations. January 8: On his birthday, Elvis and company are skiing in Vail, Colorado. Presley, however, uses only a snowmobile, and only at night. President Ford's daughter, Susan, complains, leading the National Enquirer to sniff around and publish bizarre stories of Elvis snowmobiling at night. January 14: Elvis buys three Cadillacs and two Lincolns (worth $70,000 total) for members of his entourage and members of the Denver PD. January 20: When Presley attempts to move Memphis Mafioso Jerry Schilling and his companion out of their rooms in the middle of the night, Schilling, already upset about the King's bizarre mood swings, leaves Elvis' inner circle once and for all. February 3: An increasingly erratic and paranoid Elvis calls Red and Sonny West to his room at Graceland to discuss his plan to murder all Memphis drug dealers. The singer thinks it should be done immediately, as he has the perfect alibi of a scheduled recording session. February 10: The Memphis Police Department makes Elvis Presley an honorary captain. February 13: Having completed work on Graceland's first racquetball court, Elvis draws up plans for a chain of such courts around the country, bearing his name. February 18: Presley returns to Colorado to look for a permanent home but leaves, never to return, when the local police attempt to gently confront him about his mood swings and strange behavior. March 26: Elvis displays his honorary badge at a Memphis multi-car pileup on the Interstate and attempts to help the victims before police and rescue teams arrive. June 16: With the breakdown of Elvis' inner circle, communication with Colonel Tom Parker has become almost nonexistent, leading him to write a personal note to the King wondering what's happened. June 27: Elton John visits Elvis backstage after tonight's show in Landover, MD. Later he would note that the King "already looked like a corpse." July 3: Presley's father, Vernon, who has never trusted Red and Sonny West, abruptly cancels plane tickets for Sonny's family to join him at tonight's show. July 13: By phone, Vernon fires Sonny, Red, and Elvis' last karate guru, Dave Hebler, terminating them with only a week's pay. Though the official reason is economic, Sonny and Red are certain that Vernon has planned this for some time. July 14: Elvis visits Las Vegas with girlfriend Linda Thompson. July 28: After hearing several reports from band members, and seeing tonight's sad results for himself, the Colonel tells Elvis, point blank, that his performances are not what they should be. August 10: Elvis breaks suddenly from his racquetball chain agreement, claiming he only agreed to put up his name, not his money and firing Joe Esposito and Dr. Nick for making the deal in the first place. Baseball star Don Kessenger eventually takes over the business. August 27: Larry Geller, Elvis' spiritual advisor of sorts, rejoins the Mafia for the first time in nine years, with a desperate Colonel -- once dead set against Geller -- hoping this will be a stabilizing influence for the rapidly declining singer. August 28: After horrible reviews of tonight's show, the Colonel calls Dr. Nick back into service to help get Presley back into fighting trim. September 11: Rumors, later proven true, begin surfacing that Red, Sonny, and Dave Hebler are collaborating on a tell-all book about their time with the King. Predictably, this does not help Elvis' mood or his paranoia. October 5: Elvis flies to Los Angeles and authorizes his old private detective, John O'Grady, to approach Red, Sonny, and Dave with a virtual blank check and some seed money for other, new careers, in hopes that they'll kill the book deal. It doesn't work. October 12: Elvis calls Red and attempts to reconcile without actually asking him back into the fold; Red secretly tapes the conversation. October 26: The tabloid The Star , author of Red, Sonny, and Dave's book deal, publishes excerpts of the phone conversation in an attempt to prove that Elvis is addicted to drugs. Presley is shattered. November 19: Memphis Mafioso George Klein visits Graceland with Miss Tennessee, Terry Alden, in a matchmaking attempt, but Elvis falls for Alden's little sister, Ginger, instead. November 20: The nineteen-year-old Ginger and Elvis take their first (chaperoned) date to Vegas, with her parents' permission. November 23: Jerry Lee Lewis visits Graceland very early in the morning and is told that Elvis is asleep. He drives off in a huff but returns after sunrise, invited there by The King himself. Unfortunately, one of Elvis' security guards hasn't been told, and when Jerry Lee is refused permission to enter, he allegedly brandishes a gun and claims he's come to kill Presley. Lewis, who later claimed he was making a sarcastic joke, is promptly arrested. November 29: At Elvis' request, Ginger Alden appears in San Francisco to join Elvis on his current tour. Unfortunately, current girlfriend, Linda Thompson is still there, having ignored Elvis' advice to leave the tour and get some beauty rest. Linda soon leaves, for good. December 5: Elvis falls before tonight's Vegas show and injures his ankle. December 7: Vernon is hospitalized with what appears to be his second heart attack, but which turns out later to be a mere complication of his first. December 10: Elvis flies Ginger's whole family out to the show tonight in an attempt to get her to stay on the tour; however, tonight's Vegas show is marred by tantrums from Elvis, who constantly disparages the sound and, shockingly, the city. December 12: By request, televangelist Rex Humbard visits Elvis in his dressing room after tonight's show to pray with him. A shaken, tearful Elvis begs him to do just that. "Jesus is coming back really soon, isn't he, Rex?" says the King.

