elvis tour in europe

The Real Reason Why Elvis Never Toured Outside America

Elvis performed concerts in the US and Canada, but he never went international — and fans think they know why.

Elvis Presley’s life remains one of the world’s most captivating and heartbreaking stories. Though it all looked perfect from the outside, Elvis suffered from drug addiction and health problems, and was grossly mismanaged and taken advantaged of by the people around him. In fact, some fans even argue that he was cursed .

Despite being arguably the world’s most famous and beloved star, Elvis never performed outside North America. He did leave the United States for military service in Germany in his early 20s, and he did perform a selection of shows across the border in Canada. But he never toured internationally.

Given his popularity and the demand for him to perform outside of America, fans believe that there must have been some pressing reason stopping Elvis from leaving U.S. soil.

For decades since his 1977 death, rumors have circulated that Elvis had a fear of flying which kept him from touring overseas. And as it turns out, sources have confirmed that he did have negative feelings towards flying, at least early on in his career. But was this the reason he never toured abroad?

Was Elvis Afraid Of Flying?

According to Magic , Elvis’s fear of flying started in 1956 , when the flight he was taking from Amarillo to Nashville had engine trouble and had to make an emergency landing.

His ex-wife Priscilla confirmed the rumors to Larry King, saying, “He had a fear of flying, and his mother didn't really want him flying either. So he stopped for a while."

RELATED Priscilla Presley On How Elvis Would Have Reacted To The New Biopic

However, some fans have pointed out that Elvis did make frequent domestic flights. He even had his own plane named after his daughter Lisa-Marie.

Those that believe in the fear of flying theory argue that he became more spiritual after the death of his mother and looked at dying as a form of passing over to another life. Others say he naturally got over the fear, while some are convinced Elvis was never afraid to fly.

Whether he had a fear of flying or not, it appears there may have been another, more sinister reason why Elvis never left the country to tour.

The Alleged Real Reason Why Elvis Never Toured Outside America

It was never confirmed by Elvis or those around him why he never toured overseas. But fans and experts who have watched the star’s life closely are mostly united on the Colonel Tom Parker theory .

As Grunge points out, it’s been alleged that Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, talked him out of touring abroad because Parker himself was an illegal alien. He had no passport documentation, and he feared that if he left American soil, he wouldn’t be able to get back in.

RELATED: The Real Reason Why Harry Styles Got Rejected For The New Elvis Movie

Additionally, the Colonel was allegedly linked to a murder in his native Breda and feared traveling overseas as he didn’t want to face passport scrutiny.

It has been confirmed that Parker wasn’t really an American citizen, as he claimed. Despite telling people that he was from West Virginia, and passing off certain elements of his accent as being Southern, he was actually born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in Breda, Netherlands.

He entered the United States illegally when he was 17, at a time when border security was much more relaxed.

In the Baz Luhrmann movie Elvis , this theory is put forward as the real reason why Elvis did not tour overseas. The film shows Elvis, played by Austin Butler , wanting to perform to his fans overseas, but the Colonel — played by Tom Parker — talking him out of it. In the movie, the Colonel tells Elvis that he shouldn’t travel abroad because of the security risk.

What Was Elvis’s Relationship Like With Colonel Tom Parker?

Since Elvis’s untimely death in 1977, his relationship with Colonel Tom Parker has been exposed as abusive and manipulative . Den of Geek reports that the Colonel took significant cuts of the star’s profits, sometimes even larger than Elvis’s own, tightly controlled his image and sound, and all but forced him into several movie roles that Elvis didn’t want to do.

RELATED: Austin Butler Risked His Health To Play Elvis

Between 1969 and Elvis’s death, the Mississippi-born star performed 600 times in Las Vegas, which he reportedly resented. Rather than honoring his client’s feelings, the Colonel kept Elvis performing at the International Hotel (now the Las Vegas Hilton) to pay off his own gambling debts.

In 1973, the Colonel sold Elvis’s back catalog to RCA for just $5.4 million, of which Elvis only received $2 million after taxes. As is shown in the movie, Elvis did finally fire the Colonel, but when the Colonel slammed him with an itemized bill for his services that was priced in the millions, Elvis and his father Vernon decided to take the Colonel back.

In 1980, an investigation was launched into the Colonel’s management of Elvis, which was found to be unethical and likely cost Elvis thousands.

The heartbreaking reason why Elvis never toured overseas

Elvis Presley , widely dubbed ‘The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’, has been dead for close to 50 years – but his influence is still felt around the world even today.

Throughout his illustrious career, the global icon had been desperate to embark on international tours and travel… But he sadly never made it happen, and the heartbreaking reason why will horrify you.

In 1972, ahead of a highly anticipated Madison Square Garden concert, Elvis revealed his two biggest career goals: make non-musical movies to show his acting abilities, and to travel and tour overseas.

And while Elvis had some pretty major opportunities to do both (including an invitation from The Queen to perform in London), there was a significant roadblock standing in the way of these big aspirations – his manager, Colonel Parker, a complex figure known for his questionable practices, including mysteries about his background and a shady past.

Colonel Parker’s role in Elvis’ career has been contentious, with Dick Clark, the host of American Bandstand, once recalling (via Express ): “Parker’s handling of the man was as bad or worse than his management of Elvis’ business affairs. He kept him in a cage like an animal. He trotted him out like a trained bear.”

Parker’s controlling influence has long been linked to Elvis’ decline in the mid-1970s, contributing to unhealthy behaviors like compulsive binge-eating and addictions.

Priscilla Presley, Elvis’ former spouse, acknowledged that it was his unhappiness with the repetitive movie musicals forced upon him by Parker that triggered the ‘ Jailhouse Rock ‘ singer’s downward spiral.

The relationship between Elvis and Parker has often been described as one marked by manipulation and control. Despite a famous image of Elvis pointing a gun at Parker, it was often Parker who wielded the metaphorical power over Elvis, squashing his creative desires and limiting his opportunities.

Parker’s financial arrangements also weighed heavily on Elvis, with the manager managing to wrangle his way into a substantial 50% share of revenues. This far surpassed industry norms, which would have sat around 10%, according to the New York Post .

Parker’s ability to propel Elvis to global stardom was evident, but his controversial tactics also hindered Elvis’ potential – meaning that the insanely popular musician was never able to make an international tour happen.

