Review Elvis - The King Collected

The Dutch Vinyl Champ record label released a red colored LP titled 'Elvis - The King Collected' on red colored vinyl in 2025 - exclusively through the Lidl stores - and re-issued that album earlier this year through the usual sales channels. 

Now the label releases a Deluxe Box with the same title, holding five LPs and a hardcover book using the same title. Is this a release worthy of a Champion label?

Design

The cardboard box comes with a classy photo of Elvis on the cover, adding to the Deluxe presentation. On the back is the tracklisting for the five LPs, hardcover book and poster.

The LP-sized 40-page hardcover book covers the first years of Elvis' career - from 1954 to 1962 - and rise to fame, mainly through a neat presentation of a plethora of memorabilia like records, posters, advertisements, toys, newspaper clippings, sheet music and more. Some images show the effect of too many filters trying to polish them a little. Interesting to see a page dedicated to the faces of the people who recorded the originals for the songs featured on the Gospel LP in this set.

Next to that, the themes of the five LPs are explored in greater depth, with one page dedicated to each LP. The ardent fan may spot an occasional error, but the bigger picture presented in this coffee-table style book covers the basics in a positive way.

Each LP comes with its own cover artwork, matching the theme of the album. All the LPs in this set come on black and blue marbled vinyl, with the artwork of the label matching the design of the LPs.

In the back of the book we get the A2-sized poster, replicating the artwork of the aforementioned single LP. If you put this on your wall the message is clear, “Elvis is the King” and “here lives a fan!”. 

Content

How to curate a collection of Elvis Presley’s (early) work? The producers of this set chose five themes: ‘Elvis with the Jordanaires’, ‘Elvis Goes Country’, ‘Elvis The Love Album’, ‘Elvis Sings Gospel’ and ‘Elvis Plays Rhythm and Blues’ with 18 to 20 songs matching the theme of the LP.

By 1962, little over six years into his recording career, Elvis’ body of work was already too diverse to cover with “just” five themes, as there are his soundtrack recordings, the Christmas Classics, the Rockabilly, Rock and Roll and pop hits.

The producers solved this nicely by including all these genres naturally. Rock and Roll came from Country and Rhythm and Blues, so these are covered, although I wouldn’t have added ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ in the latter category or include ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ on a Country album. Here I expect a song about some worn-down country boots.

‘Hound Dog’ on the Rhythm and Blues is a natural fit, knowing where Big Mama Thornton came from, and the two Christmas songs fit in nicely on the Gospel LP. But we get ‘Hound Dog’ also on the album with the Jordanaires. ‘Don’t’, ‘One Night’, ‘Return To Sender’ and ‘Have I Told You Lately’ are featured twice on the five discs too. No reason to grab a box and write ‘Return To Sender’ on it, but these duplications are a little sloppy.

I did like the fact that the producers put the spotlight on The Jordanaires. They were an essential part of Elvis’ sound, and therefore his career, playing that opening disc made me appreciate that once more.

Conclusion

The set offers an entertaining introduction to the world of Elvis Presley as the producers curated a good overview of his first years. The design and presentation with the colorful coffee-table book and colored vinyl more than outweigh the errors a more experienced fan will spot. 

This is a great set to give to a new fan, I'm sure he will feel like a King receiving it.

Buy the set

This Deluxe 5-LP-set is available from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop. 

July 04 - An Exclusive Book

The VV import record label announced the release of various Deluxe "Test" Pressing Editions of their recent 'Free Bird' release, limited to six sets. Th LP features Elvis' December 14, 1975 10.00 PM Cocktail Show performance at the Las Vegas Hilton and a 7-inch single containing recordings from the December 13, 1975 Midnight Show performance.

Publicity stated: We have produced three different sets with two different layouts. Each set consists of three gatefold sleeves, and by joining the spines you get the VV logo or a photo of Elvis on stage. Each gatefold contains one of the 18 color variations created during the production of the original first edition. Added to that is an OBI and an exclusive cardboard panel.

