December 10 - Exclusive Single

Due for release from the French RDM-Edition and the Dutch Bennies Fifties are vinyl and CD versions of the single 'Blue Moon' (2025 Remix) / 'Good Rockin’ Tonight' (Improved Mono II Stereo Mix). 

The single will be available as a two-track CD-single and clear vinyl 45 RPM single and as "Bennies Fifties Exclusive" edition with an acapella version of the title track as a bonus on the CD-single version and the pink vinyl version. 

Publicity stated: Anthony Stuchbury created a new remix - or better put "mash-up" - of Elvis' SUN recording 'Blue Moon,' as first released by RCA. This new version features Elvis Presley singing 'Blue Moon' with Ricky Nelson on acoustic guitar (from 'Lonesome Town'), backed by the Jordanaires. 

A unique listening experience that showcases Elvis's unique voice in its purest form, without instrumental accompaniment. This Special Edition is a tribute to Elvis's early work and a wonderful addition for collectors and lovers of the authentic rockabilly sound.

The single is available from >>> Bennies Fifties.

(Source: Bennies Fifties)

December 09 - New Trailer and Bootleg CD (Re-issues)

Finally, the official teaser for 'EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert' has been released by NEON. 

Publicity stated: 'EPiC' features long-lost footage from Presley’s legendary Vegas residency in the 1970s, woven together with rare 16mm footage from Elvis on Tour and treasured 8mm film from the Graceland archive, along with rediscovered recordings of Elvis telling 'his side of the story'. 

One week IMAX exclusive starting 2.20.

In Theaters Worldwide 2.27.

Bridge Over Troubled Water

The Elvis Concert Fan record label released the CD ‘Elvis - Bridge Over Troubled Water’ featuring the August 31, 1971 Midnight Show performance with two cover variants. 

Publicity stated: A new CD release with a remastered Audience Recording of the August 31 1971 Midnight Show. Elvis ends this show with ‘Elvis - Bridge Over Troubled Water’ instead of ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love,’ definitely the highlight of the show! Overall this is a very nice show with songs like ‘It’s Impossible’, ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ / ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’, ‘I’m Leavin’’ and ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’. 

We present this concert as a very Limited Edition of only 350 copies with 2 different covers (175 copies each cover). We have a regular cover version and also a cover version with the suit Elvis wears during this show but made with AI (because there is no clear photo available). So you can choose which one you prefer. 

This set comes with an 8 pages booklet.

 

1. Also Sprach Zarathustra

2. That’s All Right

3. Medley: I Got A Woman / Amen

4. Proud Mary

5. Sweet Caroline

6. Polk Salad Annie

7. Elvis talks

8. Johnny B. Goode

9. It’s Impossible

10. Love Me

11. Medley: Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

12. Heartbreak Hotel

13. Medley: (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel

14. It’s Over

15. Hound Dog

16. Suspicious Minds

17. Band introductions

18. I’m Leavin’

19. Lawdy Miss Clawdy

20. Can’t Help Falling In Love (intro only)

21. Bridge Over Troubled Water

22. Bridge Over Troubled Water (reprise)

23. Closing Vamp  

June ’66 Sessions

 

The CSH import record label released the ‘Elvis – June ’66 Sessions’ CD.

 

Publicity stated: ‘Elvis June ’66 Sessions’ features all available recordings from June 10, 1966, including the Red West vocal versions as Elvis wasn’t present at these sessions and he asked Red West and Charlie Hodge to go to the studio and fill in for him. Also included are home recording of ‘Indescribably Blue’ (possibly recorded a day later).  

We included several MGM Sound Stage recordings from June 14, 1966, previously unreleased in this quality on CD.  And there is more, like ‘City By Night’ (track only, Take 3). As a bonus we included remastered versions of the Bel Air Home Recordings from 1966 as originally recorded (so no fake overdubs as present on some releases).