• The Last Year of Elvis Presley's Life
• Elvis Presley Timeline: 1975
• Elvis Presley Timeline: 1974
• Elvis Presley Timeline: 1972
• Elvis Presley Timeline: 1973
• Elvis Presley Timeline: 1960
• Elvis Presley Timeline: 1955
• The Biggest Elvis Hits Ever
• What Was Elvis Presley's Last Day Like?
• 30 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Elvis
• Elvis Presley Timeline: 1971
• Elvis Presley Timeline: 1959
• Controversy Around Elvis Presley's Death at 42
• The Funeral of the King of Rock and Rock
• Where is Elvis Presley Buried?
• The Top 100 Love Songs of All Time

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Bob Pietrafeso on Elvis's last Denver concert in April 1976 and how The King was all nervous

Thursday, August 16th marked the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death. The iconic singer spent a great deal of time in the Centennial State and had many adventures. In honor of the King, Backbeat is sharing some of these stories.

See also: - Nick Andurlakis on Elvis's beloved Fool's Gold Loaf sandwich - Retired Denver Police Captain Jerry Kennedy on the time Elvis bought him a Lincoln - John Bucci on being the proud owner of the church pew Elvis once sat in at Holy Family - Retired Denver police officer Bob Cantwell on The King's "nurse" making a house call - Bob Kortz on tracking down a black diamond for The King in the middle of the night - Jonny Barber recording Elvis singles at Sun Studio tonight

Elvis's last Denver gig took place at McNichols Sports Arena on April 23, 1976. According to former Jefferson County Sheriff's deputy Bob Pietrafeso, who vividly remembers doing security at the singer's final concert in the Mile High City, the King was nervous -- scared, even -- in the final moments leading up to the performance. This was far from Elvis's first visit to Denver. By the time he showed up in the spring of '76, he had become close friends with a number of locals, most notably law enforcement types, Pietrafeso among them.

Pietrafeso, like other officers, fondly reminisces about the singer's generosity, including the time Elvis bought him a brand-new Dodge truck, a truck he still has ("He put his arm around me and had the keys dangling in my face. Then he says, 'It's yours.' "). Elvis also gave Pietrafeso one of his famed TCB necklaces . "There's nobody like him, and there will never be another one like him!" says Pietrafeso, launching into a litany of Elvis compliments barely a minute into a conversation about the King. "I couldn't put into words what kind of a guy he was. I feel so fortunate to have known him."

They entered the middle of the venue, passing through massive utility doors large enough to swallow an eighteen-wheeler. After parking and seeing Elvis's crew file off to their dressing rooms, Ron asked Bob to turn all the cars around to face the exit, so that Elvis and company could make a quick getaway after the show.

Soon after, Pietrafeso found himself in one of the long, circular hallways that surrounded the innards of the arena, doing his normal security doings, looking for anything abnormal. Along comes Elvis and his road manager, Diamond Joe Esposito, ready for the gig -- or almost. Esposito excused himself for a moment to run back to his dressing room, leaving Elvis and Pietrafeso there in the hallway with scores of arena personnel milling about.

