July 31 1969 Opening Show
Review by Linda Holm - Strictly Elvis, Issue 16 (August 1969)

Elvis Presley's opening night at the International Hotel was absolutely smashing.

The first night's audience consisted of hardcore critics, journalists and newsmen, admittedly non-Presley fans, who had possibly come to pan him. But by the time Elvis had finished singing his first number, the crowd was screaming and yelling for more. He was a fantastic success and proved that very night that the Presley magic that burst onto the scene in 1955 is still here..... only much stronger.

Elvis looked handsome as a Greek statue when he walked on stage. He was dressed in black bell bottom pants, a black tunic top tied with a black fringed sash. His longish black hair hung loosely around his face.

"No more leather jackets when I perform", Elvis had said earlier, "when I did my television special, I almost roasted."

Elvis sang all his old hits that catapulted him to fame... 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'I Got A Woman', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Jailhouse Rock', and two of his most recent best sellers... 'Memories' from his TV Special and 'In The Ghetto'. He also presented his newest release, 'Suspicious Minds'.

Two nights later when he sang that song, two-hundred girls rushed the stage in a frenzy and tried to pull him off. Security guards had to rush in to protect him from falling down. Girls began throwing their hotel keys on stage.

Elvis gyrated and twisted to the strains of his music, 'Johnny B. Goode' and 'Tiger Man' delighted the crowd. Elvis presented his rendition of 'Yesterday' and 'Hey Jude', and 'I Can't Stop Loving You'. His voice throbbed with frenzy as the audience again responded. Elvis loved his audience, and they in turn loved him. He had rehearsed a whole week before the opening, long hours each day to present an act he hoped would please and excite the crowd. He wasn't satisfied with being average...he wanted to be exceptionally good, and he was.

Elvis received a tremendous standing ovation at the end of his show. The audience literally jumped to their feet when his last number finished, and Elvis looked so excited and happy at their response. He sang an encore number and walked off the stage, and received another standing ovation.

The hotel reported they were completely sold out for the month that Elvis would be at the International. Talk is that Elvis may be planning to make a world tour. He was very excited to perform before a live audience again, since the last time he appeared in Las Vegas, it was thirteen years ago. He was on the bill in 1956 at the New Frontier Hotel and Elvis himself said, "Nobody hardly knew who I was then. The audience just sat on their hands." However, after Elvis appeared at the International Hotel in 1969, no one had to ask, "Elvis who?"

Elvis' father, Vernon, stepmother, Dee and three stepbrothers, David, Ricky, and Billy had arrived a week before Elvis' opening to stay at the hotel.

Priscilla arrived shortly before the opening and planned to stay most of the month in Vegas. They left Lisa at home in Beverly Hills with a nurse.

Elvis' uncle Vester had hoped to fly to Vegas to see his famous nephew, but he said he couldn't get away from manning the gates at Graceland, since they had been deluged with thousands of fans the past month or so.

Congratulatory wires from all over the world reached Elvis in Las Vegas, wishing him good luck and best wishes on the opening.

Elvis Presley was simply fantastic, and many of the hard-core critics changed opinions they had held of Elvis for many years.

Elvis will fly home to Memphis when he completes his Vegas engagement at the end of August.

If Elvis has his way, in the near future fans all over the world will be able to see him perform. He loves to sing before his audiences, and the fact that he was a smashing success in Vegas may encourage Elvis even more to do more appearances.

Elvis proved once again why his millions of fans call him King Elvis.

He is certainly the most popular entertainer in show business and is extremely talented, but more than that he has great rapport with his fans and public which never falters. Elvis loves his public, and they in turn love him. It's an affair that has gone on for fourteen years and will continue till the end of time.

Elvis remains the same as he was before fame and fortune knocked at his door. He has high values and standards which he lives by and practices and sets a good example for young people to follow.

Elvis in Las Vegas will be an experience never forgotten. At his opening, the celebrities in the audience cheered and clapped wildly. Petula Clark was standing on a chair, screaming and yelling. It was like the days when Elvis thrilled crowds at various auditoriums across the United States. Now he was in Las Vegas, and fans from all over the world had arrived to see his show.

Hopefully, Elvis will decide to do a world tour in the future. His fans are praying he will make that decision, because they want to tell him in per - son who great he really is. That's why Elvis will always be The King.

August 16 1969 Dinner Show
Review by Darrell Theobald - Strictly Elvis, Issue 39 (July 1971)

It's been nearly two years since Elvis returned to live performing. And what a change there has been since then. There have been three more returns to the International, two highly successful tours, the greatest movie of Elvis' career, and Elvis is continually riding the top of the charts. But let us go back to that historical first engagement at the then new International Hotel in Las Vegas. What was it really like? As one of the more fortunate fans who was there, I would like to give my account of how it really was.

