Anno 2002 Follow That Dream Records released an album called "Dinner At Eight", which features the dinner show on December 13, 1975. The audio quality is very good, because the engineer recorded the show on a reel-to-reel tape. It's still a mono recording, but otherwise it matches the quality of an official live recording. The compact disc is housed in a 5" digipak. It's well designed and includes photos from the actual concert. Elvis wears the "Eskimo Totem Pole Suit". The outfit first appeared during the tour in July, this concert would be the final time the king used this suit.

The introduction "Also Sprach Zarathustra" was not recorded, so the album starts with the "Opening Riff". Elvis enters the stage and Charlie hands him his guitar. When he reaches the microphone stand, something appears to be wrong. The king stops the band and asks, if Jackie Kahane had eaten the mic. Elvis sounds tired and sluggish. By now he cannot hide the side-effects of the "medicine" he's taking anymore. However, "See See Rider" is presented much better than his speech might have implied. It's not as powerful as on his current live album, but certainly good enough. 

Now Elvis sings the word "well" in different pitches, which are "answered" by the electric guitar. Then he sings "I Got A Woman". Similarly to the first song the king injects no more energy than necessary. Elvis also sings an excerpt of the gospel "Amen" and demonstrates some of his famous moves. JD Sumner gets an opportunity to show off his deep voice and after some funny banter with his boss he does it again. Then Elvis returns to "I Got A Woman", throws his guitar back to Charlie and welcomes the audience. James Burton wants to keep the show going and repetitively plays the first chord of "Love Me".

Elvis starts to sing the song quite abruptly. As usual he uses the tune to communicate with the audience and to hand out a few scarfs.

Normally "Love Me" is followed by "Trying To Get To You", but today the king wants to do Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, the parents of his girlfriend Linda, a favor and sings "Help Me Make It Through The Night" instead. Because the country ballad isn't a regular part of the show, he asks for a lyric sheet. What follows, is a tender and heartfelt rendition of the song, I'd say it's even better than the version on his album "Elvis Now" (1972). At the end the illuminator turns off the lights too early and is admonished by the singer.

Elvis makes fun of the fact, that "Trying To Get To You" has no intro, just like the previously sung "Help Me Make It Through The Night". Even though he's in great voice, the performance is a bit languid in places. When he belts out the chorus, Elvis sounds impressive as ever. But his performance misses the zest that can be heared on the album "Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis".

From his current longplayer "Elvis Today" the king sings "And I Love You So". Here and there his timing is not 100% and at times his voice sounds somewhat shaky. It's no big deal and one has to listen closely to hear these things, but the king hasn't got his motor running at operating temperature.

Within a minute the king rattles through "All Shook Up".

The medley is presented with as little care, but the fans love it. Elvis hands out scarfs again and that's enough to keep them happy. When a someone hands him a copy of the album "The Sun Collection", the king's interest is sparked again. He obviously doesn't know that his old recordings have been re-packaged and he closely examines the record. Elvis also talks to other fans and accepts gifts. 

Surprisingly Elvis extends the oldie block with "Wooden Heart", an adaption of the German folk song "Muss I Denn, Muss I Denn Zum Staedtele Hinaus". The song from his 15 years old movie "GI Blues" obviously wasn't rehearsed, but Glen D. Hardin knows what to do and Ronnie Tutt as well as Jerry Scheff join in with an oompah-rhythm. The Sweet Inspirations also sing along, but when they stray too much off the melodie with their "ladadas", Elvis tells them "No, no...ladada hell!". The whole thing appears completely off the cuff and the king even remembers some of the German lines. Afterwards Elvis introduces his daughter Lisa, who appears to be the reason for including the song. 

The king continues with "You Gave Me A Mountain". He cuts some lines short, maybe he hasn't enough breath anymore. However, his performance still is full of drama and emotion. And of course Elvis is still capable of belting out the chorus in impressive style.

With a resolute "Polk Salad!" the king leads over to the next song. Who doesn't remember the great performance from "That's The Way It Is" when the bass-intro fills the showroom? Currently the arrangement is different. The brass section of the orchestra is more prominent and an organ has been added. Physically Elvis cannot compete with his former self and his voice also lacks the punch it had just a few years back. However, the audience loves the performance. They adore the image, not the actual person on the stage in front of them.

The introduction of the band gives Elvis time to recuperate. James Burton (guitar), Ronnie Tutt (drums), Jerry Scheff (bass) and Glen D. Hardin (piano) as well as the orchestra perform a solo each. The king seems to like the guitar playing of Tony Freeman, because he's the only member of the orchestra that is introduced by name and who is allowed to play a solo.

A few months ago the king received a Grammy for his performance of "How Great Thou Art" on the album "Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis". Today the arrangement is even more dramatic and bombastic and Elvis' vocals are even more stunning.

In contrast to the previous song, this one is arranged in sparse style. Sherril Nielsen takes over the lead vocals while his boss recites the lyrics. It's an emotional performance.

While the fans are still applauding, the orchestra starts to play "America, The Beautiful". The interplay of Elvis and the harmony singers is nothing but great, he even asks them to sing a bit louder. Once again a performance of pure magic.

Now Elvis raises the tempo and brings up the medley of "Mystery Train" and "Tiger Man". The band is as good as ever, but their boss appears to be out of breath at times and his moves are less and not nearly as smooth and appealing as half a decade earlier. But it's still entertaining and delivered well enough, I whish the king had put as much effort into "All Shook Up" and "Teddy Bear".

Elvis wants to bow out and whishes everyone Merry X-mas and a Happy New Year, but someone in the audience wants to hear "Blue Christmas". Elvis responds to the request by saying, that the hotel management wants him to be on stage no more than fifty minutes and he's already at an hour and five minutes. I can understand the Hilton people, because they have to get the audience out of the showroom, clean it and seat another 2,200 individuals before the midnight show starts. However, the king is in good mood and sings a very nice version of "Blue Christmas". Jokingly he repeats the last line once more than rehearsed, but his musicians are on their toes and react within a second. I love this kind of interaction and fun between the singer and his band. Elvis and his crew are a well-coordinated team.

Elvis says goodbye with an "affectionate farewell" and sings his usual closer "Can't Help Falling In Love". During this procedure a few lucky ladies even get kissed. Then the band segues into the "Closing Riff", the curtain comes down and the king is gone. A few hours later he'll be back for the midnight show.