August 31, ON THIS DAY IN ELVIS HISTORY

August 31, ON THIS DAY IN ELVIS HISTORY

August 31, 1957

Elvis performed at the Empire Stadium, Vancouver, British Columbia.

CONCERT DETAILS: Tour Ref: 1957 Date: August 31 1957 Venue: Empire Stadium Location: Vancouver CAN Showtime: (8:00 PM) Crowd: 26.500 Show type: Pacific Northwest Tour Ticket Price: $1.50 ELVIS ATTIRE: Jacket: Gold Lame Trousers: Black Shirt: Black ELVIS ACCESSORIES: Tie: Shoes: Black Belt: MUSICIANS ATTIRE: Jacket: Yellow Trousers: Black Shirt: White MUSICIANS ACCESSORIES: Tie: Black Shoes: Black Belt:

SONGS - TRACKLISTINGS: Heartbreak Hotel All Shook Up I Was The One I Got A Woman Thats When Your Heartaches Begin Fools Hall Of Fame Dont Be Cruel Love Me Mean Woman Blues Hound Dog ARTISTS - OTHER ACTS: Howard Hardin The Burns Twins & Evelyn Joe Termini Wells & The Four Fays Paul Desmond The Jordanaires

CONCERT COMMENTS:

August 31, 1962

Elvis reported to wardrobe fitting at MGM.

