Elvis in Concert (1977 TV Special) User Reviews

Eminently lovable

[charlesfrappier · 8/10 · 25 March 2006]

The CBS Special stands as a piece of history which I think has not received the care and respect it deserves from EPE. The badly-edited footage (you have to see the unedited footage to really appreciate Elvis' work) has been relegated to the Graceland attic and that's a shame.

The emotional punch this production packs should be enough to warrant an official DVD release. I think that to any Elvis fan, Elvis remained Elvis. EPE seems to think that it's OK to write off the last three years of his life, which to me are as important as any other.

The Elvis that appears in the CBS Special, is, and this has been said ad nauseam, in bad shape physically, sometimes slightly incoherent but he is possibly the most "human" Elvis ever caught on film. He is flawed, he is shy, he is hokey at times (in the way that a teenager would find his/her dad hokey) but he is humble, and remarkably likable.

Being an E fan, I enjoy watching his concert documentaries and I must say that I much prefer 1977 Elvis to his previous incarnations. Of course, as a showman, he was truly dynamic and possibly at his best in the 68 Special and "That's the way it is", but in 1977, he had lost this arrogance that characterized his late 60s/early 70s persona and was obviously comfortable sharing himself, as he was, with his audience.

His voice is as powerful as ever (perhaps more), he enjoys his audience. You can plainly see and hear that he is bored with some of his older songs (I can't blame him - how many years can you sing Hound Dog at every single concert without getting absolutely sick of it), but watch how his face lights up when he sings "Hurt". Through the first two lines of the song, he's looking back at the band and grinning with joy. Same thing for the extremely moving "Unchained Melody" (which was inexplicably NOT included in the final CBS footage but is available in the unedited concert footage). He ends the song with a final flourish and you can just see how pleased he is, grinning, loving what he is doing.

EPE is doing the world of Elvis fans a great disservice by refusing to re-release this amazing production. It has much more "meat" to it than the blah Aloha Special where Elvis, while looking superbly iconic and in fine voice, is wooden and emotionally removed from the whole thing.

One final word: if you watch the CBS Special, you will notice that the use of the word "fat" is unwarranted and incorrect. Elvis was certainly bigger by then, and he has the typical middle-aged sedentary guy "spare tire", but he is otherwise not particularly big. His face is not as much fat as it is bloated. But if you watch the Unchained Melody footage, make sure to catch that brief moment, about halfway through the song, where he pauses for a second, turns to the audience and smiles. In that one instant, you can plainly see Elvis from 10 years before, and, in this context, it'll both break your heart - knowing that he has such little time left - and make you love him.

What a great guy. I still miss him.

A historic moment

[jackaroe-3 · 9/10 · 6 September 2007]

CBS filmed two shows (19th and 21st June). The first was not very good, caused by drugs and stage fright. On the second night, Elvis pulled himself together and delivered a great show, or as great as he could in 1977. The final TV Special was only 50 minutes long, contained a lot of fan footage and Vernon Presley talking about Elvis both before and after his death. Only few songs are actually shown and it becomes clear, that the producers tried to avoid showing too many close-up shots of Elvis's face, which was bloated, tired and sweating. My thoughts are: - it is sad to see Elvis so close to death, and he really looked a dying man - he can't walk very well, so he just stands there, all of the 1969 energy gone - yet he puts so much into his singing, just check out "Tryin to get to you" - Let's hope for an official release of all the material shot (a box set similar to the other TV shows) - there are bootleg editions of Elvis in Concert which are edited together from all material available - the original TV special is definitely too short, it will leave you craving for more.

Conclusion: everybody should be able to see it. Depending on the mood you're in, you will either start crying over seeing a dying man or you will marvel at Elvis's voice, still that strong and his sense of humor which keep the audience and the band members so fascinated.

The final tour...

[sean4554 · 9/10 · 2 June 2008]

It's well known that in June of 1977 Elvis Presley didn't look well. He was bloated and obviously ill, but he still had unbelievable charisma and ability. His voice was never greater; check out 'Hurt', 'How Great Thou Art', 'You Gave Me A Mountain', 'My Way' and (in the outtakes) 'Tryin' To Get To You' and 'Unchained Melody'. Amazing. The CBS special had the known faults, with too many fan comments and editing which actually made Elvis seem worse off than he really was (which is why I've rated this a 9), but Presley himself was brilliant as always. Perhaps it's just me, but anytime I watch Elvis live he seems somewhat ill at ease, uncomfortable about some aspect of himself. But not here. Oddly enough, at the end Elvis seemed much more accepting of himself, much more at peace with who he was. I don't know if you'll notice the same thing or not. Of course, EPE won't give you a chance to. "Elvis In Concert" has never been officially released on video or DVD, their reason being it would subject Elvis to ridicule. ? They did insert footage into "This Is Elvis" and "Great Performances" (some title like that) so what the heck they're talking about, I don't know. The public has seen Elvis in June of 1977 already, so their argument doesn't make any sense. But don't despair. The special as well as outtakes are available everywhere on pirate DVD's until EPE decides to release them.