 

01  Indescribably Blue (track, take 7)

02  Indescribably Blue (Red West vocal, take 7)

03  Indescribably Blue (track - work part, take 1)

04  Indescribably Blue (track - work part, take 2)

05  Indescribably Blue (Red West vocal - work part, take 2)

06  I’ll Remember You (take 17)

07  I’ll Remember You (take 18)

08  I’ll Remember You (take 19)

09  I’ll Remember You (Red West vocal , take 19)

10  If Every Day Was Like Christmas (track, take 5)

11  If Every Day Was Like Christmas (track, take 6)

12  If Every Day Was Like Christmas (track, take 7)

13  If Every Day Was Like Christmas (track, take 8)

14  If Every Day Was Like Christmas (track, take 9)

15  If Every Day Was Like Christmas (Red West vocal, take 5)

16  Indescribably Blue (home recording)

17  I’ll Remember You (vocal overdub, take 1)

18  I’ll Remember You (vocal overdub, take 3)

19  Drum solo

20  All That I Am (movie version)

21  Instrumental / Spinout (movie version)

22  I’ll Be Back (movie version)

23  City By Night (track, take 3)

 

Bonus Tracks

24  Down In The Alley (screaming girls version 1)

25  Down In The Alley (screaming girls version 2)

26  Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear to Tread)

27  It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie

28  What Now My Love (1)

29  What Now My Love (2)

30  Five Hundred Miles (1)

31  Five Hundred Miles (2)

32  Blowin’ In The Wind (1)

33  Blowin’ In The Wind (2)  

 

 

ElvisOne Collector’s Edition

The ElvisOne record label announced the re-release some of their titles as Limited Collector’s Edition, limited to 150 copies per title. 

Publicity stated: Each title contains 2 CDs, a 16 to 24-page booklet with photos and recording information and some special bonuses! The ‘Soundtrack Session’ release even contains 3 unique Elvis film cells as a bonus! Available are: ‘All Shook Up! – The Ultimate 1957 Live and Interview Collection’, ‘Soundtrack Sessions - Hollywood Collector’s Edition’ And ‘Elvis’ Christmas Album’.

 

Details All Shook Up! – The Ultimate 1957 Live & Interview Collection:

 

This is the ultimate 1957 live and interview collection you’ll ever find! With all available live and interview recordings from 1957 on 2 CDs plus some other tracks! A very nice collection. Previously released as ‘Elvis - Across The Country 1957’ and ‘Elvis In Canada’. This special bonus package contains a 24 pages booklet, 2 memorabilia cards + 3 photocards! A very nice numbered collector’s edition of only 150 copies.

 

CD 1:

01. All Shook Up (with count-in)

 

The Midwest Tour

02. KSHE Radio interview (03/29/57)

03. WOWO Radio interview (03/30/57)

04. The Story of Elvis visit to Detroit (03/31/57)

05. Interviews with Hugh Jarrett and others (03/31/57)

06. Interviews with Elvis fans (03/31/57)

07. Live concert report (03/31/57) Including parts of ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, ‘Long Tall Sally’, ‘That’s When Your Heartaches Begin’, ‘All Shook Up’, ‘Playing For Keeps’, ‘Don’t Be Cruel’ and ‘Hound Dog’.

08. Press conference excerpts (03/31/57)

 

‘Toast Of The Town - The Ed Sullivan Show’ - Maxine Elliot Theater, New York - January 6, 1957

09. Introduction

10. Hound Dog

11. Love Me Tender

12. Heartbreak Hotel

13. Don’t Be Cruel

14. Too Much

15. Elvis Talks

16. When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again

17. Ed Sullivan Speaks

18. (There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me)

19. Ed Sullivan Speaks / end tune

 

The West Coast Tour

20. ABC / KGW - TV interview (09/02/57)

 

Mississippi - Alabama Fair & Dairy Show

21. WELO Radio Newsreport (09/27/57)

22. WELO Radio interview (09/27/57)

23. Interview with Anita Wood (09/27/57)

 

Elvis In Hollywood

24. Loving You trailer

25. Interview excerpt / Jailhouse Rock trailer

26. Jailhouse Rock promo

 

CD 2:

The 1957 Canadian Singles

01. Too Much

02. Playing For Keeps

03. All Shook Up

04. That’s When Your Heartaches Begin

05. Loving You

06. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear

07. Jailhouse Rock

08. Treat Me Nice

09. Mean Woman Blues

10. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You

 

Live On Stage In Canada

11. Heartbreak Hotel (Toronto, 04/02/1957)

12. Hound Dog (Toronto, 04/02/1957)

13. Heartbreak Hotel (Vancouver, 08/31/1957)

14. I Got A Woman (Vancouver, 08/31/1957)

15. Introduction / I Was The One (Vancouver, 08/31/1957)

16. That’s When Your Heartaches Begin (Vancouver, 08/31/1957)

 

Original Radio Broadcasts

17. Elvis Presley comes to Canada (CBC Radio, 04/02/1957)

18. Bill McNeil and Maria Berrett talks about the Elvis

      show in Toronto (CBC Radio, 04/04/1957)