The day is Saturday, August 16, 1969. It was hot and humid when I arrived in Las Vegas at 1:00 P.M. I had saved and saved for months to come to Vegas and see Elvis in person for the first time, I was twenty-two and had been an ardent Elvis fan since I was nine. But enough about me. I know what you want to hear about is The King. I saw two shows that night, one at 8:00 and one at midnight. I was lucky to get a seat only a few feet from the stage. It went like this.

Lights dim, an announcer says, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. The Showroom International is proud to present The Elvis Presley Show." Loud applause. "Starring Sammy Shore, The Sweet Inspirations and the Bobby Morris Orchestra."

The Sweet Inspirations were then announced, they sang three songs. They were followed by comedian Sammy Shore. Every time Sammy would mention Elvis, the crowd would applaud. When Sammy finished his act, the curtains fell, and the lights went out.

Moments passed that seemed like hours. The air was filled with tension and the anticipation of what was about to happen. My hands were sweating, I couldn't really believe that after fourteen years, I was actually going to see Elvis. My heart was pounding so fast that I was afraid it was going to bust. Then it happened.

Suddenly, the stage lights lit up brightly, curtains drew back and the thirty-piece orchestra, along with the five regular musicians who regularly back Elvis, started playing a very fast version of 'Blue Suede Shoes'. After a few seconds, without an announcement, Elvis appeared from the right side of the stage. The crowd of 2,000 cheered and applauded thunderously. Girls screamed at the top of their lungs.

He hadn't sung one word yet, and already they were cheering. I had truly never been so excited in my life. He was wearing a black karate type jumpsuit with a long belt around his waist that hung down and a red scarf around the neck. His hair was a deep black, but very dry looking and not at all greasy looking the way it usually was in his movies. His hair was also much longer than before with long, wide sideburns. I thought to myself, "How can a man be so damn good looking". It was almost unbelievable.

He walked to the centre of the stage, picked up his guitar, and a split second of absolute silence fell just before he sang out, "Well, it's one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, now go cat go". The applause was deafening. He held the audience in the palm of his hand. They loved him and they showed it.

And so it continued as he sang such hit songs as: 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Don't Be Cruel', 'Hound Dog', 'All Shook Up', 'I Got A Woman', 'Love Me Tender', 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?', 'Memories', 'Runaway', 'Mystery Train', 'Tiger Man', 'In The Ghetto', and other great hits. Two Beatles' songs, 'Yesterday' and 'Hey Jude' were also included. Elvis went to the foot of the stage as he tried in vain to accommodate each girl with a kiss. People rushed to the stage to touch him. I tried to get close enough to touch him or shake hands, but it was no use. Even though he was at times no more than three or four feet from me it was impossible for me to get to him. Some girls almost knocked me down trying to get close to Elvis. They were frantic!!!

Elvis did a sit down monolog telling a comical tale of his career. This was one of the many highlights and the crowd roared with laughter.

His body movements through each number were a sight to behold. He shook and danced so much and so fast during each rock number I was afraid he was going to come apart. I hadn't expected him to be so wild and the audience loved every moment of it. Most of the time he would end his rock numbers with some far out karate movement, which was kept in perfect time with the music.

His third to last song was to be his next single release. This was a wild, frantic rocker called 'Suspicious Minds'. This songs was nearly ten minutes long? For the number Elvis was wilder than ever, jumping, shaking, and dancing, wiping the audience into a frenzy. Standing ovation for Elvis.

The final song was another rocker, 'What'd I Say'. Elvis left the stage after this song, but the lengthy applause brought him back for an encore of 'Can't Help Falling In Love'.

August 18 1969 Dinner Show
Review by Rocky Barra - Strictly Elvis, Issue 17 (September 1969)

I don't know how to start. The trip to Las Vegas was the greatest experience in my life, and I want to share it with you... but, even if I wrote a hundred pages, I would be leaving out so much. I really don't think that one can describe seeing Elvis performing in person. It's something you've got to see for yourself.

The night before, I had seen Elvis' TV Special, and now I was actually driving to the airport to leave for Las Vegas. I was beyond the stages of excitement; semi-conscience would be a better word. I've always had this "thing" about planes, and had never even been in one before. The next thing I realised, a little light came on ordering us to fasten our seatbelts.

I was making the trip with a friend of mine, Bob Mooradian, from Livonia. In Las Vegas, we were to meet another Elvis fan, Bill Lund. The three of us had reservations at the International.