Page down for Pietrafeso's account of what happened next

Elvis was so nervous, he could barely stand on his own in the final moments leading up to the concert. Pietrafeso and others literally had to hold him up. His opening act, the Sweet Inspirations, had just finished and the entire arena went dark.

"Are you ready, Elvis?" Pietrafeso recalls Esposito asking.

"Yeah, I'm ready," he replied.

Esposito threw the curtains open and a million camera flashbulbs went off. A Rocky Mountain News review of the show estimates that a total of 19,000 were in attendance at McNichols Arena that night, a sell-out crowd. If Elvis had seen his star fade, as many critics at the time suggested, it sure wasn't evident that night. The show ended, and the King was rushed away instantly. You know the saying, "Elvis has left the building"? It's a real thing; an announcement was made on the PA system moments after the final note rang out.

Pietrafeso remembers an Elvis crippled by the performance he had just given. "When he was done, he was done ," the former deputy says. "He had given so much energy that, when he got done, he felt like he'd been hit by a Mack truck. He'd go to bed while everyone else stayed up to party."

Elvis would return to the Centennial State, but only to visit. He was tight with the officers, once even flying in from Los Angeles just to have lunch with Pietrafeso and his colleagues. For a performer who never felt quite comfortable in the limelight and whose humble upbringing was hardly reflected in the fantastical over-the-top lifestyle he later built around himself, it's reasonable that Elvis would just want to feel normal. To be, as Pietrafeso says, "one of the guys."

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Sessanta at Red Rocks: A Birthday Party for Maynard, but Primus Steals the Show

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The King Performs At Notre Dame

Celebrating 50 years at the joyce center.

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• Last Elvis Concert 10-20-76

Elvis Presley played in front of a frenzied capacity crowd in the Joyce Center on October 20, 1976 — less than a year before his death in August 1977.

Two Elvis albums were released from moments in this concert — Eternal Flame (released in 2005) and Volume 2 of "Elvis" (released in 2015).

Coincidentally, Elvis' final concert before passing would take place just 140 miles south of Notre Dame, at the old home of the Indianapolis Pacers, Market Square Arena.

SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE CONCERT ARTICLE

The Power And Magic Remain by Joe Raymond October 21, 1976

I have to admit I was impressed. So, of course, were 12,000 others who filled the Athletic and Convocation Center front to back to see Elvis Presley, the rock and roll king, sing, wriggle and roll. It takes an amazing power to take an auditorium of seemingly perfectly normal women in their mid-30s and take them back to 1960 and transform them into a screaming throng begging for one of the baby-blue towels or a chance to kiss or hug this superstar. For Presley, the power has never left.

His style varies little from the early days, but the world has changed and so has Presley. He now sports a longer hair style with lengthy sideburns and a paunchy frame on his body. He also has a fantastic voice for a rock and roll singer in his 40s. But it's the look that does it all; that sheepish, devilish grin and then a wink that drives the audience to screams and sets the Instamatics flashing.

Presley is backed up by a seven-piece horn section, three vocal groups — including soul singers the Sweet Inspirations — and a fine group of musicians, featuring the talents of David Briggs, songwriter and electric pianist. Warmed up by three acts, the Stamps, comedian Jackie Kahane and the Sweet Inspirations, it wasn't until close to 10 p.m. before the slinky Presley wiggled onto the stage. Opening on an upbeat with a country and western tune, C.C. Ryder, Elvis set the stage for a variety of music that was to come.

Singing rock tunes like Jailhouse Rock, Teddy Bear, Johnny B. Goode, All Shook Up, What'd I Say and Hound Dog, Presley recalled the earthy era of the 50s and 60s. Changing pace in between, Elvis fired up the audience as hot as his fireburst outfit with country and western and blues tunes like Steamroller Baby, Fever and If You Love Me Let Me Know.

In between all this singing, Presley was handing out those baby-blue towels faster than his second, Charlie Hodges, could put them around his sweat-soaked neck. For those who got one, it was the thrill of a lifetime. Debbie Slater of Mishawaka caught one in the middle of the show, much to the delight of her screaming girlfriends. "I'll save it forever," she swooned. "I have to keep it from my sister so she won't take it. I've watched him in his old movies, and by pushing my way up to the front, I got the towel."