Accompanying the LPs are singles housed in an 8-inch Deluxe Sleeve; these are limited to six sets too. Each set consists of five digipack variations, and when you join the spines of the digipacks you get the words 'Free Bird' or 'Elvis'. The digipack further contains a forex panel, a poster, the vinyl single, and, as an extra bonus, a vinyl-CDR.

And since we also received eight spare vinyl copies in blue, yellow, and white colored vinyl without a sleeve, we decided to create something unique, a Limited Edition Poster Sleeve Edition! 

We designed a 180 by 62 cm poster sleeve that holds two LPs, the single, and the bonus CD, featuring a cover design created especially for this Exclusive Hand-Numbered Edition. A classic protective plastic sleeve protects the contents.

An Army Trilogy Vol. 1

German author Andreas Roth announced that his third book, titled 'An Army Trilogy Vol. 1' has been released. 

The hardcover book covers the period from Elvis' pre-induction physical to the end of his first month in Germany On circa 240 pages with the text in German and English, illustrated with over 300 black and white and several color photographs.

The author previously published the books 'The Ultimate Elvis in Munich Book' and 'An Army Trilogy Vol. 2' in 2004 and 2015 respectively.

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Andreas Roth)

July 04 - Charts July 2026 - Week 1

Elvis fans in the U.K. appear to have streamed less Elvis music than previous weeks, and the charts reflect that! Fortunately 'EPiC' keeps Elvis in the spotlight.

U.K. charts

Despite winning a few spots on the Official U.K. Album  chart, climbing to No 72, the '30 No. 1 Hits' compilation exited the chart this week. It has been 85 weeks since the album wasn't featured on the Top 100 bestsellers list. In November 2024 the album was missing from the chart for two weeks after another 80-week stint on the Album Top 100. 

The album also exited the Streaming Album chart from last week's No. 62 position. Oddly enough, the album climbed from No. 72 to No. 63 on the nation's Chart Update chart, 

The 'EPiC' soundtrack lost three places on the Soundtrack Album chart and fell from No. 5 to No. 8 this week. 

The 'Elvis Presley in Concert' movie fell from No. 3 to No. 10 on the U.K. Film chart and re-entered the Movie Download chart at No. 36 this week.

The DVD edition of 'EPiC' remained steady at No. 3 on the DVD chart, while the Blu-ray edition dropped from No. 11 to No. 17 on the Blu-ray chart. The movie fell from No. 4 to No. 7 on the Video chart.

The movie remained steady at No. 1 on the Music Video chart, but the ''68 Comeback Special' exited the chart after last week's re-entry at No. 37. 

Irish charts

The 'EPiC' DVD / Blu-ray remained steady No. 1 on the Irish IRMA Music DVD chart for the third week in a row.

U.S. Billboard charts

 

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation won one spot on Billboard's Country Album chart and climbed to No. 41 this week.   

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum / Irma)

July 03 - Memories That Linger on CD

The new Panther records import record label announced the release of the double CD set 'Memories That Linger In My Heart', featuring the December 10, 1975 performance as recorded from the audience in Las Vegas.

Publicity stated: December in Las Vegas in the 1970´s has not really been a time where it would be easy to sell out concert venues. Unless you were considering bringing a musical phenomenon to town for the holiday season. Exactly this happened in 1975. When Elvis played Vegas in August of this year, it was a short-lived engagement as the “King” gave up after just 5 appearances because of pure exhaustion. Fans who eagerly awaited his iconic presence were disappointed, yet hope remained alive that Elvis would be back soon. And the contract had to be fulfilled anyway, so the Colonel and the Hilton management decided to bring Elvis back in December of the same year.

To make it short, the whole engagement in December of 1975 was nothing less than a rescheduled triumph! What you will hear on our new double CD set is (for the first time) the complete show of December 10 (there was only 1 show that day, at 10.00 PM). On previous releases of this concert the producers were not willing to invest in a second CD so they simply cut out some dialogue – which is a shame of course.