August 31, 1971

Elvis performed at the International Hotel Las vegas

CONCERT DETAILS: Tour Ref: Las Vegas Season 5 - Las Vegas August 9th - September 6th 1971 Date: August 31 1971 Venue: International Hotel Location: Las Vegas NV Showtime: Dinner (8.15pm) Crowd: 2200 REVIEWS: Article *: ELVIS ATTIRE: Suit: Black Cisco Kid Jumpsuit with green shoulders Belt: Gold Attendance Belt Cape: GROUP ATTIRE: Red cape TICKET STUBS:	SONGS - TRACKLISTINGS: 2001 Theme Thats All Right I Got A Woman - segued medley with - Amen Proud Mary Sweet Caroline Polk Salad Annie Instrumental Johnny B Goode Its Impossible Love Me Blue Suede Shoes - segued medley with - Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On - segued medley with - Blue Suede Shoes Heartbreak Hotel Teddy Bear - segued medley with - Dont Be Cruel Hound Dog Love Me Tender ( above song includes 1 false start ) Band Introductions Im Leavin Bridge Over Troubled Water ( followed by a reprise of above song ) Cant Help Falling In Love Closing Vamp CDRS FROM CONCERT:
AUDIO
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CONCERT DETAILS: Tour Ref: Las Vegas Season 5 - Las Vegas August 9th - September 6th 1971 Date: August 31 1971 Venue: International Hotel Location: Las Vegas NV Showtime: Midnight (12.00am) Crowd: 2200 REVIEWS: Article *: ELVIS ATTIRE: Suit: White Cisco Kid Jumpsuit with black leather shoulders Belt: Gold Attendance Belt Cape: GROUP ATTIRE: TICKET STUBS: SONGS - TRACKLISTINGS: 2001 Theme Thats All Right I Got A Woman - segued medley with - Amen Proud Mary Sweet Caroline Polk Salad Annie Johnny B Goode Its Impossible Love Me Blue Suede Shoes - segued medley with - Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On Heartbreak Hotel Teddy Bear - segued medley with - Dont Be Cruel Its Over Hound Dog Suspicious Minds Band Introductions Im Leavin Lawdy Miss Clawdy Cant Help Falling In Love Bridge Over Troubled Water Closing Vamp CDS FROM CONCERT: Import CD CDRS FROM CONCERT: Concerts Reviewed - 1971 AUGUST 31, 1971 Midnight Show (Las Vegas) by Evan The second show for this night starts with the 2001 Theme, which leads into the familiar opening riff of THAT'S ALL RIGHT, however James Burton adds some slighting different licks to what we are used to. The sound is very clear, and Elvis' entrance to the stage is signaled by the screams of his Vegas audience. This is a version that is cooking, but is somewhat slower than the August 10, 1970 opening night performance we know from TTWII. Albeit a good version, there is a hint of boredom in both Elvis' and the bands performance. It's too polished. Elvis cuts the audience's approval with I GOT A WOMAN within two seconds of completing the opening song. The introduction to this second song is short lived with Elvis stopping the song, telling the band that they've "gotta be quick" in terms of keeping up with him. A slight giggle is heard from a woman sitting near the tape recorder before Elvis launches back into I Got a Woman. This version is certainly slower compared to previous seasons, but contains some great drumming by Ronnie. A very early version of AMEN follows, and unlike many other early performances, Elvis slurs the two songs together (usually there was a definite stop between I Got a Woman and Amen). The ending to Amen hears Elvis and the backup singers end in a similar fashion to the Hampton Roads, April 9, 1972 version without Elvis saying "dive it JD". The finale of I Got a Woman brings screams and cheers. "Thank you" Elvis says as the applause follows. One girl can be heard laughing, but a laugh of disbelief. Immediately PROUD MARY kicks off, and by this time Ronnie Tutt has added his follow through drum work after the opening riff (this drum roll generally defines the difference between a 1970 and a 1972 performance). What makes this version interesting is the "1972" arrangement sung in a "1970" manner. The first drum roll obviously impresses some of the girls at this midnight show, but not so much of Ronnie's talents as a drummer, but by Elvis' stage antics (refer the April 18, 1972 San Antonio version from ELVIS ON TOUR for visual appreciation). The new sounds of JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet are fully exploited in this version. "Thank you very much. You're a good audience. Thank you very much. Take it on". Elvis tells James Burton to start SWEET CAROLINE which has the introduction slightly ruined but quickly regained. This version is much faster than the February & August 1970 versions we know so well, but are vocally acrobatic and tends to draw several whistles. It is an interesting version at this speed, but I can't help but wonder if Elvis was becoming bored with it. I am sure Jerry Scheff was as he explained to me on November 