January 26 1970 Opening Show
Review by Linda Holm - Strictly Elvis, Issue 24 (April 1970)

There's only one man in the world who can top Elvis... and that's Elvis himself. Elvis is one of a kind -- the true master of music. There have been many imitators, but no one can dethrone The King. He combines greatness with humbleness -- a grand sense of humour with sensitivity -- and is a true gentleman in every sense of the word. I think I can best express what I think of Elvis Presley by saying he's even greater as a man than as a star.

Making his return to the International Hotel in Las Vegas, Elvis proved again that he still has the charisma and magnetism to pull 2,000 people out of their chairs to give him several standing ovations.

Elvis looked like a Greek God as he stood under the bright spotlights. He wore a "mod" outfit. ... a white, long sleeved, French jump suit open at the chest. He wore a pearl beaded tie belt that hung loosely over his hip hugger pants. He had on a collar of beaded pearls and accentuated with gold ties. Many diamond rings sparkled on his fingers. He wore white, leather boots. All in all, Elvis was breathtakingly handsome.

Although Elvis admitted he was a bit nervous before show time, he didn't show it when he walked on stage amidst great applause. He took the microphone to sing his opening number, 'All Shook Up', and the Presley voice was totally in command.

Elvis' back-up musicians, in addition to the Bobby Morris Orchestra, were: the always great James Burton on guitar; Jerry Scheff on electric bass; Charlie Hodge and John Wilkinson on guitars; Glen Hardin at the piano, and the terrific Bob Lanning, younger son of singer Roberta Sherwood, on drums. He accentuated every move Elvis made with a drum beat.

El's interpretation of the mod, groovy new dances excited everyone, and they responded with wild applause. In the past, Elvis seemed to shy away from fast dancing, but now, it was clear that he'd conquered still another new field for him.

Elvis selected a "potpourri" of songs which featured something for everybody: All-time hits of his, like 'That's All Right',... 'Teddy Bear' ... 'Don't Be Cruel'... and 'Long Tall Sally'. He sang love songs that drew great response from the audience, like 'I Can't Stop Loving You'... 'Let It Be Me'...'True Love Travels On A Gravel Road', and "Can't Help Falling In Love'. His recent million sellers... 'Don't Cry Daddy', 'In The Ghetto', and 'Suspicious Minds' were also showcased.

Perhaps the extra-special crowd pleasers were Elvis' own versions of hit songs that other performers had recorded. He sang, 'Sweet Caroline', a recent hit for his friend, Neil Diamond.. Elvis did a terrific job on it. But, near the end, he motioned for the orchestra to stop. Elvis smiled, and explained he'd "forgotten" the rest of the song. However, a second or two later, he motioned for the orchestra to pick up where they'd left off, and Elvis finished the song to instant applause. Elvis felt completely natural in admitting what happened. Since he's a perfectionist, he wanted to do it right... not 'hum" through the end of the song.

Elvis also sang a Louisiana blues tune, 'Polk Salad Annie', written by Tony Joe White, .. and he did Joe South's hit of 'Walk A Mile In My Shoes'. But the number that really made Elvis go wild was Creedence Clearwater's hit, 'Proud Mary'. Elvis gyrated and twisted to the beat, and blue and purple lights flickered on a screen behind him. It was simply magnificent!

Earlier in the show, Elvis got a bit hoarse. So when he finished a song, he said to the crowd, "You all look at my suit, while I get a drink of water." Several people in the front row offered their water glasses to Elvis, and he took a few sips. One lady offered her napkin so he could wipe his brow.

Anyone in that audience could look at the expression on Elvis' face and know instantly that he was having the time of his life performing. The rapport he has with his public is amazing! They love him... and he loves them back. It's a mutual love affair that's gone on for fifteen years, and will continue another hundred

There were a lot of celebrities in the crowd who'd come to cheer Elvis on. Those present included Zsa Zsa Gabor, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart (who have written songs for Elvis), Stu Gilliam, Juliet Prowse, Lana Turner, Rouvan, Wayne Cochran, Paul Anka, Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong of the Supremes, Peggy Lipton, The Yellow Payges, Dean Martin and his new girl, Gail Renshaw, Paul Peterson, George Chakiris, Kirk Kerkorian, head of the International, James Aubrey, president of MGM, El's producer Doug Lawrence, Harry Jenkins, president of the record division of RCA, and many friends, relatives, fans...

Elvis acknowledged Dean Martin's presence. When he walked on stage, Elvis broke into a few bars of "Everybody Loves Somebody, Sometime..." (I wonder if Elvis knows that Dean is a fan of his, too. Last summer a group of girl fans, on their way to Elvis' house, saw Dino in his yard, and stopped to snap a photo. Martin asked, "Where are you girls going?" They chorused, "To Elvis' house." Dean said, "Wait and I'll go with you." No, he didn't go, but he probably would have liked to).

Also enjoying the show, Peggy Lipton really surprised those near her table when she couldn't control her excitement. Usually appearing to be so ultra-sophisticated, Peggy did a turn about and screamed wildly every time Elvis gyrated on stage. Those who didn't scream were either clapping wildly, cheering, whistling, or doing something to show how much they loved Elvis' performance.

No one wanted the show to end. Every song that Elvis sang was absolutely sensational. He worked hard to perform -- it was evident. The show, lasting over seventy minutes, also featured two acts that were with Elvis last summer at the International. The Sweet Inspirations, dressed in mini-black velvet dresses, and the gospel group, The Imperials, had returned to join The King. Sammy Shore, who was also on the bill again, did a very funny bit about Col. Parker, Bill Miller and Elvis negotiating money for Elvis' stand at the hotel. Sammy said he couldn't understand Col. and Elvis when they talked because of their southern "drawl," but that he felt sure Elvis was getting more money than he was.

Elvis, like last year, is alternating between a white suit one night, and a black suit the next.

My favourite song of all that Elvis sang was his newest RCA single, 'Kentucky Rain'. I knew right away, after I'd heard only a few bars, that it would be an immediate hit.

After Elvis sang his last encore number, the curtain slowly began to fall. But before it did, Elvis stood in the centre of the stage, smiling warmly, his eyes sparkling with love, gratitude and appreciation to everyone there. The man humbly said, "Thank you for coming." Elvis Presley: a true gentleman - a great man!

February 3 1970 Dinner Show
Review by James D.G. Cooper - Elvis Monthly, Issue 342 (July 1988)

It is well known that Elvis was a very sensitive person, always being susceptible to emotional upheavals. So it is hardly surprising that his professional career was nearly always a true reflection of how happy or unhappy he was in his private life. Elvis always mirrored his emotions through his stage performances, sharing his grief and hurt with his adoring public as well as his happiness. The years of 1970 and 1971, (apart from those few precious years with his mother), must surely encompass his best times. Any open avenues in his character were cemented by his then, still sweet marriage to Priscilla and his two year old daughter. Content with his private life, and enjoying critical acclaim for his stage performances from his '69 return to live shows, Elvis decided to return to the International Hotel in February 1970.

Many people thought the idea of returning so soon after his last season an error of judgement. However, by January all twenty-nine days of the engagement had been sold out. There were two shows a night which meant that 114,000 reservations had been made. A spokesman for the hotel said, "Elvis Presley is the greatest box office attraction with world has ever known. That goes for this generation or any generation. Caruso and Valentino never drew like Elvis".

Elvis flew to Los Angeles on the 6th of January to start rehearsals, and then went to Vegas with his group for even more rehearsals before commencing the engagement on January 26th.

During this engagement Elvis wore one piece karate styled suits, the colours of these jumpsuits alternating from black to white. The photograph used for the sleeve of the On Stage album depicts the suit Elvis wore on opening night and for other shows throughout the engagement. Around his neck was embroidery and jewels as well as a macrame sash. The white jumpsuit was also belted by a macrame sash.

Priscilla and Vernon attended many of the shows, and Lisa was allowed to watch the show on Valentine Day. Elvis' repertoire again paid tribute to his hits of the past as well as including material from the recent 69 Memphis Sessions. He also sang material standardised by his contemporaries. He included 'C.C. Rider' (Chuck Willis/1957); "'Sweet Caroline' (Neil Diamond/1969); 'Polk Salad Annie' (Tony Joe White/1969); 'The Wonder Of You' (Ray Peterson/1959); 'Proud Mary' (Creedence Clearwater Revival/1969); 'Release Me' (Humperdinck/1967); 'Walk A Mile In My Shoes' (Joe South/1970) and 'Let It Be Me' (The Everly Brothers/1960).

Jerry Hopkins, in his 1970 biography, I believe best summed up these performances when he wrote "the manner in which he sang these strongly, dramatically made them most memorable. Put simply, when Elvis sang them, it was difficult to recall the originals".

RCA set up their mobile recording units and taped the shows between February 16th and 19th for material to be included in Elvis' second live album. The resulting album was called On Stage and was released in June 1970 and consisted entirely of the above material, songs never recorded by Elvis before. On Stage was number thirteen on the Hot LP charts and remained in the charts for twenty weeks. In Britain, the single release from the album, 'The Wonder Of You' held the number one position in July for three weeks, and for six weeks in the BBC charts.

Mention must be made of the inclusion of 'Yesterday' and 'Runaway'. Although the sleeve notes suggest they were recorded in February, they are actually from August 25th 1969. The noticeable thing about all these performances are the heavy orchestral arrangements which, along with the repertoire (new and old standards as well as contemporary material), would later become typical of Elvis' Vegas shows.

Glen Hardin had replaced Larry Muhoberac on piano at this engagement, and later said of the shows, "He's a strict showman and he really grooves on what he's gonna do and he really pays attention to how to pace his songs and he really checks their reaction. He'll adjust that show right down the middle the first four or five nights. You can tell there's something really buggin' him because he can't keep it movin' like he really wants to. But, boy, when he gets it set, you can tell it too. He's happy and he really lets fly. He really gets it on. I really enjoy it. You play hardaway and you ain't gonna outdo Elvis."

The engagement ended on the 23rd of February, and Elvis picked up one million dollars for four weeks work. With the release of the On Stage album and by listening to fans reports of shows and from interviews given by the musicians who worked with Elvis, we have a fairly comprehensive study of Elvis from this engagement.

A friend recently was good enough to let me have a recording of a show from the 3rd of February. It is not known if this was the evening or midnight performance from the 3rd, but even though it is a recording made from a pocket cassette recorder, for me it remains the definite study of this period. I therefore feel justified in reviewing the complete show (Now known to be the Dinner Show).