19. CKOY Radio’s Mac Lipson interviews Elvis in

      Ottawa, April 3, 1957 (CBC Radio, 04/04/1957)

20. Concert report from Toronto, Canada (CBC Radio, 04/04/1957)

21. Red Robinson at the Empire Stadium, Vancouver

      (CKWX Radio, 08/31/1957)

 

The Press Conference

22. Vancouver, Canada, August 31, 1957

 

Bonus Tracks

23. About the April 3rd 1957 shows

24. Norm Pringle introduces the Vancouver Press Conference

25. Red Robinson introduces the Vancouver Press Conference

 

Details ‘Soundtrack Sessions - Hollywood Collector’s Edition’:

 

A collection of 22 Alternate Movie tracks with some still not released through Elvis’ record company plus a CD with a collection of interviews, promo’s and original radio spots for Elvis movies like ‘G.I. Blues’, ‘Roustabout’, ‘Viva Las Vegas’, ‘Tickle Me’, ‘Charro’, ‘The Trouble With Girls’ and others. This special package contains a 20 pages booklet, 1 Elvis movie coaster and 3 unique film cells!

 

1.  Roustabout (take 16, vocal overdub)

2.  Am I Ready* (take 6)

3.  A Dog’s Life* (take 1, vocal overdub)

4.  Lonely Man (take 3, record version)

5.  Smorgasbord* (take 2)

6.  Anyone (Could Fall In Love With You) (take 2, vocal overdub, alternate master)

7.  A Cane And A High Starched Collar (take 6)

8.  Everybody Come Aboard*  (take 3)

9.  Kissin’ Cousins (hillbilly vocal overdub)

10. She’s A Machine* (take 14)

11. My Desert Serenade (take 10)

12. Aloha ‘Oe (section 2)  (take 2)

13. Britches (take 7, vocal overdub)

14. The Bullfighter Was A Lady (take 10, remake)

15. King Of The Whole Wide World (take 6)

16. Dainty Little Moonbeams* (end title 1 / take 6 unedited)

17. Girls! Girls! Girls!* (end title 2, finale / take 15, unedited)

18. Vino, Dinero y Amor (take 1)

19. Flaming Star (take 3)

20. Stay Away, Joe (take 9)

21. Happy Ending* (end title, take 10)

22. Tender Feeling (vocal overdub / vocal only)

 

Plus a Bonus CD

 

Details 'Elvis Christmas Album':

 

A special Christmas package with a calendar card, 1 Elvis Christmas coaster, 2 special surprises and 2 CDs, 1 CD includes the original album tracks (remastered) plus the album tracks in electronically reprocessed stereo as released in the 60’s and some alternate tracks. This disc was previously released as ‘Elvis’ Christmas Album’ (2016 edition by ElvisOne). 

Also included is a Bonus CD with Remixed and Alternate tracks, including remixed versions of ‘Blue Christmas’, ‘Silent Night’ but also ‘Auld Lang Syne’ from December 31, 1976. A very nice Christmas special! We’ve used the cover artwork from the U.K. re-release of ‘Elvis’ Christmas Album’ (Camden).

 

The Original Album Tracks Remastered

  1. Santa Claus Is Back In Town

  2. White Christmas

  3. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)

  4. I’ll Be Home For Christmas

  5. Blue Christmas

  6. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)

  7. Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem

  8. Silent Night

  9. (There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me)

10. I Believe

11. Take My Hand, Precious Lord

12. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)

 

The Electronically Reprocessed - Stereo Album (As Released In 1964)

13. Santa Claus Is Back In Town

14. White Christmas

15. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)

16. I’ll Be Home For Christmas

17. Blue Christmas

18. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)

19. Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem

20. Silent Night

21. (There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me)

22. I Believe

23. Take My Hand, Precious Lord

24. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)

 

The Binaural Recordings (Outtakes)

25. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) (Take 4)

26. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) (Take 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12)

27. (There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) (Take 5, 6 & 8)

 

Plus a Bonus CD. 

Christmas Vinyl

The 'Elvis Christmas' Deluxe set will be re-issued as a limited edition of 100 copies with eight 45 RPM singles on both green and on red colored vinyl.  

This gift set contains 8 christmas themed singles and ep's. 4 red and 4 green 45's in beautiful full colour sleeves. All housed in a sturdy deluxe gift box. A bonus CD is also included. This is the gift that keeps on giving.