12, 1999 that he just couldn't stand that song. Again, before the crowd's applause can climax, Elvis tells Jerry to "Take it on", and the thumping bass introduction to POLK SALAD ANNIE is heard bouncing off the wall of the Internationale Showroom. The evolution of this song is quite extraordinary, and is fully detailed in a recent article by Geoff McDonnell in the new ELVIS TODAY magazine. PSA is still performed this night with the spoken introduction like that of February & August 1970 versions, but is almost as fast as the new arrangement that came into being on January 26, 1972. However Elvis' boredom with this dialogue is obvious as he purposely slurs his way through the line "Used to know an old girl who'd go down and pick a mess of it..". Unlike the 1970 versions, Jerry Scheff was now performing a short solo as he did in 1972 (for a precise date of when these solos started, and yes, they started a lot earlier than one might suspect, keep your eye open for Geoff's article). Annoyingly, Elvis cuts the applause after PSA with , "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I'm Jerry Lee Lewis. Welcome to the International. Um, I don't like the (tape becomes inaudible)". In the background plays the regular instrumental for the band introductions. Elvis says something about "the Supremes" then JOHNNY B.GOODE kicks off sounding very similar to the January 14, 1973 version. Without introduction, the orchestra begin IT'S IMPOSSIBLE which would not be recorded officially until February 16, 1972 at that night's midnight show. This 1971 version is real nice. It's a little more thoughtful than the master, and Elvis seems to really enjoy the lyrics. It is a shame he dropped it from his set so soon. The line "I would sell my very souuuuul, and not regret it" is beautifully sung, and the crowd shows their approval. "Trrrrrreeeeeaaaaaatttttttt me like a fool" starts LOVE ME, and this is a real nice, bluesy version. There was a time when Elvis could sing Love Me, and there was a tme he could SING Love Me. For me, the best versions are from the 1970/1971 period before they were used with a more pop arrangement, often in a part of the show that allowed Elvis to register what type of crowd he was working that particular night. The TCB band show off some very cool guitar and drum licks, whilst the audience hears the first hints of the Aloha version from the backup of the Stamps. "Yeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh, Well it's one for the money". BLUE SUEDE SHOES cuts loose like the August 13, 1970 midnight show version, but by now had lost it's instrumental in favor of a few words of WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN' GOING ON, before completing the medley with BLUE SUEDE SHOES. Elvis must have been sick to death of these old numbers, hence the medley. "Welllllllllll, since my.since my (audience laughs), since my baby left me". HEARTBREAK HOTEL is a well performed version, and brings some good screams from the girls, but one can hear a feeling of boredom yet again in Elvis' voice. Unfortunately TEDDY BEAR is edited, and starts a quarter of the way through. However, these early versions are my favorites with Elvis' over pronunciation of the lyrics. Luckily he adds an extra "I don't want to be a tiger, coz tigers play to rough". DON'T BE CRUEL concludes this medley which seem to prove very popular both with Elvis and the fans. Elvis includes the "kick your ass" lyrics, and generally seems to have fun. Out of nowhere IT'S OVER starts, and is as beautiful as the Aloha version. Elvis' vocals are very strong, but yet again I get the feeling he is rushing the show. Perhaps because of the reviews from the last season that covered January and February 1971 where he was described as too talkative and even fat! I dunno! HOUND DOG is hinted at with six or seven "You aint, You aint"s. "You aint NUTHIN' butta hound dog is reminiscent of Big Mama Thorntons version. Elvis continues his impression, changing his voice, and gets down and dirty with the lyrics. Ronnie's drum echoing Elvis beat. Elvis even uses the original lyrics of "hanging 'round my front door". The speed of he song is the same found on the June 10, 1972 afternoon and evening shows at Madison Square Garden, but what is even better is the way James Burton continues his instrumental at this speed. It's real bluesy. I vote BMG release this version sometime soon. It rips! The end of the instrumental signals a version at super sonic speed which I've not heard Elvis sing before quite so quickly. The ending is much like the MSG version from June 10, 1972 evening show. SUSPICIOUS MINDS starts immediately and is very upbeat. Well complimented by the strings, this seems to be enjoyed by the audience