Definately on his last legs

[kwbucsfan · 21 August 2001]

This show was not as bad as the critics make it out to be. But it was obvious that Elvis was dying. He was so sick and it was obvious. But he still put on a great show. I would like to see this released on video for the fans. I don't care what the critics think of it. Elvis didn't care what the critics thought of him. He still pours out his heart. It was sad to see him forget the words to "Are You Lonesome Tonight?", but listen to the emotion that he put into "My Way", and "How Great Thou Art." I think he knew he was dying and was saying goodbye.

Elvis In Concert 1977

[jeffbrandt · 10/10 · 17 October 2005]

This is a brilliant concert video! It is not widely available but can be found through internet searches. While Elvis is not in his physical prime it clearly demonstrates his position as King. Even in his 1977 condition he controls and dictates the audience like a master. His vocal dynamics are beyond reproach, spanning nearly four octaves! The band and orchestra, what can you say....unreal at its finest. If you check the filmography credits you will notice that all of the members of the Elvis Presley show band (TCB Band) have all gone on to incredible careers in the industry. If you are looking for fundamental musical brilliance, Elvis In Concert is the ticket. Keep in mind this was filmed in 1977, nearly 30 years ago and it still holds its weight to contemporary music concert videos. No special effects, digital enhancements, or computerized programming, just raw music! Elvis was and is the King and this film is a true testament to his legacy.

He was still the King!

[CATMAN-6 · 10/10 · 10 April 2005]

This special has been broadcast only twice, both times on CBS. The first showing was in October, 1977, and the second was in the Spring of 1978.

EPE won't license it for sale or broadcast and I can certainly respect their reasons, though I disagree with them. Elvis' appearance and actions weren't up to par and they don't want to submit Elvis to public ridicule.

But it's a shame that the true fans are deprived of this historic special, featuring the greatest entertainer of them all performing during his last concert tour.

Even though he wasn't at his best, he was still Elvis and that's more than enough. His voice and charisma were still very much intact.

There are several hours of footage in addition to the TV special that have never been seen by the public, although bootlegs have been floating around for years.

Maybe someday, EPE will release everything from the tour in a deluxe DVD box set. If/when they do, I'll be the first in line to buy it.

Simply great

[swinebird · 10/10 · 23 November 2006]

This is last TV special of three Elvis Presley ever made. '68 Comeback Special was perfect rock 'n' roll concert, Aloha from Hawaii was concert with all kind of songs and perfect, and this is sad image of a man who started it all but who had to die young because of it.

The King sings great songs from early days, including Jailhouse Rock and Hound Dog. He still rock, but doesn't look that good than he did few years ago.

After all, this is great concert, and good testament to you all from the King of music.

10/10

way???

[sirkristoferkling · 10/10 · 10 July 2004]

Is too bad that CBS not release the whole Elvis In Concert. It's so many fans around the world to like to see the king's last TV Show. He is doing so great. He wanted to say goodbye to the world, but CBS stop him, it's to bad.... His new fans, I'm sure they will love the whole Elvis in Concert. He still have a new fan coming up every sec, so if they want to make some big $$$, release the Concert on DVD. From Elvis comes out of the car to he get's back, and the backstage stuff. and by the way, way not release all Concert's from Elvis on tour from 1972. (MGM)

It's so mush, but we is not allow to see it.....

God Bless Elvis

Looked bad...Sounded great !

[yashicad · 6/10 · 6 August 2005]

I remember seeing this CBS special when it first aired. I was nine years old and it made quite an impression on me. Yes, he looked bad. He was overweight. We have all seen pictures of him in the final years so thats no big surprise. What I do find interesting is that some people say his voice was failing. To that I say...B.S.!! Listen to How Great Thou Art from this program and tell me his voice is failing. He practically blows the roof off with his voice. It really is sad to watch Elvis In Concert. Especially if you take into consideration that the Aloha From Hawaii concert was just four years before. Elvis just makes a quick run through of his most famous songs such as Hound Dog, Teddy Bear and Jailhouse Rock out of obligation to the fans. However songs such as You Gave Me A Mountain and My Way (among others) are given the full treatment.

