Fairytale In Vegas

[Rob]

I had the opportunity to listen to my latest audience recorded show this morning. I'm not going to give an in-depth review like Mike does, but here are a few brief comments pertaining to this CD.

Recorded on December 6, 1975, it was Elvis' next to last appearance in Las Vegas. He wouldn't be back for an entire year. We all know that he was long tired of playing Vegas by December 1975, but you couldn't tell it by this particular show.

There are better sounding audience recordings, but there are also much worse. There is no 16-page booklet and the cover art is nothing to write home about. The show, however, is a good one.

After the usual opening song, Elvis confesses that he was stuck in the elevator. There was obviously an announcement of some sort that the show would be delayed due to a technical difficulty. Elvis made it clear ofter the opening song that being stuck between the third and fourth floor was the techincal difficulty. Much to my delight, there was no "Well, well, well" routine prior to "I Got A Woman." He just goes right into the song after telling the elevator story.

He then talks with the audience a little and sings "Happy Birthday" to an audience member named Lisa. He then finds out it is David's birthday (another audience member) and sings to him as well. After the 2nd version, he asks if there is anyone else having a birthday, anniversary, Bar Mitzvah or pregnancy. He seems to be in high spirits and the crowd is loving him.

There are strong performances of "Fairytale" and "Just Pretend." The highlight of the show is "How Great Thou Art." He reprises the climax and obviously receives a standing ovation, which is greatly deserved.

A funny moment is when James Burton kicks off "Sweet Caroline" and butchers the intro. It was obviously an unscheduled song and James wasn't prepared. He hits a wild chord on the guitar and Elvis and the rest of the gang seemed to get a kick out of it. "Can't Help Falling In Love" is not the usual 1975 version as he hits the high note at the end.

This CD is not for everyone, but it is not for hardcore collectors only. I'll be listening to it again in the near future. I'm glad I decided to get it.



Tracklisting:
2001 Theme
See See Rider
I Got A Woman/ Amen
Happy Birthday Lisa
Happy Birthday David
Love Me
Fairytale
And I Love You So
Tryin' To Get To You
All Shook Up
Teddy Bear/ Don’t Be Cruel
Hound Dog
Sweet Caroline
Polk Salad Annie
Introductions
Johnny B. Goode
Band Solos
Hail Hail Rock’n’Roll
Elvis Introduces Mrs. Parker, Lisa Marie & Vernon Presley
Just Pretend
How Great Thou Art
Burning Love
Softly, As I Leave You
America The Beautiful
Can’t Help Falling In Love
Closing Vamp

[Mike S]

.

[Little Darlin]

Thanks Rob. It sounds really good. Another one for my list.

[Joe Car]

Great stuff Rob, thanks! Looks like a very good set-list as well.

[drjohncarpenter]

... and the crowd is loving him.

Now, that was unusual! Heh-heh.

Another interesting show from this engagement was the next night (12/7), when Ronnie had to leave at the last minute to attend the birth of his child, and Jerome "Stump" Monroe from the Sweet Inspirations band filled in. It was the second of three times he did this.

[jeanno]

DJC

It was the second of three times he did this.

When were the other times doc?

[drjohncarpenter]

DJC

It was the second of three times he did this.

When were the other times doc?

November 8, 1971 in Philadelphia and June 24, 1977 in Madison.

[kcamisado]

WOW as a serious Elvis fanatic, I really do appreciate this review/post in general, Thank you!
While on the topic of Vegas as well, I am hoping to go there for Spring Break and take some other Elvis fans as well, but we are not quite sure where to stay. I heard rumors that some hotels had crazy Elvis themed rooms and stores which would be prime. Any suggestion for the Best Las Vegas Spring Break Hotels?
Or, since it should be nice, recommendations for the Best Vegas Hotel Pools?
I have not been to Vegas for several years and know a lot has been updated. Also, are there any new Elvis shows? I remember last time I was there there were several impersonator shows which I thought were just fantastic! Any ideas are highly appreciated

[ElvisFan100]

Woo thank you for this post/review

[Rob]

No one has called me "Woo" in years. Brings back memories.

You're welcome.

[ElvisFan100]

woo

[javilu]

DJC

It was the second of three times he did this.

When were the other times doc?

A show on the November 1971 tour, and June 23, 1977.

June 24.

[rlj4ep]

Nice review. Thanks very much.


ALSO, Jerome filled in for Ronnie Tutt in Philadelphia, on November 8, 1971.

[vinelvis]

Thanks for this review.

[karlos]

Thanks so much Rob for your review on this show -
Its great my friend -