It's that magic feeling that makes Presley a success and the magic hasn't left. Not yet at least...

The Joyce Center

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Quietly, Elvis Presley's December 1976 Concert at Memorial Auditorium Was Officially Released

The boots got the boot last week, and my apologies to those Friends of Unfair Park who wrote in wondering what the what. (Out-of-town family obligations, if you must know.) I had intended to make up for that slight with a certain high-quality recording of some renown: Elvis Presley at Memorial Auditorium on December 28, 1976 -- otherwise known 'round my house as The Only Elvis Show My Parents Went To. (And to think -- Dad coulda gone to the Big D Jamboree .) It's a top-notch collection -- a Late '76 Comeback of sorts following what was said to be a miserable summer tour during which Presley was an out-of-breath, out-of-shape wreck. Only, as I went about researching that particular show, I discovered this: Two months ago, the long-passed-around soundboard recording was officially released by the Presley peoples on the Follow That Dream label, set up via a partnership with Sony BMG. (These recordings, never advertised, are "considered of interest to serious Elvis fans and collectors.") The Memorial show is actually the second disc of a $30 two-fer titled Elvis Showtime! Birmingham/Dallas '76 . He damned sure didn't sound like a man who had but eight months more to live. Forthcoming in moments, something for your weekend listening pleasure.

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Elvis Presley's Real Favorite Sandwich Used An Entire Loaf Of Bread

Elvis Presley was known, especially in his later years, to have a voracious appetite. "He said that the only thing in life he got any enjoyment out of was eating, his former cook Mary Jenkins Langston recalled in "The Burger and the King," a 1996 BBC documentary (via The New York Times ). "And he liked his food real rich."

Much has been made about Elvis' love of the fried banana and peanut butter sandwich, which Jenkins perfected for him using a whopping two sticks of butter to make three sandwiches. But there is another sandwich that the King loved: It was called the Fool's Gold Loaf and, like the fried banana sandwich, it too incorporated peanut butter — and not just a little. We are talking about Elvis here. The Fool's Gold Loaf included such a prodigious amount of peanut butter, jelly, and bacon that the sandwich required an entire loaf of bread to support the ingredients. While this behemoth may be a strange offshoot in the evolutionary line of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches , Elvis was a big fan.

The sandwich originated in Denver

Elvis Presley first discovered the sandwich during a tour stop near Denver, Colorado. The Fool's Gold Loaf was the specialty of the Colorado Gold Mine Company Steakhouse in the Denver suburb of Glendale. It was a mammoth sandwich that Nick Andurlakis, who worked at the restaurant, described as a "ginormous, artery-hardening contraption" (via The Denver Gazette ).

The ingredients were simple: a hollowed-out Italian loaf filled with an entire jar of peanut butter, an entire jar of jelly, and a pound of bacon. The serving size of Elvis' favorite sandwich was the whole loaf, and the cost was $49.95, or the equivalent of nearly $275 today. One late night in February 1976, Elvis just had to have another one. Being Elvis, he and his entourage flew to Denver from Memphis to quench his desire for the hunk a hunk a burnin' love in sandwich form. They arrived in Colorado at 1:40 a.m. to feast on somewhere between 20 and 30 of the sandwiches — washed down with a case of champagne — at the airport before flying back to Memphis.

Nick's Cafe continued the tradition

Nick Andurlakis delivered the infamous Fool's Gold sandwiches to the King that morning in 1976, an experience that had life-changing repercussions for Andurlakis. After the Colorado Gold Mine Company closed down, Andurlakis opened his own place, Nick's Cafe, in nearby Golden, where he continued to offer a version of the Fool's Gold Loaf. Unfortunately, Andurlakis closed his Elvis-memorabilia-bedecked cafe in March 2022 after more than 30 years in business.