Before I had gotten used to being in the air, the plane was sitting down in Denver, Colorado. We had about thirty minutes before take off, so I called home to talk to my folks. They couldn't believe that I had already covered 2,000 miles. If I hadn't flown, the trip would have been impossible. I had several commitments at home and driving or taking a train would have been out of the question. Before long, we were in the air again, heading for Las Vegas. By this time, I was considering myself quite brave, and was telling Bob how much I loved flying. The view was breathtaking

We arrived at McCarran Airport, in Las Vegas, shortly after noon on August 18. The first thing I noticed about Vegas, obviously, was the 110 degree temperature. We went into the airport to collect our suitcases and to search for Bill. I had never met Bill before... only talked to him on the phone, so when this guy in a suit walked up to me, smiled, and asked if I had a nice trip... I thought it was someone from the airport and started handing him my suitcase. He then mentioned the magic word (Elvis) and it dawned on me that this was no airport porter, but my friend Bill Lund from Washington. I felt a little dense, but the feeling passed quickly as we started for the International.

We didn't even get outside of the airport before we met some Elvis fans. They must have heard us talking about taking a cab to the hotel because they walked up and introduced themselves. The man with the camera was from Chicago, and the girl was from Israel. They had both made the pilgrimage to see Elvis.

Directly across the street from the airport was a huge sign telling about Elvis appearing at the International Hotel. On the way to the hotel, the cab we were riding in passes many signs...large billboards with just the single word E - L - V - I - S on them. It was really impressive, and quite an extensive advertising project. You could tell that the Colonel had been at work. The cab driver told us that the whole town was in an uproar over Elvis. When we arrived at the International, we found out exactly what he meant.

The International is the tallest structure in Las Vegas, and can be seen from far away. The first thing that really impressed me was the huge marquee that can be seen from over a mile away. The twenty-foot letters which spelled ELVIS shook us up before we were even inside the International.

The International is the most impressive building in Las Vegas. As soon as you step through the front doors, you are immediately in another world. No expense was spared in creating the most exciting, luxurious building in Las Vegas.

When first arriving, we were notified that our room wouldn't be ready for an hour or so, and we walked around, examining the International at close range.

Usually, the publicity on a hotel far exceeds the actual hotel, itself..... but the International was more beautiful than I had ever imagined. The largest resort hotel in the world...thirty storeys, 365 feet tall... Five international restaurants... world's largest swimming pool...Las Vegas' largest casino.... The International Hotel is America's finest showcase, and I can think of no one location that would be better for Elvis to perform at.

When we checked back at the front desk, we found our room to be ready. The room had a beautiful view, remote control radio and colour TV, and was very reasonable.

We realised that in a very few hours, we would be seeing Elvis.

Bill and Bob went down for a swim, but I really didn't feel like it. Instead, I went down and took a peek at the room where we would be watching Elvis perform in a few hours. It was beautiful beyond belief. Seating 2,000, plus more in the balcony, the Showroom Internationale is the largest restaurant - showroom in the world. The tables were built on tiers, so that you could see the stage well from all seats. Beautiful chandeliers hung down from the blue, star sparkled ceiling. A large gold curtain covered the stage, and the room contained the most elaborate lighting system I have ever seen. The walls were covered with golden angels and roman styled columns. It was the perfect setting for an Elvis concert.

I started walking back to my room to start getting ready for the concert. I saw Bob in the lobby, and took a picture of him standing in front of a large Elvis display case that included several covers of Elvis' singles and LPs, a plug for From Elvis in Memphis, and a picture of Elvis in his gold suit.

We went up to our room and started getting ready. By the time we left our room, it was about 5:15. We figured we would be the first ones in line, since the first show didn't start until after eight o'clock. HA! By the time we got down to the showroom, a large line had already for med... and it was three hours until showtime.

The International started letting people into the showroom shortly after 6:00. It didn't seem like we stood in line TOO long, but after we were seated....it seemed like years and years waiting for Elvis to come on stage. The cover charge was $15, which included a great meal... and the opportunity to see ELVIS. I consider it the "buy" of the century.

After dinner, there was no food or drinks served during the show, Bill and I kept our eyes trained on the stage. At eight o'clock sharp, the lights began to dim and the curtain went up. The announcer said "Ladies and gentlemen, the International is proud to present the Elvis Presley Show, featuring Sammy Shore, The Sweet Inspirations, and the Imperials, with the Bobby Morris Orchestra".

The stage was the largest I have ever seen. It was lit to a beautiful red colour in the background. The Sweet Inspirations, backed by Bobby Morris, were first on the show and did three numbers. Their selections were 'Born Free', 'How High The Moon', and 'For Once In My Life'. They had a vocal style somewhat similar to The Blossoms, and were exceptionally good.