In fact, it has been suggested that Parker – who originally came from the Netherlands and was potentially tied to a violent murder in the country in 1929, per Smithsonian magazine – had a questionable immigration status in the US, which may explain why he and Elvis never made it overseas.

Elvis’ shock passing in 1977 marked the end of an era – though, Parker’s influence continued well after this, as he had sold the rights to Elvis’ early recordings and left a legacy intertwined with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

While many could argue that Parker contributed to Elvis’ fame, it’s also true that he highlighted the dark side of the entertainment industry, with his control and financial demands casting a shadow over the Elvis’ once-promising career.

What do you think about Elvis’ relationship with his manager? Let us know in the comments!

• Elvis Presley’s grim last moments revealed by the young girlfriend who found him on toilet
• Quincy Jones reveals why he never worked with Elvis Presley — claims the King of Rock and Roll was racist

The post The heartbreaking reason why Elvis never toured overseas appeared first on Newsner English .

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The Ultimate Elvis European Tour

The Ultimate Elvis European Tour You will not believe how detailed this tour is! We guarantee you will discover some new Elvis locations as we explore Munich, Frankfurt, Bad Nauheim and Paris, following in Elvis’ footsteps across Europe. The days are jam-packed with sightseeing and walking tours, whilst you can spend the evenings relaxing with your fellow travellers and our Elvis historians who will be on hand throughout the tour, sharing the stories behind each location we visit.

Your Tour Includes

• Outbound flight from London Heathrow to Munich and return flight from Paris to London Heathrow with 1 piece of hold luggage
• Airport transfers
• 8 nights in 4* accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
• Private coach transport as described in the itinerary including gratuities
• Walking Sightseeing tours in Munich, Bad Nauheim and Paris
• Guided coach sightseeing tours as per itinerary
• Services of Elvis Historian Andrew Hearn from Essential Elvis throughout the tour
• Services of an Arena Travel Tour Manager throughout the tour
• Enjoy a walking tour of Munich and see where Elvis stayed, partied, and indulged in a spot of clubbing
• In Frankfurt, visit the shop which sold Elvis’ black Isana Jazz guitar and the garage where he got his famous white BMW
• Explore the beautiful spa town of Bad Nauheim, visiting the three Elvis residences’ and key locations
• Visit various locations used for GI Blues movie and ride the cable car used in the Pocketful of Rainbows scene
• Discover Friedberg and Ray Barracks where Elvis carried out his military duties
• Enjoy a walking tour of the Elvis sites in Paris see where he stayed, went out socialising and was photographed

Please choose your preferred 9 day itinerary

• 9 Day Itinerary

DAY 1, Sun 8th May London - Munich

Meet with your tour manager and fellow passengers at London Heathrow airport for your short flight to Munich. Upon arrival your adventure will begin right away as we board our coach and commence an afternoon tour of several key sites visited by Elvis around the outskirts of the city during his stay there.  Our accompanying Elvis historians will be on hand to give a detailed explanation of each location visited and tell you the stories behind them. We will then proceed to our city Centre hotel for late afternoon check in and orientation.  This evening will be at leisure and give you chance to explore the beautiful city Centre with its fine bars and restaurants.

DAY 2, Mon 9th May Munich

This morning, join our Elvis historians on a walking tour of Munich City centre for a detailed insight as to where Elvis stayed, ate out, partied, visited with his dates and indulged in a spot of clubbing! Upon completion of the tour the rest of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy the historic buildings and architecture of the city Centre or maybe visit the famous beer hall for a drink or two.

DAY 3, Tue 10th May Frankfurt

Morning departure for our transfer to Frankfurt where, upon arrival, you will commence a tour of Elvis related locations in the city.  You will be shown where he ate out, the music shop where his black Isana Jazz guitar was purchased, the garage where he took possession of his famous white BMW, locations of photoshoots and much more.  During this tour we will also visit numerous locations in Frankfurt used in the GI Blues movie.  Following the tour, we will make a short journey to Bad Nauheim, stopping off in Bad Homberg for some more key Elvis sites on the way, for late afternoon hotel check in. Evening at leisure to catch a first glimpse of the town Elvis called home for 18 months.

DAY 4, Wed 11th May Bad Nauheim

This morning our historians will guide you a walking tour of the beautiful spa town of Bad Nauheim, showing you all the key locations of Elvis’ time there. As well as visiting the three Elvis residence in the town you will be shown countless interesting locations where Elvis shopped, ate, played football and held photoshoots.  As always you will be provided with accurate historical facts and stories by our guides along the way. Once again, our researchers have found new, additional sites to visit for this tour.  Following a mid-afternoon finish the rest of the day is at leisure.  Why not join us in the evening for a get together at the Irish Bar in town?  A chance to socialise with the rest of the group and listen to some Elvis sounds whilst enjoying great food and company.

DAY 5, Thu 12th May Rhine Tour

Today is Rhine Day!  You will take a full day’s coach tour up the beautiful river visiting the various locations used for the GI Blues movie and will even get to ride the cable car used in the Pocketful of Rainbows scene.  You will also visit locations visited by Elvis on a personal level including the spot where he attended a Bill Hayley concert, and places relevant to the Elvis and Priscilla story.  Evening at leisure.

DAY 6, Fri 13th May Friedberg

Today you will board a coach as we visit Friedberg and Ray Barracks where Elvis carried out his military duties. We will also visit Steinfurth where Elvis formed part of a working party relocating a war memorial. We then go further afield to some key locations where Elvis chose to relax and spend his leisure time whilst off duty.  Rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 7, Sat 14th May Paris

This morning you will board the coach as we head for Paris. Following a mid-afternoon arrival, check in our hotel and the rest of the day is a leisure.

DAY 8, Sun 15th May Paris

Today you will join our historians on a walking tour of the Elvis connected sites in Paris and a detailed history of these three visits to the French capital.  See where he stayed, went out socialising and visit the locations of the many, now familiar, photographs taken of him during his time there.  The rest of the day and evening is at leisure for you to enjoy all Paris has to offer.

DAY 9, Mon 16th May Paris – London

A day at leisure to take in some of the wonderful tourist attractions Paris has to offer.  Why not take a trip up the Eiffel Tower or the impressive Arc Du Triomphe?  Take a walk by the River Sein or a stroll down the bustling Champs Elysees.  The day is yours until we re-join the group for the transfer to the airport and your flight home.

Included in our package:

The Tragic Reason Elvis Never Toured The UK

Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis uncovers why the tale.