judging by their screams and whistles. It is apparent when Ronnie is heard working hard, you can be sure Elvis is too! Unfortunately, there are a few parts where despite Elvis' playing with the girls in the audience, he purposely slurs the words. But I guess it would have been different being at the actual show. Similar to the April 18, 1972 soundboard mix is the evidence of John Wilkinson's rhythm playing in this song. The rapid drumming and the screams from the girls indicate a karate ending. Elvis introduces the members of his group, this time starting with James Burton, then John Wilkinson, "the Sweet Inspirations, Kathy Westmoreland, Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff, Glenn Hardin, Charlie Hodge, or conductor Joe Guercio, fanatastic Joe Guercio orhcestra". The Stamps are not introduced. Elvis quickly introduces someone in the audience, but the name is inaudible. "I have a new record called 'I'm Leaving". This beautiful song, I'M LEAVING, is performed in the same haunting way as the single, but again seems a little fast. I can't help but think of those hotel managers thinking, "Get him off the stage and get the people into the casino". If only they let the man just make music. Even more reason why Vegas was wrong for Elvis in the long run. LAWDY MISS CLAWDY rocks! Slower than the April 9, 1972 evening show version filmed and shown in ELVIS ON TOUR, this is a real classy version with plenty of whistles and screams. For the first time this show Elvis slows down, and sings it like he did in 1956. CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE does not get past "Wise men." when Elvis says, "Hold it Glenn, let's do BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER". "Yeah" scream the girls who are sitting by the tape recorder. "Oh lovely" says one girl. Jerry's bass playing swirls and groans through this to great effect.. Elvis has dropped his annoying pronunciation of the title, "Bridge Jover troubled water" that is soooooo evident in his August 12, 1970 midnight show performance from TTWII. This is definitely the highlight of the show in a vocal sense. It reminds me very much of the Greensboro version from April 14, 1972. BRIDGE is given a reprise, but I get the feeling is only done because the band did not start the closing riff immediately afterwards. Even after a second attempt, Ronnie is a little slow to start. In my estimation of this show, despite running a little under 60 minutes, which I think is a little short for a midnight show and considering the dinner tables were moved to cram more people in, this is a fairly good show. It is well sung and well performed, but just lacks that Presley contact with his audience. It is similar to the speed of the MSG show, but I can't help but feel Elvis had plans he wanted to execute that night that did not involve his fans. The were a few occasions Elvis seemed bored with what he had to sing, and I think this is backed up by his change in repertoire the following season in January. Hound Dog is an outstanding version only for it's unique arrangement, but Bridge Over Troubled Water is real nice. If there was ever an FTD release of request box songs, I'd vote for these two. I think if you were in the audience that night, you would have felt like you'd seen a great show and would not have been disappointed. I always like to hear Elvis' interaction with is fans, and this is what this show needed. But like any Presley concert, if you can hear it, go ahead and listen to it. It's Elvis! Evan Las Vegas Midnight Show Recorded live at the International Hotel. August 31, 1971. Midnight Show Tracklisting That's All Right / I Got A Woman - Amen / Proud Mary / Sweet Caroline / Polk Salad Annie / Johnny B. Goode / It's Impossible / Love Me / Blue Suede Shoes - Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On / Heartbreak Hotel / Teddy Bear-/ Don't Be Cruel / It's Over / Hound Dog / Suspicious Minds / Band Introduction / I'm Leavin' / Lawdy Miss Clawdy / Can't Help Falling In Love / Bridge Over Troubled Water Recording: Audience Label: TCB Records EP 1971 Covers: [front] [back] [disc] [inside front] Las Vegas Recorded live at The International August 31, 1971 Dinner Show. Playable Tracklisting **Adobe Flash Player needs to be installed. Click here to install Recording: Audience Highlights: Sweet Caroline, Polk Salad Annie, Heartbreak Hotel & Bridge Over Troubled Water (reprise) Sound: Contents: Covers: [front] [back] The Live Years Vol. 1 Recorded live at The International August 31, 1971 Midnight Show. Tracklisting Recording: Audience Highlights: Sweet Caroline, Its Impossible, Its Over & Lawdy Miss Clawdy Notes: See "Las Vegas Hilton Midnight Show" in our CD section. Sound: Contents: Covers: [front] [back]

