August 09 - Eleven Hundred and Twenty-Six

Erik Lorenzen announced the October 2023 release of the 1,200-page Deluxe set 'Eleven Hundred and Twenty-Six' by him and Jean-Etienne Baduel. A new comprehensive reference on Elvis Presley's concert performances from 1969 to 1977. The set contains 3 volumes, housed in a slipcase. 

Publicity stated: About three years ago Erik was asked by collectors of his books to do a project on the time when Elvis returned to live performing at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, and all concerts that followed. And now, the Elvis Files Team presents a new set titled 'Eleven Hundred and Twenty-Six'. 

The 3-book-set covers everything from the Opening Night performance on July 31, 1969 until the last concert Elvis Presley ever did on June 26, 1977 at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis. 

It includes detailed information on all the concerts, every suit he wore on stage, all the information on every CD ever released by RCA, Sony and the Follow That Dream Collectors label and more. Over 1,200 pages, packed with information and the best photos, presented on heavy glossy paper as you are used to from The Elvis Files. You may want to read the title as 'Eleven Hundred and Twenty-SEX' because Elvis was pure sex on stage. 

The first time Elvis Presley played Las Vegas, the critics hated him. Appearing in the Venus Room at the New Frontier Hotel in the spring of 1956, the 21-year-old hillbilly crooner with the dreamy eyes and well-lubricated hips was billed as "America's only atomic-powered singer". Just two years earlier, he was driving a truck in Memphis for US$45 a week, and now he had a record contract with RCA Victor and a movie deal with Paramount Studios.

In 1969, when he returned to live performing in Las Vegas Presley told his audience: "It's been too long since I’ve done anything except making movies and cut records. When I made my television special last year, I realized how much I missed the excitement of live audiences. Right then I decided I'd like to do a nightclub date or two and see people from the stage again. I want to get back where the personal contact is."

Elvis Presley thrilled audiences for decades with his legendary swagger, good looks and unique vocal style. Among his many concerts over the years, the one that garners much historical attention is his final performance at the Indianapolis’s Market Square Arena on June 26, 1977. His final performance, to a crowd of nearly 18,000 people. This new 1,200-page Deluxe set covers it all.

And the good news is that is available earlier than we had planned, as this was supposed to be a Christmas 2023 release. We made only 1,000 copies, so don't miss out on the great set! (the publicity text edited for publication on this blog).

Here are some previews:

Erik Lorenzen added: Someone has asked if there is any new information and pictures in these three books.

To you we can answer that never before has a single Tour Show, Las Vegas or Lake Tahoe Sessions been more thoroughly described with info than the French Jean-Etienne Baduel has done for this huge release. We are truly grateful for his wonderful contribution and it has been a real pleasure to work with him. His knowledge of Elvis' concerts is described to the smallest detail. And as in all our publications, a lot of "unseen" photos.

Elvis Week 2023

Elvis Week 2023 kicked off today, marking the 46th anniversary of the passing of Elvis Presley. The annual festivities are expected to draw tens of thousands of fans from across the U.S. and all over the world to Memphis for a mix of concerts, panels, presentations and fan events.

Graceland announced the return of the Virtual Elvis Week 2023 for August 9 - 16, allowing fans who are unable to attent Elvis Week 2023 in person, to participate in the events online. 

With Lisa Marie's untimely death in mind, it will be somewhat different from last year's edition. 

Graceland posted: Make your plans to join us in Memphis for an unforgettable week filled with live music, panels, contests, screenings and more!

Elvis Week 2023 highlights include the August 16 Aloha from Hawaii 50th Anniversary Concert featuring Elvis on the big screen backed by a live band; ’68 Special Enhanced Screening with Elvis bigger than life in black leather; the annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute,  Conversations on Elvis, with those who knew Elvis best sharing memories and stories; A Celebration of Lisa Marie Presley with Jerry Schilling; and the cornerstone event of the week, the annual Candlelight Vigil on August 15 where fans gather in quiet remembrance of the King.

Bob Mehr at the Memphis Commercial Appeal posted "5 things to know about Elvis Week". The >>> article included: 

1. This year's Elvis Week kicks off August 9th and runs through August 17th. The Candlelight Vigil is at 8:30 p.m. August 15 at the Gates of Graceland.
2. The bulk of official Elvis Week events take place in and around the Graceland complex including the Graceland Mansion, Graceland Soundstage and Elvis Presley’s Memphis. 
3. The weather will be hot. Temperatures are expected to hit daytime peaks in the high 80s to the mid 90s, with lows ranging from the low to high 70s. Bring your sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
4. For those who aren’t in Memphis or just want to enjoy the festivities from the comfort of their own home there is Virtual Elvis Week an online experience. More info at >>> VirtualElvisWeek.com.
5. For the full Elvis Week Schedule and tickets go to the >>> Elvis Week 2023 Schedule. 

(Source: The Elvis Files / Elvis Information network / Commercial Appeal / Graceland)