Then the curtain came down and the announcer said, "Ladies and gentlemen, the International now presents America's third most popular comic, Sammy Shore." His opening line when he comes out and looks at the packed house every night is, "And they told me I wouldn't draw." Shore's humour is good and he is well accepted.

When Sammy Shore finishes, the huge gold curtain comes down and the orchestra starts playing a fanfare.

The air is filled with a super-charged electricity as everyone knows it is time for Elvis. The Bobby Morris Orchestra continues to play while Elvis' band sets up their equipment behind the curtain. The band consists of James Burton - lead guitar, John Wilkinson - rhythm guitar, Ronnie Tutt - drums, Jerry Scheff - bass guitar, Larry Mohoberac - piano, organ, and electric piano, and Charlie Hodge - guitar and other assignments.

The Bobby Morris Orchestra hit a high note, and all of a sudden, Elvis' combo takes over. It is the heaviest sounding music you have ever heard. It is IMPOSSIBLE to sit still. You look for Elvis, but don't see him. You strain looking for him and all the time the band is kicking and driving like crazy. Then, when you have been straining and straining -- trying to see him, he suddenly casually walks out from the right side of the stage. You can't believe it. There he is, not more than a few feet in front of you. You have waited so long for this, and it somehow just doesn't seem real. The crowd is applauding and screaming now. A few are on top of their chairs. Elvis seems to understand. He walks across the stage and nods in appreciation. All the time the band keeps driving. You've never have heard a beat like this. Heavier, heavier. Elvis clowns around by picking up his guitar, throwing it around him and letting it fall to the floor. All the time, ever since they started, the band is driving and kicking on this rhythm pattern on one chord. Elvis smiles, waits.. his timing is perfect. He steps up to the mike and motions for the band to stop. Then "Well it's a one ah for the money... two ah for the show." Screams! The second he opens his mouth, you realise that he still has the power..... MORE THAN EVER.

THE KING GOES TO WORK!!!

Elvis opens with 'Blue Suede Shoes', just as he used to in the mid and late 1950s. His voice sounds exactly like it did in 1956, and nothing like it did on the version on the G.I. Blues LP. He is moving around so much, it makes he look like he was sleeping on his TV Special. He's all over the stage. He didn't move this much in 1956.

Elvis is dressed in all black. An open tunic-like jacket with bellbottom pants that have colourful slits in the side. Elvis sure looks thin... in fact, thinner than I have ever seen him before. His hair is long and perfectly combed when he comes out. This lasts for about two seconds. He looks so young. Sound-wise, he is perfect. Never, NEVER in better voice and the new group he has behind him is by far the best he has ever had. They communicate. He's reading what the band is setting down, and they are groovin' right along with Elvis. It's totally unreal. I've been a fan since 1956, and (honest) I never knew how great Elvis really was until I heard him in person. During 'Blue Suede Shoes' there is a guitar ride. Elvis back peddles from the mike and swings into a crouch as he points his guitar toward James Burton, who is playing the lead. Elvis' body seems to vibrate all over at the same time. The effect is fantastic. Elvis is singing again now. He grabs the mike and points it toward some girls in the front row. They scream for more. Elvis gives them more. He immediately establishes rapport with the audience as soon as he steps out on stage. It is a God-given gift which is granted to only one of two during an entire generation. Elvis has it. Elvis definitely has it. "You can do anything but lay off of my Blue Suede Shoes." The song is over. Applause. Screams. Elvis still has it--he always will. After seeing him live, you are assured of this.

After the cheering has died down, Elvis clowns it up on stage. He keeps vibrating that left leg of his, bats it and talks to it as if he is trying to start a motor or something. ummmmmm! "Well, I gotta Woman..." Elvis is into his second number. 'I Got A Woman' is much heavier than the 1956 disk, although the basic bluesy feeling is still there. The Sweet Inspirations and The Imperials, who were sitting in chairs at the right of the stage, are now up and answering Elvis in a chant-like chorus. The "Elvis ending" is on the end of the song, and Elvis drags the mike along the stage as he bends down on one knee, then back up and shakes the mike stand around in a circle.

A little more clowning, and Elvis goes right into 'All Shook Up'. Aside from the stronger beat, and the change of words which Elvis throws in, it is very similar to the original. Elvis accentuates the beat by throwing a fist toward the crowd, or "playing catch" with the mike stand.