CONCERT DETAILS: Tour Ref: Las Vegas Season 9 - Las Vegas August 6th - September 3rd 1973 Date: August 31 1973 Venue: Hilton Hotel Location: Las Vegas NV Showtime: Dinner (8.15pm) Crowd: 2200 REVIEWS: Article *: ELVIS ATTIRE: Suit: Black Spanish Flower with blue green stones Belt: Original belt Cape: Green Cape GROUP ATTIRE: Musicians: Green Suit TICKET STUBS:

SONGS - TRACKLISTINGS: 2001 Theme C C Rider I Got A Woman - segued medley with - Amen Love Me Steamroller Blues You Gave Me A Mountain Trouble Long Tall Sally - segued medley with - Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On - segued medley with - Mama Dont Dance - segued medley with - Flip Flop And Fly - segued medley with - Hound Dog Love Me Tender Fever Bridge Over Troubled Water Suspicious Minds Band Introductions Elvis introduces Charlton Heston My Boy I Cant Stop Loving You An American Trilogy A Big Hunk Of Love The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face How Great Thou Art Cant Help Falling In Love Closing Vamp CDS FROM CONCERT: Import CD Import CD CDRS FROM CONCERT: PICTURES FROM CONCERT: © Laurens van Houten © Laurens van Houten © Laurens van Houten