There are many highlights in the very good sounding audience recording of this evening. A more loose show with Elvis seemingly having a good time interacting with the audience. Plus the one or the other surprise, such as Elvis obviously playing a prank on people at the beginning of the show by going from 'See See Rider' into 'Can't Help Falling In Love' (including the so-called 'Closing Vamp'!) – as if the show would already be over after just 2 songs! And then, when you could have expected that he would go straight into 'I Got A Woman' after the usual “Wells” he presented another surprise: a spontaneous, nice version of 'When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again'. A hilarious moment indeed! 

The song 'Just Pretend', a musical pearl from 1970 was brought back this season as a regular in the setlist after not having been performed since November 72 in Hawaii. A seemingly spontaneous request shortly before the end of the show, the “dramatic” tune 'My Way' became a duet between Sherill Nielsen and Elvis because Elvis did not remember the lyrics and made Sherill sing for him in certain parts. 

And regarding the quality of our new CD: needless to say that the recording of this show is newly remastered and speed-corrected. Enjoy this show with its very entertaining nature, and make sure early to get your copy of this new Panther Records release from your favorite dealer!

Tracks CD 1: 

01.         Also Sprach Zarathustra

02.         See See Rider

03.         Can’t Help Falling In Love

04.         Closing Vamp #1

05.         When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again

06.         I Got A Woman / Amen

07.         Love Me

08.         Fairytale

09.         And I Love You So

10.         Trying To Get To You

11.         All Shook Up

12.         Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel

13.         You Gave Me A Mountain

14.         Polk Salad Annie

Disc 2:

01.         Introductions – Johnny B. Goode

02.         Drum Solo (By Ronnie Tutt)

03.         Bass Solo (By Jerry Scheff)

04.         Piano Solo (By Glen D. Hardin)

05.         School Day

06.         School Day (Reprise)

07.         Just Pretend

08.         How Great Thou Art (With Reprise)

09.         Softly As I Leave You

10.         America The Beautiful

11.         Mystery Train / Tiger Man

12.         My Way

13.         Blue Christmas

14.         Can’t Help Falling In Love #2

15.         Closing Vamp #2

Triple Platinum

The single 'Suspicious Minds' was certified Triple Platinum by the British Phonographic Industries for selling over 1,800,000 copies (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales) respectively since its re-release on November 14, 2004. This marks the fourth certification for 2026.

(Source: Various / Phoenix Elvis Presley Forum / BPI)

July 02 - Glorious Blu-ray's from Down Under

Two of Elvis' movies were released on Blu-ray in Australia: 'Change of Habit' ViaVision and a 4K/UHD edition 'Blue Hawaii' by Paramount. 

Publicity for 'Change of Habit' stated: Elvis Presley in his final film role! An inner-city doctor falls in love for a social worker who turns out to be a nun preparing for her final vows. Could he change her life, could she forget her vows and follow her heart ...

Elvis Presley in his final film role! An inner-city doctor falls in love for a social worker who turns out to be a nun preparing for her final vows. Three young nuns, trained as medical social workers, and keeping secret the fact that they are nuns, are assigned to a ghetto clinic to assist a young doctor. This secret poses many hilarious and dramatic moments for the nuns.

Publicity for 'Blue Hawaii' stated: Paramount brings Elvis Presley’s eye-popping 1961 Technicolor musical to 4K Ultra HD with HDR-10 and Dolby Vision. 

Ex-G.I. Chadwick “Chad” Gates is coming home to Hawaii. Though his mother (Angela Lansbury) expects him to take over the family business, Chad would rather wear an aloha shirt than a white collar. When he goes to work as a tour guide at his girlfriend’s agency, it isn’t long before a group of amorous gals fights for his attention. 

Disc 1 contains the 4K Ultra Hi-definition version of the feature film. The second  Blu-ray contains the film plus commentary By Historian James L. Neibaur, a 'Blue Hawaii' Photo Scrapbook and the Original Theatrical Trailer as bonus features. The 4K Blu-ray is region free, the 2K Blu-ray comes with a region 2 code.