(Source: NEON / Elvis Rarities / Elvis Shop London)

Review of Elvis Day By Day 2017

"It's rare when an artist's talent can touch an entire generation of people. It's even rarer when that same influence affects several generations. Elvis made an imprint on the world of pop music unequaled by any other single performer." 

The year 2017 marked four decades since Elvis' death. Yet his music still topped charts worldwide, and he earned over a dozen new Gold and Platinum awards. Proof that Elvis "never left the building." The 'Elvis Day By Day 2017 - The Year In Review'  documented this on 475 pages. 

Alan Barbara read the book and shared his review:

 

​I’ve been collecting the Elvis Day By Day yearbook series since it began, and I have never once been disappointed. There are now eight volumes and the whole concept is simply brilliant: a day-by-day chronicle of everything that happened in the Elvis world during a given calendar year.

What always strikes me first is the layout and design. These are genuinely beautiful books, full-color, quality with eye-catching graphics on every single page. The design feels smart and carefully planned  and text are perfectly balanced; it never feels cluttered, yet there’s an incredible amount of detail.

The 2017 volume is particularly strong on product reviews. Every CD, vinyl release, book, DVD, or piece of merchandise that came out that year gets its own entry with an honest, thoughtful, and genuinely kind assessment. The authors clearly love the material but aren’t afraid to point out flaws when something falls short. Because the reviews are written from the perspective of real fans who actually bought and listened to (or watched) everything, they ring completely true.

Reading through the 2017 book recently, I kept having “Oh yeah, I forgot about that one!” moments. Several releases I already owned suddenly sounded fresh again; I found myself digging through boxes in the attic to pull them out and give them another spin. Even better were the items I completely missed at the time, now I know exactly what I need to track down.

In many ways, this series functions like a dictionary or encyclopedia of modern Elvis releases: if you want to know what came out, when it came out, what it looks like, how it sounds, and whether it’s worth owning, it’s all right there in one reliable place.

If you’re a serious Elvis collector, these books are essential. 'Elvis Day By Day 2017' (like the others in the series) is much more than a reference work, it’s a book you actually sit down and enjoy reading cover to cover. Highly recommended.

One thing I’d love to see from Kees (the author) is a willingness to tackle the years when Elvis was still alive. The current 'Elvis Day By Day' series is fantastic for tracking everything that’s happened in the Elvis world since his passing, but imagine the same beautiful day-by-day format applied to 1969, 1973, or any peak year of the King’s career. That would be an incredibly tough research project, tracking down every concert date, recording session, movie shoot, TV appearance, press conference, fan sighting, and newspaper mention from a time before the internet, but if anyone could pull it off with accuracy, depth, and that gorgeous full-color layout, it’s Kees. A 1969 or 1973 volume done in the same style would be the ultimate Elvis reference book and something fans would treasure forever.

Kees, if you’re reading this: please consider it! I’d buy those books in a heartbeat.

Thank you for these kind words Alan, I appreciate it. It is a nice challenge you provided :-)

 

The Deluxe Edition of the latest Poplar Tunes Publishing release 'Elvis Day By Day 2017 - The Year In Review' is temporarily available from Blurb with a 25% discount! From now until December 11, you get 25% off your book with the code GIVINGTUES25.

Visit the >>> Blurb webstore to buy the Deluxe Edition of the 2017 Yearbook - or any of the other editions - for yourself, or as a present for an Elvis fan for under the Christmas three!

 

The papaerback book can be pre-ordered through the >>> Poplar Tunes webshop and through >>> Amazon. 

Alan Barbara is a graphic artist using A.I. for Elvis Presley artwork. You can see his work on his >>> Facebook website.

December 08 - Stage Show Vinyl

The Knock-out import record label announced the release of the 'At The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show' LP. 

Publicity stated: A truly remarkable long-playing record showcasing the television appearances that first introduced America to the one and onlv King of Rock ‘n’ Roll!

Back in early 1956, a young, energetic Elvis Presley stepped before the CBS cameras on The Dorsey Brothers’ Stage Show and delivered a string of electrifying performances that set the nation buzzing. With his thrilling blend of rhythm & blues, country swing, and tender ballads, Elvis brought a brand-new sound, and a whole lot of excitement to living rooms from coast to coast.

From the moment he opened his mouth to sing, audiences knew they were witnessing something extraordinary. His unmistakable voice, the driving beat of his band, and his spirited, head-turning stage presence signaled the arrival of a bold new talent destined to reshape the very sound of American popular music.