Elvis 1977 CBS

[iritter · 10/10 · 18 June 2006]

I just wanted to let you know I saw this show, and he was superb, it was sad to see him because obviously he look sick, but his voice was still powerful especially when he sang How Great... and other songs, this not counting with the poor editing that CBS did. He was sick and not fat, bloated due to some of the medications he was taking for his glaucoma.

EPE ignored the last years of his life and this is one of those times,every year and every hour of his life as a performer is a part of his legacy to the world and to the music history, not releasing it is only depriving the world of part of his legacy but EPE had made so many mistakes and the biggest one is not letting the world see how powerful he was on the stage every time and specially on this last tour and the one in Indianapolis the last time on a stage and if he knew he will not perform again he said good buy. It does not matter that EPE acts that way, but at the same time all the videos and bad DVD copies floating around makes it worst when at times the bad recordings are only a desperate way of seeing everything regarding him, no matter how bad it is. This was indeed a wonderful concert, people should concentrate more in Elvis's voice and music and his terrifc performances instead of concentrating in critics about the way he looked or how overweight he was, and maybe then they will be more fair in judging his God given voice that never failed him.

A Warning for Young Rockers

[elvis4all · 6/10 · 17 August 2007]

This should be the lead item in a warning package distributed to fledgling rock stars. God forbid you get everything you want and nothing that you need -- and this is the evidence of that when it happens. Elvis has squandered the last of his self respect and self worth and is relying on a pack of self-serving sycophants to prop up his dying career and his dying body. It's a tragic tale of excess and indulgence and I recall when it first aired after his death how shocked people were to be able to see -- without blinders -- how pathetic and tragic he was. Only 42 -- it seems so young now. But Colonel Parker and the sad pack of wolves known as 'Memphis Mafia' only saw him as the golden goose and were ready to use him until he dropped in order to prop up their own finances and failed lives. They did, but he died.

This is the end

[straker-1 · 10/10 · 16 November 2008]

I rate Elvis in Concert a 10 for the simple fact that, by complete accident, it captured the single greatest entertainer in music history in his final concert tour. The footage has thus achieved a resonance and importance it didn't really deserve. Indeed, if the rumours are right, the producers of the TV special had decided in early August 1977 to shelve the material and wait for a better concert. Of course, there were no more concerts, so a compilation of two shows from the June 1977 tour were shown on CBS in October of that year as the last testament of Elvis Aron Presley.

To this day, EIC remains the only official Presley product to not have been released on VHS or DVD in its' complete form. Why? Well, the reason is painfully obvious to those of us who have seen off-air recordings of the special, or the various DVD/VCD bootlegs. Years of drug abuse and an appalling diet largely consisting of junk food had, by, mid-77, wrought havoc on Presley's system, and it shows in the TV special. The once-stunning rock god, handsomer than a Greek statue and capable of belting out 90 minutes of stage magic without breaking a sweat, was by the time of EIC an overweight, chronically stoned parody of himself. Presley is more or less out on his feet for the special. His voice remains powerful, though it is no longer daring, but the man himself is virtually immobile for the duration. Static, somnolent, sometimes literally clinging to the mike, sweat running off his bloated face in sheets, Presley in EIC is ripped out of his mind and terribly ill. Lyrics are slurred, stage movements are beyond minimal, and the rambling conversations with the audience and band (seen in outtakes, but cut from the special for the most part) got longer and more disjointed as the final end approached. All but one performance in the special is taken from the June 21st gig in Rapid City, with 'My Way' edited in from a show two days earlier in Omaha. Neither show is good, and it is baffling why the oft-bootlegged and easily superior June 26 tour-closer concert in Indianapolis was not filmed.

Even though the Rapid City show is at best lacklustre, it was a towering triumph compared to Omaha. The bootleg of the uncut Omaha show is painful to watch - the man is clearly blasted out of his mind on Dilaudid and Seconal, disoriented, immobile, barely conscious. The sole highlight of this show, chosen for the special, has seen release on official products - and I am curious as to why everyone seems to think that showing a live take of Presley delivering a song he'd been singing for years *with the lyric sheet held in front of him* was a good move.