After the song, Elvis welcomes the crowd to the International. He jokes with the crowd and they all respond. Elvis says, "This is my first life appearance in nine years and I hope you enjoy it." The crowd shows their appreciation and how much they have missed Elvis. It is a mutual thing between the audience and Elvis. They appreciate him, and Elvis appreciates the fans. It is so evident by his reactions and the look on his face... Elvis is really enjoying himself. This is his forte. This is where he really belongs. Elvis says, "Before the night is over, I will make a complete, total fool of myself, and I hope you enjoy watching it." Then he makes some cracks about the "wah-wah" and Gatoraid he drinks between numbers when his throat gets dry. Gatoraid is a drink, used mainly by athletes, that replenishes your system twelve times faster than water... and the way Elvis moves and sweats, he needs it.

Elvis then goes into 'Love Me Tender', and the crowd goes wild as Elvis comes right to the front row to kiss some of the girls. A great vocal performance, but at times, Elvis was laughing so hard that he had to stop singing.

Then Elvis says, "I'd like to do a medley of some of my biggest records...... well, actually they were no larger than the rest of them." Bang Bang! Here comes 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'Don't Be Cruel'. A much wilder 'Jailhouse' than on the TV Special, and right into 'Don't Be Cruel'. This has always been one of my favourites, and Elvis redid some of the words.

Next comes 'Heartbreak Hotel'. By far, the best version Elvis has ever done of this great song. So so so bluesy. Elvis sings the entire song bent over in a crouch, just out of reach of the girls in the front row. You've got to hear this one. It is completely different than either the 1956 recording, or the way Elvis presented it on his TV show.

Elvis then jokes around with the audience some more. He says, "When I tried to think of a special song for tonight--a song that really had a lot of meaning, this is what I came up with." There is quite a bit of funny dialog here, then a chord, and Elvis wails into 'Hound Dog'. A fantastically frantic performance. Unbelievable guitar licks.

Elvis then sings 'Memories'. The first performance I saw, Elvis ripped his pants during 'Hound Dog', and changed (off-stage) while he was singing 'Memories'. When he came back out, he teased the audience by pretending to throw his pants into the crowd. Elvis sang 'Memories' with much more feeling than he did on TV. Also, you wonder how the band can get such a professional sound during a live performance. Bobby Morris' Orchestra joined Elvis' group several times during the show, and 'Memories' was one of them. Elvis gave the crowd memories that will last forever.

After finishing 'Memories', Elvis announced he was going to do one of his first records. After a little more clowning, he went into a fantastic medley of 'Mystery Train', and 'Tiger Man'. This was one of the exciting highlights of Elvis' performance. The sound was great, Elvis' voice was great, and the bluesy feel of the performance was great. This is another one of my favourite Elvis numbers, and he sure didn't let me down. The guitar ride is, once again, really outstanding. When Elvis goes into 'Tiger Man', he literally moves all over the stage. Coloured strobe lights are put on Elvis at times, and he appears to be leaping right out at the audience. The above picture is of Elvis performing 'Tiger Man'. That isn't smoke above the stage, but part of the strange, and very effective, lighting that was used on this number. Elvis at his rockin' best.

After this number, Elvis is running a little short of breath. He brings a chair to the front of the stage, and tells the audience "his side of the Elvis Presley story. Elvis tells how he started out as an electrician, and got wired the wrong way. This is a lengthy dialog and it is often funny... but always down to earth, and shows the "real" side of Elvis. Elvis tells about his years in the army, all the pictures he's made, and winds it up by saying that the reason he is here, is that he missed the "live" contact with the audience, and it was becoming harder and harder for him to perform before the cameras of Hollywood. The crowd shows its approval. This part of the show lasts over ten minutes and is definitely one of the highlights.

Elvis then grabs an electric guitar and does a variety of songs starting with 'Baby, What Do You Want Me To Do'. Vocally, this is similar to the version on the TV Special, but the backing is much, much heavier.

The next song Elvis performs is 'Runaway', which was a hit for Del Shannon. This version is far superior to Shannon's with Elvis in excellent voice. The backing is strong and rhythmic.

Elvis then swings into a beautiful ballad titled, 'Funny How Time Slips Away'. This is an old song and has been done by many people, but never quite as good as Elvis' version. Elvis sings in a very soft voice with ultra feeling. The first time I heard Elvis do this, I felt like making a sign for Elvis to see, saying "Please record this song so all your fans can hear it." It is seriously, one of the very finest ballads Elvis has ever done. The backing is simple and to the point with Elvis riding above it. A fantastic performance and my personal favourite slow song on the show.

Next, Elvis sang 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' I thought this version was far superior to the record because of Elvis' phrasing, and the solo high voice from the Sweet Inspirations, which gave the record a more flowing effect. Elvis also joked around with the words in the talking bridge. Elvis received the biggest ovation of the evening, so far, for this.