CONCERT DETAILS: Tour Ref: Las Vegas Season 9 - Las Vegas August 6th - September 3rd 1973 Date: August 31 1973 Venue: Hilton Hotel Location: Las Vegas NV Showtime: Midnight (12.00am) Crowd: 2200 REVIEWS: Article *: ELVIS ATTIRE: Suit: White Spanish Flower Belt: Original belt Cape: Blue cape GROUP ATTIRE: TICKET STUBS: SONGS - TRACKLISTINGS: 2001 Theme C C Rider I Got A Woman - segued medley with - Amen Love Me Release Me Fever You Gave Me A Mountain Trouble Long Tall Sally - segued medley with - Mama Dont Dance - segued medley with - Flip Flop And Fly - segued medley with - Jailhouse Rock - segued medley with - Hound Dog Teddy Bear - segued medley with - Dont Be Cruel Bridge Over Troubled Water Suspicious Minds Band Introductions Love Me Tender How Great Thou Art My Boy Heartbreak Hotel The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face Mystery Train - segued medley with - Tiger Man An American Trilogy Cant Help Falling In Love Closing Vamp CDRS FROM CONCERT: PICTURES FROM CONCERT: © AUDIO **Adobe Flash Player needs to be installed. Click here to install Getting Down To Business Recorded live at The Hilton Hotel. Las Vegas, August 31. 1973. Dinner Show. Tracklisting 2001 Theme / C.C. Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / Steamroller Blues / You Gave Me A Mountain / Trouble / Rock'n'Roll Medley / Love Me Tender / Fever / Bridge Over Troubled Water (w.reprise) / Suspicious Minds / Intros / My Boy / I Can`t Stop Loving You / American Trilogy / A Big Hunk O`Love / The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (part only) / How Great Thou Art (part only) / Can't Help Falling In Love Recording: Audience Label: Union Music Ltd. CD 02/01 (released 2002). Notes: Wrongly dated August 30, 1973 Dinner Show. Covers: [front] [back] [inside] Getting Down To Business Recorded live at The Hilton Hotel. Las Vegas, August 31, 1973. Dinner Show. Tracklisting 2001 Theme / C.C. Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / Steamroller Blues / You Gave Me A Mountain / Trouble / Rock'n'Roll Medley / Love Me Tender / Fever / Bridge Over Troubled Water (w.reprise) / Suspicious Minds / Band Introductions / My Boy / I Can`t Stop Loving You / American Trilogy / A Big Hunk O`Love / The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (beginning only) / How Great Thou Art (reprise only) / Can't Help Falling In Love Recording: Audience Label: Vegas Strip VS 1973-02-2 (released 2008). Notes: Reissue with speed corrected and sound improved. Trouble In Vegas Recorded live at the Hilton Hotel August 31, 1973 Dinner Show. Tracklisting Recording: Audience Highlights: Trouble, Fever, Bridge Over Troubled Water, My Boy, I Cant Stop Lovin' You, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face & How Great Thou Art Notes: See "Getting Down to Business" in our CD section. Wrongly dated Aug 30, 1973 DS. Sound: Contents: Covers: [front] [back] Other Releases Title: Vegas 8/31/73 ds Covers: [front] [back] Elvis - Vegas Recorded live at the Hilton Hotel August 31, 1973 Midnight Show. Playable Tracklisting **Adobe Flash Player needs to be installed. Click here to install Recording: Audience Highlights: Release Me, Fever, How Great Thou Art, My Boy, Heartbreak Hotel, Mystery Train-Tiger Man & An American Trilogy Sound: Contents: Covers: [front] [back] Other Releases Title: Vegas 8/31/73 ms Covers: [front] [back] CONCERT DETAILS: Tour Ref: Las Vegas Season 11 - Las Vegas August 19th - September 2nd 1974 Date: August 31 1974 Venue: Hilton Hotel Location: Las Vegas NV Showtime: Dinner (8.15pm) Crowd: 2200 REVIEWS: Article *: ELVIS ATTIRE: Suit: Emperor Beige Leather Two-piece Belt: Cape: GROUP ATTIRE: Musicians: White Suit TICKET STUBS: SONGS - TRACKLISTINGS: 2001 Theme C C Rider I Got A Woman - segued medley with - Amen Love Me If You Love Me Its Midnight Big Boss Man Fever All Shook Up Softly As I Leave You Hound Dog An American Trilogy Teddy Bear - segued medley with - Dont Be Cruel Band Introductions Karate Monologue If You Talk In Your Sleep Until Its Time For You To Go Let Me Be There ( followed by a reprise of above song ) Hawaiian Wedding Song Heartbreak Hotel How Great Thou Art Cant Help Falling In Love Closing Vamp CDRS FROM CONCERT: CONCERT DETAILS: Tour Ref: Las Vegas Season 11 - Las Vegas August 19th - September 2nd 1974 Date: August 31 1974 Venue: Hilton Hotel Location: Las Vegas NV Showtime: Midnight (12.00am) Crowd: 2200 REVIEWS: Article *: ELVIS ATTIRE: Suit: Mermaid Beige Leather Two Piece Belt: Cape: GROUP ATTIRE: Musicians: White Suit TICKET STUBS: SONGS - TRACKLISTINGS: 2001 Theme C C Rider I Got A Woman - segued medley with - Amen Love Me If You Love Me Its Midnight Big Boss Man Fever All Shook Up Elvis Introduces John Bassett Softly As I Leave You Hound Dog An American Trilogy Bridge Over Troubled Water Band Introductions Karate Monologue If You Talk In Your Sleep Why Me Lord ? Let Me Be There ( followed by a reprise of above song ) Hawaiian Wedding Song How Great Thou Art Cant Help Falling In Love Closing Vamp CDS FROM CONCERT: Import CD It's Midnight In Vegas Recorded live at The Hilton Hotel. August 31, 1974 Midnight Show. Las Vegas, NV Tracklisting 2001 Theme / See See Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen - I Got A Woman / Love Me / If You Love Me / It's Midnight / Big Boss Man / Fever / All Shook Up / Softly As I Leave You / Hound Dog / An American Trilogy / Bridge Over Troubled Water / Introductions / If You Talk In Your Sleep / Why Me Lord / Let Me Be There / Hawaiian Wedding Song / How Great Thou Art / Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp Recording: Audience Label: Released 1998 Covers: [front] [back] [disc] [inside] Turmoil In Vegas Recorded live at The Hilton August 31, 1974 Dinner Show. Tracklisting Recording: Audience Highlights: Sound: Contents: Covers: [front] [back]