From the opening note to the final fade-out, this album captures all the youthful fire and irresistible charm that won Elvis the hearts of millions. It is, without question, an essential addition to any Presley fan’s collection and a must-hear chapter in the story of American music. 

These performances have been newly restored and mastered into the best sound quality  possible! You got to hear it to believe it!

Now for the very first time these unforgettable early television appearances are gathered together on one special limited- edition LP presenting these historic performances in newly mixed stereo sound.

Limited Edition of 400 copies! Individually numbered and offered in two striking vinyl colors, green and blue. Every set also includes two glossy 30x30 bonus photos of Elvis on the Dorsey Brothers’ Stage Show.

December 06 - Closing Shop

The Tupelo Hardware Store announced that it would close their historic, downtown location at 114 W Main Street in Tupelo on December 31, 2025. 

More than just a hardware store, Tupelo Hardware stands as a cornerstone of Elvis Presley history. It was here, on January 8, 1946, Elvis’ 11th birthday, that his mother Gladys Presley purchased her son his very first guitar for US$7.75. A simple moment that helped shape Elvis and music history forever.

The shop posted on Facebook: It is with a heavy heart that we would like to announce the closing of our historic, downtown location at 114 W Main Street. To all our loyal customers and dedicated team members throughout the years, we want to wish you a heartfelt “Thank You” for 100 memorable years in downtown Tupelo. 

Our final day of daily business will be December 31st. Rest assured that this space and its historic place in the downtown community will be preserved and improved. If you’ve not had the chance to visit our new location on McCullough Boulevard, we invite you to stop by.

Auction Results

An Elvis Presley owned and played 1960’s Sunburst Gibson Acoustic Guitar sold form US$9,000 while the estimate was US$15,000 - US$20,000. This acoustic guitar, featuring a sunburst finish, was notably used at his Palm Springs home and is accompanied by its original alligator case.

Other items were jewelry, signed items and even an Elvis owned Crystal Glass Globe were sold to fans.

(Source: Tupelo Hardware Store / Gotta Have Rock and Roll)

Christmas Shopping Tip!

The Deluxe Edition of the latest Poplar Tunes Publishing release 'Elvis Day By Day 2017 - The Year In Review' is temporarily available from Blurb with a 25% discount!

From now until December 11, you get 25% off your book with the code GIVINGTUES25.

Visit the >>> Blurb webstore to buy the Deluxe Edition of the 2017 Yearbook - or any of the other editions - for yourself, or as a present for an Elvis fan for under the Christmas three!

"It's rare when an artist's talent can touch an entire generation of people. It's even rarer when that same influence affects several generations. Elvis made an imprint on the world of pop music unequaled by any other single performer." 

December 06 - Charts December - Week 1

Americans never stop listening to Elvis Presley, though there are certain times of the year when the country comes together and consumes his music - even if only just a tune or two - in large enough numbers to send him back to the Billboard charts. The multi-genre superstar finds his way to multiple tallies this frame as Christmas music surges once more.

Official U.K. charts

The compilation slipped from No. 85 to No. 91 on the Official U.K. Album Top 100, and lost nine places on the U.K. Chart Update chart, falling from No. 75 to No. 84 this week. 

Better results from the Official U.K. Streaming chart as the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation won three spots and climbed to No. 67.  

The song 'Blue Christmas' made a re-entry on three charts: No. 76 on the  U.K. Single Top 100, No 62 on the Official Streaming chart and No. 56  on the Audio Streaming chart at No. 56.

On the Music Video chart 'The King of Rock and Roll' DVD made e re-entry at No. 48.

U.S. Billboard charts

'Blue Christmas' has become a must-hear for millions of Americans every year throughout its lifetime. The track, originally released by Presley in 1964, shows another side of the holiday, one that is not all about presents and joy, but instead how even the jolliest day of the year can be sad.

'Blue Christmas' breaks back onto the Hot 100 this week, the list of the most consumed songs in the U.S., landing right in the middle of the roster at No. 50.

'Blue Christmas' amazingly required more than half a century before it cracked the Hot 100. Despite the fact that Presley was already one of the most successful artists of all time on the competitive list, with more than 100 placements on the roster to his name. 'Blue Christmas' did not make it to the ranking until 2019. The cut peaked at No. 18 last year.

