Elvis; Closing Night in Las Vegas, September 2nd, 1974

On September 2nd, 1974, Elvis played the closing show of his Las Vegas season, the 29th performance since August 19th. This soundboard recording picks up the action just a few minutes into the show, after the overture and See See Rider, and provides a record of possibly one of the most interesting shows of the 70s. Musically it is certainly right up there with the best of the period, with a good setlist and Elvis working hard and making a big effort, in fact overdoing it a bit in some places, and rewarded by a great response from the audience.

The show ran significantly overtime, but this was due largely to what was happening in between songs. Students of Elvis history will be aware that this is the show during which he let forth his famous rant about show-business and gossip magazines, and hotel staff violating his privacy by briefing reporters with untruths about aspects of his personal life and habits.

Priscilla, who was in the audience with Lisa-Marie, was also subjected to some attention, possibly not all of it welcome, given a couple of references to Mike Stone and a not altogether sensitive mention of a paternity lawsuit that Elvis had successfully contested. During the course of the show, there was quite a bit of detailed discussion about karate, marital and divorce matters, medical procedures and expensive presents, all of which the Las Vegas audience seemed to enjoy.

Elvis' tirade about privacy violations is close to the end of the recording, but his natural showmanship soon took over and he recovered quickly. The evening (or early morning) finished up with a very warm vibe, as Elvis explained to the audience why he was talking in such detail about his personalised jewellery; “Because you helped pay for it!”

A soundboard of opening night (August 19th) can be found here;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmbU2uEzJWw

More at https://www.georgefairbrother.com/elvis-project

(For the sake of completeness, copyright material has been retained. Any ad revenues are therefore directed to the music and spoken word rights holders)

#elvis #elvissoundboard #elvislasvegas #elvis1974 #elvislive #elvisconcerts

Видео Elvis; Closing Night in Las Vegas, September 2nd, 1974 канала George Fairbrother - DEC4 Podcast