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The ultimate site about the king of the analogue age
Also Sprach Zarathustra
The orchestra plays "Einleitung, Oder Sonnenaufgang" from Richard Strauss' classical piece "Also Sprach Zarathustra". Then the band takes over with the "Opening Riff" and Elvis enters the stage. He's wearing the "Sundial Suit", another outfit first introduced back in 1974. Since March this has become his favorite suit, worn almost every night.
See See RiderAfter having received his guitar from Mr. Hodge, Elvis walks over to the microphone and segues into "See See Rider". It's a solid performance and a good start for the show. Before he continues with another song, the king receives a gift from a fan.
I Got A Woman / AmenNow Elvis toys around with the word "well". The final version sounds surprisingly low, as a joke JD Sumner had taken over for his boss. "I Got A Woman" gets a peppy outing, during "Amen" the king asks the band to continue. He obviously likes the gospel. Of course Mr. Sumner gets an opportunity to show off his deep voice once more and Elvis imitates his moves from the 1950s and hopes, that his suit stays together. After a reprise of "I Got A Woman" the king throws his guitar back to Charlie Hodge and welcomes the audience. Obviously Elvis is aware of his condition, because he feels the urge to tell the crowd, that the rumors about his health are false. But of course one needn't to be a physician to see how much he has degraded since October 1976. Compared to the summer of 1972 the man on stage today has little to do with the guy we've witnessed back then.
Love MeThe ballad "Love Me" is sung the usual way, but he fools around with the final "oh yeah".
FairytaleJust like yesterday Elvis sings "Fairytale" instead of the usual "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)" and this time the equipment works as its supposed to do. It's a strong performance, especially the bridge is nothing but impressive.
You Gave Me A MountainThe rendition of "You Gave Me A Mountain" is as good as the one on May 1st. The Elvis of 1977 may have his shortcomings, but he obviously identifyes himself with the song.
Jailhouse RockUp next is "Jailhouse Rock". It's performed well and the audience happily claps along.
O Sole Mio / It's Now Or NeverFrom the 1950s Elvis moves on to the 1960s and presents his best selling record. Once again Sherrill Nielsen entertains the audience by yelping the Italian folk song in the highest pitches possible before the king takes over with "It's Now Or Never". Once again he doesn't sound as impressive as he used to do, but it's only fair to say, that most of the popstars wouldn't reach Elvis' current level on their best day.
Little SisterNow the king is unsure about what to sing next. Of course the fans start to yell out song titles, one of them being "Polk Salad Annie". Elvis picks it up, but only to declare, that he won't sing it. He finally moves on with "Little Sister", which is well performed.
Teddy Bear / Don't Be CruelDuring the medley of "Teddy Bear" and "Don't Be Cruel" Elvis throws a scarf into the audience, but compared to yesterday he keeps it cool and doesn't toy with the fans all that much.
My WayThe king doesn't seem to be as fit or motivated as yesterday. After "It's Now Or Never" he skipped "Trying To Get To You", now he leaves out "And I Love You So". But that doesn't keep him from offering a dramatic rendition of Sinatra's signature tune "My Way".
Polk Salad AnnieEven though having declared not to sing "Polk Salad Annie" after a fan had asked for it, Elvis now wants to sing this very song. He puzzles the crowd by suddenly stopping the presentation, but then he re-starts his performance and delivers a complete version of the tune. His voice lacks the drive and energy of earlier renditions and his moves look somewhat stiff and sluggish. One cannot help but thinking, that at the age of 42 Elvis gives the impression of an old man.
IntroductionsThe "Introductions" offer the singer the needed break. Just like yesterday the procedure eats up way too much time. The only bright spot is his rendition of "Early Morning Rain".
Hurt"One of our latest records is called Hurt, ladies and gentlemen" announces the king, before he segues into a powerfull performance of "Hurt". Without doubt this is one of the highlights of the evening.
Hound DogThe rock'n'roll classic "Hound Dog" is sung in lackluster style, but as expected nobody cares. The audience recognizes the song and goes bananas.
Can't Help Falling In LoveJust like yesterday Elvis doesn't do much after the over-long "Introductions" and closes the show after just two more songs. He bows out with a few nice words and the promise to come back anytime. Then he segues into "Can't Help Falling In Love", which directly leads into the "Closing Riff". The final scarf is given to a lucky fan, Elvis takes a bow in all directions and leaves the stage. Soon a speaker tells the people "Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building" and hawks the merchandise items, which are offered in the lobby. He also thanks the local Hilton Hotel for the hospitality.
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