Anyway, the special itself. The June 21st show is a fair example of his final tour, Elvis delivering sometimes good but mostly cookie-cutter versions of his old and new favourites, taking time out to wander slowly around the stage to do the inevitable scarf-dispensing. Albert Goldman and others have heaped scorn on EIC, describing how poor Presley looks and how wasted he seems. I have no reason to stand up for Elvis, not any desire to do so, but come onnnnnnnn, he's NOWHERE NEAR as bad physically and musically as those hacks would have you believe. But that is not to say that EIC is some kind of neglected gem. The man is very obviously in poor shape, the singing and stage presence are not remotely close to his usual standard, and it is only on tracks like Hurt, the gospel tracks (E dearly loved the old religious tunes, and it shows) and Unchained Melody that we get anything approaching the old magic. The man *did* had magic, once; in fact, he still had it not so long before this special. John Lennon was right in saying that before Presley, there was nothing. And now, in the last weeks of his life, the tank has, regrettably, almost run dry. We see in EIC the last flicker before the death on the toilet and the return to that nothing that preceded him. And in the case of Unchained Melody, it is quite sad to see a sweat-drenched Presley crouched at the piano, using the very last of his fading strength to belt out the lyrics. You don't feel like laughing at 'Fat Elvis' when you watch EIC, or at least you don't if you have any human feelings. You feel what I felt - sympathy. For God's sake, E, take a year off, get clean from the pills, and just REST.

A strange experience, Elvis In Concert. A must for the fans, a curio for those fascinated by the late 70s music scene. This is the end, dear friends.

And just as a closer, I am not a fan of his music. At all.

Very sad - but required viewing for true Elvis fans.

[piersb · 5/10 · 23 November 2006]

This 1977 TV programed is an emotional ride for any Elvis fan. It is disturbing & very sad. It is almost a parody of Elvis! It is however required viewing to understand the final moments of the legend that was ELVIS. Colonel Parker should have had Elvis in hospital, not on a dreadful treadmill of continuous concerts. Talk about flogging a dead horse! This concert is only available on bootleg at the moment, but it is the last 'major' unreleased Elvis material that (money-making) EPE owns. So I am sure it will be released at some point - possibly after August 2007, Elvis' 30th anniversary.

There is always a heated debate within the Elvis community about whether this performance should get an official release. Should we accept Elvis for all his faults and his painful last concerts, or should we accept EPE's policy of glorifying the god-like Elvis mega-star and deny that anything changed after 'Aloha' and 1973? I hope that this show will be released but through the 'Elvis Fan Club' label "Follow That Dream", so that the tabloids don't start on that 'drugged/fat Elvis' rubbish all over again. IF it is newly released to the general public then this CBS concert ought to be upgraded to show Elvis in a better light than the original rush-released and very dated 1977 TV version.

Non Elvis fans should stick to 'That's The way It Is' or 'Aloha' instead. Interested Elvis fans can find lots more info and a review of the bootleg version by checking out sites like the Elvis Information Network website or others. In some ways there should be a warning on this release as it is definitely NOT Elvis at his best. Far from it.

Just a guy who made a lot of people happy

[Troy1975 · 18 March 2001]

`We're here to entertain you, and to make you happy. So just enjoy yourself, and leave the driving to us,' said Elvis to an adoring crowd in Rapid City, South Dakota on June 21, 1977. Elvis had been doing just that for over 20 years - entertaining his fans and making them happy.

What was to be Elvis' last concert tour began on June 17, 1977 in Springfield, Missouri. The June 19 appearance in Omaha, Nebraska was filmed for the CBS television special set to air that fall. Only three songs were used from the Omaha performance in the `Elvis In Concert' special, which was broadcast posthumously. `If you think I'm nervous,' Elvis said quietly on stage, `you're right.'

Many Elvis fans were interviewed on camera for `Elvis In Concert', which is not officially available on video. Perhaps the most genuine in his responses was a young African-American man who said, `Elvis deserves credit for bringing blues into rock and country. He's the first guy to ever do that, and I admire him for it. He has a lot of courage. He's my number one singer of all time. I hope to name my kid after him some day. I have about four of his gospel albums, and my favorite is ‘How Great Thou Art.' It makes you feel good when he sings it. It brings tears to your eyes. I just love the guy. I know that sounds kinda weird, but I just love the guy and I wish him many years of success.'

CBS also filmed his concert in Rapid City on June 21. It was from this performance that most of the songs on `Elvis In Concert' were drawn. `If you haven't guessed by now, you're on television,' Elvis said with a characteristic grin to the audience. `Don't let the lights and cameras throw you, and try not to throw the lights and cameras if you can help it.'

