The promotional text for this re-issue is the same too. The street date is set for June 12, 2026.
(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Amazon Canada)
Friday, May 01, 2026
May 01 - Elvis Now
Thursday, April 30, 2026
April 30 - Free Birds and Bootlegs
The double LP set is limited to 360 copies and comes in three color variants on white, yellow and blue colored vinyl, all with an 7-inch bonus single on black colored vinyl, containing recordings from the December 13, 1975 Midnight Show.
The original publicity stated: 'Free Bird' is an ambitious project to highlight Elvis's December 1975 Season. The new VV will feature the complete concert of the December 14, 1975 cocktail show. At the same time, the bonus 7-inch vinyl EP presents a highlight selection recorded on December 13, 1975, at MS; in this way, this product will cover two consecutive days with an excellent soundboard sound and more than 100 minutes of magic music.
The original publicity stated: 'Free Bird' is an ambitious project to highlight Elvis's December 1975 Season. The new VV will feature the complete concert of the December 14, 1975 cocktail show. At the same time, the bonus 7-inch vinyl EP presents a highlight selection recorded on December 13, 1975, at MS; in this way, this product will cover two consecutive days with an excellent soundboard sound and more than 100 minutes of magic music.
The double vinyl set presents a soundboard recording from the Las Vegas Dec.14 show, previously released on CD, but this is the first time on vinyl format, and it has been remastered from the source, which will present an incredibly superior sound. The double set will be housed in a glossy gatefold. As a bonus, we included a vinyl EP. This is also an excellent soundboard recording included in a photographic cover. A Must-have!
The VV label is glad to be back with such an important show and intends to present Elvis at the peak of his possibility. Despite not being in perfect shape, he proved the 1975 rockin’ Attitude was still intact, although his movements on stage were very limited. He gives life to intense and long sets with a good variety of songs.
December 1975: Elvis is back in Las Vegas, an unusual time to perform in the bright city. It’s considered a dead time for the city. But not for Elvis. After the announcement, the city immediately came alive again, resulting in the December season being completely sold out! Elvis was booked for two weeks as compensation for the cancellation of the August season. Elvis worked hard preparing for the season and introducing a “new” song: America the Beautiful. An homage to America’s big jubilee in 1976. At the same time, he represents one of the strongest songs from the June 1970 sessions: Just Pretend. Keeping in mind the rocking attitude, Burning Love is always present in his repertoire, as is the classic Polk Salad Annie.
This new VV Special Product will be housed in a deluxe 300-gram sleeve that includes the double 150-gram vinyl plus a Bonus 7” vinyl EP with a personal sleeve too.
To create a special collector’s item, the 360 copies will be presented with three different vinyl color variations. All the copies will come with Glossy Stickers, hand-numbered and individually sealed. Please remember!! This is a Limited Hand-numbered set of 360 copies.
All the vinyl will be placed in a 110 gsm paper record with black inner Sleeves, anti-static record. We’re always tryin’ to give more. We hope this new release will be a great update to your Elvis’ live show collection.
2 LP set - As recorded live at Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV, December 14, 1975 10.00 PM.
Side A:
01. *2001 Theme
02. *See See Rider
03. I Got A Woman /Amen
04. Love Me
05. Tryin’ To Get To You
Side B:
06. And I Love You So
07. All Shook Up
08. Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel
09. Hound Dog
10. Until It’s Time For You To Go
11. You Gave Me A Mountain
12. Polk Salad Annie
13. Introductions*
Side C:
14 Sweet Sweet Spirit
15 Introductions
16 Johnny B. Goode
17 Chikin’ Pickin’
18 Drum Solo
19 Bass Solo*
20 Piano Solo
21 Introduction
22 Hail Hail Rock ‘n’ Roll + Reprice
23 Just Pretend
24 How Great Thou Art
Side D:
25 Burning Love
26 Softly As I Leave Me
27 American The Beautiful
28 Little Sister
29 Heartbreak Hotel
30 O’ Sole Mio/It’s Now Or Never
31 Can’t Help Falling in Love
Special Bonus EP - As Recorded Live, Las Vegas, NV, Hilton Hotel, December 13, 1975 MS (16.00 minutes).