If you want to experience this delicacy, you'll have to make it at home. There are at least two variations. What might be termed the official version can be found in the 1995 book "The Life and Cuisine of Elvis Presley." This recipe calls for buttering the outside of an entire Italian loaf, and heating it in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 15 minutes before slicing it lengthwise, hollowing it out, and filling it with a jar full of peanut butter, a jar full of grape jelly, and a pound of crisp bacon.

Andurlakis' version differs in several respects. He made his version as a triple-decker sandwich by slicing the unheated loaf into three layers and using strawberry jam instead of grape jelly or blueberry jam, which some sources cite as the original flavor.

Recommended

Raised On Rock

Elvis Presley

10 SONGS • 27 MINUTES • OCT 01 1973

• TRACKS TRACKS
• DETAILS DETAILS

Elvis Presley belongs on the short list of artists who changed the course of popular music in the 20th century. He may not have invented rock & roll, but he was indisputably its first rock star, a singer whose charisma was tightly intertwined with his natural talent for a combination that seemed combustible, sexy, and dangerous when Presley seized the imagination of America with four successive number one singles in 1956. He spent the next two decades near the top of the charts, weathering changes in fashion, self-inflicted missteps, and comebacks as his music expanded and evolved. Throughout his career, he never abandoned the rock & roll he pioneered on his early singles for Sun Records, but he developed an effective counterpoint to his primal rockabilly by honing a rich, resonant ballad style while also delving into blues, country, and soul, progressions that came into sharp relief with his celebrated "comeback" in the late '60s. Some musical nuances were overshadowed by Presley's phenomenal celebrity, a fame maintained by a long string of B-movies in the '60s and extravagant Las Vegas shows in the '70s -- elements that were essential in creating a stardom that persisted long after his premature death in 1977. The myth of Elvis grew in his absence, aided by an estate intent on keeping Presley in the public view: his recordings were continually reissued, his Memphis home Graceland became a tourist attraction, and Baz Luhrmann's 2022 biopic Elvis introduced Presley to a new audience. The passage of time helped clarify the depth and range of his musical achievements. He undeniably kick-started the rock & roll era, shaping the sound and attitudes of the last few decades of the 20th century in the process, but he also built a distinctive body of work that reflected the best of what American music has to offer.

Born to a poor Mississippi family in the heart of the Depression, Presley had moved to Memphis by his teens, where he absorbed the vibrant melting pot of Black Southern music in the form of blues, country, bluegrass, and gospel. After graduating from high school, he became a truck driver, rarely, if ever, singing in public. Some 1953 and 1954 demos, recorded at the emerging Sun label in Memphis primarily for Presley' own pleasure, helped stir interest on the part of Sun owner Sam Phillips. In the middle of 1954, Phillips, looking for a white singer with a Black feel, teamed Presley with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. Almost by accident, apparently, the trio hit upon a version of an Arthur Crudup blues tune "That's All Right Mama," which became Presley's first single.

Presley's five Sun singles combined blues covers with country and pop ones, all made into rock & roll (at this point, a term that barely existed) with the pulsing beat, slap-back echo, and Presley's soaring, frenetic vocals. "That's All Right Mama," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "Good Rockin' Tonight," "Baby Let's Play House," and "Mystery Train" remain core early rock classics.

The singles immediately sold well in the Memphis area, and by 1955 were starting to sell well to country audiences throughout the South. Presley, Moore, and Black hit the road with a stage show that grew ever wilder and more provocative, with Presley's swiveling hips causing enormous controversy. The move to all-out rock was hastened by the addition of drummer D.J. Fontana. The last Sun single, "I Forgot to Remember to Forget"/"Mystery Train," hit number one on the national country charts in late 1955. Presley was obviously a performer with superstar potential, attracting the interest of both bigger labels and Colonel Tom Parker, who became Presley's manager. In need of capital to expand the Sun label, Sam Phillips sold Presley's contract to RCA in late 1955 for $35,000.00; a bargain when viewed in hindsight, but an astronomical sum at the time.