The specs:

Video

Codec: HEVC / H.265 (62.39 Mbps)

Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)

HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10

Aspect ratio: 2.35:1

Original aspect ratio: 2.35:1

Audio

English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (48kHz, 16-bit)

German: Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono

French: Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono

Subtitles

English, English SDH, French

Discs

4K Ultra HD

Blu-ray Disc

Two-disc set (1 BD-66, 1 BD-50)

The Glory of Vinyl

The Flaming Star fan club released the 'Glory of SUN' LP on black and on splattered vinyl.

Publicity stated: Flaming Star is proud to present our very latest release!

‘Glory Of Sun’ is an exclusive double LP in a gatefold sleeve, created for Elvis fans who want to experience the original mono sound as it was meant to be heard.

All tracks have been specially remastered for this release using classic analogue studio equipment and vintage tube technology, to create a warmer, more natural sound and to preserve the dynamics of the recordings. The result is a richer and more vivid listening experience, close to the original Sun recordings.

The release also includes an extensive discography with details about master recordings and first releases, as well as exclusive liner notes  ‘From Tupelo to Sun: The Spark That Ignited Rock ’n’ Roll’  placing the music in its historical context.

Tracks side 1: That's All Right / Blue Moon Of Kentucky / I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') / I Love You Because (alt take 2) / Harbor Lights.

Side 2: I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine / Good Rockin' Tonight / Tryin' To Get To You / Just Because / Blue Moon.

Side 3: Milkcow Blues Boogie / You're A Heartbreaker / I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone / Baby Let's Play House / Tomorrow Night.

Side 4: Mystery Train / I Forgot To Remember To Forget / I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Slow version) / I Love You Because (Unprocessed Master Edit) / When It Rains It Pours.

(Source: Elvis Information Network / Various)

June 30 - Elvis' Norwegian Vinyl

Elvis authors and experts John Townson and Gordon Minto announced the July 17 release of 'Elvis UK 33 ⅓ RPM Volume 1 - The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British LPs 1956-1962.

The authors stated: For those who have repeatedly requested a major revision to their original book 'Elvis UK', published in 1987, this new series focuses on the biggest section of that book - the UK LP section - though this new series will run to five volumes - an indication of how much detail has gone into each book.  

As you may be aware, the authors have been systematically revising and updating every major part of 'Elvis UK', and over the last few years have published standalone soft-backed books on 78rpm singles, EPs, non-RCA UK LP releases, and compact discs. Their most recent book, 'Cover Story', published in late 2025, focused on every aspect of album covers. Each book has been uniformly acclaimed by collectors.  

This first LP volume covers the period between March 1956 up to mid-1962 and runs for 462 pages. 

So, what can you expect to find in this book? While it is tempting to say ‘everything’, it must be stressed that it is not a discography (i.e. a simple list of releases), as is commonly understood, and nor is it simply a collection of record labels, album covers and other illustrations. It is much more than that. It is an in-depth narrative account of every album and the story behind it. In short, it is the definitive guide to Elvis’s UK album releases. It includes: 

• Every individual album release (including the three HMV albums) dealt with separately in forensic detail.
• Details of all the tracks included (titles, writers’ names) plus a swathe of background information, memorabilia and illustrations.
• Every album is carefully cross-referenced to later re-issues.
• A full song index, including modes, recording venues, take numbers and writers’ information.
• Many high-quality illustrations, photographs, plus a fascinating range of relevant memorabilia drawn from a host of sources, including record companies, along with material drawn from contemporaneous newspapers and magazines.
• Images of both sides of all known label and sleeve variations and a detailed explanation of the rationale behind each of them, along with key feature to aid identification.
• Details of label combinations, production errors, and other fascinating oddities that delight collectors! 

In short, this is the most comprehensive work ever undertaken on the subject.  If you are familiar with - and liked - previous Elvis UK books, then this should appeal to you also! 