'Blue Christmas' performs significantly better on the other Billboard tallies where it can be found at the moment. Presley’s single reenters both the Rock Streaming Songs and Country Streaming Songs rankings, as Billboard has classified it under both genre labels. The tune performs best on the rock list, finding its way back to No. 5, while on the country-only tally it storms in at No. 11.

'Blue Christmas' can also be found on both the Holiday 100 and Holiday Streaming Songs charts, where it settles at No's. 22 and 21, respectively.

The quick success of 'Blue Christmas' powers Presley’s 'The Classic Christmas Album' back to multiple tallies as well. That seasonal favorite rebounds to No. 26 on the Top Country Albums chart, No. 34 on the Top Rock and Alternative Albums roster, and No. 158 on the Billboard 200. Previously, 'The Classic Christmas Album' has broken into the Top 10 on both genre-specific rankings, and its annual ascent has only just begun.

Presley fills two spots on the Top Country Albums chart, as Billboard apparently classifies much of his output as country, even though he is largely remembered as a pioneer in the rock style. As 'The Classic Christmas Album' reenters the twangy ranking at No. 26, 'The Essential Elvis Presley' holds at No. 42.

Canadian Billboard Charts

On Billboard's Canadian Hot 100 chart, 'Blue Christmas' made a re-entry at No. 37.

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum / Hugh McIntyre for Forbes)

We Were There - Interview With Erik van den Berg

Dutch Elvis fan and collector Erik van den Berg published his first book on the trips Dutch and Belgian Elvis Presley fans made in the seventies to see their hero. I went to see Erik.

Kees: Thanks for agreeing to the interview, Erik, I'm sure there are lots of fans interested to find out more about your new book. First can I ask you how Erik van den Berg fits into this fascinating Elvis world, where did you grow up and when did you discover Elvis.

Erik: Nice to have a chat about my new book. My Elvis story, I heard Elvis for the first time at the age of 12, I was still discovering music and listening to all kinds of music like Vera Lynn, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and others, but I always returned to one single of my mother 'I Got Stung' by Elvis Presley.

After buying the Elvis compilation CD 'The Definitive Rock and Roll Collection' I was hooked and I wanted to hear, know and see more of him. I searched for everything I could find and this never stopped.

Kees: You're from Holland, what's your take on the connection between Elvis and Holland?

Erik: The first thing that comes to mind is of course Elvis manager, Colonel Tom Parker. We know he was born and raised in Breda, but he also had a connection with Rotterdam, the Dutch city with Europe's biggest harbor, and the city where the Holland America line "set sail" to America.

But for me there is more than this, I think Dutch Elvis fans have done so much in the Elvis world, but most people aren't aware of it. A lot of well-known bootleg vinyl and CDs originate from Holland, but also books, like the ones by Ger Rijff.

Talking about Ger, that man was a big influence for me. He traveled to the United States to see Elvis in 1975, 1976 and 1977, and published many highly acclaimed books on his hero. He also unearthed more new information and photographs - some with his partner in crime, Ernst Jorgensen - for us fans than we know. Just look in some of the CD booklets from the nineties.

Ever since I was young, I have always been fascinated in the persons behind a product or fanclub. I just wanted to be part of this, in my eyes, elite group of people. Let's see if this book is my first step.

Kees: What makes Dutch Elvis fans special?

Erik: That's a difficult question! Around the world there are millions of Elvis fans making the best out of their Elvis passion. What I learned while writing this book is that the Elvis fans I've met are very down-to-earth about their experiences. Very proud, but they don't "shout it from the rooftops" as we say in Holland.

For most of them, I was the first person in 50 years to ask about their experiences. This surprised me enormously. This actually makes me very proud, to be able to record these stories for the next generation of Elvis fans. Thanks to these fantastic group of people I could make my dream come true in writing this book.

Kees: Yes, let's get to the reason for this interview, your book. You recently released your first book titled 'Wij Waren Er Bij!' ('We Were there!). What can readers expect to find in it?

 

Erik: My idea was to create a book in the style of the old "scrapbooks" your grandma or grandpa probably made when they were young. These kind of books really take you back in time, to those lovely personal memories from the past.

In this book I tried to cover all the perspectives on the Dutch fans from the 1970s who went to see Elvis. The book is filled with hundreds of photos and memorabilia, all preserved and safely stored, as if waiting for this book to be written from all the great mementos these fans saved all these years.

In 1977, Dutch fans attended Elvis's last two concerts ever, and I've included dozens of photos from them, giving a wonderful insight into how close these fans were to Elvis at a sad but unique moment in time. Nobody outside a handful of fans has ever seen these!