Side A:
01 Help Me Make It Through The Night 2.48
02 Polk Salad Annie 4.39
Side B:
03 Just Pretend 3.55
04 Burning Love 3.30
05. America, The Beautiful 2.34
Knock Out CD Releases
The Knock Out import record label announced the early May 2026 release of two new CD titles: 'Sweet Sweet Spirit In Vegas' and 'Way Down In Louisiana'.
Publicity stated: Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and dig this! Knock Out Records is cookin’ up something far out for all you Elvis devotees, two smokin’ hot releases guaranteed to shake your speakers and rattle your soul!
'Sweet, Sweet Spirit In Las Vegas' is a dynamite 2-CD set, featuring the complete December 14, 1975 performance, captured straight from the audience and finally unleashed for the very first time.
Forget those chopped-up soundboards from the past, this one’s the real deal, baby! For the first time ever, you’ll hear the full show including 'Sweet Sweet Spirit' as performed by The Stamps Quartet.
This ain’t just a recording… it’s a time machine. You’re right there in the crowd, feelin’ every note, every cheer, every electrifying moment as Elvis commands the stage for nearly 90 unforgettable minutes.
We’re talkin’ highlights galore: 'Just Pretend', 'Burning Love', 'How Great Thou Art' and a whole lot more!
All wrapped up in a beautiful digi-pack, bursting with rare photos from that very night. This one’s a must-have for any serious collection.
Disc 1:
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra
02. C.C. Rider
03. I Got A Woman/Amen
04. Love Me
05. Trying To Get To You
06. And I Love You So
07. All Shook Up
08. Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel
09. Hound Dog
10. Until It’s Time For You To Go
11. You Gave Me A Mountain
12. Polk Salad Annie
Disc 2:
01. Introductions
02. Sweet Sweet Spirit (By J.D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet)
03. Johnnv B. Goode
04. Chicken Pickin' (Suzie Q)
05. Band Solos
06. Happy Birthday To Charlie
07. School Day (with reprise)
08. just Pretend
09. How Great Thou Art (with reprise)
10. Burning Love
11. Softly As I Leave You
12. America The Beautiful
13. Little Sister
14. Heartbreak Hotel
15. Introductions of Lisa Marie & Vernon 16. O Sole Mio (By Elvis)/ It's Now Or Never
17. Can't Help Falling In Love
18. Closing Vamp
You’ve heard the soundboard before, flat, piano-heavy, kinda square. Well, we flipped the script! By blending a high-quality audience tape with that original soundboard, we’ve cooked up a rich, vibrant, full-bodied sound that brings every instrument to life. It’s balanced, it’s punchy, it’s the way this show was meant to be heard!
And yeah… we kept it real: the first four tracks roll exactly as captured by the audience, raw and authentic, because the soundboard missed ‘em entirely.
Packaged in another stunning digital-pack, loaded with killer shots from the April - May ‘75 tour, this release is for fans who crave something special.
Packaged in another stunning digital-pack, loaded with killer shots from the April - May ‘75 tour, this release is for fans who crave something special.
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra*
02. C.C. Rider *
03. I Got A Woman / Amen*
04. Jambalaya*
05. Love Me
06. If You Love Me (Let Me Know)
07. Love Me Tender
08. All Shook Up
09. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel
10. Help Me
11. Why Me Lord
12. Polk Salad Annie
13. Introduction - What'd I Say
14. Band Solos
15. School Days
16. The Wonder Of You
17. T-R-O-U-B-L-E
18. l'll Remember You
19. Let Me Be There
20. An American Trilogy
21. Hound Dog
22. Funny How Time Slips Away
23. Little Darlin'
24. Can't Help Falling In Love
25. Closing Vamp
*Audience recording
So don’t be square, these limited releases are hotter than a Vegas night and won’t stay on the shelves for long. Get yours… and let the spirit move you!
Elvis Presley - The Showroom Experience 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.
(Source: Pascal Matteo Plastic Head / Elvis Club Berlin)
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
April 28 - Greg Gordon Died
Greg Gordon also was a member of the Oak Ridge Boys. He appeared at Elvis Week in August 2025 when The Imperials were inducted as Graceland Legends.
He wrote the song 'Bringing It Back' which Elvis recorded on March 12, 1975, at RCA's Studio C in Hollywood for his 'Today' album.