Following a spate of musical biopics in recent years with the releases of Bohemian Rhapsody , Rocketman , Judy , and Respect , Baz Luhrmann released his much-anticipated big-screen interpretation of the life and career of Elvis Presley . Starring Austin Butler as the “King of Rock and Roll” and Tom Hanks as his manager Colonel Tom Parker , Elvis devles into the history of one of the world’s most prolific musicians, who had an army of adoring fans all around the world. But, did Elvis ever tour the UK?

What may come as a surprise to many – given his international fame – Elvis never toured across the pond . As per the Daily Mail , the reason for this lies with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, who was born in The Netherlands and arrived in the United States as an illegal immigrant. Because Colonel Parker did not possess an American passport, he feared that if he left the U.S. for any reason – including to go on an international tour with Presley – he might not be granted permission back into the United States. Therefore, Parker reportedly convinced the “Blue Suede Shoes” performer that it would be a security risk for him to tour internationally, and encouraged him to focus on the Las Vegas strip, instead.

Although, the singer did briefly visit the United Kingdom back in 1960, when the military plane flying him back to the U.S. from his army service in Europe (which was mandatory at the time) stopped over at Prestwick in Scotland.

As mentioned, the 2022 musical-biopic Elvis chronicles the life and career of the famed performer, depicting everything from his childhood in Mississippi to his rise to worldwide superstardom. Following the film’s release, critics have largely praised director Luhrmann’s efforts , with one positive review from Rolling Stone describing the big-screen drama as a “brash, overwhelming experience.”

Meanwhile, members of Presley’s own family have also given the biopic their seal of approval . Speaking to reporters, Elvis’ former wife, Priscilla Presley, revealed that she “loves” the film, which she thinks is “beautifully done.”

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In Europe, a growing fervor for Elvis Presley

By Doreen Carvajal

• Oct. 21, 2007

PARIS — Along a narrow side street on the Right Bank, a familiar figure in a shiny gold tuxedo looms from a little shop the color of blue suede shoes.

The crooked smile, smoky eyes and tousled hair are instantly recognizable but, just in case, the shop owners hail the "King of Rock and Roll" and their petite Graceland in bold gray and red print: "Elvis My Happiness."

Elvis Presley never performed a concert in Europe in his long singing career, but that unfortunate oversight apparently is helping to stoke the burnin' flames of desire for all things Elvis in this Parisian colony and other unlikely outposts, from Elvis Matters in Belgium to the Flaming Star in Norway, where the perennial best seller is a €10, or $14, pair of Vegas vintage sunglasses.

When Elvis Presley's septuagenarian backup bands showed up in Europe recently, they rocked a sold-out concert hall in Jonkoping, Sweden, then pressed on to finish up an 18-day European tour in Paris for an original-lineup performance organized by Elvis fan clubs across five countries.

These fans are discriminating aficionados who aren't satisfied with an Elvis impersonator in a white jumpsuit and who yearn for a taste of the original.

"They're hungry for anything Elvis," marveled Joe Moscheo, a bass singer with the Imperials, a backup gospel band for Elvis that finished one European tour in October and is returning for a second next month.

"They ask a lot of questions and they're very fanatical," Moscheo said. "I hate to use the world cult, but these people are serious. It's not just like they say, 'Let's go to a concert.' They know what he wore, what he ate and what he sang."

Many of these fans don't know enough English to define the difference between Heartbreak Hotel and a hound dog cryin' all the time.

But the music remains universal enough to build fan clubs of 4,500 members in France and 1,600 in Germany. There is enough passion in the Netherlands that Elvis's record company, Sony BMG, this year released a CD titled "The Dutch Collection," with a selection chosen by fans, who voted from a list of 150 songs. A reissue of Elvis's "A Big Hunk O'Love" recently clawed up to No. 12 on the BBC's Top 40 singles chart in England, behind 50 Cent and Sugababes.

"It amazes me day after day," said Peter Verbruggen, president of the Elvis Matters fan club, which opened an Elvis store more than two years ago in Turnhout, Belgium, near the Dutch border. The club also runs a store in Antwerp, in the north of Belgium, and is considering opening a third branch.

"Everybody is surprised by the success," said Verbruggen, who started his club in 2003 with hopes of drawing 300 people and watched membership soar to 2,200. "One of the reasons that Elvis is so popular is the fact that he's never been here before and he's still a mystery. Another explanation is that Elvis is a universal icon who touches so many different people from all parts of society. He's everything: the rebel, the crooner and the actor."

Elvis's oeuvre is so varied that fans divide themselves by periods, debating the relative merits of '50s Elvis, '60s Elvis and his comeback as Vegas Elvis.

"There is a great difference between most of the American fans and the European fans," said Peter Beines, chairman of the Elvis Presley Gesellschaft in Bonn. "Americans prefer Elvis impersonators while the original musicians for Elvis are more popular in Europe. The Americans prefer music from the Elvis of the '50s, but European fans, especially in Germany, prefer the concert Elvis of the '70s."

The U.S. and European markets also differed in music sales trends after the 30th anniversary of Elvis's death in August.

"In the states, there was no huge uplift in terms of Elvis sales. But what we saw in the rest of the world, predominantly in Europe and Australia, is that we were able to get Elvis back to number one for albums in five countries," said Timothy Fraser-Harding, a vice-president of Sony BMG.

In life, he noted, Elvis never managed to hit No. 1 in Germany, but 30 years after his death his compilation album climbed to the top of the charts.

All of the major clubs are watching the average age of their membership fall with a new generation of young people in their 20s joining the clubs. The average age of the French membership of Elvis My Happiness, the fan club that operates the Paris store of the same name, is 27 and dropping, according to Jean-Marie Pouzenc, club president.

Pouzenc is the author of two books on Elvis, including a new edition published in August of "Elvis à Paris," a glossy title that minutely explores the brief period in 1959 when Elvis, the uniformed soldier, visited Paris, staying in the Hotel Prince de Galles and passing time with the chorus girls at the Lido club.

For the 30th anniversary of Elvis's death in August, Pouzenc led a pilgrimage of 300 fans to Graceland, a tour that he said represented the diversity of Elvis's fan base in France that includes President Nicolas Sarkozy, who has let it be known that Elvis is on his iPod.

"The strength of Elvis is that he touches everyone," said Pouzenc, who presides over the Paris store in a yellow shirt emblazoned with gyrating Elvises. "When you go to Graceland you can see that with people there from all countries, races and religions."