August 31, 1976

Elvis performed at the Coliseum, Macon, Georgia.

Date:	31 August 1976
Time:	8.30pm
Venue:	Macon, GA. Macon Coliseum
Tickets:	10,200
Costume:	Bicentennial (white) Suit
Track list:	Also Sprach Zarathustra 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 America [band introductions] Early Morning Rain What'd I Say Johnny B. Goode Love Letters School Days Hurt Hound Dog That's All Right Blue Christmas Mystery Train/Tiger Man Can't Help Falling In Love
Recordings:	Southbound
Photos:

CONCERT DETAILS: Tour Ref: On Tour number 24 - August 27th - September 8th 1976 Date: August 31 1976 Venue: Macon Coliseum Location: Macon GA Showtime: (8:30 pm) Crowd: 10200 REVIEWS: Article *: VIDEO INFORMATION: Release: Bicentennial Vol.3 / Bicentennial 76 Length: 41 mins ELVIS ATTIRE: Suit: Blue Egyptian Bird Belt: Original belt Cape: GROUP ATTIRE: Sherrill Nielsen: White sleeveless Jumpsuit Kathy Westmoreland: White Suit The Sweet Inspirations: Light Blue Suit J.D. Sumner: Blue Suit The Stamps Quartet: Black Suit with White Shirt Musicians: White Suit TICKET STUBS: SONGS - TRACKLISTINGS: 2001 Theme C C Rider I Got A Woman - segued medley with - Amen Love Me If You Love Me You Gave Me A Mountain All Shook Up Teddy Bear - segued medley with - Dont Be Cruel And I Love You So Jailhouse Rock Fever America The Beautiful ( followed by a reprise of above song ) Band Introductions Early Morning Rain ( featuring John Wilkinson ) Whatd I Say ( featuring James Burton ) Johnny B Goode ( featuring James Burton ) Drum Solo ( featuring Ronnie Tutt ) Bass Solo ( featuring Jerry Scheff ) Piano Solo ( featuring Tony Brown ) Electric Piano Solo ( featuring David Briggs ) Love Letters School Day Hurt Hound Dog Thats All Right Blue Christmas Mystery Train - segued medley with - Tiger Man Cant Help Falling In Love Closing Vamp CDS FROM CONCERT: Import CD PICTURES FROM CONCERT: © Keith Alverson © Keith Alverson © Keith Alverson © George Hill © George Hill CONCERT DATE: August 31, 1976. Macon, GA. Elvis Presley Scores In Macon Again The Macon News September 1, 1976 Elvis Presley, 41 years old and pounds heavier than when he first wooed the teenagers of the 1950s, played to a sell-out crowd at the Macon Coliseum Tuesday night. sparking the same kind of hysteria that marked his concerts of years past. Bumping and grinding across the stage, he held the crowd of 10,088 ticket-buying fans , most less than half his age, with such old favorites as "C.C. Rider," "Love Letters," and "I'm So Hurt" Saralyn Foster, 43, and her 23-year-old daughter Diane came from Atlanta to fill their front row seats. "I think it's the way he moved," Diane gushed over PResley's appeal. "When he gets to wiggling that leg - Oh, Lord!. Her mother took another approach. "He's so sincere. He builds you up with every song." Mrs. David Rodgers, 26, of Macon left her husband home and came to catch her first real view of Presley from a front row center seat. "He sings good, and then he looks good," she listed her reasons for coming. Security for the concert was tight, as it has been since the star landed at the airport at 1:30 am Tuesday. A couple of hundred diehard fans were waiting, but Presley was swept off in a Chrysler - a far cry from the Cadillac limousine that fans trailed to the Hilton last year - tho the hotel where he had reserved the top three floors. Although the elevators at the Hilton were not rigged to stop below the top floors, guards were stationed there to prevent fans from intruding on the star. Security at the Coliseum was even tighter. "This is the toughest outfit that comes to Macon," said Lt. Robert Utley, who assured the curious that nobody was to be allowed backstage. Courtesy of Francesc Lopez CONCERT DATE: August 31, 1976. Macon, GA. Paunchy Elvis Struts For Adoring Crowd by Cath Coleman The Macon Telegraph Wednesday, September 1, 1976 Elvis Presley shimmered when he shimmyed and doted on a sell-out crowd Tuesday night - his second in as many years in the Macon Coliseum. The 41-year-old legenday singer, with an unmistakable paunch, strutted and pranced before 10,088 ticket-buying fans, most half his age or less. A few more bumps and grinds, the kind that center around his rotating knees and gyrating hips, would have kept the screams going forever. As it was, the 80-minute set was spattered with spot-hysteria and most of the Pelvis's lyrics were easily audible - except in the usual Coliseum blind spots. Presley's sky-blue knit pants and vest were heavy with sequins and red, blue and gold stones. His white, wide-sleeved shirt was open nearly to his waist. With every movement, every shake of his coal-black hair, the spotlights danced and played off his costume - and off the red hot rocks on four out of five fingers. Presley's fans - obvioulsy some of the most loyal in show business - seemed to love every minute of it and waited patiently for opening acts to end. When the traditional opening theme of "2001" began its crescendo from the horns, guitars, piano and drums of Presley's 20-member band, the electricity sparkled and the crowd roared. From "C.C. Rider" and "Fever" through "Love Letters" and "I'm so Hurt," the