Happy Birthday
Elvis' favorite co-star Ann-Margret celebrated her 85th birthday, congratulations!
(Source: Oak Ridge Boys on Facebook)
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Review - Black Star
In this book, the Dutch editor and a number of international authors share their perspectives on this era, each with a link or reference to Elvis of course.
Let me share my perspective on the book.
Design
The design of this 120-page booklet is very well chosen. With segregation in post-war America as its theme, Van Tiel has taken the Green Book format as a starting point.
A Green Book is a travel guide for people of color that helps them travel through racially segregated America in a “safe,” or perhaps better said, “permissible,” manner. Since the book partly deals with the contribution of Black musicians to the aforementioned musical revolution - musicians who traveled from city to city and from stage to stage - this concept fits well.
The booklet consists of approximately 70 percent text, with the remainder made up of various types of illustrations. These include archival and edited images (including those created by the undersigned for an article by Nigel Patterson, so I have some small involvement in this release), as well as well-known photographs of Elvis, including those by Alfred Wertheimer.
The book is easy to read, especially as it consists of 25 short contributions. Because these share a common theme, they form a cohesive whole, even though they were written by different authors.
Content
As indicated, this book traces the birth of rock and roll and the developments leading up to it. In doing so, various authors explore the role and contribution of the Black community in their reflections.
The result is a broad and varied palette. Van Tiel states in his preface that it can, may, and must provoke friction, and indeed it does. Some contributions resonate deeply, such as the chapter on Al Johnson, who often performed in blackface. In today’s world, this is no longer acceptable, but 80 years ago he did help open doors for Black music by performing it for white audiences.
One of the more interesting articles focuses on Elvis’s version of Baby, Let’s Play House, which made Arthur Gunter’s original "look pale" in comparison, as we say in the Netherlands.
While the songwriter was somewhat indirect in his expression, Elvis was very clear about what he wanted: sex, and nothing else. This was raw Rock and Roll, the kind that parents in the 1950s feared, and not without reason.
It is interesting to note that one of the lyric lines Elvis added - “I’d rather see you dead, little girl, than with another man” - was later picked up by John Lennon. Unfortunately, Lennon later distanced himself from it during his softer “flower power and peace” period.
Another entertaining article discusses Bill Haley. In a humorous way, this pioneer of the rock and roll revolution is portrayed as an office administrator in accounting, with his recognizable forelock described as resembling “the droppings of a seagull on his forehead.” While somewhat excessive in tone, the piece makes the point that every revolution needs a recognizable face, and that face eventually became Elvis.
Of course, there are also contributions exploring the “black star” theory, but the true stars that emerge from this book are the original Black artists. This book makes them shine by placing them firmly in the spotlight.
Conclusion
The short walkthrough of the book illustrates that this is not the usual kind of Elvis book. For me it was both insightful and entertaining. This stands in contrast to the more academic publication 'Rethinking Elvis' by Mark Duffett, which partly covers similar themes and formats.
Dennis van Tiel has not simply followed a familiar path with his Black Star concept, and I am already looking forward to the next publication.
For now, only a Dutch version is available, but later this year an English edition will be released. That is a positive development, as this book deserves a wider audience.
For more information and (pre)orders, visit the >>> Almost in Elvis website.
Sunday, April 26, 2026
April 26 - Dick Matena Died
Matena created the comic 'Heartbreak Hotel' which was published in Heavy Metal Magazine #43 (October 1980, the cover was done by another graphic artist).
He also wrote the book 'Mythen' ('Myths') in 1984, featuring Elvis on the cover with short portraits of famous people inside.
For the Dutch It's Elvis Time fan club he created the comic 'The Angel of Death', a fantasy story of a meeting between Elvis and hank Williams. It was published in 2018, issue 286.
You can learn more on Elvis and comic books in the book 'Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books' which is available from >>> Amazon.
(Source: Various)
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Review A Study of Elvis Presley In Concert LP
Wrapping up the audio formats, the label added a Deluxe vinyl version to their line-up of 'Elvis In Concert' releases, something many fans will appreciate as their copies of the original 1977 RCA album have probably been worn out.