Then, Elvis went into The Beatles' 'Yesterday'. This version would have made John Lennon and Paul McCartney very proud of their composition. Of all the versions of this song, Elvis' was way out in front. If you apply Elvis' vocal style to a great song like this, you're bound to come up with a winner. This was so beautiful, I felt like crying. Immediately after the end of the song, Elvis went into 'Hey Jude'. The Sweet Inspirations and The Imperials were featured on this as Elvis went out front to kiss the girls in the front row, and shake hands with all of the guys. When Elvis shook my hand, well, it was quite an experience for me. At the end of 'Hey Jude', Elvis went through a series of karate motions while the band played accents. What showmanship.

Elvis then introduced the band to the audience. There was quite a bit of comedy in this, also. At this point in the show, Elvis often introduced some of the celebrities that were in the audience. The first night I attended, he had Jerry Lee Lewis stand up and take a bow. Paul Anka and Robert Goulet were there the next night, and the list goes on and on.

"I'd like to do a song that did very well for me recently," says Elvis, and we're into 'In The Ghetto'. His stage version is more powerful, and had a much stronger beat than the record. The string section of The Bobby Morris Orchestra was outstanding on this song. Elvis was at his dynamic best.

Next, came the greatest piece of showmanship the world has ever seen. I mean that sincerely. You probably know that I am talking about Elvis' performance of his latest hit, 'Suspicious Minds'. The Vegas version was much faster, with a stronger beat to it. Elvis was vibrating all over the stage. When he came to the change of tempo, he fell to his knees and just screamed into the mike. His voice was so full of emotion that it took an obvious effect on everybody in the house. Quickly jumping to his feet, Elvis again was swinging his arms, moving his legs, and spinning all over the huge stage. In the record, you will notice a fade out, and then it comes back on strong. In Las Vegas, Elvis motioned for the lights to go down, and he bent down on one knee. Just a single spotlight was now on Elvis' face. All other stage lights were dimmed. Then, all at once, the music is louder than before... Elvis jumps up, spins around three times, and drops down to one knee as he is really into the music. Elvis motions for the lights to go down again with just a single spot on his face. The music becomes very soft as Elvis chants, "We're caught in a trap..." Suddenly, the music is louder than before, and Elvis leaps towards the crowd. The audience begins to run towards the stage as Elvis gets up, and starts moving like never before. Elvis calls, once again, for the lights to dim... and you are certain the song is over. He is down on one knee and the music is so soft, you almost have to strain to hear it. Then, unbelievably, the music comes in louder than it has been all evening, and Elvis does a somersault towards the audience..... he lands on one knee and drags it across the stage. People are rushing to the stage... trying to reach Elvis, trying to touch Elvis... hysteria breaks out. Elvis is in control. Elvis is the master. He is back in the centre of the stage now... vibrating, pulsating to the music. You've never seen him move like this; you've never heard him sing like this. This is Elvis' classic and finest hour. His performance of this song is totally unbelievable. The 45 rpm single is over four minutes long... but his stage version is OVER TEN MINUTES LONG!!! How I wish this was videotaped so the whole world could see. At the end of the song, Elvis lays down on the stage, like he is going to sleep. Hundreds of people are rushing the stage, screaming for Elvis, standing on their chairs yelling for Elvis... people who didn't even like Elvis before they came to the show...... people who disliked Elvis before coming to the show.

Elvis has the audience in the palm of his hand. But does he stand on stage and take a carload of bows? NO! He goes immediately, into the most frantic version of 'What'd I Say' ever heard. He is dripping with sweat, and I don't have the slightest idea where he gets the energy... ...BUT HE DOES! Everyone is up front now....screaming, jumping, yelling, as Elvis screams into the mic'..."I gotta go!" The crowd yells "NO" in unison as he runs off stage. In ten, maybe fifteen seconds, he is back. Down in front shaking hands with the fans who love him. The band continues to play the 'What'd I Say' vamp. He then heads for the microphone and says, "Ladies and Gentlemen. You've been a great audience. This next song is especially for you." He then does the most beautiful version of 'Can't Help Falling In Love' you could possibly imagine. At the end, The Sweet Inspirations, The Imperials, and Elvis are singing for all their worth. It almost sounds like an opera at the close. The huge gold curtain comes down as you are yelling and paying tribute to the number one entertainer of all time. Suddenly, it's over and you realise that you've just seen history being made.

I was so filled with emotion after seeing the show, that I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time.

This was an example of ONE particular show. Each show, although following the basic format, was different and contained different songs.

I had the greatest time of my life, and realised that every Elvis fan MUST see Elvis in person. If they don't, they can never visualise how truly great he is.

This show was only used to set the sound - Only bits and pieces of the above songs were recorded.