The opening number is 'All Shook Up', and considering this is the first song in the show Elvis is in excellent voice. It's an assuring performance, and the same can be said of the following number 'I Got A Woman' which continues in the same vein. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the International. I'd like to do a few songs for you. If I have to go back and drink water from time to time, you'll have to excuse me for it gets a little dry here". Then he launches into the Credence Clearwater Revival hit of 1969, 'Proud Mary'. It's a gutsy rendition, more than pleasing. Then, obviously after noticing a familiar face in the audience he says, "She's been to every show every night, she must be rich" (Audience laughter), "I have a new record that's out." His delivery of 'Don't Cry Daddy' surpasses the studio version. Rich in sentiment it is well appreciated. "I'd like to do a few song's for you that I recorded about 35 to 40 years ago. In 1926, I did a movie called Loving You, and in that movie there's a teddy bear called Song. No, a song called 'Teddy Bear'". The 'Teddy Bear'/'Don't Be Cruel' medley is surprisingly treated with a lot of respect, and the recording is very reminiscent of the original cuts. "My message song for the night" he teasingly announces before 'Long Tall Sally' is sung. Again, as other vintage material, it is performed with the same consideration and reverence.

'Let It Be Me' is well sung and benefits from excellent vocal and orchestral backing. No introductions precede the marvellous 'Walk A Mile In My Shoes'. The excellent lyrics are well projected by Elvis understanding and assertive vocal.

James Burton segues directly into 'In The Ghetto', an apt follow up to the preceding song. "I have out a new record ladies and gentlemen, hope you like it, 'Kentucky Rain'". This song, recorded in Memphis one year earlier, starts assuredly, but Elvis is distracted and starts laughing midway. Credibility is restored when he manages to compose himself and complete the song with the conviction that is evident in the studio recording. "By the way, if you happen to buy the record, all the laughing isn't in there" he apologetically murmurs. He then starts laughing again, and tells himself "to get serious otherwise they will kick me out this time. What shall I do next, oh yeah, that's it" as the band starts playing 'Sweet Caroline'. His performance of this Neil Diamond song is great. 'Polk Salad Annie' is next. This Tony Joe White composition is a spellbinding performance. The whole song, from the teasing monologue right up until the end where Elvis winds the audience up and down is mesmerising. Elvis deep southern vocal baritone is to the fore, and James Burton (lead guitar) and Jerry Scheff (bass guitar) contributions all combine to successfully create an atmosphere similar to that of the Louisiana Swamps.

It would be unfair to omit the contributions of the backing vocalists, for their parts in this masterpiece are just as impressive. The song was unquestionably the highlight of the Vegas shows during this engagement. What one is able to do via this home recording is assess the audience reaction, because with the show having been recorded from the audience their voices are often very prominent. After the first refrain the audience start applauding, assuming the song had been brought to an ending by Elvis' wild karate display. As soon as the Sweet Inspirations begin their hypnotic chanting again only then do they realise more is to come. Ecstatic overtones and shouts of "it isn't over" clearly illustrate their appreciation of this performance.

The group introductions follow 'Polk Salad Annie'. "Before we go any further I would like to introduce the band. This is the band!" (Audience laughter). "First of all the girls that opened the show tonight, they really live up to their name, the Inspirations. The beautiful quartet voice you hear in the back belongs to the Imperials. My favourite guitar player, on lead guitar, Mr James Burton. This guy is pretty good too, he makes records for RCA, John Wilkinson. The young man on drums, Mr Bob Lanning. My red hot bass player, his name is Jerry Scheff. I'd like you to say hello to Glen Hardin on piano. He also does some of my arranging for me. The guy who sings harmony with me on 'Don't Cry Daddy' and plays guitar, Charlie Hodge. Excuse me folks, I really have lost control tonight. My orchestra and conductor, Mr Bobby Morris". More inaudible jokes precede 'Suspicious Minds'. This song which was the focal point of the August engagement in '69 is over seven minutes long and is an invigorating performance. His dynamic vocals for the full seven minutes holds at bay the wailing brass section and dominant rhythm group.

"You've been a beautiful audience, thank you very much", and then the immediately recognisable 'Can't Help Falling In Love' begins, drawing the show to a close.

This show performed on the 3rd February, 1970 is a perfect study for those wishing to familiarise themselves with the work of Elvis during his second Las Vegas engagement. However, it is important that the RCA album On Stage is also examined, for this also is a complete reference to the new material covered by Elvis during the season. A previously unreleased live version of 'Let It Be Me' ('Je t'appartiens') later released by RCA on the album Elvis - A Legendary Performer Volume 3 is well worth listening to. Other material recorded by RCA between the 16th-19th February was not released because they thought it had no commercial significance. A change of mind was evident with the release of 'Kentucky Rain' recorded on February 16 1970, and made available on the Elvis Aron Presley box set in 1980. A live version of 'Don't Cry Daddy' was released a year later, on the compilation album, The Sound Of Your Cry. I am certain that on future compilations albums we can expect the release of more material from the nine concerts recorded by RCA at the engagement.

A far better appraisal were to be made if they would only release a complete show, in its entirety, and this I'm sure is what the fans all want.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'Proud Mary' (ZPA5 1289) incorrectly listed as being February 17, as well as 'In The Ghetto' (ZPA5 1287) and 'Suspicious Minds' (ZPA5 1288) from February 19 Midnight Show listed as being from February 16.

Where the tracks as found on the bootleg Good Times Never Seemed So Good appear to be from acetate sources, the same songs on Rebooked At The International seem to be from a tape source.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'Kentucky Rain' (ZPA5 1295) incorrectly listed as being February 18.

Where the tracks as found on the bootleg Good Times Never Seemed So Good appear to be from acetate sources, the same songs on Rebooked At The International seem to be from a tape source.

The re-recording of 'Let It Be Me' can found on the 2016 album The Wonder Of You, which contained Elvis' original vocals but with new backings by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and which actually went to number one in the UK album charts.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'The Wonder Of You' (ZPA5 1300) incorrectly listed as being Feb. 19.

Sessions III incorrectly lists 'The Wonder Of You' as being recorded at the midnight show on this date.

Where the tracks as found on the bootleg Good Times Never Seemed So Good appear to be from acetate sources, the same songs on Rebooked At The International seem to be from a tape source.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'C.C. Rider' (ZPA5 1290) incorrectly listed as being February 17.

There is no question that Elvis' version of 'C.C. Rider' is Chuck Willis' re-write of the public domain song 'C.C. Rider'.
Elvis' management obviously chose to ignore this fact to avoid paying royalties to Chuck Willis' estate.

Where the tracks as found on the bootleg Good Times Never Seemed So Good appear to be from acetate sources, the same songs on Rebooked At The International seem to be from a tape source.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'I Can't Stop Loving You' (ZPA5 1299) and 'Walk A Mile In My Shoes' (ZPA5 1297) incorrectly listed as being February 18, as well as 'In The Ghetto' (ZPA5 1287) and 'Suspicious Minds' (ZPA5 1288) listed as being from February 16.

Where the tracks as found on the bootleg Good Times Never Seemed So Good appear to be from acetate sources, the same songs on Rebooked At The International seem to be from a tape source.

February 21 Dinner Show
Review by Steve Toli - Strictly Elvis, Issue 25 (May 1970)

Didja? Didja ever? Yes I did. In fact, I believe Shakespeare based his Comedy of Errors on Sue's and my second pilgrimage to the mecca of Las Vegas to again partake of the King doing his thing. We should have been warned at the very beginning, about an hour before we were scheduled to leave. (Everything that went wrong is based on timing, or should I say lack of timing on fate's part). As it was, WCOP, a country and western radio station here was auctioning off one of Elvis' sweaters for the Heart Fund... the auction to last until midnight. I bid $62.00.... but, of course, we had to leave before the auction was over; wanting to see the guy who originally wore the sweater. The chance to see Elvis again, and nothing will stop Steve and Sue Toli in that quest... not a herd of galloping horses... not even Spiro Agnew.

The International Hotel had changed somewhat since our last venture to Vegas. It was next to impossible to obtain good seats for Elvis' performances. All we "fans," it seemed, were seated so far from the stage that we were twice ambushed by the Viet Cong. On our last night, we did get front row seats... but so far to the side that we couldn't see Elvis when he sat down at the piano to perform 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy'. (At another performance Elvis did 'Blueberry Hill' at the piano saying, "I used to go by the name of Fats Domino, but I lost a lot of weight.")

Elvis was as professional and polished as usual, which was no mean feat when you consider he was just getting over a bad two weeks of flu. If it had happened to another performer, someone else would usually stand in for the star... not our Elvis... he's one in a million. He gave it everything he had, and a little extra. Elvis is ignited dynamite on stage.

I managed to see nine shows, and Sue, ten. We didn't get to actually meet the King in person again, but we tried...risking life and limb. We managed, once, to get as far as Elvis' dressing room door, but were stopped by a guard who asked where we thought we were going. Rather a dumb question if you ask me... and he did. I told him I was looking for my brother, Joe. "Joe, who?" he asked. "Joe Esposito," I answered. I don't think he believed me.

Another time my wife and I, and three girls we met struck upon the bright idea of hiding in a bathroom, which Elvis would have to pass after his performance, and seeing us, would naturally come over for a few words. Putting our words into action, on February 21st around 6 PM we stationed our selves in the appointed area, waiting there through Elvis' performance. We could hear him quite well, but couldn't see him of course. We had it made? Not with my luck. (Would you believe, one night when Elvis walked into the audience... you guessed it... I was in the balcony). But, to make a long story short, as Elvis was just finishing 'Don't Cry Daddy', a security guard happened by, opened the door; turned off the light switch and beamed his flashlight on me, saying, "Man, you're in trouble!" I had visions then of forty-eight years in San Quentin (at least I'd get to meet Johnny Cash). .. but the guard saw the gals, and gave us a break. I guess he has had much experience with crazy Elvis fans who will stop at nothing to meet the Man.

I know what you're saying... why doesn't that guy shut up and tell us about Elvis on stage. Good thinking. I'll take one of the shows and give it in detail, skipping over Sammy Shore and the Sweet Inspirations lead-ins. Let me say right off the bat that the way Elvis MOVED on such numbers as 'Sweet Caroline', 'Walk A Mile In My Shoes', and especially 'Polk Salad Annie' had to be seen to be believed... ain't nothing like it.

The music rolls... the screams commence.... and there HE is... moving and grooving suddenly with a rapid-fire rendition of 'All Shook Up' (Seeing him, who isn't?) Elvis knows how to set the pace even from the beginning. Picture his hair and his hips shaking, unable to stand still. The audience is stunned, but Elvis gives us no time, and I mean no time to catch our breath as he swirls into 'I Got A Woman', whipping his vocal chords into action. Everything's jumping. Then he goes into a fantastic 'Long Tall Sally'. His 1956 backing is perfectly duplicated, inspiring Elvis to rip it up. Fast, frantic if anything, faster than the original... bringing back old memories and creating new ones. At this point, Elvis formally welcomes us to the International while informally joking around. He said he had a new record, out a month or so, and he sang 'Don't Cry Daddy', accompanied by Charlie Hodge. Who else can go from hard rock to a sentimental ballad with such convincing ease?