For more details, prices and how to order, visit the author's webshop at >>> www.elvisukbooks.co.uk.

Norwegian Vinyl

Due for release from Erik Lorentzen's World Records is 'Elvis Double Features - A Date With Elvis & For LP Fans Only' featuring these albums in "perfect stereo" according to the flyer. 

This new re-issue is due on black and on blue colored vinyl, both housed in gatefold sleeves and both colors limited to 250 copies each. 

Tracks A Date With Elvis - Side A: We’re Gonna Move - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - I Want To Be Free - Good Rockin’ Tonight - Is It So Strange.

Side B: I Forgot To Remember To Forget - Young And Beautiful - Baby Let’s Play House - Baby I Don’t Care - Milcow Blues Boogie.

Tracks For LP Fans Only Side A: That’s All Right - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Mystery Train - Playing For Keeps - Poor Boy.

Side B: My Baby Left Me - I Was The One - Shake, Rattle And Roll- I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone - You’re A Heartbreaker.

Note: Oddly enough, the album is not listed on the planning of Erik Lorentzen's 'Elvis Files page, but available for pre-order before previously announced titles are.

(Source: Gordon Minto / Pascal Matteo / Adam Greenaway)

June 28 - Claus-Kurt Ilge Died

Elvis fan and Bad Nauheim Elvis guide Claus-Kurt Ilge died. He was 83.

Claus-Kurt was a well-known and highly respected name in the Elvis world. As a young teenager from Friedberg, he visited Bad Nauheim almost every day during Elvis' army years, where he met Elvis on many occasions and became one of the most recognized German fans from that remarkable period. Claus-Kurt can be spotted in countless photographs of Elvis signing autographs for fans along Goethestraße.

His involvement with Elvis went far beyond those personal encounters. For many years, Claus-Kurt dedicated himself to keeping the history of Elvis' time in Germany alive. He contributed to guided tours, exhibitions, and historical projects in Bad Nauheim and Friedberg, and his personal memories, photographs, and stories were an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to learn more about Elvis' German years.

With visible enthusiasm, he would take travelers along the historic sites where Elvis lived and stayed. His stories, rich with personal memories and special anecdotes, never failed to leave a deep impression. Earlier in his life, Claus-Kurt also contributed to various publications and television programs about Elvis' German years.

(Source: ElvisMatters)

June 27 - Charts June 2026 - Week 4 - Updated

Elvis is listed on charts in three countries this week, topping several DVD and Video charts.

U.K. charts

The '30 No. 1 Hits' compilation continued its rise on the main U.K. album Top 100 chart, climbing from No. 78 to No. 72. 

The set also rose two spots on the Official Streaming chart, climbing from No. 68 to No. 66 this week while it also gained 16 places on the Chart Update chart, climbing from No. 78 to No. 62. 

The 'EPiC' soundtrack lost one place on the Soundtrack Album chart and fell from No. 4 to No. 5 this week. 

The 'Elvis Presley in Concert' movie re-entered the U.K. Film chart at No. 3. The DVD edition of 'EPiC' fell from No. 1 to No. 3 on the DVD chart, while the Blu-ray edition dropped from No. 2 to No. 11 on the Blu-ray chart. The movie couldn't hang on to the Top Spot on the Video chart and fell to No. 4. The movie returned to the Film Download chart at No. 36 this week. 

The movie remained steady at No. 1 on the Music Video chart. Both 'Elvis The Searcher' and 'The Complete Story' DVDs fell off the Music Video chart, from places No. 42 and No. 44 respectively. The were replaced by the ''68 Comeback Special' which returned to the chart at No. 37 this week. 

Irish charts

The 'EPiC' DVD / Blu-ray remained steady No. 1 on the Irish IRMA Music DVD chart.

U.S. Billboard charts

 

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation remained steady at No. 42 on Billboard's Country Album chart this week.   