But don't ask Pouzenc if he can translate "Just a hunk-a, hunk-a burnin' love into French." ("Morceau d'amour brûlant," suggests an old club magazine.) "It's too difficult," he said.

The Ultimate Guide to Europe’s Elvis Festival

Did you know that Elvis Presley used to live in Germany? I only found out earlier this year! While he did not live in our host city, Wiesbaden, Elvis did reside nearby. In the quaint city of Bad Nauheim, the King of Rock and Roll placed his roots for two years (1958-1960).

Elvis was loved by the locals of Bad Nauheim. To honor Presley after his untimely death, the city began hosting a yearly festival. Taking place every Summer on the weekend of the king’s passing, the European Elvis Festival quickly became a haven for fans. 

I was not sure what to expect from this festival and decided to go in with minimal expectations. After attending this event, I can vouch that everyone needs to experience the European Elvis Festival at least once in their life.

Festival Dates

Elvis Presley passed away on August 16th, 1977. For this reason, the festival is always held on the weekend closest to the King’s passing. You can find exact dates for each year by clicking here.

Finding parking in Europe can be pretty overwhelming. Luckily, I happened upon the perfect parking lot by accident. It only costs 3,50 Euro per day and there is no shortage of parking spots (even with the event taking place). Click here for directions to the parking lot I used.

Tip: Bring coins to pay for parking.

This parking lot is just a 15 minute walk from the festival center. I recommend strolling along the paths beside Grosser Teich in Bad Nauheim’s Kurpark as the area is stunning. There are spots to feed the geese, relax by the water and it is shaded by large trees. Jasper loved sniffing around the park and was able to take a quick potty break before we reached the festival center.

If you have a larger vehicle, I would recommend parking in another lot. The parking lot I used had pretty narrow spaces and backing out would be a bit cramped in a long vehicle. Here are two parking garages that are close to the festival and better suited for large vehicles: Parkhaus Kurparkplaza or Parking deck on Sprudelhof

Elvis Presley Memorial

The first stop you want to make in Bad Nauheim is the Elvis Presley Memorial. This is located in the heart of the festival and will help you get your bearings. Click here for directions to the memorial.

Fun Fact: Look at the building behind the memorial. This is Hotel Villa Grunewald, formerly known as Hotel Grunewald. Elvis actually lived in this hotel for a period of time, but due to the ruckus he made (while practicing music), he was eventually kicked out. Guess what else? You can rent a room at the hotel and watch the festival from above!

Vintage Attire

One of my favorite parts of the festival was that nearly everyone was dressed up. Men wore bedazzled, sparkling suits and women sported vintage dresses. If you are debating on dressing up, I say go for it!

Jasper and I, of course, had to join in on the fun. I did not have a vintage dress, but I found something in my closet that worked with the theme. My heart shaped glasses were a huge hit with the locals! Jasper, however, truly stole the show in his leather jacket bandana.

Don’t have an outfit? There are a few vendors in town selling dresses and Elvis merchandise.

Elvis Impersonators

Once you reach the city center, there will be a lot of Elvis lookalikes. Some of the individuals are just dressed up for the event, but others are performers! Always be sure to ask before you take a picture or video of someone (otherwise you may find yourself being yelled at in German).

Classic Cars

I highly recommend visiting on the weekend when the classic car show is taking place. I was only expecting to see maybe five cars at this event, but there was an entire street packed with gorgeous, colorful cars. It was amazing!

If you want to know more about the vehicle you are looking at, you can usually find the owner hanging around the back of the car. If they like your outfit, they may even ask you to pose for a picture with their car!

Can’t find the car’s owner? Don’t fret! Look for Elvis instead.

Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for the Stutz Blackhawk as it is one of the cars Elvis used to drive.

U.S. Military Welcome

Did you know that Elvis was in the U.S. military? As a nod to his military service, you will see quite a few U.S. Military vehicles at the event. The owners of these vehicles also try their best to dress the part by wearing vintage U.S. Military uniforms.

It was also really cool to see that many cars displayed American flags. The best part, however, was talking to the locals about life in America. Everyone was curious about American diners, Route 66 and anything classic Americana.

Classic Car Parade

One of the big attractions at the European Elvis Festival is the car parade! This is where all the classic cars drive around town for guests to see. Many of the cars have traded out their traditional car horns for something a bit more fun. There were sirens, movie quotes, barking dogs and just a ton of funny sounds.

Tip: If you plan to bring your dog, be sure they can handle very loud noises. There are sirens, motorcycles, revving engines, loud music, crowds etc. 

Fantastic Food

What fun would a festival be without food? If you purchase a ticket to enter the concert area, both restaurants have phenomenal food and drinks. I like to grab food to go at events as it allows me to keep exploring. You can find food trucks and stands all around town during the event. Most of the vendors offer traditional German food, such as currywurst and bratwurst. 

It was very hot outside when I attended the festival. For this reason, Jasper and I stuck with gelato from the Eis truck. American milkshakes were also available and looked amazing.

Recommendation: Purchase an Elvis themed snack! One of his favorite meals was a peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich.

Around town there are a few different areas with live music. To enter most of these concert areas, you must purchase an entrance ticket. I purchased a ticket this year and it was definitely worth it to have a place to cool off indoors, grab a drink and use a free restroom.

If you don’t want to buy a ticket, you can bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the grassy field near the festival. Jasper and I laid on the grass listening to the artists while we ate our ice cream. Additionally, you can watch as people dance and sing along with the various street performers in town.

Elvis Everywhere

Take a peek inside of the storefronts as you are walking around town. You will notice that many stores have Elvis statues and pictures on display. Some restaurants even have Elvis themed menus!

Elvis Statue

Bad Nauheim’s newest attraction is a bronze Elvis statue on the city’s USA bridge. It is modeled after a picture of Elvis on this exact same bridge! The statue was installed and unveiled on the first day of the 2021 European Elvis festival and is well worth a visit. Click here for directions to the statue.

Tip: There may be a line when you arrive (as the installation is new), but don’t be put off. We waited in line and it went very fast.

Need a break from the festival? I recommend walking back towards Grosser Teich in Bad Nauheim’s Kurpark. Beside the pond, you will find a place called Bootshaus am Kurteich . For 10 Euros, they will rent your family a pedal boat for 30 minutes. The car-shaped pedal boats were my personal favorite (given the festival’s car show), but there are other options available as well.