Then Elvis said he wanted to do a couple of songs he recorded around thirty-five or forty years ago, when he was a little - bitty kid, with side-burns and a guitar. He mentioned his appearance on the Sullivan show... yells, "You Ain't" a couple of times... and bursts into 'Hound Dog', our national anthem. Next, he does 'Love Me Tender', from his first film. Elvis jokes around and has everyone laughing, then treats them to 'Kentucky Rain'. A masterful performance. (He played with the lyrics, "Showed your photograph to some old grey bearded fools...") He then does the old Everly Brothers hit, 'Let It Be Me', and it is simply beautiful. Sung with so much emotion that it brings tears to your eyes. From that, Elvis goes directly into 'I Can't Stop Loving You'... a bit faster than usual... Elvis is enjoying himself and the audience is enjoying him.

Next, a highlight; Elvis doing Joe South's 'Walk A Mile In My Shoes'... Elvis with message material. Elvis knows how to put the point across. Fantastic! This is followed by Elvis' own message song, 'In The Ghetto'. From this, Elvis swings directly into 'Sweet Caroline'. Elvis sings this song in a very sensitive manner...NO version of this song matches the King's. The backing is just right, a beauty from start to finish. Extraordinary in all aspects, it should be a single. But hold on to your seats as 'Polk Salad Annie' follows. I just can't describe it. A "talk" opening, and Elvis' voice radiates sex, it's simply electrifying. Elvis makes your hair stand on end with this one. You can FEEL the excitement; you're a witness to a happening. It's an LSD trip without LSD. Elvis stops at times, then continues... going absolutely wild... building a mountain with the lyrics, then smashing it. Elvis stops completely... jokes around... and then back again with some more of that delicious polk salad, really laying it on. Just the music plays as Elvis makes it with the audience, seducing them... all wild and beyond belief.

Elvis ''rests" after this song and introduces everyone. He introduces his "favourite" guitarists, James Burton... and his "least favourite," John Wilkinson. On the snare drum, Eddie Kettle... on the Kettle drums, Eddie snare... About this time, I yelled out, "Don't forget to introduce yourself, you're the King man"... and Elvis answered, "Thank you man, thank you."

He introduces guests in the audience such as Dean's daughter, Gail Martin (Elvis sings a little bit of 'Everybody Loves Somebody'), and Debbie Reynolds.

Eventually, back to the music, and 'Suspicious Minds' (which has now sold over 2 million copies in the U.S. alone). .. bringing back memories of Elvis' first International appearance. Elvis ends his show, and I'll end here; with 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. Wow; simply WOW!

February 27 - March 1 1970, Houston, Texas
Review by Sean Shaver - Strictly Elvis, Issue 24 (April 1970)

Girls screamed and fainted, older women wept, men smiled and applauded; and as for me... I did all the above but faint. I couldn't as I had too much camera gear with me that I didn't want to drop.

Elvis was back! Radio stations proclaimed, "The man is in town!" Houston newspapers had front page photos of Elvis, heralding him as the greatest super star in history. Almost a quarter of a million people would see Elvis in person before his three day spectacular ended Sunday night, March the first. While Elvis was in Houston, he set world attendance records.

Elvis arrived in Houston by jet Wednesday night. He stepped off the plane decked out in a white karate suit and a red shirt. Elvis went directly to the lobby of the Houston Air Center terminal to conduct a press conference. When asked why he came to Houston, Elvis replied, "Well, I kind of started out in Texas. I've played Houston, Corpus Christie, Longview, Dallas... you name 'em, I've played 'em".

Elvis had just flown in from Las Vegas, bringing with him his entire back up group consisting of The Sweet Inspirations, The Imperials, James Burton, Jerry Scheff, John Wilkinson, Glen Hardin, Bob Lanning, and Charlie Hodge (who Elvis insisted on introducing as Kate Smith). Also part of the Elvis party were his father, wife, and Col. Tom Parker.

The Astrodome would hold Elvis' largest crowd ever. According to the Colonel, the previous largest had been at the Cotton Bowl... way back in the "Pelvis" days, before 25,000. The Astrodome would hold over 40,000 at one show...and Elvis would do SIX.

Elvis would do essentially the same show as he did in Las Vegas, only this time it would be on a revolving stage set in the centre of the huge Astrodome. The stage would slowly revolve allowing every eager eye to rest, at least part of the show, directly on Elvis.

During the press conference Elvis commented on his movies, "I think King Creole was my best." And of the Jordanaires... "I can't get them out of Nashville to go on the road with me. They are making too much money at home." After the interview was over and everyone had taken photos, Elvis went to the Astroworld Hotel where he had the entire third floor for himself and his family.

Before each show, Elvis would walk out of the service entrance of the hotel, up a ramp guarded by a dozen policemen, step into a private bus and be driven to the Astrodome across the street. Only a few fans (a hundred or so) caught on to this back door bit... and the ones that did were waiting by the ramp for him. They were rewarded by being able to shake hands and take photos with Elvis before and after each show.

Many of you reading this have heard Elvis is better looking in person than in any photo or in the movies. Maybe you will shocked or a little bit surprised to hear me (a man) say, "Elvis is beautiful," but unless you see "the man" in the flesh... you just haven't lived.

Elvis opened each performance in a most dramatic way. The stage was in the centre of the arena with the entire group waiting... then all the lights went out. Elvis would step out of the bus in the waiting area and the screaming would begin. Still in the dark (you could barely see) Elvis would make his way to the edge of the arena and climb into a red convertible. When he was driven out into the arena, he was hit by six spotlights and the entire Astrodome went wild with screaming. Elvis would slowly circle the arena, waving to all his wildly cheering fans... then he was driven to the stage in the centre.

During all this pandemonium, Elvis' group was playing a throbbing beat as a prelude to Elvis' first number... 'All Shook Up'. As Elvis' car approached the stage, he sprang out of the car and onto the stage like a wild animal...grabbed his guitar... and growled into the mike, "Ah well ah bless ah my soul ah whats ah wrong with me..." Look out! Elvis is Back.

The Astrodome had poor acoustics and the sound wasn't the best. You couldn't get very close to Elvis except when he circled the arena... but you were in the same room with Elvis -- The King -- the man who single-handedly changed the entire course of popular music. Elvis is a legend in his own time-- the super star that tops all super stars. It can be summed up in one word...... ELVIS!

After 'All Shook Up', Elvis went right into 'I Got A Woman', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Don't Cry Daddy', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Love Me Tender', 'Polk Salad Annie', 'Walk A Mile In My Shoes', 'Suspicious Minds', 'Kentucky Rain', and on and on. Forty-five minutes of twisting, shouting..... now on one foot, then lying on the floor of the stage crying into the mike to 'Love Me Tender'. The crowd broke into wild bedlam. One man jumped the fence and tried to get to Elvis. It was the same old Elvis the Pelvis. He had risen to the surface again despite several years of no contact with his fans or the public other than movies and records. Now it doesn't matter... Elvis is back and better than ever. He is more mature and more polished and he is the biggest star in the world. Finally he is receiving the public acclaim and approval so long denied him.

After the first few words of songs Elvis made famous; 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'In The Ghetto', and so on... everyone would break into applause. One song Elvis will always be remembered doing is his immortal 'Hound Dog'. Elvis himself says he doesn't especially like this song, but it is the number one rock song associated with the 1950's, Elvis would begin it by leaning way over... bent down in a crouch and say, "You have to start this song standing like this. Try any other way and you'll strip your gears." Then he would snarl "Baby... baby" and let loose with "You -oooo ain't nothin' but a hound dog." Catching the audience off guard this way, he brought the house down with all the applause and cheering so that you couldn't hear the first minute or so of the song.

Elvis wore skintight jumpsuits in white and in turquoise, a beaded sash around his waist, bell bottoms and white boots and a silk scarf of various colours that he would throw to the screaming fans.

Elvis dances on stage. He is magnificent, with legs apart and in a partial crouch he shakes, bumps and does a world champion boogaloo. He is stronger more confident, more spectacular than ever.

As Elvis finishes a very tender rendition of 'Can't Help Falling In Love', he leaps back into the red convertible and makes a final circle of the arena receiving the frenzied and unrestrained approval from all 40,000 madly cheering fans. When Elvis leaves the Dome to return to the safety of his guarded third floor sanctuary, the crowd leaves too, even though the rodeo continues. They came only to see Elvis.

To quote Elvis himself, he is "going on the road" and it seems that quite a few Elvis fans the world over will be able to be part of another identical cheering crowd.

Every show was almost the same as the last one, and that was alright with me. And from what I saw, it was more than alright with the crowds. No one left without being what we already are...... Elvis fans.

There were people from all over the world in Houston to see Elvis. I met two girls from England, a Maria Davies and her sister; also two members from the Australian Elvis fan club, a Miss Angela Kluzek and Miss Rae Giles. I had the very great pleasure of spending a lot of time with these two Australian girls and they were the greatest fans I ever met. If the rest of Elvis' fans are as devoted as these two young emissaries from down under, then Elvis had better watch out when he goes to Australia.

Only Elvis could draw people from so many different countries. Elvis is truly the King of entertainment.

After his widely acclaimed Houston appearance, Elvis was rumored to be off to Palm Springs for a much needed rest. As for me, I had many miles to drive, and many photos to go over, and many memories that I will cherish always. All this because I am a devoted fan of the greatest superstar of all times. . . ELVIS PRESLEY.

August 10 1970 Opening Show
Review by Linda Holm - Strictly Elvis, Issue 29 (September 1970)

Without meaning to sound sacrilegious, the reaction to Elvis Presley's third appearance at the International Hotel in Las Vegas was like "the second coming of Christ. " Billed as "Elvis Summer Festival," the opening night show on August 10 drew a standing room only crowd in the immense 2,000 seat showroom.

Stars and fans alike stood in line to see the greatest performer the world has ever known - Elvis Presley. Cary Grant, Sammy Davis, Jr., the original Righteous Brothers, Nancy Sinatra, the Wayne Newtons, George Hamilton, Jack Benny, Herb Alpert, and many more stars sat at front tables, while Elvis' father, stepmother Dee, and three stepbrothers occupied a centre booth. Also at the opening was Priscilla, looking stunning in a magenta brocade evening gown with mink cuffs. Her hair was tinted reddish auburn. She sat in a booth next to Elvis' parents, and was joined by her sister, Michele, her close friend, Joanie Esposito, and another girl.

The Imperials, a Southern gospel group, opened the show by singing two numbers. They were followed by the Sweet Inspirations, who sang two songs. Comedian Sammy Shore entertained for twenty minutes. Then, a hush of expectation fell across the showroom. It was completely dark ......drums started to roll.... guitars frantically began to strum... and then a voice said, "Ladies and gentlemen, but the announcer's following words were drowned out by thunderous applause and screams. Elvis was on stage, Smiling. Looking like a tiger that had just broken free of his chains. He was handsome -- sexy -- exciting, dressed in a white fringed shirt open in front, white belled pants, white boots, and diamond rings on every finger.

He grabbed the microphone and sang, 'That's All Right', one of his biggest hits in the beginning of his career.

After that he welcomed the crowd and announced that MGM would be filming him for the show, so for the occasion he had learned fifty songs instead of the usual seventeen or eighteen.

Elvis looked relaxed. He was there to perform, to please, and he could feel all the love and warmth the people in the room felt for him. They had gathered once again to pay homage to The King.