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum / Irma)

June 26 - Elvis Release News Report

The Elvis video news report for the month of July is available. It looks back on highlights of last month's news and cover all the latest 'EPiC' news, the ‘Soldier Boy’ box-set, delayed construction work on E.P. Boulevard, Elvis events in Germany and the United States and more. 

The King Collected

The Vinyl Champ record label released 'The King Collected' 5-LP box-set, containing five 180- gram LPs on blue smoke colored vinyl, a book and a poster. 

Description: A seismic force in popular music, Elvis Presley didn’t just shape rock ’n’ roll—he ignited it. This 5LP box set captures the raw spark, the swagger, and the soul of an artist who redefined sound and style for generations.

From electrifying early recordings to deeply personal moments of musical discovery, each record is a time capsule—immersing you in the rise of a legend whose voice still echoes across decades.

LP 1 - Side A / B - Elvis With The Jordanaires:

Return To Sender - Don't Be Cruel - Kiss Me Quick - Flaming Star - Let Me Be Your Teddybear - Don't - Treat Me Nice - Wooden Heart - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - Can't Help Falling In Love - Jailhouse Rock - Hound Dog - All Shook Up - Suspicion - It's Not Or Never - Playing For Keeps - Loving You - Blue Hawaii - One Night

LP 2 - Side A / B - Elvis Sings Gospel: I Believe In The Man In The Sky - Known Only To Him - His Hand In Mine - I Believe - Milky White Way - It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) - If We Never Meet Again - He Knows Just What I Need - (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley For Me - I'm Gonna Walk Down Dem Stairs - In My Father's House - Joshua Fit The Battle - Mansion Over The Hilltop - Working On The Building - Swing Down Street Chariot - Take My Hand, Precious Lord - Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem - Silent Night

LP 3 - Side A - Elvis Goes Country: Flaming Star - Mystery Train - I'm Comin' Home - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - I Forgot To Remember To Forget - I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') - A Fool Such As I - Just Because - Is It So Strange - Starting Today

Side B: to be announced.

LP 4 - Side A / B - Elvis Plays The Rhythm And Blues: Blueberry Hill - Reconsider Baby - So Glad You're Mine - Girl Girls Girls - I Got A Woman - I Will Be Home Again - Such A Night - Rip It Up - Ain't That Loving You Baby - Hound Dog - Good Rockin' Tonight - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - I Feel So Bad - I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Cry (Over You) - Money Honey - Shake Rattle And Roll - That's Alright - I Need You So - One Night

LP 5 - Side A / B - The Love Album: Love Me Tender - As Long As I Have You - Gently - I'm Yours - Because Of Love - Good Luck Charm - Don't Ask Me Why - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - I Was The One - I Don't Want To - Return To Sender - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Wooden Heart - Can't Help Falling In Love - How's The World Treating You - True Love -  Are You Lonesome Tonight - Where Do You Come From - Love Me - Fever.

The set is available from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.

It's Elvis Time 

The Dutch It's Elvis Time magazine will soon drop on the doormat of the fan club's members. 

Issue 315 is packed with news, Elvis stories, articles, reviews and photographs on our man: 'EPiC", Elvis in Memphis 1969, Elvis' last concert in 1977, his Hollywood career, his influence on other artists and reviews of the Dutch book 'Wij Waren Erbij' (by yours truly) and the 'epiC' soundtrack. 

Enough for a good start of the summer!

For more information on the club and the magazine, please visit >>> www.ItsElvisTime.nl.

Elvis Presley - The Showroom Experience 1973

The Memphis Recording Service released the seven CD set 'The Showroom Experience 1973' containing the previously released three CD-sets 'Las Vegas - On Stage 1973', 'Las Vegas - Closing Night 1983' and 'At 3 AM - Lake Tahoe 1973'.

The set includes an exclusive booklet showcasing rare photographs, memorabilia and detailed liner notes on every engagement. 

