The opening show of the "Elvis Summer Festival 1973" was released in 2008 by the czech label Memory Records under the somewhat silly title "Raised On Vegas". The artwork is simple, the cover includes short liner notes. The concert itself was recorded by a member of the audience, it sounds ok for what it is.

For the new season Richard Strauss' "Einleitung, Oder Sonnenaufgang" is played in a modern, jazzy style. Then the band takes over with the usual "Opening Riff" and Elvis enters the stage. Charlie Hodge hands him his guitar and the show is underway.

It starts with the regular "See See Rider", which is performed well.

Instead of the usual medley of "I Got A Woman" and "Amen" Elvis continues with "Trouble", a track from the "King Creole" soundtrack. It's presented in modern style and fits the king very well. Surprisingly the classic is taged to his latest single "Raised On Rock". The combination works well, even though Elvis has trouble to remember all the words of his new song.

Strangely though the same happens during "Love Me", a song he includes in each and every concert. Of course the audience doesn't care, especially because the king hands out a scarf or two.

The "Steamroller Blues", his penultimate single, is presented very well. Todays rendition is more powerful than the one one the record.

Elvis follows the r&b tune with a dramatic ballad. "What Now My Love" also includes the orchestra and the harmony singers and is a massive display of talent. Vocally the king is in fine form and especially the grande finale is nothing but impressive.

Now it's time for the rock'n'roll classic "Blue Suede Shoes". Compared to last year Elvis invests less energy. His rendition is ok, but certainly nothing more than a quick nod to the past.

Up next is a "new" oldie. On very few occasions the king has sung Chuck Berry's "Memphis Tennessee" before, but now it seems to be a part of his new show. Just like during "Raised On Rock" Elvis isn't sure about the lyrics, but this time he hides it by simply repeating lines, he already sang before. Nevertheless it's good to see him doing something new.

During his "Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite" special the king performed a medley of "Long Tall Sally" and "Whole Lotta' Shakin' Goin' On". Now he has added "Mama Don't Dance", "Flip, Flop And Fly" and the good ole' "Jailhouse Rock". It's an entertaining combination and everyone is reminded of their youth.

Of course no Presley show is complete without "Love Me Tender". As usual the ballad is eagerly awaited by the ladies, because here the singer kisses a few lucky ones. Musically it's nothing to write home about, but the level of entertainment can hardly be surpassed.

Most people also feel entertained by this performance, but it's hard to overlook that Elvis is tired of the tune. First he sings it in a slow tempo, then he continues in his usual style. But he doesn't do much more than mumbling the same four lines over and over again. Maybe it's time to euthanise the tired, old dog.

"Fever" is a completely different ballgame. Here the singer is enjoying himself and obviously has fun to make the grown up ladies scream by simply moving his legs.

With "My Boy" Elvis now presents another one of his new songs. Unfortunately it soon turns out, that the singer has as little clue as his audience. He stumbles through his performance, unsure about the lyrics and the melody. "Raised On Rock" and "Memphis Tennessee" already appeared to be a tad underrehearsed, but this one takes the cake. It's a piss-poor performance by any means!

With "Take it on!" Elvis quickly cues the band to start the next song. He's fully aware, that he just wrecked it and wants to move on as fast as possible. Of course "Suspicious Minds" works well and is enhanced with the king's patented moves. 

Still obviously feeling stressed Elvis introduces his band and tells the fans, that Joe Guercio's orchestra has just been awarded as "Orchestra Of The Year". He also introduces Petula Clark, Guy March, Philis McGuire and Liza Minelli, who are in the audience tonight. Afterwards he admits, that he had the "brillant" idea to include some new songs, of which none has worked as planned. He continues to joke about the situation, which releases a lot of the tension.

As a result "I Can't Stop Loving You" is presented in grand style.

The patriotic "American Trilogy" is not taken all that seriously today. Elvis comments one of the effects by saying "Good God, the moon is falling" and answers the line "I wish I was in Dixie" with "I wish, you were, too!". But then he stops his joking and ends the song with much feeling and in a vocally impressive way.

Now the end of the set list seems to be reached since the king thinks about what to do next. Of course the audience uses the opportunity to shout out requests, but Elvis quickly settles for "Bridge Over Troubled Water". Once again he mixes up some words, but this glitch aside he delivers a great performance.

While the fans are still applauding, the king starts to sing "How Great Thou Art". Once again the orchestra, the harmony singers and the lead vocalist demonstrate their abilities to the full extend. It's an impressive performance by any means!

After three lavishly orchestrated ballads in a row it's time for rock'n'roll again. With "A Big Hunk O' Love" the king and his crew rock the house like only they can do.

Spontaneously Elvis sings "Come and lay down by my side". His musicians are on their toes and immediately start to play "Help Me Make It Through The Night". It's another good rendition, maybe even better than the one on the "Elvis Now" album.

With very few words the king bows out and sings "Can't Help Falling In Love", his usual closer since 1969. The band segues into the "Closing Riff" and the golden curtain comes down. The "Elvis Summer Festival 1973" is on its way.