Thanks to Daryl Restly for list of songs recorded.

August 21 - 28 1969
Review by Steve Toli - Strictly Elvis, Issue 18 (October 1969)

The International. A massive monument, henceforth to be termed the house that Elvis Presley built. Massive, but not massive enough to contain legions of Elvis fanatics who had descended en masse upon its golden boundaries. You wouldn't believe the crowds. My wife, Sue, and I arrived there on August 21st, around one... and had to wait almost three hours to get a room, even though our reservations were made two months in advance. Did I say crowds? One guard said, "I'll be glad when it's over and Presley leaves, I'm exhausted;" another said, "That guy ought to run for President." His complete appearance was sold out...2,000 filled seats... hundreds of folding chairs, and standing room only... if you could find any, that is.

We got in line for the first show around four, they started letting us in at six, and the show itself started a little after eight. The prelude included The Sweet Inspirations and Sammy Shore. They were good, but we were waiting for the centre of attraction. Then it was quiet... the jungle beat started... screams... and out jumps Elvis with 'Blue Suede Shoes'. And that's how it all began!!! We saw seven shows together, and Sue saw an extra two while I slept (I'm only human, but I'm not sure that Elvis is). He can't be described in person... no film or photo does him justice. Pure animal magnetic pull... radiates sex on stage... he's just too good to be true.

When we first saw him perform, he was unbelievable in a white bell-bottom pants outfit, with a dashing sash around the waist. On some nights, he wore a black outfit, with blue flares on the bell-bottoms. He termed most of his clothes "karate suits, restyled." No tux, no leather jackets... but then Elvis can wear anything and make it look like it was made just for him.

The electricity in the air when he begins with 'Blue Suede Shoes" is fantastic. You know Elvis is back, moving with the music, feeling the music as only he can... young and exciting. He hasn't lost a thing... in fact, he has gained complete control of everything, his subtle hands guide the spotlights and backing.

Elvis then relaxes for an instant, fakes it, then pours on 'I Got A Woman', and it is 1956 all over again. He hesitates near the end, takes stock of his audience, then strikes back with the 'Rock-A-Hula Baby' type extended finish. Elvis quickly moves on to 'All Shook Up'. Then he talks, welcoming his audience and kids with them. Then, 'Love Me Tender' with a classical opening. Elvis even turns it on with a ballad... that stare, that smile! The memories it brings back (Yes, he sings 'Memories', though not during this performance). A brief rest and more joking, but back to business again with a frantic 'Jailhouse Rock', which transforms into an unbelievable wild 'Don't Be Cruel'. Next is 'Heartbreak Hotel', with Elvis showing his soul and sexiness. A cute lead-in to an astonishing 'Hound Dog'. In Las Vegas, Elvis shows his remarkable flair for humour... a young Mark Twain; seriously! This is Elvis as he really is; and has never been captured on film. There is some more joking, and then the greatest 'I Can't Stop Loving You' ever sung or performed. Elvis strong and very sensitive. Then, Elvis wails through the classic 'My Babe'. Watch out for the screaming girls on this one.

Elvis then relates how he started out in this music business, with only three pieces. Then, into 'Mystery Train', followed by a walloping 'Tiger Man'. Elvis gives his monologue on his rise to fame...fantastic. Then comes 'Baby, What Do You Want Me To Do', and Del Shannon's 'Runaway'. Elvis' version is just fantastic, beyond any comparison, as is his version of the Bee Gees' 'Words'. I can't tell you how truly magnificent it is. He does his own 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?', but with a vivid country backing.... stronger than the original. Elvis shows the Beatles how 'Yesterday' was meant to be sung, and he adds the breathtaking ending of 'Hey Jude' which makes it something else. Elvis then introduces the people backing him, and acknowledges guests in the audience, such as Tom Jones, Shelley Fabares, Nancy Sinatra, and Buddy Hackett.

Elvis sings 'In The Ghetto' and a lengthy version of 'Suspicious Minds', repeating the ending until it is a part of the audiences' mind. Smashing.

Then a fast, hot, version of 'What'd I Say'.. unlike anything you've ever heard before. Near the end, it's just instrumental as Elvis surrenders to his fans for a few moments of controlled panic.... then he thanks his audience, and rewards us with an outstanding 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. This was beautiful.

Most of the performances we saw were basically of the same format, with a few surprises. On the 28th, he brought back memories with 'Loving You', 'One Night', and 'Love Me'. Instead of singing the words, he "Lah-de dah-dahed" 'It's Now or Never'. During a few performances, he rocked and socked through 'Johnny B. Goode'. Some parts of his shows, particularly on the 28th, were being taped for a live Vegas LP. He did a thundering, rockin', 'Rubberneckin' from Change of Habit. He also did one of the strongest ballads he has ever done. I believe the title of it is 'The Story That is Breaking My Heart'. ('This Is The Story').