audience was Presley's alone. An extraheavy squad of Macon policemen struggled to keep sceraming girls from the stage and didn't always succeed. Stuffed animals, flowers, toys - seemingly everything was tossed on the stage in hopes that PResley might reciprocate with one of his frequently dotted scarves or, better yet, a kiss. "That was a good one, honey." Presley joked after an especially enthusiastic, smooch. "I'll just have to wear a patch over one eye." The phenomenon that is Presley started two months ago when the $12.5- tickets sold out in about two hours. That same unquestioning Presley devotion was obvious Tuesday night, as the original rock-and-roller did it all over again for fans who might have nothing else in common except him. Saralyn Foster, 43, came from Atlanta with her daughter, 23 year-old Diane Mills and parked in the very front row. How they got their tickets was a secret not divulged. "I think it's the way he moves," said Diane of Presley's appeal. "When he gets to wiggling that leg - Oh, Lord!" Her mother took another approach. "He's so sincere. He builds you up with every song," said Mrs. Foster, who admitted she has been disappointed with Elvis's performance in Atlanta in April. Mrs. David Rodgers, 26, of Macon left her husband at home while she was front-row-center for her first view of Presley. "He sings good, and then he looks good," she said, putting his good points in order. Her cousin, 29 year-old Jan Shutts of Macon, put it more simply. She was there, "Because I love Elvis - everything about him." That kind of idolatry probably sold a lot of $2 souvenir books and $5 Elvis buttons, not to mention pennants, T-shirts, photographs, etc. It was all part of the traditional Presley hype - the buildup that started hours earlier when the durable singer and his entourage swooped into Lewis B. Wilson airport at 1:30 am Tuesday - 20 hours before he bounded onstage at the Coliseum. Presley's private, red white and blue, four-engine jet was parked on the tarmac in front of a couple hundred die-hard fans who guessed - correctly - that last year's security regimen might be repeated at the airport. but these fans were not treated to the kisses and autographs Presley distributed last year. Rex Elder, airport aviation director, said Presley was decidedly more "secretive" this time around. "Last time he walked over and kissed a couple of girls," said Elder. "This time he just got right in the car and left". And Presley's atomobile was not the Cadillac limousine that fans trailed to Macon's Hilton Hotel last year. The high-powered Las Vegas headliner piled into a 1970, four-door Chrysler for the 20-minute drive into Macon, a car-conscious airport employe reported. The jailhouse rocker and high roller established his usual strong-arm atmosphere at the Macon Hilton, where he reserved the top three floors (last year it was only the top two). Elevators were not rigged to stop below the Presley floors said Hilton manager anthony Muto, but guards were posted at all possible entrances to ward off over-anxious fans. Muto said the three-floor quarantine really was not a high-priced proposition, "It's only a token" reimbursement, since Presley has an agreement with the Hilton chain, said Muto. Security was even tighter at the Coliseum. "THis is the the toughest outfit that comes to Macon," said Lt. Robert Utley, who assured the curious that nobody, but NOBODY was allowed backstage this year. Mayor Macon Buckner Melton, who attended the cncert with his wife and some friends, said he had not asked for an audience with Presley and would not repeat the key to the city offer of his predecessor, Ronnie Thompson, who was there, too. Whatever Presley's secret is - the one that has sustained him since his first million seller, "Heartbreak Hotel," in 1955 - he's still got it. It makes his fans overlook his puffy face and sagging belly, the fact that he only slings his guitar and doesn't strum it, and a voice that sounds great - especially with a 10-voice backup. The secret makes people like 18 year old Verba Kaiser of Macon declare, "I gotr what I came for," and mean half of a scarf. The other half went to another girl who just wouldn't let go. And the secret made 41 year old Beverly Kirby of Warner Robins ansd her five, ticketless daughters clamor for just a look at Presley as he was whisked inside the Coliseum. Without tickets, they came just for a glimpse. "I've loved him all my life," sighed Mrs. Kirby. She pointed to her daughters 7,9,12,16 and 18. "The're just beginning to love him" Courtesy of Francesc Lopez Southbound Recorded live at Macon Coliseum. August 31, 1976, 8:30 P.M. Macon , GA Tracklisting Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See 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, The Beautiful / Introductions / Love Letters / Introductions / Hail Hail Rock 'N' Roll / Hurt / Hound Dog / That's All Right Mama / Blue Christmas / Mystery Train - Tiger Man / Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp. Recording: Soundboard Label: Luxor 4931-3 (released 1998) Covers: [front] [back] [disc]

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