His first single for the label, 1956's "Heartbreak Hotel," rose to number one and, aided by some national television appearances, helped make him an instant superstar. "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" was a number one follow-up; the double-sided monster "Hound Dog"/"Don't Be Cruel" was one of the biggest-selling singles the industry had ever experienced up to that point. His first two LPs, Elvis Presley and Elvis, were also chart-toppers, not just in the U.S. but throughout the world. The 1956 RCA recordings, while a bit more sophisticated in production and a bit less rootsy in orientation than his previous work, rank among the most influential recordings of early rock & roll.

Presley's (and Parker's) aspirations were too big to be limited to records and live appearances. By late 1956, his first Hollywood movie, Love Me Tender, had been released; other screen vehicles would follow in the next few years. The hits continued unabated, several of them ("Jailhouse Rock," "All Shook Up," "Too Much") benefiting from the efforts of top early rock songwriter Otis Blackwell, as well as the emerging team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The Jordanaires added both pop and gospel elements with their smooth backup vocals and a heavy Dean Martin influence began rearing its head on smoky, sentimental ballads like "Loving You," Although Moore and Black continued to back Elvis on his early RCA recordings, within a few years the musicians had gone their own ways.

Presley's recording and movie careers were interrupted by his induction into the Army in early 1958. There was enough material in the can to flood the charts throughout his two-year absence (during which he largely served in Germany). When he reentered civilian life in 1960, his level of popularity, remarkably, was just as high as when he left.

By this point, however, Presley's rebellious, wild image had been tamed to a large degree, as he and Parker began designing a career built around Hollywood films. Shortly after leaving the Army, in fact, Presley gave up live performance altogether for nearly a decade to concentrate on movie making. The films, in turn, would serve as vehicles to both promote his records and to generate maximum revenue with minimal effort. For much of the '60s, Presley released two or three movies a year that were mostly profitable. This also meant that his '60s discography was soon dominated by soundtracks that were sometimes filled out with outtakes that had been sitting around for years. There were some strong singles in the early '60s, like "Return to Sender"; once in a while there was even a flash of superb, tough rock, like "Little Sister" or "(Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame."

By 1967 and 1968, there were stirrings of an artistic reawakening in Presley with singles like "Guitar Man," "Big Boss Man," and "U.S. Male." A 1968 television special gave him the opportunity he needed to reinvent himself as an all-out leather-encased rocker, still capable of magnetizing an audience and eager to revisit his blues and country roots.

The 1968 album From Elvis in Memphis found Presley updating his sound with contemporary compositions and touches of soul to create some gutsy late-'60s pop/rock. This material, and 1969 hits like "Suspicious Minds" and "In the Ghetto," returned him to the top of the charts. Presley returned to live performance in 1969, breaking himself in with weeks of shows in Las Vegas. This was followed by national tours that proved him still capable of being an excellent live entertainer. (Presley never did play outside of North America and Hawaii, possibly because Parker, it was later revealed, was an illegal alien who could have faced serious problems if he traveled abroad.) Further studio and live albums were generated at a rapid pace, usually selling reasonably well, although Presley never had a Top Ten hit after 1972's "Burning Love."

Presley's '70s recordings were pretty eclectic, running from country to blues to all-out rock to gospel (he periodically recorded gospel-only releases going all the way back to 1957).

During Presley's final years, his became mostly isolated from the outside world except for professional purposes (he continued to tour until the end), rarely venturing outside of his Graceland mansion in Memphis. He even stopped leaving home for recording sessions, using an RCA Records mobile recording truck to make up the bulk of his final two albums, 1976's From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee and 1977's Moody Blue, At Graceland. (A collection of these final home recordings appeared in 2016, titled Way Down in the Jungle Room.)

On August 16, 1977, Presley was found dead in Graceland. An immediate cult sprang up around his legacy, kept alive by the hundreds of thousands of visitors who make the pilgrimage to Graceland annually and those who continue to listen to and buy his music in various forms.