CD 1 - January 25, 1973 - Las Vegas Rehearsals: Something - You Gave Me A Mountain - Steamroller Blues - My Way - Love Me - It's Over - Blue Suede Shoes - I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - Welcome To My World - I'll Remember You - Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin Going On - American Trilogy - A Big Hunk O' Love - I'm Leavin' It All Up To You - Faded Love - I Can't Stop Loving You - Separate Ways (Band) - Separate Ways (Band & Orchestra) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Can't Help Falling In Love.

CD 2 - February 2, 1973 DS - Las Vegas Hilton: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Until It's Time For You To - Sweet Caroline - Steamroller Blues - You Gave Me A Mountain - Fever - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - What Now My Love - Suspicious Minds - Band Introductions - I Can't Stop Loving You - An American Trilogy - Can't Help Falling In Love.

CD 3 - 03.02.1973 DS - Las Vegas Hilton: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Until It's Time For You To - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - Steamroller Blues - You Gave Me A Mountain - Fever - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - What Now My Love - Suspicious Minds - Band Introductions - I'll Remember You - I Can't Stop Loving You - An American Trilogy - Can't Help Falling In Love.

CD 4 - February 3  1973 MS - Las Vegas Hilton: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Until It's Time For You To - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - Steamroller Blues - You Gave Me A Mountain - Fever - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - What Now My Love - Suspicious Minds - Band Introductions - I Can't Stop Loving You - An American Trilogy - Can't Help Falling In Love.

CD 5 - May 12, 1973 MS - Lake Tahoe: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Help Me Make It Through The Night - Steamroller Blues - You Gave Me A Mountain - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' / Mama Don't Dance / Shake, Rattle And Roll - I'm Leavin' - Hound Dog  - What Now My Love - Suspicious Minds - Band Introductions - I'll Remember You - I Can't Stop Loving You - Bridge Over Troubled Water - A Big Hunk O' Love - Can't Help Falling In Love -  Announcement.

CD 6 - May 13, 1973 3:00 AM Show - Lake Tahoe: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Help Me Make It Through The Night - Steamroller Blues - You Gave Me A Mountain - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' /  Mama Don't Dance / Shake, Rattle And Roll - My Way - Hound Dog - What Now My Love - Suspicious Minds - Band Introductions - I'll Remember You - I Can't Stop Loving You - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Funny How Time Slips Away - It's Over - Release Me - Faded Love - Can't Help Falling In Love.

CD 7 - September 3, 1973 - Las Vegas Hilton: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - Elvis Talks - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Steamroller Blues - You Gave Me A Mountain - Trouble - Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin / Mama Don't Dance / Flip, Flop And Fly / Hound Dog - Love Me Tender - Fever - What Now My Love - Suspicious Minds (Messed Up) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Band Introductions - Welcoming Guests - My Boy - I Can't Stop Loving You - An American Trilogy - A Big Hunk O' Love - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face -  Elvis Talks About Mario - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - How Great Thou Art - Help Me Make It Through The Night - Softly As I Leave You - Can't Help Falling In Love.

The set is available from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop and >>> Amazon.

Rock and Roll Hero

The German Blue-Line records label announced the June 26, 2026 release of the LP 'Rock and Roll Hero'. 

Description: Experience the sheer vocal power of Elvis Presley in his most soulful years. This LP is a journey through the mid-70s, showcasing a mature artist who still commanded every stage he stepped on. 

From the finger-snapping coolness of 'Fever' to the iconic nostalgia of the 'Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel' medley, this record covers the full spectrum of Elvis's talent. A standout is the gritty 'Steamroller Blues', where the King proves why he reigned supreme over the blues-rock genre. These years (1974-1976) are beloved by fans for their emotional depth and grand arrangements. 

Whether you are a lifelong member of the TCB crowd or a new collector, this vinyl offers a rich, warm sound that digital can't replicate.

Side A: All Shook Up / Why Me Lord / Love Me Tender / Hound Dog / Fever / Suspicious Minds / I Can't Stop Loving You / Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Side B: CC Rider / Can't Help Falling In Love / Teddy Bear - Don't Be Cruel / Big Boss Man / You Gave Me A Mountain / Trying To Get To You / Hurt / Steamroller Blues.