`Elvis In Concert' was Elvis' first filmed production in four years after the blockbuster `Aloha From Hawaii' television special. The contrast in his appearance between the two shows is striking. `He was obviously way overweight,' said Elvis' friend Joe Esposito, a few years after Elvis' death. `Despite his age, only 42, we knew he was in bad health. It was tough for him, but Elvis accepted his appearance and so did his fans.'

Although he did look ill, that special Elvis smile was still there for his fans. The love and magic was still there. He was Elvis. Through all the ups and downs, the fans always loved him and still do.

Joe Esposito said it best, `Just six weeks before his death, he still poured his heart out. To the end, Elvis' greatest gift – his incredible voice – never failed him.'

This is an enjoyably show, which was unfortunately misunderstood because of Elvis' death. One of the best performances in this program was "I Really Don't Want To Know."

Be sure to check out Elvis mouthing the words "Smile, you're on Candid Camera" during a guitar solo early in the show. He may have been ill, he may have even been depressed, but he still put his all into that show...and he still managed to have fun one last time with his fans.

When all is said and done, after all the books have been written, and all the tales have been spun, the only question that will be important is ‘What did Elvis do?' He made people happy. That was his life.

Rating: 3 out of 4

Fitting Farewell for The King

[dbacke1 · 10/10 · 8 March 2013]

Yes, I know that these were not his farewell performances, as his last performance would be over a month later in Indianapolis. However, it was the last officially filmed concert footage, and I feel that it is both moving and magnificent. I remember as a kid watching it back in 1977 and thinking how sad it was to see him like that, and that he looked bad. However, with the passage of many years, I can now watch it and really see just how great of an entertainer and human being Elvis was. He really shows himself as how he really was on stage. He is not arrogant, he is funny, he is modest and pokes fun at himself, and above all else, he is happy. Oh, and I forgot to mention his voice, which , as Joe Esposito said, never failed him. There are some great performances in this special, regardless of how Elvis looks, and the fans in the audience love it. If EPE could do a multi-DVD set that includes both concerts without fan interview interruptions, and maybe a separate DVD with behind the scenes and fan material, and maybe even material not included in the original special, it would be awesome. Even better would be a release in blu-ray format. Come on already, EPE!

ON HIS LAST LEGS

[Gareth-27 · 5/10 · 22 June 2000]

This is a special that will most likely make most fans of Elvis cry. He's very shaky on his feet, fat, and forgetting lyrics. A sad way to remember, what is a legend. The music is good.

The last of four recorded 1970's concerts.

[fgeorge76 · 8 March 2001]

This was far cry from the Elvis Presley from years earlier. In fact, this was a far cry from the Elvis from six months earlier that gave five exciting concerts in December 1976. The saddest thing about the show is that if it had been filmed in December, instead of June, many non-Elvis fans would have seen how great Elvis still was.

Instead, CBS choose to record Elvis on June 19 and June 21 of 1977. Neither one of these concerts could be considered good, especially if you knew Elvis gave his best concerts in 1977 just four days later on June 25 (and June 26), 1977. What makes the special worse is the bad editing by CBS.

I have seen `pre-stock' footage of both June 19 and June 21 concerts, before CBS butchered them and while Elvis was in bad shape, CBS made it worse with their editing. It is hard to explain to people who have only heard of this concert very briefly, that CBS' attempt to keep Elvis clean actually made him look worse. This can be seen especially on SEE SEE RIDER, where Elvis huffs and puffs. The entire footage from both days have better scenes of Elvis playing guitar, and they pick out the bad part.

To this date, this concert is basically been blackballed by EPE (Elvis Presley Enterprises) and I can't blame them in one way. The editing by CBS wasn't the only reason this special was banned. Elvis Presley was dying from self-indulgence, caused by his abuse of food, drugs, and his lack of being an artist. Elvis was so over, that he could fart on stage and fans would go nuts. A cuss word from Elvis make fans pee in their pants. He was so over with the fans that he self-destructed.

I have heard tapes and 8mm footage from 1977 that proved Elvis still had it, barely, but Elvis In Concert barely proves it.

Shame on Colonel Parker and CBS Television

[NCrothersVa1 · 2 March 2001]

In October of 1977, CBS broadcast the special Elvis in Concert. Elvis had died 2 months earlier and this special was nothing but an insult to his memory and legacy. A bloated self parody of his former self took the stage and grabbed the microphone for the last few times and stumbled through the motions. A sad reminder of what he once was and what he could have been.