With this release the label adds to the handful of 1977 releases that we already received in the first months of 2026. And painful as these last performances of Elvis Presley may be, they do hold a special place in many fans' hearts. Reason enough to give this re-issue of one of the last professionally recorded and released concert performances of our man a spin.
Design
Gravel Road is known for their Deluxe packages, and this release doesn't disappoint. The upgraded audio on the two vinyl discs album comes as a double gatefold album with some razor-sharp images of our man and plenty of bonus items to qualify this set as a top notch release.
The badges add an authentic touch, as we all know them so well, and the bonus poster nicely connects the original promotion to this study project, making it come full circle. As a side-product, the label also issued a complete set of replica badges - seventeen different colors in total - for the fans who want to be complete.
As the label invested in the best possible vinyl, it added additional Japanese anti-static inner covers to protect the discs. The 180 gram vinyl is clear, with just two handfuls of copies printed on blue colored vinyl.
The set doesn't contain any liner-notes, but here I refer to the aforementioned book-combo which tells you all there is to know about this concert.
The set doesn't contain any liner-notes, but here I refer to the aforementioned book-combo which tells you all there is to know about this concert.
Content - The Background
'Elvis in Concert' was a posthumous television special broadcast on CBS on October 3, 1977, just two months after Elvis Presley's death on August 16 of that year. The special had its origins on June 1, 1977, when it was announced that Presley had signed a deal with CBS to tape concerts during the summer of that year.
The footage was drawn from the aforementioned performances in Omaha and Rapid City. Much of the Omaha material was ultimately deemed unusable due to sound and performance difficulties, meaning the bulk of what appeared in the broadcast and on the album derived from the Rapid City show.
Jarvis did a credible job putting this album together. He overdubbed some of the vocals and filled out the sound. He managed to create a listenable album that was superior to the actual concert.
The album was issued as a double vinyl set and included a second disc with performances that were not included in the TV Special. The album peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard chart in late 1977. It was certified Gold and Platinum on October 14 and 3× Platinum on August 1, 2002, by the RIAA. On May 22, 1992, the album was reissued on a single compact disc.
Original Reviews
The contemporary newspaper reviews from both filmed performances paint a picture that is more layered than the later controversy surrounding the special might suggest.
Omaha, June 19 - Elvis Has Mellowed But He's Still King
Writing in the Omaha World-Herald, Steve Millburg opened his review with honesty, writing what he saw, acknowledging that Presley had gained weight, that Rock and Roll had largely disappeared from his setlists. And that the pelvic gyrations that once scandalized Ed Sullivan were "more suggested than actually performed". Yet he was emphatic that this told only part of the story.
It was on the gospel numbers where Millburg found the most to admire. During 'How Great Thou Art' Elvis "froze the audience with a powerful note" and "momentarily stilled the rowdy vocal admiration of many of the women," a remarkable feat given the charged atmosphere in the arena. For the author, moments like this proved that "the fact that he does have one of the great voices of popular music has been obscured by the mystique that has surrounded him."
He also noted how Presley navigated his back catalogue with a degree of affectionate distance. He sprinkled old hits like 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'Teddy Bear' throughout the concert, though "he seemed to consider them to be artifacts," even as "the old spirit still showed in flashes." Opening with an acoustic guitar, Presley performed 'That's All Right' which he introduced as "the very first song I recorded," grounding the evening in his own mythology.
The audience response was emotional throughout. When Presley took the stage amid screams and explosions of flashbulbs, he swaggered on with "the half-smile, half-sneer that said he could have any woman in the place and knew it." The scarf-giving ritual produced near-pandemonium: frantic female fans grabbed for the scarves draped around his neck, tugs of war often developed, and one winner "rolled the prize into a ball and stuffed it down her bosom."
The CBS cameras caused some disruption, audience members had their sightlines blocked and bright television lights blinked on and off, but even this did little to dampen the mood of a crowd of over 10,000.
Rapid City, June 21 - There's No Doubt About It: Elvis Is Still 'King'
Two nights later in Rapid City, the atmosphere was equally electric. Jeri Gulbransen, writing for the Rapid City Journal, left no ambiguity about her verdict: "For the last 20 years he's been called the King of Rock and Roll and there's no doubt he still wears that crown."