If you are hungry, there is a popular restaurant next to the boat rental called Teichhaus Bad Nauheim .

Tip: There is a public restroom located by the boat rental.

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Did Elvis Ever Tour International? Exploring the Impact of The King’s Global Legacy

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

Elvis Presley is one of the most iconic figures in American music history. Known as “The King” of rock and roll, Elvis had a profound impact on popular culture and changed the course of music forever. But did Elvis ever tour internationally? He certainly did. In this article, we’ll explore Elvis Presley’s international touring history, examining the impact of his music on international audiences.

A Look at Elvis’ Experience Performing Abroad

Elvis was first invited to perform overseas in 1958 when he was invited to perform at a U.S. Army base in West Germany. He would go on to perform in many countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. During his career, he performed in over 30 countries.

Where Did Elvis Tour Internationally?

Elvis’s international touring began with performances in the US military bases located in Europe and Asia. His first international performance was in West Germany in 1958. Other countries he visited include Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. He also toured extensively in South America, performing in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

How Far Did Elvis’ Music Reach?

Elvis’s music reached far beyond the borders of the United States. He was especially popular in countries in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. In fact, many countries declared him an honorary citizen. He was particularly beloved in Japan, where he was given the title of “Ambassador of Goodwill” by Japanese Prime Minister Hayato Ikeda in 1960.

Examining the Legacy of Elvis’ International Tours

Elvis’s international tours had a profound impact on the way music was viewed and appreciated around the world. His unique style and sound was embraced by fans in all corners of the globe, and his influence can still be felt today. His legacy lives on in the music of countless artists who cite him as an inspiration.

Uncovering the Details of Elvis’ Overseas Performances

What was it like to see elvis live abroad.

Elvis’s live performances abroad were often met with great enthusiasm. Fans flocked to see him perform, and he was known for putting on spectacular shows that brought crowds to their feet. He was also known for his ability to connect with international audiences through his music and captivating stage presence.

What Songs Did Elvis Perform During His International Tours?

Elvis performed a variety of songs during his international tours. These included classic hits such as “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Love Me Tender,” as well as newer material from his film soundtrack albums. He also performed gospel songs and country tunes, further demonstrating his versatility as an artist.

How Was Elvis Received by International Audiences?

Elvis was warmly received by international audiences. His popularity extended beyond the United States and into other parts of the world, and he quickly became a global phenomenon. He was beloved by fans of all ages, and his concerts were often filled with enthusiastic cheers and standing ovations.

Elvis Presley’s international touring history is an important part of his legacy. He traveled to over 30 countries during his career, performing in front of enthusiastic audiences around the world. His music was embraced by fans everywhere, and his influence can still be felt today. Elvis’s international tours left an indelible mark on the world of music, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of fans.

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Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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Elvis in Germany

Elvis in uniform ()

Thanks to the Memphis draft board, Elvis Presley got the chance to spend a little time in Europe after he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Cold War. His brief but not-so-boring tour of duty would end up being a pivotal point for both his career and personal life. He suffered loss, found love and touched the hearts of both young and old while serving his country in Europe. Taking a time-out at the moment his star was rising could have slowed his career irreparably. Instead, he would return to the States with an even larger European fan base, while gaining the respect from conservative countrymen not sold on the hip-shaking hoopla.

Today, tourists and locals alike still love to visit his old haunts and reminisce about the days when Elvis was stationed at the former Ray Barracks in Friedberg, and made his brief home in the spa town of Bad Nauheim.

Join other Elvis fans as they retrace his steps from Frankfurt to Wiesbaden, and all places in between. Find out where he lived, met his future wife, Priscilla, and why the locals named a street after him. Then, take part in a fun festival that commemorates his death and celebrates his life in Germany when Elvis, the “King of Rock ‘n Roll,” transformed himself into Sergeant Presley.

From basics to Bremerhaven

Already a superstar when he was sworn in as a U.S. Army private on March 24, 1958, he had both a recording contract with RCA, a multi-film contract with Paramount, four completed feature films and several songs on the Billboard 100 charts. However, his entertainment career was temporarily put on “pause” as he fulfilled his tour in Germany.

After three days of in-processing at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas (which included his famous haircut), Elvis was bussed to Fort Hood, Texas, where he completed both basic and advanced military training. Tragedy struck, however, before he could complete training and ship out. His mother Gladys was diagnosed with an advanced case of acute hepatitis; she quickly succumbed and died Aug. 14. An only child, Elvis shared a special, close relationship with his mother, and her death devastated both Elvis and his father, Vernon.

In late September, Elvis joined another 1,170 soldiers in Brooklyn, New York, where they board the U.S.S. Randall, a naval transport ship, bound for Bremerhaven, Germany. They arrived on Oct. 1, and Elvis was stationed at Ray Barracks in Friedberg, Germany with Company D, 32nd Tank Battalion, 3rd Armor Corps, also known as the “Spearheads.” Not seeking special treatment or an entertainment assignment, he instead participated in regular duties like other soldiers, including driving vehicles for high-ranking officials and cleaning detail.

Off-post living

Although Elvis was on an overseas tour with the Army, he was not accustomed to being too far away from his family for too long of a time. Therefore, it wasn’t long before his dad and paternal grandmother, Minnie Mae Presley, arrived in Germany to live nearby. Elvis received approval to live off base and spent little time at Ray Barracks. Instead, he moved to Bad Nauheim, a cozy spa town a few miles north of his post in Friedberg. Initially he rented rooms at the then-Hotel Grunewald (now a private residence) and later rented a house at Goethestraße 14 that he shared with his family.

Love and courting

For several months, Elvis found time to travel to Munich then Paris, making new friends and creating a new wave of fans along the way. Nearly a year after his arrival to Germany, a mutual friend introduced him to a 14-year-old beauty named Priscilla Ann Beaulieu, the stepdaughter of an Air Force captain stationed at Wiesbaden Air Force Base. Elvis began a slow but steady courtship with Priscilla that continued throughout his tour in Germany and beyond, until their marriage seven and a half years later on May 1, 1967 in Las Vegas.