Kees: Why did the fans go to America, there were rumors that he would come to Europe "one day".

Erik: I thought the same thing when I started this project. Why travel all the way to the other side of the world when Elvis can just come to your country? How did they experience this unique journey? Looking back from 2025 we know that Elvis died in 1977, but this group didn't know that yet. In my opinion, this only makes it more special.

Naturally, I asked all the Dutch travelers this question, and I received the same answer from everyone. "We knew Elvis wouldn't come, so we'd go to Elvis". And to do that, these fans put everything aside to make this dream come true.

Working hard, saving, and selling to make your dream come true and cherish it forever as a memory. Something many of us can only dream of, and I am one of them.

In this book, I'll definitely delve deeper into this topic, about why and how Elvis was experienced in the Netherlands during the 1970s.

Kees: Obviously you were not around when these fans crossed the Atlantic, so what attracted you in their story? Why was this a story that had to be told and documented?

Erik: At first I was personally interested in these stories. Isn't it every Elvis fan's dream to see him perform live, even if it's just for one song? I met Jan van Mourik at a young age, he saw Elvis twice in 1977. I envied him; from then on I wanted to know and see everything I could about Elvis.

Over the years, I met various people and kept asking questions. In a conversation with Louisa van Loon, I came up with the idea of documenting everything in a book as she had so many great stories to share. After more than two years of research and meeting a large group of fantastic people, everything is now compiled, and I hope to have preserved a piece of Dutch "Elvis History" forever.

 

Kees: Producing a book is a long and intensive process and we surmise you must be excited all of your hard work has finally seen the book in print. How did you approach this project, it must have taken years of research?

Erik: It took me almost 3 years to create this book and to be honest, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. I initially sought out this fan base and developed it further from there. I wanted to do everything myself, from collecting the stories to editing, scanning, and sorting through the photos and memorabilia.

I realized it wasn't that simple, as everything was tied up in rules and copyrights. So, in addition to my spontaneous approach, I also had to take a business approach by using photo rights forms and brand names. Fortunately, everyone embraced this, allowing me to showcase so many photos and documents. I was even proud to receive the cooperation of the legendary Todd Slaughter and David Wade, who made these trips possible back then.

Kees: I heard you even organized a reunion for the lucky fans that crossed the Atlantic to visit Elvis, how was that?

Erik: I wanted to make the book as personal as possible for myself, so I wanted to meet everyone in person. So I traveled across the country to hear all the stories in person and look at their photo albums and scrapbooks.

The fans I visited asked how the others had fared over the years. A reunion was a logical decision for me. I was in touch with everyone, and it was simply a matter of setting a date. I organized this private gathering with my friend and avid collector Ton Bergmans in April 2025. What a special experience it was for everyone present.

Kees: Who did you have in mind when you wrote this book?

Erik: I initially wrote this book for Elvis fans, specifically those who are the central focus of the book. But the further I progressed, the broader my scope became. By presenting Elvis' career in clear terms, along with insights into how Dutch fans experienced it at the time, it is accessible to all music lovers of all ages.

Kees: Has such a book ever been written? I can only think of '200 Concerts' which was released early this year. Perhaps containing memories from the same trips with the Dutch and English fans.

Erik: There are several travelogue books available, but this one is completely different. I decided to create a photo book with anecdotes. A picture is worth a thousand words. My goal was to be able to pick up the book and open it at will. A piece of paper to keep track of which page you're on is completely unnecessary.

Kees: Leafing through the new book I can only compliment you on how clean, crisp, informative, and easily accessible the book looks. Can you tell us something about the structure of the book and your thoughts behind the presentation of the material? It looks like you let the others do the talking.

Erik: To be honest, I never considered this book my own. It's a book I compiled from the stories of this group of fans. I've tried to approach everything with love and show the reader everything through a Dutch lens.

Looking at a photo of Elvis knowing it was taken by a Dutchman adds an extra dimension. For example, a stone is a stone, but if you know that this stone was part of the Berlin Wall, you suddenly see it completely differently.

Kees: When you order the book from the Dutch / Belgian ElvisMatters fanclub, you get a bonus DVD, what does that add to the story? Do we see Elvis in action on stage? Why wasn't this included in the standard version of the book?

 

Erik: When I began my search, I didn't know what I would find. When I received the 1973 footage from Constant Fonk, my heart stopped for a moment. In my hands were the original 8mm reels of footage from the 1973 trip. I digitized the footage in the best possible way to include it in the book.