The show, staged at the grand opening of the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, carried additional civic ceremony. Rapid City Mayor Art LaCroix presented Presley with a plaque engraved with Mount Rushmore and the inscription "In appreciation to Mr. Elvis Presley for the grand opening concert," and a young girl named Monique Brave gifted him a hand-beaded medallion.
Gulbransen highlighted the breadth of the setlist, noting that Presley moved from 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' to 'If You Love Me Let Me Know,' giving "old favorites and newer songs a real crooning treatment." She remarked that while the physical gyrations were fewer than in his earlier years, "the voice that continued to sell gold record after gold record sounded even better in person." Classics such as ‘It's Now Or Never’ and ‘Don't Be Cruel’ were singled out, with the reviewer writing that they "never sounded any better."
The audience response in Rapid City was overwhelming. Fans had begun gathering outside the civic center as early as 4 p.m. for an 8:30 p.m. show, with parking lots quickly filling and latecomers parking as far away as St. Joseph Street. Inside, the more than 10,000-strong crowd clapped and stamped for Presley before the lights dimmed and the opening bars of Richard Strauss's 'Also Sprach Zarathustra' filled the arena. "As the purple lights got brighter and brighter, the audience was on the edge of their seats." Gulbransen addressed Presley's detractors head-on: "His detractors may call Elvis aging and fat, but his fans who pack into every show he does know better. He's the King."
1977 - The Original Album
The TV Special and soundtrack album told a somewhat different story to the one those enthusiastic reviewers had witnessed in person. The album captures Presley performing 'My Way' with the aid of a lyric sheet, despite having sung it throughout the 1970s from memory. Both of his then current singles, 'Moody Blue' and 'Way Down' were absent from the setlist entirely. During 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' the television broadcast had cut away from the recitation, replacing it with a fan interview, though the album preserved the moment in full.
CBS had reportedly considered delaying the broadcast in hopes of securing stronger performance footage, a plan overtaken by Presley's death in August. When it did air, the critical response was far removed from the warmth of those June newspaper reviews. Critics Roy Carr and Mick Farren condemned the special as a "travesty," arguing it would have caused "irreparable damage to Presley's career had it been broadcast while he was still alive."
A closing spoken message from Elvis's father, Vernon Presley, recorded at Graceland in September 1977 shortly after his son's death, lent the release a deeply elegiac tone, thanking fans for their outpouring of condolences. That fragment is included on this 2026 re-issue, but the fan comments have been removed.
On this set Gravel Road presents the June 21 performance as recorded in Rapid City with six additional performances from Omaha, recorded two days earlier. Removed are the fans from the audience stating: "He's the King, no matter what," why add something we already know…
But this also confirms the observations of the journalists who attended the original performances; fans pretty much took in everything as if it was perfect. Elvis must have been pretty good spreading his "fairy dust" through the venue during his shows.
The example of Elvis needing a lyric sheet mentioned in the original review illustrates that not everything was perfect. Still, listening to Elvis throughout the show, you hear that he could still deliver when he wanted to, you hear his humor and the ease with which he plays with the 10,000 people watching. And even ‘Jailhouse Rock’ show the rocker. The ‘pelvis may have gone into retirement’, but just like on the legendary Ed Sullivan Show performances in the fifties, all he needed was his little finger to make an audience scream in excitement. He had them all eating out of his hand.
The audio has been remastered for vinyl playback and I must say, it is made to "play it loud" as advised, the audio holds up very well. It is a definite improvement over the official releases from RCA / BMG as it sounds so much more open and powerful. Compared to the official releases, it offers a “live experience” instead of a “concert registration”.
A little echo appears to be added to Elvis' voice; you hear that when he talks, as he comes over very strong. You can hear that it was compiled from various recordings, creating the concert experience as heard here, but that is only for those who listen very closely. Overall, the Rapid City performances sound a little better than the ones inserted from the Omaha show.
The only audio-minor I found was the sound of the audience, which sometimes didn’t sound natural, this can be the result of the restoration and remastering. I though the fans sounded more natural on the 2023 CD version.