I can't name all the guests in the audience which he named, but some of the others have been Jimmy Webb, Wayne Cochrane, Mama Cass, and Barbara McNair. There were other guests, which I met, that are well known in the Elvis world... Rocky Barra, editor of Strictly Elvis; Jean-Marc Gargiulo, head of everything that's Elvis in France; Judy Palmer, president of Elvis' Kissin Cousins fan club; and Maria and Gladys Davies from England.

Every night, Elvis would give the Apache tie he wore to the audience.

Cannons (girls) to the left of me, cannons (more girls) to the right of me... into the valley of death rode the 600, as the poem goes, and so did I. Listen, ain't nobody getting in my way. Honestly, Elvis must have been half scared to death when he saw me rushing towards him, to shake his hand. He did a double-take you would not believe. At first, Sue was too shy to join in the rush... but she came on strong when Elvis was doing 'Love Me Tender' on the 21st. She received a kiss from the King.

Oops; more guests are complaining because El mentioned them and I didn't, so add Bill Cosby, Bill Medley, Jack Carter, and James Coburn to the list.

We met Elvis' dad, Vernon, at the Cafe Continental at 3:30 in the morning. He is a great guy; very nice and sincere. It was through him that we met Elvis.

We were taken backstage to Elvis' dressing room, and that's all she wrote. What do you say when you first meet Elvis? Nothing! You become a complete idiot just like that, because he's breathtaking doing nothing at all. Somehow, we managed to have our pictures taken with Elvis. And we did manage to tell him that we named our son Stephen Elvis. He said, "Man, are you serious? I've known of people naming their dogs that." The King autographed my copy of Elvis World No. 2 (for which I'm the New England representative). He gave us two fantastic 22 1/2 x 16" photos, from the TV Special, which he also autographed. Absently, Elvis noted the Inter - national Elvis badge I wore (gold record with crown) and asked if we were from England (with my accent?) Of course, we set him straight.

In closing, Elvis, during his last performance, said that Las Vegas was one of the highlights of his career. For Sue and I, it was THE highlight of our lives. As Elvis would put it at the end of 'Such A Night', with gusto.........."WHEW!"

Elvis introduced Diana Ross, Michael Ansara (actor who starred with Elvis in Harum Scarum and husband of Barbara Eden) and Pat Wayne (John Wayne's son), who were in the audience of this show. These introductions can be found on the bootlegs Here I Go Again which is incorrectly listed as being from the August 23 Dinner Show, and Elvis 1969 (Gravel Road) which is incorrectly listed as being from the August 24 Midnight Show.

An eye witness review of this show by Joan Gansky (nee Williams) can be found on the Elvis Information Network.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'Memories' (XPA5 2319) incorrectly listed as being August 25 and 'Runaway' (XPA5 2315) incorrectly listed as being August 22.

The matrix number for 'Runaway' (XPA5 2315) from August 25 Dinner Show was used again when the performance from this Midnight Show (Alternate live master) appeared on the upgraded 1999 On Stage release.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'I Got A Woman' (XPA5 2309), 'Johnny B Goode' (XPA5 2314) and 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' (XPA5 2316) incorrectly listed as being August 22.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'Baby, What You Want Me To Do' (XPA5 2385) incorrectly listed as being August 26, 'Runaway' (XPA5 2315) incorrectly listed as being August 22 and 'Funny How Time Slips Away' (XPA5 2382) incorrectly listed as being August 24.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'Blue Suede Shoes' (XPA5 2383), 'Hound Dog' (XPA5 2384) and 'Mystery Train-Tiger Man' (XPA5 2386) incorrectly listed as being August 26, 'All Shook Up' (XPA5 2310) and 'Words' (XPA5 2313) incorrectly listed as being August 22 and 'Heartbreak Hotel' (XPA5 2380) and 'My Babe' (XPA5 2381) incorrectly listed as being August 24.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'Love Me Tender' (XPA5 2311) and 'Suspicious Minds' (XPA5 2312) incorrectly listed as being August 22, 'Jailhouse Rock' (XPA5 2317), 'In The Ghetto (XPA5 2374) and 'Inherit The Wind' (XPA5 2376) incorrectly listed as being August 25 and 'Can't Help Falling In Love' (XPA5 2379) incorrectly listed as being August 24.

In the session logs RCA originally had the recording date for 'Rubberneckin' (XPA5 2377) and 'This Is The Story' (XPA5 2378) incorrectly listed as being August 24.