The LP is available for pre-order from >>> Amazon.

(Source: Emiel Maier / Various)

June 25 Can't Help Falling In Love With Sunderland AFC

A first of its kind in the Premier League, Sunderland AFC revealed the Club's first kit created in collaboration with musical and cultural icon, the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. The away kit, produced by hummel – the Club's official kit partner – forms part of a multi-year collaboration with the Elvis Presley Estate and Authentic Brands Group. 

Publicity stated: Inspired by the origins of Elvis' career, the kit features the iconic pink and black colorway associated with his breakthrough years on the Louisiana Hayride. A subtle embossed pattern, drawn from 1950s design motifs with repeated SAFC detailing throughout, nods to the era that launched Elvis to global stardom. Inside the neck tape, supporters will find the words 'Can't Help Falling in Love With You', alongside the Club crest and Elvis' signature. 

Since the late 1970s, 'Can't Help Falling in Love' has been Sunderland's matchday anthem, sung in full voice before kick-off, home and away. Its inclusion here isn't mere decoration. It's an acknowledgement of our fans and their dedication to this club.

 

The Elvis Kit will be available to purchase on Friday June 26, 2026. The shirt will also be available at Graceland in Memphis from early July, as the Black Cats head to the United States for a pre-season tour this summer. 

 

Alongside the away kit, Sunderland AFC is launching an exclusive Elvis-inspired lifestyle and warm-up collection. Drawn from the shirt Elvis wore on the cover of 'Blue Hawaii' and in the film that introduced 'Can't Help Falling in Love' to the world, the collection includes an anthem jacket, pre-match T-shirt, quarter-zip training top, military jacket, Graceland T-shirt and hoodie, Love Elvis T-shirt and hoodie, and a range of themed accessories.

 

The Elvis Kit launches without front-of-shirt branding and will be sold at retail without front-of-shirt branding for the duration of the 2026-27 season. Fans will, however, have the option to print our front-of-shirt Partner at Official Club store locations, once the Club’s new Partner is announced. 

 

The Elvis Kit will be priced at UK£70 for adults and UK£55 for juniors. The Club's home and third kits, launching later this summer, will be priced at UK£65 for adults and UK£50 for juniors.

 

A special launch event takes place at the Stadium of Light store at Black Cat House tomorrow, Friday 26 June, with doors opening at 8 am. Fans are encouraged to come down early – there'll be an Elvis-themed photo opportunity with a Pink Cadillac, plus a few surprises for those who make it through the doors first.

 

The date is no coincidence. On 26 June 1977, Elvis Presley took to the stage at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis for the very last time, closing his final ever performance with Can't Help Falling in Love With You.

Scott McCubbin, Chief Commercial Officer, Sunderland AFC: “The relationship between Sunderland AFC and Elvis is unlike anything else in football. For nearly five decades, 'Can't Help Falling in Love' has been the soundtrack to some of our most memorable moments and its sentiment epitomises the connection between the Club and our supporters. This collaboration allows us to celebrate that heritage in a creative, bold and authentic way. 

As Sunderland prepares for a return to the European stage and continues to attract attention worldwide, we're both proud and excited to bring this iconic story to life for fans in Wearside, across the UK, and around the globe."

 

Lars Stentebjerg, CEO, hummel: "No Premier League club has ever collaborated with the Elvis Presley Estate before, and we are proud that hummel and Sunderland are the first. 'Can't Help Falling in Love' has been sung on those terraces for nearly five decades. Together, we have created a kit that reflects something real."

 

Dana Carpenter, EVP Media and Entertainment, Authentic Brands Group: “Sunderland supporters have made ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ part of the club’s tradition for decades, making this a truly authentic partnership. We’re excited to see that connection brought to life through this collaboration.”

Some things are meant to be.

(Source: Sincerely Elvis / Robert van doorn / Sunderland AFC)