Conclusion
There is plenty of enjoyable "study" material for Elvis fans and scholars. Listening to this presentation offers both joy and food for thought. The original record is part of Elvis' legacy as it was, and for many the go-to LP to enjoy Elvis in concert in 1977. Playing this concert, presented with a re-arranged setlist, in good quality audio, I come to a different conclusion now than Roy Carr and Mick Farren did in 1977. And yes, listening in 2026, we know the context, and what happened just seven weeks later.
Fortunately, for us fans, there are of course plenty of enjoyable and good performances. Especially 'How Great Thou Art' stands out for me. He strains, but ultimately produces a wonderful vocal as he manages to hit all the difficult notes despite his physical condition. 'Hurt' likewise is a fine performance. The song, in many ways, chronicles a part of Elvis' life. He not only gives a strong vocal performance but manages to bring both pain and passion to the song. 'You Gave Me A Mountain' continued Elvis' tradition of usually presenting excellent Gospel interpretations.
On the other hand we have his performance of 'Unchained Melody'. Obviously it holds something special for many fans, but it is awfully painful to hear Elvis not making the high notes, despite his best efforts. Listening to that now, with the video of this performance in mind, you see Elvis knows how he did, and he's actually happy that he almost made it … Good audio doesn't conceal a hurtful performance.
Listening to the album is a better experience than watching Elvis struggle through the TV Special. And here Gravel Road delivers. This new presentation offers a complete concert experience and sounds very good, even played loudly.
And just for old times' sake, I would have loved to hear one of the original fan comments as a closer for the set, as Vernon's personal message makes it a bit sad. But that's just me, being a fan I guess.
Interview
You can read an interview with the man behind the Gravel Road record label >>> here.
Buy the album
The album is available for pre-order from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.
April 25 - Charts April 2026 - Week 4
Back to the charts this week with a spoiler alert, unfortunately, Elvis lost the U.K. No. 1 spot he had regained last week. Fortunately the BBC made up for this when in their ranking of 'Rock's 37 Most Influential Albums'.Elvis Presley’s '30 No. 1 Hits' compilation found its way up again, gaining three spots and climbing to No. 66 on the main U.K. Album chart. The album lost another spot on the Chart Update chart, dropping to No. 70. It turned the tide on the Official Streaming Album chart, climbing one spot to No, 63.
Last week the 'EPiC' soundtrack album re-entered the Album Sales Top 100 and Physical Sales chart at No's 95 and 91 respectively, but this week the album exited both charts again. The album also lost the No. spot on the Soundtrack Album chart, falling to No. 3.
On the Movie Download chart 'EPiC' remained steady at No. 13, but lost one spot on the Film chart, dropping to No. 15.
'The King of Rock and Roll' DVD climbed from No. 35 to No. 30 on the Music video Top 50 chart while 'Elvis The Searcher,' dropped from No. 40 to No. 42 on that chart. 'The Complete Story' video exited the chart from last week's listing at No. 45.
The BBC's 'Classical Music' website ranked Rock's 37 Most Influential Albums, and Elvis was listed at No. 1 with his debut album.
The website stated: The evolution of rock music is not a straight line. Instead, it's a series of explosive ruptures caused by artists who dared to dismantle the status quo, permanently altering the sonic, cultural, and commercial landscape for every musician who followed. These albums represent the moments where the rulebook was shredded, whether through the introduction of the distorted riff, the birth of the 'confessional' lyric, or the transformation of the recording studio into a limitless laboratory of sound.
On the impact of Presley's debut album the site wrote: Elvis's debut was the big bang of Rock and Roll, the moment the genre announced itself to the world as a new, irresistible and unstoppable cultural force.
When Sam Phillips at Sun Studios placed Elvis between country and the blues, he didn't just launch a career – he ignited a cultural revolution. Elvis's debut announced that the old categories no longer applied, that a white Southern boy could channel the sexuality and energy of rhythm and blues with total conviction, and that popular music would never be the same.
The hysteria it generated demonstrated that rock and roll was not a passing fad but a generational declaration of independence. Everything followed from here.
Chuck Berry's 'After School Session' (1957) was listed at No. 2 while Robert Johnson's 'King of the Delta Blues Singers' (1961) completed the Top 3.
Read the complete article on the >>> Classical Music website. You can buy a brand new 10-inch version of Elvis' No. 1 album from >>> Amazon. That new version on green colored vinyl was released on April 24th, illustrating the lasting impact Elvis' self titled debut album made.