The G.I. Blues

RCA and Paramount Studios didn’t exactly wait around for Elvis to continue furthering his career while he was away. More than 40 songs were either released or re-released while he was on active duty. And, filming for his next movie, "G.I. Blues," took place on location in Germany with settings of downtown Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, on a river boat along the Rhine, and of the 3rd Armored Division Kaserne. More than 100 soldiers of the 3rd Division acted as extras for the movie. Elvis, however, would not actually be working on the film until he was released from active duty. The romantic musical comedy, starring both Elvis and Juliet Prowse, is the story of Tulsa McLean, an army specialist stationed in Germany who falls for a sweet cabaret dancer named Lili (Prowse). The film was released in 1960, its soundtrack nominated for two Grammy awards.

A town remembers

Although many years have passed since Elvis waved goodbye and boarded the C-118A Liftmaster for MaGuire AFB, the little town of Bad Nauheim remembers well the American icon. Every August, the town hosts a festival to both celebrate his life and mark the anniversary of his death on Aug. 16, 1977. Visitors can expect everything Elvis at the four-day event including concerts, vintage car and motorcycle exhibitions and parades, an Elvis filmfest, fan markets and more. For more information, visit www.bad-nauheim.de .

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Meet some of the European Elvis impersonators competing to be crowned "King"

Noah Caldwell

Christopher Intagliata

The world's top Elvis impersonators will compete to be crowned "King" this weekend in Birmingham, England, at the European Elvis Championships and Convention.

JUANA SUMMERS, HOST:

This weekend, a king will be crowned in a Hilton conference room in Birmingham, England.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: (Singing) I had to leave town for a little while. You said you'd be good while I'm gone.

MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST:

A king of rock 'n' roll, that is. The European Elvis Championships are underway as we speak, the biggest competition of the year for the thriving world - who knew? - of European Elvis tribute artists.

MIKE NOVA: You know, it's quite a serious business, to be honest.

SUMMERS: Mike Nova, who was runner-up in 2008, is hosting this year's competition.

NOVA: And I also get to do a few other songs myself. So it's the best job in the world (laughter).

SUMMERS: It's a job that entails ushering dozens of singing and dancing Elvises on and off the stage as judges winnow down the field.

NOVA: You've got guys of all ages and sizes. You know, the more professional guys - they're helping out, you know, the younger colleagues that are coming through and giving them advice. And it's basically a brotherhood, really, more in that sense.

KELLY: Matt King is one of those veteran Elvises.

MATT KING: I would say I've got a chance. I'm not saying I've got no chance. I have a challenge. I'm a bit older now. You know, I fit into my suit still. I haven't got a big tummy and all that, so I think I've kept the weight down. My voice is still holding out pretty well, I think.

KELLY: King is 57. He has been performing since 1990. He won the very first European championship in 2004. This year he's mixing it up by singing deep cuts instead of the classics.

KING: I don't know whether I'm allowed to let my songs out. So I feel like I can tell you. I'm doing "Danny Boy." And then I'm doing a song called "Any Day Now" and then a song called "It's Only Love."

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "IT'S ONLY LOVE")

ELVIS PRESLEY: (Singing) It's only love that I feel inside. But I'll get by somehow.

EMILIO SANTORO: I mean, I've grown up watching these guys. And to be sharing a stage with them even is just an honor in itself. And I never thought I'd be able to hold my own against them.

SUMMERS: If there is an up and coming European Elvis, it's Emilio Santoro. And he does more than hold his own. Last year he won the championship at 19 years old, leaning into Elvis' young heartthrob era from the '50s.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "G.I. BLUES")

SANTORO: (Singing) I've got those hup, two, three, four, occupation G.I. blues.

KELLY: So as is customary, he will not compete this year.

SANTORO: I'll be having to pass on the title to someone else. It will be very sad, but I mean, I'll be supporting all the guys. We're all brothers in this business.

KELLY: But he will still be there to perform. And he gave us a little preview.

SANTORO: I've not warmed up, so I apologize in advance, but I'll try a few bars of "Can't Help Falling In Love." (Singing) Wise men say only fools rush in, for I can't help falling in love with you.

There we go.

SUMMERS: So it is deep cuts and classics all weekend at the Birmingham Hilton.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE")

PRESLEY: (Singing) Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can't help falling in love with you.

Copyright © 2023 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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Elvis in Europe: the NME interview with the King

In 1960, NME writer Derek Johnson jetted over to Germany for a chat with Sergeant Presley

In partnership with Warner Bros.

Elvis Presley treated me to one of his smouldering, heavy-lidded glances, and the corner of his mouth curled into a faint smile. “I don’t know if I shall manage to get to the top again,” he said. “I only wish I did know. I hear that trends have changed, so it might be pretty difficult for me. But I’ll tell you this – I’m gonna try hard.”

I was talking to Elvis in the Ray Barracks, Friedburg, some 30 miles north of Frankfurt, just before the singing phenomenon flew back to America this week for his discharge from the Army. This was the first time Elvis had been able to speak freely since his arrival in Europe – and I was there on behalf of the NME .

When I asked him about the future, he was extremely cautious – and a little apprehensive. “I’m completely away from showbusiness,” he told me. “I only have newspaper clippings to keep me up to date with what’s going on. That’s where the NME comes in very useful – I get it regularly… read every week.”

It occurred to me that Elvis might be particularly concerned about the new crop of singers, who sprung up into the limelight in his absence. So I asked what he thought of his new rivals, like Fabian and Frankie Avalon.

“Well to start with, I don’t consider them as rivals,” he explained. “I’ve always believed that there’s room for everyone in show business – and if other people can make it, then good luck to them. I’ve been down the same road they’re walking on now, and I don’t begrudge them their success one bit.”

Presley’s immediate plans on discharge are to go home and take a short rest, before starting work with Frank Sinatra on the television spectacular he is doing at the beginning of May – and the film GI Blues , which he is scheduled to make.

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He has no definite recording plans, although he assumes that making new discs will be one of the first items on his schedule. “I haven’t had a new record out for ten months, and that’s taking a big risk,” he said.

Will it be difficult for Elvis to settle down in civvy street? “Well, I guess it won’t be too difficult to adjust myself from 108 dollars per month to about a million per year,” he grinned. “But I suppose it won’t be too easy readjusting to the entire life.”

I was most anxious to know if Elvis intended to go back onto the rigid rock’n’roll path. Didn’t he perhaps consider that he was getting too old for a rocker?

“Well, I don’t know – that’s the first time I’ve ever been asked that question. But I don’t think so – I’m not an old man yet!

What about Elvis’ movements, which have come in for a great deal of criticism in the past? “I know they shocked a lot of people, but they were all spontaneous, I just couldn’t help the way I presented my songs – I guess it was just a part of me.”