He kidded with the audience and cracked some of the jokes he's famous for. During a wild rendition of a song that featured Elvis gyrating and shaking, he laughed and said, 'I feel like an old stripper."

Some of his most outstanding songs were: the haunting 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', the hit made famous by Simon and Garfunkel, which Elvis performed under a single white spotlight ----- 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', which I consider one of the best songs Elvis sang ----- Paul McCartney's exciting love ballad, 'Something', and a sexy, up-beat song called 'Patch It Up', which Elvis possibly may record as a single in the future.

He also sang the beautiful 'I've Lost You', his newest hit, backed with 'The Next Step Is Love'.

Elvis did some of his older hits as well as the new; and repeated with 'Polk Salad Annie' and 'Sweet Caroline', made famous by his friends Tony Joe White and Neil Diamond, respectively.

The audience particularly was delighted when Elvis "sang" from typewritten notes, the lyrics to 'I Just Can't Help Believin', B.J. Thomas' new hit.

Elvis kissed a few young girls sitting ringside, but when he reached for one hand, he discovered it belonged to a man, Laughingly Elvis said, "Oh, I beg your pardon," Needless to say, the bright lights from the camera impaired Elvis' vision for a second, but fortunately it returned in time for Elvis to catch his error.

People offered him their glasses of water, and napkins to wipe his brow. He also drank from twelve specially-prepared glasses of yummy Gator-Aid on stage, and at one point entertained his audience by opening a box containing "canned laughter."

Elvis performed for an exciting seventy minutes. He closed with a touching, tender rendition of 'Can't Help Falling In Love', and said to the people, "You are a beautiful audience." He received a tremendous, responsive standing ovation.

The show was fantastic -- Elvis was the ultimate in perfection and showmanship.

The next day, word was out. GO SEE ELVIS PRESLEY AT THE INTERNATIONAL. As early as 10am families began to stand in line for the dinner show. They brought their lunches in paper sacks and refused to budge even when policemen from the casino assured them the big line wouldn't form until late in the day.

By evening, the line was filled with interesting and enthusiastic people who had come from all corners of the world to see the great man in person. One young man from Australia planned to stay all month and had saved $3,000 over a long period of time by skipping lunches, buying clothes, and cutting down on entertainment, just so he could see his idol on stage.....a ninety-five year old grandmother had persuaded her son and daughter in law to drive all the way from New York so she could stay for a week and see Elvis in person. She screamed and jumped up and down like the youngest fan might do..... young married couples from all over the United States were out in large numbers and the husbands were just as eager as their wives for the performance... one couple wed fifty years celebrated their anniversary at Elvis' show.

In addition, fans from thirty-two states and sixteen countries were in town for the Elvis Festival. Three camper vans covered with pictures of Elvis were parked outside in the lot adjoining the International. Senior citizens had made reservations for the whole month to see Elvis. Nine couples there had named their children, "Elvis". And, there were numerous boys and girls, who dressed and had their hair styles so they might resemble both Elvis and Priscilla, respectively. The phenomenon was spreading like wildfire.

One handsome young policeman had the enviable job of "guarding" Elvis' suite on the top of the International. By coincidence, he mentioned that he had been assigned to the same unit as Elvis was in the Army, but he had never met Elvis at the time.

Another officer seemed untouched by all the excitement and he couldn't understand why people would stand in line all day to see Elvis. (Needless to say, he's the ONLY ONE who felt that way).

He said, "I told Elvis I wouldn't stand in line to see King Kong ride a bicycle". Elvis laughed and said "Neither would I".

Many of Elvis' friends from Nashville and Memphis were also at the hotel to cheer on their friend.

Tuesday night (the next night after opening), Elvis again generated unbelievable excitement. He sang requests from the audience and especially thrilled his fans with an old hit, 'One Night'.

When Elvis bent over to kiss more girls at ringside, about eight enthusiastic fans rushed him and grabbed for his pants and hair. Elvis, smiling, quickly retreated back, even though one pretty girl still held tightly to his hand.

He also handed out some gorgeous silk "Elvis" scarfs which his friend, Richard Davis, handed him from backstage.

When Elvis knelt down to sing his closing number, 'Can't Help Falling In Love', the curtain slowly fell but before it reached the floor, a blond girl in a white dress and white boots sitting front and centre vaulted out of her seat, flew through the air, and landed on top of Elvis. Joe Esposito, Elvis' confidante and buddy, rushed out on stage to pry the lady from Elvis.

During consecutive nights at the International, Elvis once again drove his crowds to frenzy. He bravely walked out into the crowd one night and the fans dived for him and he was almost crushed in the process. Col. Parker and several security aides from the hotel made a mad dash to rescue the King, and the Col. helped him back on stage.

After he finishes his third engagement at the hotel, Elvis will do a series of one night stands across the country -- his first concert tour in fifteen years. He'll play engagements in Phoenix, Arizona; St. Louis, Missouri; Detroit, Michigan; Miami, Florida; Tampa, Florida; and Mobile, Alabama. MGM also plans to shoot footage at this time.

Elvis, the two hour feature film which Denis Sanders is directing for MGM, will be released at Thanksgiving. The movie will show Elvis during rehearsals for Vegas, on stage, with his fans, and lots of personal sidelights of Elvis in his dressing room and at relaxed moments.

Elvis Presley is the greatest performer the world has ever known. And he's also the nicest, most sincere and humble man away from all the glitter and bright lights of his chosen profession. Long live King Elvis.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'I Just Can't Help Believin' (ZPA5 1862) incorrectly listed as being August 13 and 'I've Lost You' (ZPA5 1865) and 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' (ZPA5 1866) incorrectly listed as being August 15.

The officially released masters of 'I've Lost You' and 'I Just Can't Help Believin' have additional overdubbed applause added.

The re-recording of 'I Just Can't Help Believin' can found on the 2016 album The Wonder Of You, which contained Elvis' original vocals but with new backings by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and which actually went to number one in the UK album charts.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'Patch It Up' (ZPA5 1863) incorrectly listed as being August 13.

The officially released master of 'Patch It Up' has additional overdubbed applause added.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' (ZPA5 1864) incorrectly listed as being August 14.

'Little Sister' / 'Get Back' (KPA5 9573) is listed as being 'Patch It Up' in the ''Masters'' section of the booklet of FTD's That's The Way It Is set.

The re-recording of 'The Wonder Of You' can found on the 2016 album The Wonder Of You, which contained Elvis' original vocals but with new backings by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and which actually went to number one in the UK album charts.

August 14 1970 Midnight Show
Review by Tony Dobb - Elvis Monthly, Issue 315 (April 1986)

This concert was performed at midnight on August 14th 1970 in the Las Vegas Hilton. Elvis was in good mood and fine voice.

After a good version of 'That's All Right', Elvis tells the crowd that this was the first record he ever made when he was a baby. He starts to sing a bit of 'Amen' and then says to his band "You don't think I'm gonna do that do you?" He then tells the audience "they think they know me so well. They think they know everything I'm gonna do." He then starts 'I Got A Woman', then stops suddenly, trying to confuse the group – it didn't work! Elvis then begins a highly charged 'I Got A Woman' stopping halfway through to sing a bit of 'You Don't Know Me' from the Clambake soundtrack. He can't resist changing the lyrics to "And anyone could tell, that you should go to hell!" Elvis then informs us "the second record I ever made ... it's called 'Tiger Man'". This is interesting and I've always thought that this could have been recorded on Sun. I would not be surprised to see a Sun take of this surface in a few years.

Anyway, what Elvis actually sings next is a medley of 'Mystery Train' and 'Tiger Man'. After this, Elvis welcomes everybody to the show and jokes "I'm Johnny Cash." This sends him off into bits of two of Cash's hits 'Folsom Prison Blues' and 'I Walk The Line'. "They're gonna put me away man, it's just a matter of time" he muses. After drinking water and bantering with the audience and his singers, he then tells us a little about his early days, like in That's The Way It Is. A six minute version of 'Love Me Tender' follows with a few lyric changes! After kissing lots of women during this number, he then informs them that he's got the flu! "Let's do 'The Wonder Of You'" he announces, but after talking about Chuck Berry, sends James Burton off on 'Johnny B. Goode', which includes a wild solo in the middle.

Next, a mere one line of 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On', followed by about twenty-five seconds of 'Blueberry Hill'. 'The Wonder Of You' is finally sung, not as convincingly as the On Stage LP version. Once again, Elvis can't resist changing the lyrics as follows – "you give me hope and constipation!" Then it's straight into a version of the Righteous Brothers 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'. This is sung straight and is a good version. Elvis says "let's get dirty now" and goes into the 'swamp-soul' sound of 'Polk Salad Annie' with a long intro. At the beginning of the song Elvis has problems with the sound and calls on Bill Porter to correct it. (Bill Porter was Elvis' Sound Engineer). Elvis then tells the crowd he'd like to introduce the members of the band, then turns to Charlie Hodge and jokes "Charlie, this is Jerry" etc ...! After the jokes, he introduces Charlie Hodge as the man he met in the army, The Imperials as the number one Gospel quartet in the nation. Then suddenly, he is prompted to sing the song 'Oh Happy Day'. This, I believe, was never sung by Elvis ever again. It is done very well and has subsequently turned up on bootleg albums. He then does a few songs he recorded when he "was a baby", these being 'All Shook Up' (sloppily sung), 'Blue Suede Shoes'; 'One Night' and 'Hound Dog'. 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' follows, containing the lyrics "When you're weary, feelin' small (like Charlie)." Elvis constantly ribbed members of his band, especially poor old Charlie Hodge and his small stature.

The classic 'Suspicious Minds' follows, a real crowd pleaser, which receives great applause. With hardly saying a word, it's straight into the traditional closer 'Can't Help Falling In Love' and the end of a great show.

August 23 1970 Dinner Show
Review by Nancy Soldoff - Strictly Elvis, Issue 35 (March 1971)

The time was 7:30 p.m. and already my hands were sweating and my mouth was beginning to get dry. By 7:45 my heart was beating about five times faster than usual.

Up until this time I only imagined or dreamed what was about to happen to me and if I do say so myself, I have a pretty wild imagination... especially when it comes to thinking or dreaming about Elvis Presley.

I can't remember when or where I started liking Elvis, but I do know that I have been a fan for almost thirteen years. From the first time I heard him sing he touched a place in my heart that no other singer or actor has ever been able to remove. I have never felt this way about any other entertainer. Elvis not only sings to his audience, but makes you feel as if you were more than just an ordinary fan to him. With each note he sings he is telling you how much he loves you, and thanks you for being his fans. So many singers sound the same today, it gets harder and harder to tell them apart anymore. With Elvis, you never have to sit and wait for the end of the record for the radio announcer to tell you who the singer was. I don't know of any singer who has the loyalty of the fans the way Elvis does. I have always liked the best of everything, so naturally Elvis has to be my favourite (ha)... Seriously though, I have seen all but about two or three of Elvis' movies and own just about all of his albums.

Those of you who have never seen Elvis perform in Las Vegas, or on tour, just don't know what you are missing. Elvis is so dynamic it's unbelievable until you see it for yourself.

