In 2007 a label named Straight Arrow released a double disc with an audience recording of the king's new years eve show on December 31, 1975 in Pontiac/Michigan. The concert was recorded by a member of the audience, but regarding the source and the vast arena it sounded very good. The packaging is also well done, the release included a booklet of 24 pages with photos and background information. As a bonus the label added excerpts from later shows, where Elvis talks about this special concert.

As ususal the show began at 8:30 pm, but because the activity had to run until after midnight, the pre-show had been stretched out with four music groups and a comedian. Afterwards there was a break, but now, at last,  the lights go down and the orchestra plays the "Einleitung, oder Sonnenaufgang" from Richard Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathustra". The band takes over with the "Opening Riff" and there he is: Elvis Presley! He is dressed in the new "Rainfall Suit", walks up the stairs to the top level of the stage and receives his guitar from Charlie Hodge.

Without a break the band has segued into "See See Rider". Elvis is obviously thrilled by the event and gives his all. The musicians are also running at full throttle.

Now the king sings the word "well" in different pitches and is "answered" by James Burton. "That's it, thank you very much" says Elvis, but of course it's just a joke and he sings "I Got A Woman". It's a very good performance, but when the king demonstrates his moves of the 1950s the timing between him and his drummer isn't working well, because Ronnie Tutt is placed on the level below Elvis and can't see what his boss is doing. To make it worse, the king has gained some weight, which causes the seam of his pants to split. Elvis is obviously amused by the incident and tells the crowd about his problem. He also admits, that he hasn't performed in front of so many people before.

Because he's six meters above the ground, Elvis cannot get in touch with his fans as usual. But nevertheless he throws some scarfs into the audience and each of them is an event. As a joke the king lets his harmony singers hold the final note until they are almost running out of breath.

Now Elvis complains to Charlie about the stagnant supply of scarfs. Then he sings his old SUN classic "Trying To Get To You". The king uses his voice to its full extent and delivers an outstanding performance.

From his current longplayer "Elvis Today" the singer presents the ballad "And I Love You So". It's a good rendition, but at times his voice sounds somewhat shaky. It's no big issue, but the studio recording is better.

The mega seller from 1957 is performed on high speed mode. Once again Elvis throws some scarfs into the crowd.

It's another routine performance, but the king invests some more effort than usual. The huge crowd seems to motivate Elvis.

Today the king extends the oldie medley with "Heartbreak Hotel". He obviously still likes his first number one hit and sings it well.

The same applies to "One Night". During the last few years Elvis had more or less ignored the r&b tune, but during his recent Vegas stint he had re-discovered it and sang it on a more regular basis.

This is another song, that made a comeback during the "Pre-Holiday Jubilee". Compared to the renditions of 1972/73 Elvis cuts several lines short, but he still knows how to sell the song and to impress with some belted out lines.

Tony Joe White's swamp rock has been a highlight of the Presley show since its inclusion in 1970. Elvis obviously still likes the song, but due to his recent weight gain his moves have become more or less a parody of what he has done four or five years ago. Unfortunately the procedure has also completely damaged the seam of his jumpsuit and it has to be changed. So Elvis announces a solo performance by The Stamps and leaves the stage.

Just like in the movie "Elvis On Tour" (1972) the gospel group sings a beautiful version of the song. Meanwhile Elvis and Charlie have reached the tunnel and the king changes into the "V-Neck Suit". Because the matching belt is not available, he keeps the one from the previously worn "Rainfall Suit".

As usual the introduction of the band eats up some time, because James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff, Glen D. Hardin and the orchestra each perform a solo. By the way: This is the last time Glen D. Hardin appears on stage with the king. He was fed up with having to witness the singer's deterioration and bored by the stale format of the Presley show.

In the past two years Elvis rarely had performed the Sinatra classic. He had tried spontaneously during his recent stint at the Las Vegas Hilton, but it hadn't worked too well. Even though there hadn't been any rehearsals, he tries again. It soon turns out that it was a tad too daring, because the timing between him and his band is off and at times it seems he has trouble remembering the lyrics. After two and a half minutes he even has to stop the performance and start again.

To make up for the sorry presentation of "My Way" Elvis turns to the ever popular title song of his first movie. Of course he also throws some more scarfs into the audience. Because they have to cover the distance of six meters, each one is an event by itself.

The turn of the year is close and so Elvis wishes everyone a happy new year in advance. Obviously he doesn't know how to bridge the time until midnight, which causes an a awkward silence. But finally the audience counts down the last ten seconds to 1976 and starts to sing "Auld Lang Syne". Elvis himself cannot be heared singing along too much, maybe he doesn't know the lyrics.

Elvis' first performance of the new year is the gospel hymn "How Great Thou Art". He belts out the chorus in impressive style, but in-between he also misses several notes. Afterwards he admits, that he can do it better and repeats the finale.

Before singing the song, Elvis tells the crowd, that "It's Now Or Never" is is best selling record. Once again there are noticable timing issues between him and the band, finally he stops singing altogether and repeats the last part of the tune. He also doesn't hit every note properly.

The inofficial national anthem is performed flawlessly. Elvis has returned to his old strength and delivers an impressive rendition. Afterwards he admits, that he had forgotten to introduce Charlie Hodge and catches up. He also introduces his father Vernon and his daughter Lisa, who are in the audience.

Elvis wants to bow out, but suddenly he makes up his mind and sings a short version of "Hound Dog" instead. It's nothing to write home about, just one of the typical, rushed versions. Of course the audience doesn't care about the quality of the performance and loves every second of it.

Just like he had done in Vegas a few weeks before, Elvis now wants to sing "Wooden Heart". But after a few seconds he changes his mind and says goodbye.

He finishes the program with the usual "Can't Help Falling In Love". Seamlessly the band segues into the "Closing Riff". The king bows in every direction, poses a bit for photos and leaves the stage.