And those celebrated sideburns? “I’ll let them grow again a little, but they won’t be as long as they were. I reckon I got over that kick!”

Elvis confirmed to me that he is definitely contemplating visiting Britain next year, as part of a lengthy tour of Europe. “It’ll be completely new territory for me, and I’m really looking forward to it,” he declared.

By now, Elvis Presley is back in America. And he’s taken with him the best wishes of all NME readers, which I delivered on your behalf. What’s more, I can assure you that he was genuinely pleased to receive them.

Getting personal with Presley

Has he lost any weight since he’s been in the Army?

“Yes, about ten pounds. I tip the scales at about 170 now.”

Any thoughts on getting married?

“I don’t know yet. I guess I’ll wait until the bug bites – and it hasn’t bitten yet.”

Has he sung at all while he’s been in Germany?

“Only for the guys in my platoon.”

Is he taking any souvenirs back to America?

“Two German guitars and a camera.”

Take a look at NME’s special film edition Elvis digital magazine right here . Don’t miss Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, in cinemas June 24. Book tickets now .

© 2022 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved

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The Alleged Reason Elvis Presley Never Toured Outside Of North America

There aren't many stars with whom millions around the world are on a first-name basis. That's a level almost beyond the upper echelons of celebrity. Madonna's full name, per Britannica , is Madonna Louise Ciconne, but as her renown expanded, she cast the rest of those affectations aside and became a popular culture powerhouse as simply Madonna.

Another of the most celebrated examples of this phenomenon is Elvis. Mr. Presley, Biography states, was born to a cash-strapped family in Tupelo, Mississippi, and the only early hints of his musical prowess were his enthusiasm for the music of the Assembly Of God Church. He was reportedly given a guitar when he turned 11, and the unassuming birthday present would surely go on to change the course of his life, not to mention the entire music industry.

His now-iconic debut on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in September of 1956 cemented his legend. According to History , it seized an 82.6% share of TV viewership, and the 21-year-old was watched by 60 million people as he performed while on the cusp of true superstardom. In short order, he had conquered the world. Curiously, though, he never toured outside of North America, and it seemed his manager had more than a little something to do with that.

Colonel Tom Parker seemed very averse to global tours

According to Graceland 's official website, Elvis met Colonel Tom Parker, the man who would steer him through the rest of his remarkable career, on February 6, 1955. The meeting was attended by representatives of Elvis' then-label, Sun Records, as well as the manager he had at the time, Bob Neal. Parker, it seems, wasted no time in making clear that he could take Elvis to the very top. By mid-March of the following year, Parker had assumed sole responsibility for managing Elvis.

Parker was there for much of Elvis' meteoric rise. According to Alanna Nash's "The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley," RCA Records' Chet Atkins deemed Parker to have been "the best manager I ever saw ... whatever he cost Elvis ... was worth it, because Elvis would've ... lost that luster in no time if it hadn't been for the Colonel." Literally and figuratively, it's difficult to say exactly how much Parker "cost" Elvis. With Parker's tremendous influence over the singer's career, though, he called a lot of the shots, and one decision he seemed to make was that his client wouldn't tour around the world.

In an interview with Noise11 , Jerry Schilling of Elvis' "Memphis Mafia" stated that Elvis, at the peak of his success, "wanted to tour overseas. He wanted to go to Australia. He wanted to go to Japan." He passed these ambitions on to the Colonel, per Schilling, who wouldn't hear of it.

The King and the Colonel collided

According to Schilling, per Noise11 , the Colonel insisted that if Elvis embarked on such a trip, he would do so without him. Elvis apparently told Parker that he was fired and attempted to do just that, but, per Schilling, "When Elvis tried to get a tour going no one would touch him because they were afraid of the Colonel ... They had the relationship with the Colonel. They respected the Colonel."

And so it was that such aspirations were not to be. According to Smithsonian Magazine , the icon would play only three shows outside of the United States, all of them in Canada in 1957. Along the way, Parker had reportedly refused all kinds of lucrative offers for tours worldwide, and it seems he did so because he had no choice. Parker was not Tom Parker at all, he was not a United States citizen, and he didn't have a passport .

Biography reports that Parker's true name was Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, and that he was born in the Netherlands. He pretended to have been born in West Virginia, later fought for the United States Army, and was given the title of colonel in 1948 (strictly honorary) by Louisiana's governor, whom he had helped campaign. Of these intriguing details, Schilling told Noise11, "We didn't know that while Elvis was alive ... That came out after Elvis passed away." Biography adds that relations from Parker's true native nation recognized him from press photos of himself with the King.

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European cities hope jet-setting Taylor Swift fans will splash the cash for Eras tour

The superstar arrives in Europe next month – and Swifties, tourist boards and venues are already preparing

T im Brown, 44, and his wife, Marcella, 34, may not consider themselves bona fide “Swifties”, but when it was announced last June that Taylor Swift would be visiting their corner of the globe this summer they could not resist joining the scramble for a pair of tickets.

A post-pandemic appetite for live music events has fuelled huge worldwide interest in the American singer-songwriter’s Eras tour, which surpassed in $1bn sales in November to become the highest-grossing series of concerts in history.

The pop culture event of the summer will arrive in Europe next month, kicking off in Paris on 9 May and wrapping up in London on 20 August with 49 dates in between in Sweden, Ireland, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Austria, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

The unique nature of the tour’s ticketing system, which was tweaked after a number of hitches last year, means there will be a mass movement of travelling fans who will not only be Swiftie in affiliation but swift-like in their willingness to travel across the continent.

In expectation of intense demand, Ticketmaster introduced a pre-registration system that rewarded some early applicants with access codes to the ticket sale proper, via staggered windows for each city.

Notionally designed to prioritise genuine fans over “scalpers” – people who buy and resell tickets for a quick profit – the pre-sales system also meant many fans registered for tickets in multiple destinations across Europe to increase their chances.

Tim and Marcella, who live in Norwich, registered not just for the nearest concerts – in London and Liverpool – but also in Amsterdam and Lisbon. The pair got lucky with a pair of €91 tickets in the Portuguese capital and have turned the trip into a weekend break. “I used to live in Lisbon so I thought why not kill two birds with one stone,” Tim said. “We booked ourselves flights and four nights’ accommodation the same day.” They are far from alone.