People were a bit skeptical when he first went to the International in August, 1969... but from the minute the drums start rolling and Elvis walks out on stage and starts singing 'That's All Right', the screaming and clapping doesn't stop until the curtain comes down at the end of the show, when he closes with 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. It used to be my favourite song... but I'm beginning to hate it because it signals the close of Elvis' show. Although his songs vary from show to show, some are standards like 'Polk Salad Annie' and 'Suspicious Minds'. At times I wonder who is moving faster during these songs... Elvis or me. You just have to see Elvis perform these rock songs to realise that he is the greatest rock and roll entertainer of all time. I think he sings better than ever (not that he didn't sing well before) but he really puts even more than he used to into each and every one of his songs... voice and body.

His latest movie, Elvis... That's The Way It Is, is just fantastic. I agree with Elvis when he said (at the L. A. Forum) that it was the best he has ever done. This movie is a must. I've already seen it seven times.

The time is now 8:00 and my heart is beating about fifty times faster and my curls are beginning to droop. I was beginning to think I was dreaming again when the man (no name) came up to us (my sister and friend were with me) and said let's go!

I knew it was really going to happen this time. I had a present that I made in ceramics for Elvis. It was a beer mug with his name engraved on it and was wrapped with a king's crown set on top of the package. The man told us to wait a minute while he went inside Elvis' dressing room. After what seemed like forever, he came out and told us to come in. I went in first and as I rounded the corner and came to the opened door, I found myself standing face to face with Elvis Presley. I still can't believe it really happened, but it did. He is even better looking in person than on stage. I managed to say Hi and so did he. Then I handed him a gift which he said was nice of me. He then asked if he should open it and I said, "Yes." He seemed to like it very much. He signed autographs for us and then I asked him if we might take a picture of him. He quickly replied, "Yes, of course." You can't imagine what this meant to me. I never believed I would ever meet him. After thirteen years, you sort of begin to lose hope. Anyway, after fifteen minutes we had to leave. As we left, Elvis kissed each of us and said goodbye. He really is by far the nicest entertainer I ever met. I hope that someday I can meet him again, but even if I don't, I'll never forget August 23, 1970... 8:15 as long as I live.

September 9 1970 - Phoenix, Arizona
Review by Debbie Lynn Gobins - Strictly Elvis, Issue 33 (January 1971)

In late July, the night after Tom Jones performed in Phoenix, I was listening to the news and heard that Elvis was coming to Phoenix. The papers said tickets for the show would go on sale in late August at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

In the meantime, I got many requests for tapings and pictures of Elvis. After school, when I saw anything in the paper on Elvis, I would go around to our neighbours and collect any articles on him that I was able to.

Later, I heard on the radio that the tickets were already on sale, and had been for two days. All of the $10.00 seats were sold out. Well, I was quite happy to have a seat at all. That same week, all of the 15,000 seats were completely sold out.

We left two hours before the show was to start. When we got there, there were big lines of Elvis fans at each of the many entrances the Coliseum has. We waited, and finally 7:30 came when the doors normally would open... but they did not. When 8:30 came, I started to wonder if Elvis was O.K. I thought that I might not even get to see the King. But, finally, the doors opened at 8:30. I later found out that someone had made a prank call stating that there was a bomb set to go off in the Coliseum at 8:30, when the show was to start.

Eventually we made our way to our seats. I was hoping some miracle would take place so that I could really see Elvis close up, and not a quarter of a mile back.

I was sitting in my seat where I would see Elvis do his thing, and watching people come in by the hundreds when I saw my cousin. He and his friends had seats in the thirteenth row... three of them. I really didn't believe it.

I sat there in my seat anxiously waiting to see Elvis. Ordinarily I don't talk too much... I'm kind of quiet around people I don't know. But tonight was different. I saw some cameras and was wondering if they were the movie cameras so I asked the man next to me. He said they were, and that the cameras would be filming parts of the audience as well as Elvis. A moment later he pointed out Colonel Parker to me. I was kind of curious how he knew so much, so I asked him if he was related to Elvis or the Colonel. He said his wife, Mrs. Wheeler, was the Colonel's niece. I asked him if he ever met Elvis and he said Elvis came to their ranch in Casa Grand, Arizona. A little while later a man came over to Mrs. Wheeler and gave her three or four large envelopes. She gave me one of them. Inside there was a huge scarf with a picture of Elvis on each of the corners and Summer Festival printed in the centre. Also there were three 8x10s and two small photos of Elvis, two pens, and a small calendar.

Finally, after all of that, the show started. The audience applauded when The Hugh Jarret Singers came on first, then The Sweet Inspirations with a few inspiring numbers. Suddenly the announcer said something that made the audience think that Elvis was coming on... but it was Sammy Shore. When his part of the show was through, the announcer said there would be a short intermission. The audience was simply being tortured.

During the intermission, Mr. Wheeler introduced me to Linda Martin of Tucson. I knew her name was familiar and realised that I had written to her. While I was talking to her, my cousin Ronnie interrupted us, and before I knew it I was behind stage with many other fans waiting for Elvis to come out. The lights were turned off on stage and off stage. There was a high gate so that you couldn't get close to him, but you could see him clearly if the lights were on. My cousin lifted me up so I could have the best view of Elvis. In the dark, you could see Elvis' outfit glow a little as he went into some light. The group of fans backstage were really excited.

When the King came on, the audience jumped out of their seats screaming, yelling... and some were even racing toward the stage. He sang quite a few of his popular numbers: 'That's All Right', 'I Got A Woman', 'Love Me Tender', 'I've Lost You', 'You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin', 'Polk Salad Annie', 'Johnny B. Goode', 'The Wonder Of You', 'In The Ghetto', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Hound Dog', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Suspicious Minds', and 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. During 'In The Ghetto', he purposely said, "A funning little boy with a hungry nose." The show was so fantastic!!!

After the performance, our family and some other fans went over to the Town House where he was staying. A couple of his fans were listening to this man with an Elvis tag on, while he was on the phone. He said to have a car ready in five minutes.

The fans assumed the car was for Elvis, Then he said to the man on the phone that everything was smooth after the show. The car Elvis left in was parked right outside the Coliseum so there would be no problem getting Elvis out. After he was through on the phone, some fans asked him where Elvis was. He said he didn't know anything about Elvis.

The next week, on my thirteenth birthday, my dad came home with an envelope with an original photo of Elvis taken by the newspaper photographer. That was the best present I have ever received.

September 11 1970 - Detroit, Michigan
Review by Steve Toli - Elvis Monthly, Issue 131 (December 1970)

Actually, it began on Thursday morning, September 10th, when Sue and I arrived in Detroit after an exhausting 21-hour bus ride from Massachusetts along that "Long Lonely Highway." We attempted to get in touch with Rocky Barra, editor of Strictly Elvis upon our arrival ... and, after a few awkward connections between airports, bus stations, etc., Rocky came along, with him; Larry Koller, editor of the soon to be resumed Roustabout, who had just flown in from Cleveland.

As it is, we had originally intended to see Elvis again at the International ... his third appearance there outdrawing his first two... but as much as we'd like to, we can't afford to see EVERY International appearance by the King... he's scheduled to appear there again ... but before he does he'll be on a world tour which may include Europe, Japan and Australia ... and a new U.S. tour; the present six-city tour has been sold out completely. I understand when his present tour is over that Elvis will take a well-deserved rest, and then go to England.

We had a great time at Rocky's ... Larry and we two being the first Elvis fans to arrive. Rocky lives with his parents, the basement of their home is converted into an Elvis room... and an Elvis paradise, in fact, with Elvis records, records related to Elvis, and Elvis tapes of all kinds and varieties in abundance, etc. We saw the typewriter that created Strictly Elvis. He's a great guy; and has great parents too, making us all feel at home. Slowly but surely, other Elvis fans arrived; coming in from everywhere. Believe me, it's great being where the talk is "All Elvis."

It seemed Friday night and 8.30 p.m. couldn't arrive soon enough! But it did, eventually ! Off we went ... to the Olympia!

You wouldn't believe it; about 17,000 people there hungry for the Man. Guys and gals, of all ages; it was fantastic... wearing Elvis badges, Elvis buttons and Elvis jackets, holding souvenirs that were available at the stadium, that photo book which comes with the four-LP Gold set, and 11"x14" pictures of Elvis in action at the International.

The show started with the same performers who appeared in Vegas with Elvis... Sweet Inspirations, Sammy Shore, etc. They were good, I guess; but the people wanted only one thing, Elvis ! Colonel Parker, by the way, was also in evidence ... wearing the gold Elvis badge!

Finally, after the intermission; IT HAPPENED ... the lights went out ... and the King came running up on stage . . . you wouldn't believe the reaction ... thousands upon thousands of screaming fans on all sides... and there is nothing more frightening, more weird than about 10,000 flashbulbs going off at the same time ... all the time... it could have blinded Elvis ... he had to sing much of the time with his eyes closed !

To Elvis, he was in a white jump. suit again...a wide collar, and bell-bottoms; an apache scarf, which was red, and a brown fringed belt around his waist. His clothes formfitting ... and what a form! He immediately went into 'That's All Right', quickly followed with a hip-shaking 'I Got A Woman'... near the end of this song he fooled around with The Sweet Inspirations, everyone joining in for a bit of 'Amen', before Elvis cranked up and let loose with the wind-up ending of 'I Got A Woman'. it brought the house down ! Elvis may have been exhausted from the pace he had been setting (mobbed at his St. Louis show the night before). Following this he introduced himself, "Hi, folks, I'm Johnny Cash"; and he went into a few bars of 'I Walk The Line'. He had the entire audience in the palm of his hand; he's electrifying!

Then into the classic 'Love Me Tender', followed by 'I've Lost You', a majestic performance with a stunning ending. Elvis was surrounded on all four sides... whenever he faced a particular section there was an explosion of flashbulbs and deafening screams ... from the ladies... and me.

Next came 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', and Elvis put everything into it, a magnificent performance, at one point even down on his knees. This followed by a fantastic 'Polk Salad Annie' ... at the beginning, Elvis went down on his knees again and shouting out 1.2..3... 4....5........... Elvis did his thing on this one ... during the middle stopping to show how other singers might do this song ... Tom Jones ... Elvis just did a very effective satire ... Englebert... he just stood there ... Glen Campbell ... Elvis used a high voice and wiggled slightly ... then he said " Me," in a low down evil stance. 'Johnny B. Goode' came next and then the chart shattering 'The Wonder Of You'... at least half the women in the audience must have fainted. Elvis then began a bit of 'Detroit City', stopping; saying something like "Wait a minute, we don't know this song." Elvis blasted the audience with 'Heartbreak Hotel', followed by a rocking medley that consisted of 'Blue Suede Shoes'/'Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On'/'All Shook Up'/'Blue Suede Shoes'. Then it happened; a miracle, and Elvis poured heart and soul into 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'... never a better version of this song ... the sensitivity in Elvis' voice was even more than amazing... and when he wound up for the ending, well, that's all she wrote.