U.S. Billboard charts
The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation lost the place it had gained last week, returning to No. 36 on Billboard's Country Album chart.
(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum)
Friday, April 24, 2026
April 24 - EPiC Debut Vinyl
The Waxtime record label released the green colored 10-inch vinyl edition of Elvis' debut album.
Publicity stated: Released in 1956, Elvis Presley's debut album shook the world of popular music to its core. Blending Blues, Country and Gospel, his electrifying voice turned tracks like 'Blue Suede Shoes' and 'Heartbreak Hotel' into the launching pad of Rock and Roll, crowning its first global icon.
All brought together in this limited edition 10-inch edition featuring the complete original album on 180 gram virgin vinyl.
Side A: Blue Suede Shoes - I Got A Sweetie (I Got A Woman) - I’m Counting On You - I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone - That’s All Right - Money Honey.
Side B: Mystery Train - I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You) - Tryin’ To Get To You - One Sided Love Affair - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - Shake, Rattle And Roll.
You can buy a brand new 10-inch version of Elvis' self titled debut album from >>> Amazon.
EPiC Vinyl
Side A: Can't Help Falling In Love (EPiC Intro) - Also Sprach Zarathustra / An American Trilogy (EPiC Version) - Thats All Right (EPiC Version) - Tiger Man (EPiC Version) - Wearin That Night Life Look - Hound Dog (EPiC Version) - Polk Salad Annie (EPiC Version)
Side B: You've Lost That Loving Feeling (EPiC Version) - Little Sister / Get Back (EPiC Version) - Burning Love (EPiC Version) - Never Been To Spain (EPiC Version) - Love Me (Jamieson Shaw Remix)
Side C: I Cant Stop Loving You (EPiC Version) - Are You Lonesome Tonight (EPiC Version) - Always On My Mind (EPiC Version) - How Great Thou Art (EPiC Version) - Oh Happy Day (EPiC Version) - Big Hunk O Love (EPiC Version) - Bridge Over Troubled Water (EPiC Version)
Side D: In The Ghetto (Jamieson Shaw Remix) - Walk A Mile In My Shoes (EPiC Version) - Suspicious Minds (EPiC Version) - Bring The Curtain Down (EPiC Outro) - Cant Help Falling In Love (EPiC Version) - American David (EPiC Version) - A Change Of Reality (Do You Miss Me?)
Elvis Video News Report
This edition looks back on April 2026 with news on the release of 'EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert' on digital platforms, DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K!, details on the upcoming ‘Dear Elvis’ 2027 Exhibition, the auction of Elvis' '68 Comeback Special guitar, some liquid filled vinyl, and more.
Click >>> here to watch it on YouTube.
The Bellevue Entertainment record label re-issued their 2018 compilation '40 Golden Classics' once more as a double LP on "Lucky Dip Marbled" vinyl.
This double album, consisting of two LPs, was released by Bellevue Entertainment and contains a selection of forty signature songs from his extensive career, appealing to a broad audience, including both long-time fans and new listeners.
The selection on this compilation reflects Elvis' development as a pioneer within rock and roll and the power of his iconic voice and presence.
Side 1: It's Now Or Never / Return To Sender / (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Are You Lonesome Tonight? / Hound Dog / King Creole / Marie's The Name (His Latest Flame) / I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone / All Shook Up / That's Alright Mama
Side 2: Jailhouse Rock / Blue Suede Shoes / Heartbreak Hotel / Wooden Heart / One Night / Rock A Hula Baby / I Want You, I Need You, I Love You / Loving You / Paralyzed / Baby Let's Play House
Side 3: Love Me Tender / Blue Moon / Good Luck Charm / A Mess Of Blues / Surrender (Torna Surriento) / Got A Lot Of Livin' To Do / Stuck On You / A Big Hunk O' Love / Have I Told You Lately That I Love You / Blue Hawaii
Side 4: Can't Help Falling In Love / Don't Be Cruel / Hawaiian Wedding Song / Don't / Party / Hard Headed Woman / Too Much / She's Not You / Wear My Ring / Around Your Neck / I Love You Because
(Source: Various)