Katie Soo, the chief business officer of DICE, a rival ticketing company, said: “The excitement and uncertainty inherent in the ticket-purchasing process might have inadvertently incentivised fans to apply for tickets in multiple cities, thereby increasing the likelihood of travelling across Europe to attend the concerts.”

Hotel prices

Several European cities have already reported a sharp rise in demand for hotel and short-term rental accommodation over the summer, when the Swift hurricane will arrive. In Edinburgh, Liverpool and Cardiff, rooms at the Travelodge chain around Swift’s June dates have been sold out since August 2023, a month after tickets for the shows went on sale.

In Paris, where fans anticipate Swift to debut an updated version of the Eras show with songs from the new Tortured Poets Department album, 80% of hotels and apartments listed on Booking.com are already full up. In Warsaw on 2 August, only 9% of hotels listed on the same site are still available.

Not all of the 18 cities covered by the Eras tour are obvious tourism destinations. From 17-19 July, Swift will play three concerts at the 65,000-capacity home ground of the football club Schalke 04 in Gelsenkirchen in Ruhr valley, western Germany. The city’s less-than-familiar name prompted one US chatshow host to quip that “the place might not even exist”.

Yet even in Germany’s rust belt the influx of Swift fans is temporarily transforming the hotel market: any two-bedroom apartments that remain available are going for €800-2,000 a night, with cheaper accommodation available only in surrounding cities that are just as off the usual tourist track as Gelsenkirchen, such as Essen, Bochum or Herne.

Cities with stricter rules on allowing Airbnb-style holiday lets and a more limited stock of short-term rental apartments are reporting a particularly marked increase in rates during Swift’s visit, with about 30% year-on-year spikes in rental rates in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Milan, according to AirDNA, a data analytics company specialising in the short-term rentals market.

Of all the tour’s European stops, Vienna is experiencing the most notable impact on its rental market, with booking rates for the nights of Swift’s concerts recorded in February 44% higher than at the same point the previous year. By the end of March the number of nights booked in the Austrian capital for the length of Swift’s stay in the second week of August had risen by 430% compared with the same period in 2023.

When Luke Tilden’s wife, Tatjana, suggested last summer that the couple buy their 13- and 15-year-old daughters, Lena and Maya, tickets to a Taylor Swift gig for Christmas, the 53-year-old Briton initially waved it off. “There’s no chance in hell we’d get a ticket without paying through our noses, I thought,” said Tilden, who works as an interpreter at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

But after pre-registering for tickets in London, Paris and Munich, the Tildens got unexpectedly lucky for four tickets in southern Germany and have turned the concert visit into a mini-holiday: “We’ll visit the in-laws in Bavaria, enjoy the countryside, do a bit of hiking.”

The hope in cities across Europe is that this will be replicated on a massive scale, with fans’ excitement translating into generous spending sprees on food, shopping and leisure. In Stockholm, for example, where authorities are expecting 159,000 visitors to arrive from 135 countries in mid-May, the chamber of commerce has forecast a spending boost of €50m. “We hope the whole town will buzz from the Eras tour,” said Tomas Andersson, a spokesperson for the Swedish capital’s tourism board.

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Whether fans will necessarily act like ordinary tourists, however, is up for debate. “Pop-culture tourists do not necessarily care about traditional buildings and authentic restaurants,” said Maria Lexhagen, a professor at the European Tourism Research Institute, Mid Sweden University.

“Joining up with other fan communities is stronger motivation, as is the idea that they might get closer to the stars themselves. Many of them will map out where Swift is spending her time in the city – they will seek out seemingly marginal but meaningful places like back alleys or coffee shops.” Venues may be hoping for a repeat of Sydney in February, when Swift swept into an unassuming Italian restaurant in the suburbs and sent its name into global media headlines.

In Stockholm the tourism board said it was expecting bookshops and secondhand clothes stores, rather than museums and royal palaces, to attract most of the arriving visitors. Some venues are being proactive: one restaurant within walking distance of the multipurpose Friends Arena in the Solna municipality is putting on a “Taylor Swift brunch experience” with a karaoke stage; the waterfront nightclub Debaser is hosting a pre-concert party on 16 May, an all-ages all-day party with a Swift-themed quiz on 19 May and an afterparty the day after.

Environment

As the Swift circus rolls across the continent, the transport infrastructure of urban centres will also be put to the test. Around the tour’s three-night stop in Dublin at the end of June, Irish Rail has announced additional late-night services to Cork and Limerick to meet an expected increase in demand. Extra tram and bus services are likely to be announced nearer the time.

Unlike rail operators, most airlines do not have capacity to charter additional flights. Due to yield management – airlines adjusting prices based on expected demand – a scramble for airborne journeys into cities that host the Eras tour is more likely to result in more expensive tickets rather than additional flights.

Officials at Lisbon airport said no additional flights had been chartered around Swift’s concerts on 24 and 25 May but that demand would probably be reflected in slightly higher load factors. A spokesperson for Amsterdam Schiphol said general aviation slots could be requested at short notice but nothing out of the ordinary had been logged so far.

Calculating the environmental impact of the tour with any certainty was difficult, experts said. “We can expect that some Swift fans will travel a long way to see one, if not several, shows across Europe”, said Stefan Gössling, a professor of tourism at Linnaeus University in Kalmar, Sweden. “But measuring the environmental impact of these trips is extremely difficult – it would involve a lot of guesswork.”

This did not mean the carbon footprint was negligible. “Every flight taken by a person adds to demand and hence influences supply considerations,” Gössling said. “The greater the demand, the more aircrafts are in service.”

The pop star’s carbon footprint is easier to estimate. Swift owns two jets by the French manufacturer Dassault, whose journeys are trackable. During the 2023 leg of the Eras tour, Swift’s planes spent 166 hours crisscrossing the US in about 75 individual journeys, though it is possible they were used by people other than the singer.

According to data available through the open-access aviation tracker ADS-B exchange, Swift’s jets caused carbon emissions of about 2,830 tonnes of CO 2 equivalent over the course of the US Eras tour – about 1,700 times the annual contribution of an average person.

A spokesperson for Swift told US media last year that in advance of the tour’s start in March 2023, the pop star bought more than double the carbon credits needed to offset all tour travel. Carbon offset credits are tradable certificates that allow purchasers to compensate for emissions by investing in environmental projects that claim to reduce carbon emissions, though recent studies have questioned the efficacy of these schemes.

Additional reporting by Ajit Niranjan

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