The King followed with my very favourite song, 'Funny How Time Slips Away' ... something happened during this song that no one who saw him in Detroit will ever forget; he casually walked to the edge of the stage. There a mother holding up her crippled child ... Elvis gently bent down and kissed her. For a moment there was a hushed silence ... then thunderous applause. Elvis then went into an energetic 'Suspicious Minds', near the end, singing a verse to each side of his turned-on audience... going up ... going down, it was breathtaking. Elvis closed with 'Can't Help Falling In Love', and before anyone realised it, he was gone ... and on his way to Miami for a show the next day.

A few things I'd like to mention here, if I may. Before Elvis arrived; he was booked into every hotel in Detroit, so no-one would know exactly where he was. One motel put up a sign that said, "Welcome, Elvis," and they were mobbed by people who thought the King might be there.

Once, during his performance, he lay down on the floor of the stage, crossing his legs... during some of the songs he drank Gatorade as he sang. There were pearls on the stage (thrown by fans ?)... and Elvis put them on.

After the show, we returned to Rocky's house; discussing what we had seen ... incredible ... into the wee hours of the morning... who could be tired after seeing Elvis. Sue and I remained till Saturday, deciding to fly back home. Tired... but happy. The King had done it again. Amen.

September 12 1970 (Evening) - Miami, Florida
Review by Wayne Stierle - Elvis Monthly, Issue 173 (June 1974)

For the first time in his career Elvis Presley has shown, in part at least, how he feels about the stars who get billed as "The New Elvis" or " The Next Elvis." The King has spoken out before, but always in easy praise, never allowing any personal insight to the man himself. His comments may seem tame, but for anyone who follows the Presley magic, they are dynamite.

The scene is in the huge Miami Beach Convention Hall and there are more security people around tonight, than when Richard Nixon was here in 1968. The hall is packed solid with teeny-boppers, freaks and grandmothers, the most famous man in this world is appearing tonight. The show opens with the Hugh Jarrett Singers, four young men who look like they escaped from The New Christy Minstrels, and who have the job of filling in for The Imperials and The Jordanaires. After a bland medley, The Sweet Inspirations, Elvis' back-up female chorus in Vegas are on. They do a fine set and, as always, are much better than any of their records make them seem to be.

Next is comic Sammy Shore, who does his Vegas act, with a few Miami changes thrown in. He's really very funny, and I laughed again at jokes I had heard at the afternoon show as well as over ten different times when the King was in Vegas in February. An intermission follows, to the loud groans of the crowd, with an announcement that "the second half of the show" would begin in a short time. The stage is empty. and out back a lone figure is arriving according to a careful plan, while only a feet away thousands are staring to catch a glimpse of him.

The house lights finally dim and a small combo, led by frantic drumming, create a wild voodoo-like sound. Elvis calmly walks up the steps to the stage left and moves to the centre spotlight. Just like that! The man who changed the entire world, almost overnight, and with a look of humble pride nods his head in appreciation to the cheers, clapping and screaming. Without doing anything he wins the crowd with his so obvious human gestures. The over-used "Super-Star" term was first invented for this man, the guardian and heir to the greatest music-form ever to be created, Rock 'n' Roll.

He takes his non-electric six-string guitar and rips into 'That's All Right', and though the calendars outside in the Miami Beach heat read 1970, it's 1955 inside the hall. Without a word, as his show usually is, he goes into 'I Got A Woman'. This song is a real Rocker which slows down at the end to a Gospel chant of amen, and as the crowd cheers what they think is the end, El falls down on one knee and knocks out a stop motion "Elvis" ending. The ending catches everyone by surprise, much as the end of 'Jailhouse Rock' does on Elvis' TV Special and TV Special album. Then Elvis puts his guitar down and walks back to centre stage and takes the hand mic'. He's wearing that famous white jump suit with the fringes and brocade and his black hair looks just great. (See the cover pic of his On Stage - 1970 LP).

The crowd is quiet, waiting to hear the first spoken words of their hero, and El throws everybody off as only he can. "Hello everybody, I'm Johnny Cash," and the combo plays a perfect Cash beat as Elvis sings in a 'I Walk The Line' tune, "I keep a close watch on this cash of mine." Then shaking his head as though he really forgot who he was, he welcomes the crowd to the wrong city, and shaking his head again he gets serious now.

GREAT REACTION "The last time I played Miami Beach was in 1956, and I was doing things then that Tom Jones just learned to do." The crowd reaction is great, because it's about time he said it, and no one, even a total Elvis knocker could deny the truth of it. The best was yet to come, but he had shown that he is fed up with having things he originated being credited to other people. "This record was out when I was here last time." He brings life to 'Heartbreak Hotel' in a deep sultry wail. The crowd is giddy with delight.

"This is my latest record," and he does a moving version of 'I've Lost You', much stronger than the single record. The large orchestra and combo both play on this, but just the combo on his next, 'Johnny B. Goode'. Then it's 'Love Me Tender', the "kissing song" in Vegas, but here lines of police and guard rails prevent that. Every time he stops a song, thousands of people call things out to him, request of songs and shouts of "You're The King." One very loud shout of "You're the King" caused Elvis to stop and say, "Thanks Colonel," which broke everybody up. I managed to watch Colonel Parker through this, he was only ten feet from me and he didn't laugh.

Elvis' next is a shattering rendition of 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' which makes the Righteous Brothers' version seem somewhat lacking in emotion after hearing the King do it. This is hard to believe, I know, but it's true. Then comes 'The Wonder Of You', and I don't have to tell you how much everyone loves that, and next is the highlight song and event of the show, 'Polk Salad Annie'. Elvis performs this song as though he is triple-triple jointed and charged by lightning, fused with the basic elements of good old Rock. It's such a visual thing that I'm sure it will be in the "live" Elvis movie, which you know has been filmed.

In the middle of 'Polk Salad Annie' Elvis crouched down in splits position as the combo throbbed out a cajun/funk beat, he spoke clearly one word, "Jones". Then, to my shock, he rose up and did a perfect imitation of Tom Jones' style! He did not make fun of Tom, but simply did with no effort what Tom seems to be working so very hard to do! The crowd was wild and stunned at the same time, it was a lesson in real music and the teacher was the man who wrote the book. Next, another word, "Hump-erdinck," in a low growl. Now a perfect Hump impersonation, this time with less effort than it takes to breathe, and then "Campbell." For Glen he stood straight and shouted in a high squeaky voice, "Hi everybody, this is Glen Campbell, hot dog." Now he's back in the crouch position and saying the most magical name of them all, "ME." The combo explodes and, like a caged panther, he tears at imaginary walls, and goes through motions I can't properly describe and you wouldn't totally believe until you see it. Elvis has succeeded in duplicating the hardest act in show business, himself being himself. (Let any doubters see the movie and they will go away believers, the man is more than words contain.).

As the climax of the song is past and it draws to an end he answers a girl in the first row, "Yeah, I know honey, but I can't sing 'Jailhouse Rock' in the middle of this song." At the close of the song he goes on, "I'll try to do your requests, but I recorded 480 songs, I can't do them all." The crowd persists and Elvis says, "Tell you what, we'll stay on here all night and I'll do them all." He's kidding. but the roar of approval from the crowd is deafening, they would stay forever if it would keep him there. But time is important, SO it is on to 'One Night', which is so great anyway, but seeing him do it is even better.

Elvis introduces the next number, "Here is a very beautiful song that I like, and I'd like to do it for you." The piano begins and it's obviously 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', and with Elvis' deep, powerful voice the song reaches an incredible emotional peak and if you didn't know it before you know now that when Elvis does a song it becomes his own. His rendering of 'Bridge..' could easily bring tears to your eyes. 'Hound Dog' breaks the spell by startling the crowd back to the world they just left and then it's 'Suspicious Minds', full of vitality and drive, what a great song. 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Don't Be Cruel' and 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On' form a perfect medley and another showcase for El's unique Rocking style at its best. Then it's right into a smooth version of 'Funny How Time Slips Away' during which Elvis throws his blue silk scarf to the audience and puts on a guard's hat and walks up to The Sweet Inspirations and pretends to frisk them ! With all this fooling around, though, he still sings the songs completely seriously, a strange contradiction, but good.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you've been a really great audience, here's a song from Blue Hawaii especially for you." Of course, the newly-heavier 'Can't Help Falling In Love', is the closing song. He takes a long bow, walks to both sides of the stage and smiles the "Elvis smile," walks to the back of the stage, looks back once more at the cheering thousands, nods his head and leaps down the stairs and through a curtain. As many in the crowd wonder about an encore he is already speeding away from the building. Everything has been done right to protect Elvis and to protect the crowd from a riot which he could have caused any time he wanted. Of course he didn't want anyone hurt either, so the house lights go on full and the loudspeaker announces, "Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the theatre." He's gone, as though he were never there, but in life styles and music he is with us all, wherever we are. Elvis lives up to his own image and what an image.

September 13 1970 - Tampa, Florida
Review by Eydie Griffiths - Elvis Monthly, Issue 131 (December 1970)

I could hardly believe that I was actually going to see King Elvis in person! I have been a fan going on fifteen years now.

Elvis appeared at Curtis Hixon Convention Hall in Tampa, Florida. What a beautiful place. El was to be there only on September 13th having a 3p.m. and 8p.m. show. 10,000 people at each show! People of all ages were there. Young kids, teenagers, young adults and even older people. The King appeals to every age evidently. The doors finally opened and let us in. They were selling Elvis photo albums and assorted large 22"x28" pictures. Let me tell you, that place was very well organised. There were security guards. They said, "No-one is to get up once the show starts or it will stop and not resume until there is order". This was really good, not like some other shows always ruined by some nutty people who get out of hand.

They first had a group of four guys, a comic fellow and then an all-girl group, The Sweet Inspirations. Then there was the King of everything. Elvis! Wowie! He had on a white jump suit with gaucho pants. The top part was open to his waist, criss-crossed with chain laces with a red scarf. He also had a dark brown suede belt hanging at his side with fringes on the ends of it. He had white suede boots on! He was slim. His dark black hair was kinda long with pork chop sideburns. One just does not realise how very handsome he is until one sees him in person !! What a natural performer he is. El really puts on a good show. He jokes quite a lot. He drank a lot of Gatorade. Elvis did impersonations of Englebert and - Tom and laughed and said, "But I was here first." Well, everyone agreed with him.

Some of the songs he sang were 'Don't Be Cruel', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Love Me Tender', 'Hound Dog', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Suspicious Minds', and he got very serious as he sang 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and his newest one, 'I've Lost You'. The sweat was just pouring off him, he wiped his face and then threw his scarf into the audience, they went crazy. If I had been closer I would have crawled over the guards to get to him. At one time Elvis just laid down right in the middle of the stage ! He said he was going to do the rest of the show from there. He then introduced his combo.

A bunch of girls yelled out, "We love you Elvis, yeah!!" People were yelling and screaming and stomping. Me, all I could do was cry. The energy he has is fantastic. His movements are something else !! He took off a guard's hat and sang a song with it on. Elvis is so funny at times. He kissed and shook hands with a few lucky people up front. The King is so natural and at complete ease. He was on about an hour. He closed out with 'Can't Help Falling In Love' (as he has in other shows). He left the audience completely drained just having watched him !!

