After the spectacular television event "Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite" and another Vegas stint in January and February, Elvis was back on the road in April. The demand for tickets was massive, in Denver it took him just four hours to sell 13,000 seats. Remember, those were the days without an internet and the people had to appear at the box office in person, pay in cash and receive a paper-ticket. Four hours was as long as it took the employees the process the sale of the tickets. In several cities the venues were booked for additional matinee shows. In total Elvis was on stage twelve times between April 22nd and April 30th. From Denver he flew directly to Stateline/Nevada, were he was about to perform for two weeks, starting on May 4th.
Tour Stations
04/22/1973: Phoenix, Arizona; Veterans
Memorial Coliseum (15,000 spectators)
04/23/1973: Anaheim, California; Convention
Center (8,500 spectators)
04/24/1973:
Anaheim, California; Convention Center (8,500
spectators)
04/25/1973: Fresno, California;
Selland Arena (15,000 spectators, 2 shows)
04/26/1973: San Diego, California; International
Sports Arena (15,000 spectators)
04/27/1973:
Portland, Oregon; Memorial Coliseum (13,000
spectators)
04/28/1973: Spokane, Washington;
Coliseum (12,900 spectators, 2 shows)
04/29/1973: Seattle, Washington; Seattle Center
Arena (13,600 spectators, 2 shows)
04/30/1973: Denver, Colorado; Coliseum (13,000
spectators)
Musicians
James Burton (guitar), John Wilkinson (guitar), Charlie Hodge (guitar and harmony vocals), Emory Gordy (bass), Ronnie Tutt (drums), Glen D. Hardin (piano) and The Guercio Orchestra. The harmony vocals were provided by The Sweet Inspirations (Myrna Smith, Sylvia Shemwell & Estelle Brown), J.D. Sumner & The Stamps (Donnie Sumner, Bill Baize, Ed Enoch, Richard Sterban & Ed Wideman) and Kathy Westmoreland.
About The Tour
Because Jerry Scheff took a break after the Vegas stint, Elvis needed a new bass player. He opted for Emory Gordy, with whom he had worked in the studio the previous year. The set list of this tour was a well balanced mix of old and new, classics like "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Blue Suede Shoes" took turns with current tracks like "I'm Leavin'" and "Help Me Make It Through The Night". Of course Elvis also performed several songs, he had premiered on the "Aloha" show. During some concerts the king also wore the jumpsuit, the fans knew from the tv special. Other costumes were the "Thunderbird Suit" and the "Lucky Suit", which he had also worn in 1972 and during his recent Vegas stint. Especially for this tour Elvis had ordered the "Fire Suit & Red Cape", the "Snowflake Suit & Turquouise Cape" and the "Nail Studded Suit & Gold Cape". The singer looked heavier than in January, but his voice sounded better and he appeared to be more motivated.
Audio