 

Unfortunately, my publisher disagreed, and I decided to offer the footage through the ElvisMatters fan club. This footage deserves to be seen and makes the stories from that year even more vivid. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but there's no footage of Elvis performing, as filming wasn't allowed in the venue and the risk of being caught was too great. However, it does contain unique footage of Memphis Graceland and his birthplace in Tupelo, when Elvis was still alive.

 

Kees: What were some of the most unexpected discoveries during your research?

Erik: A funny story is that during the Dinner Show on September 3, 1973, Dutch fan Constant Fonk requested the song 'Polk Salad Annie.' Elvis complied and, after a false start, started the song. I was able to track down the tape of this show and played it to Constant, who didn't know it existed. It's a great story, and 50 years later, I was fortunate enough to play a small part in it.

 

Kees: Without giving too much away what was the most exciting or new thing you personally discovered from this publication?

 

Erik: I've been able to capture many remarkable stories in this book. It's difficult to name just one, but I'll go for the story of Cor Vermeulen, who received a scarf from Elvis during the last Elvis concert on June 26, 1977.

A teenager who, along with his girlfriend, put everything aside to make his dream come true and ended up as the proud owner of the most beautiful souvenir you can get at an Elvis concert. The story is accompanied by a beautiful color photo that brings it all together.

 

Kees: Colonel Parker - born in the Dutch city Breda as we all know - makes several appearances in the book. What do you think his thoughts were on all these Dutch fans visiting Elvis, some obviously knew he was from their home country.

 

Erik: We'll never know the Colonel's thoughts on the presence of the Dutch fans. Yet there are certainly stories in the book that give me the feeling that the presence of the Dutch fans wasn't always pleasant for the Colonel. In 1974, this led to an unexpected surprise for the entire Dutch group present. But you'll have to read the book to find out what it was!

Kees: Which things didn't make the book, what is missing?

 

Erik: I've tried to include everything in the book. I must admit, I had to make a selection of photos and documents because I received so many that it was impossible to use them all. Of course, I scanned everything and left the original photos and documents where they belong... with the person who made the trip. It was never my goal to benefit myself by creating the book.

 

Kees: You have walked in the footsteps of these fans many years later, how would you compare your own trips and experiences to the ones you wrote about?

 

Erik: I've been fortunate enough to travel to Memphis, Tupelo, Nashville, and Las Vegas several times. It feels very special to me to have been to these places where so much history was made.

It's remarkable how nearly 50 years after Elvis's passing, his legend remains so alive. Sadly, it will always be a dream of mine to meet Elvis in person. Fortunately, I now have new friends around me who are willing to share this memory with me. And I hope to add more color to the reader's dream as well.

 

Kees: The book is written in Dutch, I think it deserves a wider audience, do you have any plans for an English version? Or do you jointly or individually have any plans for future Elvis books?

 

Erik: When writing the book, I never considered writing it in English, simply because it's a piece of Dutch history. I didn't expect so much interest from abroad, and I will certainly consider a translation in the future. Fortunately, it's 70% a photo book, and a picture tells a thousand words.

I definitely have plans for the future to compile another book. The pleasure I've had making this is definitely worth pursuing.

 

Kees: Is there a question I forgot or there anything else you would like to say to our readers?

Erik: I'd like to emphasize that I've done everything I could to reach all the fans who were part of this unique piece of Dutch Elvis history. Unfortunately, I wasn't successful, considering the age of some of the fans. Nevertheless, this book is a tribute to all the fans who were part of this piece of Dutch Elvis history.

I'd like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed, because thanks to them, this book would never have existed. It's a book for fans, about fans, by a fan.

Kees: I can't think of a better conclusion to wrap-up this interview!

The book is available from the >>> ElvisMatters webshop with an exclusive bonus DVD titled 'We're From Europe And Going To See Elvis'.

Description: the DVD 'We're From Europe And Going To See Elvis' is a 36-minute mini-documentary features never-before-seen 8mm footage of a group of European fans who traveled to America in the summer of 1973 to see Elvis perform live in Las Vegas. 

The film features unique private recordings from Memphis and Vegas, offering a rare glimpse into how these fans lived their dream, in color, full of emotion, and straight from the 1970s.

The DVD perfectly complements Erik van den Berg's book, which recounts the adventures of these fans and is richly filled with photos, letters, and documents from the same period.

This book is also available from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.