Our radio station, WLOF, had an Elvis week and was giving away tickets to see him and also Elvis 50 Golden Hits plus photos to the first to call in and say when was the year that song was released. They played them at random. Well, Wowie, I won an album !! That was after about one hundred thirty-five tries. Winning the album and then actually seeing Elvis was a long time dream come true. I'll always cherish it in my memory.

September 14 1970 - Mobile, Alabama
Review by Shannon Millet - Strictly Elvis, Issue 33 (January 1971)

The four of us girls-- Mikki, Diane, Linda and I, had an early start on the morning of Monday, the 14th of September. Our destination: Mobile and Elvis! This trip of ours had not had extensive planning; we had learned about Elvis' appearance just a couple of weeks before. It was the most unpublicised tour we have ever heard of!

We arrived about 12:30 p. m., registered at our hotel and proceeded to find out exactly where Elvis would be staying. It didn't take us long, about half an hour -- he was scheduled to spend the night at the Admiral Simms Hotel. Actually, finding out this piece of information was sheer luck. No one knew where he was staying -- but we had bumped into the pilot who had flown Colonel Parker in, and he gave us the word. And that was all he could give us -- no more! So we waited and waited at the rear of the Admiral Simms. Musicians came; we took pictures and got autographs, We met Sonny West, head of Elvis' security--but we made no head way, information wise. Only that Elvis was being flown in by private plane and didn't know exactly when he would arrive.

About 4:30, it started to rain, so we stood under a small shelter over the back entrance. Colonel Parker's car drove up just then and Sonny told us we had to move for a few minutes. We entered through the back door and waited a few feet down the hall. We couldn't miss anything; there was a glass door. How mistaken we were! Elvis had been slipped into the building via kitchen doors during those two minutes we were there. Colonel Parker was the diversion. While everyone was making a fuss over him, Elvis had entered. Sonny opened the door with a smile and said, "You can come out now, girls. He's in." Oh! That was frustration to every degree. Very dishearten, we took a picture of the yellow Oldsmobile Elvis had used and returned to our hotel to dress for Elvis' 8:30 performance.

Seven o'clock rolled along and we were waiting behind the hotel again. All we really wanted was a closeup glimpse of Elvis. By 9:00, fear began to siege us. Suppose that Oldsmobile was just a decoy. Suppose Elvis had left already. Suppose we were missing the show! Dash, we were off for the Mobile Municipal Auditorium.

The show was in progress -- but Elvis hadn't come on yet. The warm up groups all entertained first. Then the lights went off. Everybody drooled. You could feel the suspense in the air. A spotlight shone. And THERE was Elvis, walking toward the centre of the stage. He was big and beautiful as all of life singing 'That's All Right'. You just couldn't imagine the excitement if you haven't seen Elvis perform before an audience. I had seen Elvis appear at the Astrodome in Houston last February. I thought that nothing could possibly beat that performance--until I saw him in Mobile. He outdid himself. Mikki, Diane, and Linda were experiencing Elvis for the first time.

The show was indescribable!! Elvis sang, he talked, he danced, he told jokes, he shook fans' hands, he twisted and gyrated, he gave the performance of a life time. He asked for a handkerchief and about 100 were thrown on stage. Some of the songs he sang included 'That's Alright', 'Don't Be Cruel', 'Suspicious Minds', 'Heartbreak Hotel', Johnny B. Goode', 'All Shook Up', 'I've Lost You', 'Funny How Time Slips Away', 'The Wonder Of You', 'Hound Dog', 'Amen', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Love Me Tender', 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On', 'Polk Salad Annie', 'In The Ghetto', 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', 'Blue Suede Shoes', and 'Can't Help Falling In Love'.

Elvis was dressed in a white jumpsuit (bell bottoms, western style) with a green scarf around his neck and a green sash tied around his hips. He took sips of Gatorade and Mountain Valley Mineral Water between numbers. Elvis' father, Mr. Vernon Presley, was at the performance. That one hour Elvis was on stage passed oh too quickly. It was too much, yet not enough!!

We returned to the hotel following the performance. This time we went into the lobby where all the action was. We took additional pictures and got more autographs from Elvis' accompanists, including James Burton. We also met two fans, Vicki and Sherry, from Pascagoula, Mississippi, whom we got to know very well. Just as we were about to leave, we spotted Red West and Richard Davis and ran over to get autographs and a picture. For quite a while we talked and out of the blue, Red asked us if we would like to go up! Oh! He just had to be kidding!!! But he wasn't. The sid of us soon found out.

We reached the twelfth floor of the hotel where Elvis had the entire floor reserved, walked down a long hall, and then entered a long room. THERE WAS ELVIS! When I saw him that first moment, my knees got so weak--if a kindly gentleman hadn't offered me a chair, I would have fallen to the floor, Elvis came over to us. We talked, each got an autograph, drank champagne with him, and even got his cigar (which has now been divided into several pieces). Although we were told absolutely no pictures, Elvis let us sneak one in the hall (how sweet). Our stay was about forty-five minutes long and as we were leaving, Elvis kissed each of us bye! What a night to remember. We returned (or should I say floated) to our hotel about 2:30a.m.

Our escapade wasn't over yet. The next morning we waited behind the Admiral Simms again. By 2:30 we heard screams and there was Elvis again--making his way through the hotel lobby by way of the kitchen, Out he came, smiling and waving to his fans while he shook their hands. He got off into his yellow Olds and he was gone. Oh, how marvellous Mobile is! I would like to thank Red West and Richard Davis for making it possible and, of course, Elvis for making it so wonderfully memorable!

November 11 1970 - Portland, Oregon
Review by Carl Obermeier - Elvis Monthly, Issue 136 (May 1971)

November 11th, 1970, will go down as "Elvis day" in Portland, as Elvis appeared "live" on stage at the Memorial Coliseum before a "turned-on " audience of 12,000.

The Coliseum is ten years old and, in that time, every pop singer has come and gone, including The Beatles, who, in 1966, couldn't fill it to capacity, BUT on November 11th, 1970, Elvis did fill it, with the "sold-out" sign up a week before!

Two advertisements appeared in the local paper a few weeks ahead of Elvis' appearance, not very much publicity for anyone, but then, Elvis doesn't need "advance" publicity as, if you're an "Elvis fan," or were, and if you want to see "the man," you'll make it your business to find out where he is appearing, even if it means travelling hundreds of miles.

Radio stations were giving away FREE tickets to see Elvis plus other gimmicks to win tickets.

The night of November 11th came and my wife and I were there an hour early, hoping to get in early BUT WHAT A SURPRISE! We could hardly get a place to stand, there were thousands already ahead of us, all trying to get in out of the rain. We finally got in and got our seats, five rows from the front, an excellent view of the stage and magnificent sound!

The Imperials opened the show with two numbers followed by The Sweet Inspirations doing a medley and then came comic Sammy Shore with a twenty-minute routine.

Sammy Shore finished and silence came from the audience, everyone expected ELVIS, but out came the announcer and said a fifteen-minute intermission would follow.

During the intermission, Elvis' musicians set up their equipment. James Burton (lead guitar), Ronny Tutt (drums), Jerry Scheff (fender bass), Glen Hardin (piano) and Charlie Hodge (guitar) plus the Joe Guercio orchestra.

The lights dimmed and out walked Elvis. He picked up his guitar (with his name on it) and went into 'That's All Right' followed by 'I Got A Woman'. Elvis then said he enjoyed being in Oakland, "I mean Portland" he said. He was constantly clowning around and really enjoying himself.

Other songs he performed were: 'Love Me Tender', 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', 'Sweet Caroline', 'How Great Thou Art', 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', 'Polk Salad Annie', 'Funny How Time Slips Away', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Suspicious Minds', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Hound Dog', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Johnny B. Goode', 'The Wonder Of You', and 'Can't Help Falling In Love'.

Elvis was on stage for just over fifty minutes. He went through seventeen songs and left the stage as quickly as he came on, disappointing to some, but it was a truly great show and I doubt if anyone left with any "second thoughts" on who the "King" is!

While in Portland, Elvis stayed at the Benson Hotel, and occupied the whole seventh floor.

November 14 1970 - Los Angeles, California
Review by Sue Cameron (The Hollywood Reporter)

Elvis is really the King. No wonder Tom Jones and Mick Jagger work so hard on stage, they know what they have to beat. But it is that very fact about working on stage that makes Presley No. 1. His performance is electric and effortless--and that is the key. Presley knows who he is and what he's got and doesn't have to try to sell it, it's all over the place.

What makes Presley so great to see in person is that his show really is high camp. He makes fun of himself and the "swivel hips" all through the show. He laughs at himself which endears him to all. Each time he does a hand motion or a leer or a knee movement, there is a sly smile on his face.

Special credit should be given to his drummer, Ronnie Tutt, whose accents are perfectly timed with Presley's. These two men working together make the show the most exciting live performance today. Also behind Presley are his male singing group, The Imperials, and his female singers, The Sweet Inspirations. Along with conductor Joe Guercio, lead guitarist James Burton, and pianist Glen Hardin, this is the tightest backing around.

Presley sang fifteen songs, best of which was 'Polk Salad Annie', but they were all there--'Hound Dog', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Blue Suede Shoes', plus newer hits, 'The Wonder Of You', 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', and 'Suspicious Minds'.

Opening the show was Sammy Shore. He also is with Presley in Las Vegas. Shore had quite a task--keeping thousands of people entertained when all they really cared about was Presley.

November 14 1970 - Los Angeles, California
Review by Frank H. Lieberman (The L.A. Herald Examinerer)

It has been thirteen years since Presley had performed in Los Angeles at the Pan Pacific. That night -- according to a teenager now in his late 20s -- was "outa sight". The girls and even the guys were hysterical. Every gyration brought screams and you could hardly hear him sing. It was truly an unforgettable experience."

So Was Saturday.

Presley was greeted by 37,398 fans for two performances at the Forum that grossed $313, 464. He was welcomed with screams and a constant barrage of flash bulbs popping, but there was respect and an overwhelming desire to listen, to watch, to appreciate the magical world Elvis Presley had created during the past fifteen years.

I doubt if anyone left disappointed. The many sides of Presley were revealed to the audience that made a sell-out of the evening in just nine hours last month. There was also a share of uncharacteristic comments about record sales and magazine stories. Presley felt he was among friends and that the Los Angeles crowd was special. "He was more excited and nervous about this date than any on the tour," said a member of his entourage.

He appeared after intermission and the first half of the show that featured his Las Vegas opening acts - comedian Sammy Shore, The Sweet Inspirations and The Imperials. Presley wore a white jump suit -- "bought especially for tonight" -- with a high back collar, bell bottoms, gold embroidery and cape - like wings with floor length fringe.

"Damn fringe," Presley kept commenting as it continually got tangled in the make chord, guitar strings and Elvis. "They seemed like a good idea at the time," he noted.