In the digital age, RCA finally began to treat the catalog with some of the reverence it deserved, at long last assembling a box set containing nearly all of the '50s recordings. The 1992 set, called The King of Rock 'n' Roll, was the first of many serious compilations that focused on particular decades, phases, and collaborators. These archival sets, targeted at collectors, were balanced with LPs like Follow That Dream, which aimed for a mainstream audience. The most popular of these was the 2002 compilation Elv1s: 30 #1 Hits, which topped the charts in the U.S. and U.K. on its way to multi-platinum certification, but a pair of albums that grafted original Presley performances to music by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra -- 2015's If I Can Dream and 2016's The Wonder of You -- went to number one in the U.K. in the mid-2010s; Christmas with Elvis, a seasonal set overdubbed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, debuted at six in the U.K. upon its 2017 release. In 2018, the two-part documentary Elvis Presley: The Searcher premiered on HBO and was accompanied by two soundtracks, one a single disc and one a box set. Later that year, an overdubbed collection of gospel material was released under the title Where No One Stands Alone, as was a box set celebrating the 50th anniversary of his '68 Comeback.

In 2019, the 50th anniversary of Presley's return to live performance was celebrated with the release of Live 1969, a box set containing 11 full concerts from his first engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. A new generation was introduced to Presley's music and life in 2022 with the release of the award-winning Baz Luhrmann biopic Elvis. The accompanying soundtrack topped charts in the U.K. and U.S. Sony continued to release archival projects in the wake of the success of Luhrmann's movie, including two box sets in 2023: the six-disc set Elvis on Tour, which documented his 1972 North American tour, and a 50th anniversary edition of Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine & Richie Unterberger

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The Sandwich Elvis Presley Loved So Much, He Ate It By The Loaf

Elvis Presley's love of quirky cuisine has been extensively documented, almost as much as his iconic hip-shaking performances. Fans know how Elvis liked his meatloaf  (with added wheat germ) and that The King's go-to drink was Gatorade , but one of his most famous food preferences was the peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwich. Though he did not invent it, Presley has made the sandwich almost as renowned as his music, even 47 years after his death.

Called the Fool's Gold Loaf, it included a pound of bacon, a whole jar of creamy peanut butter, and an entire jar of blueberry preserves in a hollowed-out loaf of sourdough bread that was either heated or deep-fried; all together, it topped 8,000 calories. Elvis first tasted the Fool's Gold after a 1976 concert in Denver, Colorado, when he and his entourage headed to the now-shuttered Colorado Mine Company restaurant where it originated.

The King loved the sandwich so much that on February 1, 1976, he chartered a private jet back to Denver from Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, as a means to celebrate his daughter Lisa Marie Presley's eighth birthday. When Elvis landed at the Combs hangar at Stapleton Airport, he was met by staff members from the Colorado Mine Company with somewhere around 22 to 30 sandwiches for the birthday party. Soon after, the singer purchased the recipe from the restaurant before his death in 1977, asking his personal chef, W. Pauline Nicholson, to always have the ingredients on hand for when a craving struck.

The Fool's Gold Loaf harkened back to Elvis' childhood

Although Elvis had his first Fool's Gold Loaf as an adult in Denver, the sandwich actually resembles a Southern favorite he long enjoyed. The King grew up enjoying peanut butter and banana sandwiches that his mother Gladys prepared; they offered the same salty-sweet taste he loved in the Denver-born creation, albeit without the strips of bacon. Gladys grilled hers in bacon grease, which is how the sandwich is still served for visitors at Gladys' Diner at Graceland for $4.99. In fact,  toasting bread in bacon fat delivers the same umami and smoky flavor without the meat.

While consuming an entire Fool's Gold Loaf in a single meal is a big task, the sandwich is the holy grail of contrasting tastes and textures. It balances salty bacon with sweet jelly and creamy peanut butter with crunchy bread. When heat is added to the culinary equation, the ingredients get melty and toasty, making it a well-rounded dish that's hard to forget.

Restaurants across the U.S., like Arcade Restaurant in Elvis' stomping grounds of Memphis, Tennessee, serve a hybrid of Fool's Gold Loaf and Gladys' PBB known as "The Elvis." The sandwich includes two slices of bread smeared with peanut butter, sliced bananas, and an option to add on bacon fried in bacon grease. If you can't find one near you, it may be worth taking the time to make one and feel like The King.