Two days after the after the show in Ann Arbor Elvis was booked in Kalamazoo/Michigan. With 7,300 seats the local Wings Stadium was comparatively small, so it wasn't a challenge for him to sell out. In total the concert generated 105,000 USD, which was just a hair above the lower limit Colonel Parker had determined. If a single performance didn't make 100,000 USD, it wasn't worth the effort. Just like in Ann Arbor, Felton Jarvis was on hand to record several songs. In this case "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)" made it on the "Moody Blue" album. FTD's "Spring Tours '77" also features the medley of "O Sole Mio" and "It's Now Or Never".

While the Ann Arbor show can be regarded as one of Presley's strongest concerts in 1977, the one in Kalamazoo belongs to the weak ones. Elvis certainly tried, he even considered the fact, that he had performed here just half a year ago and included some tunes outside the standard repertoire, but his general condition was poor. He slurred his speech and gave a weary and tired impression. In total the "Introductions" plus the solo songs of Kathy Westmoreland and Sherrill Nielsen added up to a break of more than 20 minutes - or 30% of the king's time on stage!

Just like the recording of the previous show, this one leaves out "Also Sprach Zarathustra", "See See Rider", "I Got A Woman" / "Amen" and the "Introductions". The sound engineer also decided not to waste tape for Kathy Westmoreland's "My Heavenly Father" and Sherrill Nielsen's "Danny Boy" and "Walk With Me". So we get to hear the concert without the fillers, but unfortunately the rest doesn't feature any killers.

Jokingly Elvis asks "How do I get into it?". Of course knows how to start the song without an intro and performs it the usual way. Just like he did in Ann Arbor, he lets his harmony singers hold the final note until they turn red. By the way: Today the king is back to wearing his usual "Mexical Sundial Suit".

The king suggests "Tell you what, let's do FAIRYTALE" and within a second the band begins to play. But Elvis stumbles upon the lyrics and stops the performance after just a few words. Noticably irritated he mutters "Let's do the other song".

This other song is "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)", which was introduced during the "Elvis Summer Festival 1974" in Vegas. But even though it's on the program for three years, the singer never recorded it in the studio. So it's Felton Jarvis' chance to catch something "new" for the forthcoming longplayer. In general this rendition is rather acceptable than exceptional, but certainly better than nothing.

Compared to his rendition in Ann Arbor today's performance sounds somewhat tired. Elvis has to laugh in-between, but even his laughing doesn't sound as roaring as a few years back. At 42 he sounds like an old, tired man. During the song the king also acknowledges the sound engineer by singing "It isn't just a feedback any longer". After all is sung and done Elvis takes care of a lady at the edge of the stage, who's asking for a kiss via a sign she's holding up.

The good ole' "Jailhouse Rock" is driven by Ronnie Tutt, who seems to beat on his drums harder than usual. Maybe he tries to drag his boss along. The result is ok, but we've heared it better in the past.

Sherrill Nielsen's rendition of "O Sole Mio" reveals, that Elvis hasn't lost his humor. On purpose he misshears "Sta 'nfronte a te" and wittily answers "I will, I'll stand from temtane". However, his performance of "It's Now Or Never" once again reveals a certain powerlessness.

Because he's been here just a few months ago (in much better condition, I have to add), Elvis now tries to come up with something different. He settles for "Big Boss Man", which he'd taken off his regular program in 1975. At the time the king had pushed his band and played with the melody, but today he seems to be dragged along by his crew and when the brass section starts to play, he's simply drowned out. Obviously Elvis still enjoys the tune, but he's not up to the challenge.

Once again the king tries to come up with something, he hadn't sung last fall. "Trying To Get To You" is discussed, but finally Elvis decides to do "Heartbreak Hotel". It's a wise choice, because I seriously doubt, that he's up for the SUN classic today. However, his first number one hit is presented well.

The rock'n'roll classic "Blue Suede Shoes" is another oldie, Elvis doesn't present often these days. His performance quickly reveals the reason for staying away from this tune. Currently the man lacks all the power and drive it needs to sing it well.  

With "And I Love You So" the king returns to more recent material. It's a quiet song, which suits his condition much better. Maybe he doesn't sing it as well as on the record, but without doubt it's an enjoyable performance.

Up next is "My Way", which Elvis first released four years ago on his "Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite" album. Today he has to read the lyrics from a sheet and it obviously takes him more effort to present the song. But he injects the right amount of drama and at times he's sounding as impressive as ever.

Maybe the king has spent all his reserves, because after "My Way" he takes more than ten minutes to introduce his band and harmony singers. But even after this break, he appears unwilling or unable to continue. Instead of continuing the show, he askes Kathy Westmoreland to sing "My Heavenly Father" and after she's finished he calls on Sherrill Nielsen to do "Danny Boy" and "Walk With Me. In total more than twenty minutes have passed without Elvis doing anything. The CD saves us from all that hoo-ha, but to the people in the audience it was more than just a little downer.

What follows the break is a disappointing rendition of "Hound Dog". Elvis mumbles through the same four lines over and over again and finally shakes his body to the brass sounds of the orchestra. Of course the ladies scream their lungs out, but everyone else is left somewhat bewildered.

Now Elvis says goodbye and promises to come back to Kalamazoo anytime. WTF?!? After 20 (!) minutes of introductions and performances of second-row-people just a short, embarrassing travesty of "Hound Dog" and that's it? But Mr. Presley seriously just sings his usual closer "Can't Help Falling In Love" and leaves the stage. In general the whole thing was nothing but a rip-off.