With every move the audience screamed. The shrills equalled those heard at any hard-rock concert, yet the crowd was much older... many of them had grown up with Presley. Along with his tunes, Presley noted his record sales. "I've sold over 200 million records, that's more than Jones and the Beatles and a few others combined." The audience loved it.

Vocally, Presley was dynamic. His deep, rich, powerful voice sounded magnificent over the huge Forum speakers. He wailed on a funky tune and handled a ballad in a simple, sensitive manner.

His repertory included a retrospective of his hits -- 'Suspicious Minds', 'The Wonder Of You', 'Love Me Tender' -- and other top chart songs. As it did in Las Vegas, his rendition of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' brought oohs and ahs, with much of the audience not realising the unlimited potential and surefire handling of Presley and a "deep" song.

Presley had the lights turned up toward the end of the show to look at the audience. He greeted many fans with a congenial smile and thanked them for attending.

He plugged his upcoming MGM feature entitled, ELVIS -- That's The Way It Is, saying that it's the "best one I've made in ten years".

Adding another dimension to the distinctive concert were Presley's personal musicians and a superb orchestra under the direction of Joe Guercio.

November 14 1970 - Los Angeles, California
Review by Robert Hilburn (The Los Angeles Times)

In his first local performance in thirteen years, Elvis Presley's two Saturday concerts at the Forum in Inglewood shattered the one-day box office record at the arena and demonstrated once again the dynamic qualities that have made him the nation's top concert attraction.

The $313,000 gross from the concerts, sponsored by Management III in association with Concert Associates and Concerts West easily broke the previous single day record of $238, 000 set last year by the Rolling Stones' two concerts.

Backed by the same supporting acts that have been with him in Las Vegas, Presley's Saturday concerts were similar in design but different in results.

Both his timing and showmanship seemed better in the afternoon. By the middle of the evening concert, he seemed tired. His movements -- the widely imitated karate-like gestures, the sweeping turns, the occasional hip wiggles -- were less pronounced in the evening show.

It was a widely divergent audience, a cross between what one would find at an adult, middle America, dominated Tom Jones concert, and a younger typical rock concert. It was an audience of worshippers and curious long hair and short hair, old fans (now in the 25-35 age group) and new ones.

The first show started fifteen minutes after the scheduled 3p.m. time. After an hour of preliminaries and intermission, the audience anticipation was at peak. Uniformed security guards plus Col. Tom Parker, Presley's manager, and Jerry Weintraub, who is promoting the eight city tour, sat on benches in front of the stage to guard against overzealous fans. But no incidents developed.

At 4:15, the lights dim. As guitarist James Burton hits the opening licks of 'That's All Right', Presley walks on stage. He's wearing a white Apache-style jump suit with a red rope/belt around his waist. Hundreds of flashbulbs illuminate the Forum, "I love you Elvis," a woman screams from the audience. Others screech or shout similar loyalties. The flashbulbs are so bright he has to blink repeatedly.

Presley went through some of his early recordings ('Heartbreak Hotel', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Hound Dog', and the gospel 'How Great Thou Art') before moving into 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Funny How Time Slips Away', 'Suspicious Minds', and, finally, 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. As always he didn't do an encore.

In the evening show, Presley changed to a jump suit with long fringes along the sleeves. His selections were the same, except that he added 'One Night', 'Love Me', and Tryin' To Get To You'

Because the evening concert was sold out in less than ten hours, Presley felt a special closeness to the evening audience. Perhaps that is why he engaged in such uncharacteristic--for him--actions as taking time to deny certain (unspecified, but obvious to the audience) stories that had been printed recently about his private life, and to remind the audience (in a sense, I think, of thanking it for its loyalty) of how many records he has sold and to say that his new movie, an MGM documentary on his last Las Vegas engagement, is the best film he has made in ten years.

Though the pacing and execution of his evening performance seemed less precise than the earlier concert, the audience responded with the same enthusiasm.

Presley had come back to Los Angeles after thirteen years. He had added an orchestra and some new songs, but he still had the excellent country-blues voice, the enormous personal charisma and showmanship. He showed that he is still way in front of everybody else.

November 16 1970 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Review by Patricia Shideler - Elvis Monthly, Issue 133 (February 1971)

Have you ever hoped and prayed and wished for something for nearly half your life? My wish was to see Elvis perform in person. After having been his fan since he became known to the world and owning every single record he has ever released, I finally got to see the King on the night of November 16th, 1970. He appeared in Oklahoma City in the Fairground Arena to a standing-room-only crowd of over 11,000 people.

The show started at 8.30 with The Sweet Inspirations singing several songs. Next came The Imperials with their act and then a comedian. By this time the crowd had waited almost too long to see Elvis, but there was an intermission to sit through. In the lobby they sold large posters of different Elvis pictures. I purchased two posters and the programme which was a book containing twenty-three pictures of Elvis.

Finally, the big moment arrived and Elvis walked on stage. It was one of the most wonderful moments of my life! There he was, a real person! When you see him on television and in the movies you know he has to be a live person, but until you can actually see him in person you can't imagine how much greater and real he is.

Even though I had bought the most expensive kind of ticket, I was too far away to see his face clearly, even with opera glasses. I was shaking so much that I couldn't see through them anyway. I would have given anything to have been closer to the stage, but I was not one of the lucky ones. Anyway, I could still see and hear him well enough to enjoy his magnificent performance.

I have always known this, but many people do not — Elvis can really sing. He does not need echo chambers to make him sound good as so many of our performers do now. His voice is clear and beautiful one minute and deep and husky or loud the next moment. Perfection!

Elvis wore one of the white suits he has been using to perform in lately. It was decorated with gold or yellow braid and he wore a red scarf. The collar on his suit was as high as his ear, and with his long hair you could not see his face too well unless you were close enough. He is slender and very well built.

During his performance Elvis fell twice. Once flat on his back and the next time off a speaker. He was joking around and did this on purpose, but one cannot help wondering if he isn't going to hurt himself badly one day.

The songs he sang were all great. He sang — 'That's All Right', 'I Got A Woman', 'Love Me Tender', 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', 'Polk Salad Annie', 'Johnny B. Goode', 'How Great Thou Art', 'The Wonder Of You', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Hound Dog' (during which he threw his red scarf to some lucky person in the audience). He continued with 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', sang 'Blue Christmas' by request from the audience, then 'Suspicious Minds', 'Funny How Time Slips Away', 'Can't Help Falling In Love'.

Then silence fell and the magic of the night was gone again — for Elvis had left the stage. Even though he had sung all these songs, it seemed like he had stepped into my life for only five seconds and was gone.

He is the King and no-one will ever replace him. He was great that night as always. Now my wish is to see him closer, perhaps when he performs in Las Vegas again, I will be able again to have My Wish Come True.

November 17 1970 - Denver, Colorado
Review by Ralph Miller - Elvis Monthly, Issue 137 (June 1971)

The place, Denver Coliseum. My dream came true. At last, Elvis came to Denver, Colorado. For a long time I've prayed for this to happen and my dream really came true. Back in 1965 it looked like Elvis would never be on A.P.H. Tours again. Then in August, 1969, Elvis returned to his fans again at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. August 16th, 1969, we flew to Las Vegas for three days. While I was there I luckily saw six shows. Elvis is still the Number One entertainer of the world today.

Manager L.J.B. again introduced Elvis on November 17th, for a performance of one night only at Denver Coliseum, prices ranging from $5 to $10. It was well worth the money. These tickets went on sale October 22nd and were completely sold out by November 12th – 1,200 seats.

Before I forget; remember the tour back in September, his six-city swinging journey that included Phoenix, Sept. 9th; Detroit, Sept. 10th; Miami, Sept. 11th; Mobile, Sept. 12th; Tampa, Sept. 13th; St. Louis, Sept. 14th. This tour was so successful that it led to another. The second tour, covering seven cities this time. Starting November 10th, Oakland, California, and another concert November 14th at Inglewood, California's Forum. This time 16,700 tickets were sold out for the Forum concert in a period of ten hours.

The next day, Elvis came to Denver. Before the show started, someone came on the stage, warning the audience to stay in their seats and not to come too near the stage or the show would stop. The show went on with The Imperials, then The Sweet Inspirations, comedian Sammy Shore (whom we all loved when he said that Elvis was the greatest entertainer of all times). How right he is. There was an intermission for fifteen minutes then the "King" came on stage. He picked up his guitar and played 'That's All Right'. We couldn't even catch our breath when in no time - and 1 mean no time — he swirls into 'I Got A Woman' and 'Love Me Tender'. He mentioned how happy he was to be back in Denver. He told us he was here in Denver in 1956 and sang his new song 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me'. He announced that this was his new single and the fans went wild over the song. He then sang 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'; 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'; 'Hound Dog' and 'How Great Thou Art'.

He joked back and forth with his attentive audience, saying he was recording back in 1932 (he was born in 1935). Yes, with Elvis there is always a climax. Next he got really frisky and threw his scarf to a lucky fan in the audience. His next song 'Heartbreak Hotel' followed by 'Blue Suede Shoes'. A big thrill came when a girl kept yelling out, "I love you." Elvis answered back, "I love you too, baby." Elvis sang 'Suspicious Minds' and 'Johnny Be Goode'. Elvis then took time out for a drink of water. He introduced each member of his band, "Colonel" Tom Parker, his conductor Joe Guercio and Mr. Presley Snr. A young girl yelled out, "Elvis, where is your wife?" Elvis answered, "She is up in the ceiling, looking down at me."

He then sang 'The Wonder Of You'; 'Polk Salad Annie' and then he sang a new song but I don't know the name of it, only "I Have To Go" ('Funny How Time Slips Away'); then his last song 'Can't Help Falling In Love' — the show came to an end, the audience still gasping for their breath. My thanks to Elvis for coming to Denver.

After almost fifteen years of national, even international, super popularity, the ever-young man wailed through a set of songs from classic Rock 'n' Roll," through Gospel, Country and old and new pop. Whatever they say (THEY being the pseudo-sophisticated critics who have forgotten the purpose of music), Elvis sings very well. Technically, he has the ability to manoeuvre through all the songs he chooses with accurate enough intonation and an obviously swinging rhythmic drive in the expression department - where music really does its thing. Elvis has few peers. Sure, he has all the dramatic gimmicks of showbiz but it should be remembered that he set the standard (among white performers anyway).

In January and February, 1956, he made five successive appearances on nationwide TV on the Jackie Gleeson stage show. He derives the gestures, sound and singing style from coloureds such as Arthur Crudrup, Bo Diddley and others, but he put it all together with his already developed Country Style and created a world-wide musical revolution which hasn't stopped spinning yet. The musical giant demonstrated to his Denver fans, not only all the talent that has sustained his popularity but also the on-stage naturalness and humility for which he's always been known. He thanked all of the personnel who travel with him for his Las Vegas show and gave special praise to Denver and the Joe Guercio 15-man orchestra, which accompanies the entire performance with well-rehearsed, hard, driving playing. Let me tell you the "Pelvis" still works hard.