July 29 - Follow That Sunset Boulevard (Updated)

The Follow That Dream collectors label announced the release of 'The Last Tours Vol. 3' and the 'Harem Holiday' double LP. Estimated dispatch date w/c August 25, 2025.

Publicity for volume 3 stated: Released as a 3-CD 5-inch digipack, 'The Last Tours vol. 3' features the recorded segments of shows from 1977 – April 23: University of Toledo, April 24: Crisler Hall, Ann Arbor. April 26: Wings Stadium, Kalamazoo. April 27: Milwaukee Auditorium Arena, April 29: Arena, Duluth. April 30: Civic Center, St. Paul.

The concerts feature all of the songs that were recorded by the engineer during the April 1977 tour. Recorded in mono.

The Last Tours Vol. 3 - CD 1 - April 23, 1977 Toledo, Ohio

O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - And I Love You So - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - My Way - Introductions /School Day - Hurt - Hound Dog - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

April 24, 1977. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Love Me - If You Love Me - You Gave Me A Mountain - Trying To Get To You - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Help Me - My Way - Polk Salad Annie - Hurt - Hound Dog - Unchained Melody - Little Darlin’ - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

CD 2 - April 26, 1977. Kalamazoo, Wisconsin
Love Me - Fairytale (False Start) - If You Love Me - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Big Boss Man - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - And I Love You So - My Way - Hound Dog - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

April 27, 1977. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Love Me - If You Love Me - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - And I Love You - My Way - Polk Salad Annie - Hurt  - Hound Dog - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

CD 3 - April 29, 1977. Duluth, Minnesota
Love Me - If You Love Me - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Big Boss Man - My Way - Hurt - Hound Dog - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

April 30, 1977 St. Paul, Minneapolis
Rip It Up - Love Me - If You Love Me - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - My Way - Hound Dog - Polk Salad Annie - The Wonder Of You - Blue Suede Shoes - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Publicity for the 'Harum Holiday' LP stated: FTD Vinyl is pleased to announce the release of “Harem Holiday" Limited 2-LP Edition. It features far superior newly mixed masters and outtakes, the cover also features Elvis  in correct profile at last!   

This unique companion edition is based on the original UK release with the red dot RCA Victor label. Simply, the best sounding and looking version of Harem (Scarum) Holiday ever!

LP 1 - Side A: Harem Holiday - Mirage - Shake That Tambourine - Go East, Young Man - My Desert Serenade - Kismet - Animal Instinct (Take 2089 - 2092)*

Side B: So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) - Hey Little Girl - Golden Coins - Wisdom Of The Ages* - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2012 - 2019) - Animal Instinct*

LP 2 - Side C: Harem Holiday (Take 2095 - 2096) - Kismet (Take 2063 - 2064) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2049 - 2052) - Golden Coins (Take 2073 - 2076) - Hey Little Girl (Take 2068 - 2069) - Wisdom Of The Ages* (Take 2058 - 2059).

Site D: Shake That Tambourine (Take 2028 - 2033) - So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) - Animal Instinct (Take 2093)* - Harem Holiday (Vocal Replacement 2096 / Unedited Master) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2053) - Hey Little Girl (Take 2070)

* Bonus Song Not Featured In The MGM Motion Picture.

The Elvis Information Network noted: several songs from RCA multitracks on their 'Spring Tours 77' compilation. Little Sister, Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel, Help Me, Unchained Melody and Little Darlin' (Ann Arbor, April 24) Heartbreak Hotel and My Way (Saginaw, April 25), If You Love Me (Let Me Know), O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never (Kalamazoo, April 26). Polk Salad Annie (Milwaukee, April 27), Polk Salad Annie (Milwaukee, April 27), Bridge Over Troubled Water, Big Boss Man (Duluth, April 29) Hound Dog (St. Paul, April 30), Fairytale (Chicago, May 2), Mystery Train/Tiger Man (Saginaw May 3).

Bootleg collectors will already own the following soundboards. April 23 1977 Toledo - on the 'Goodbye Memphis' - April 24 1977 Ann Arbor - on 'Shakin' Up The Great Lakes' April 26 1977 Kalamazoo - on 'Shakin' Up The Great Lakes' and 'Memories From Kalamazoo'. 

'The Final Curtain' bootleg did however feature the Closing Night's May 3rd Saginaw show which included a surprise 'That's All Right' and even an attempt at 'Trouble'. That soundboard is not included on this FTD set. The other FTD soundboards have never been previously released. 

The 'Last Tours' 3-CD-set is available for pre-order from the >>> ElvisMatters webshop.

The 'Harem Holiday' 2-LP-set is available for pre-order from the >>> ElvisMatters webshop.

The Sun Sets On Sunset Boulevard

Sony Legacy released the 'Elvis Presley - Sunset Boulevard' set, the first dealers received the set. The first reaction: "amazing!". The official release date is August 1, 2025.

'Sunset Boulevard' is a comprehensive 5-CD collection spotlighting Elvis' recording sessions and rehearsals at RCA's historic Sunset Boulevard Studio. Spanning 1970 to 1975, it features Elvis recording for the first time with his legendary touring band, ultimately spawning the hits 'Burning Love', 'Always On My Mind' (1972) and 'T-R-O-U-B-L-E' (1975) from the 'TODAY' album. 

This special edition also includes 3 discs of rehearsals from 1970 and 1974 that capture both serious and light-hearted moments from Elvis in the studio. 'Sunset Boulevard' features 89 tracks, 34 of which are newly mixed versions, pure and without overdubs.

The set is available for pre-order from >>> Amazon (associate link) on CD and vinyl. 

Elvis vs. the World

Mark Phillips published his 164-page paperback 'Elvis vs. the World: 40 Legendary Showdowns That Shaped the King'.

Publicity stated: 'Elvis vs. the World' offers a gripping new perspective on the life of Elvis Presley, one dramatic clash at a time. From Sun Records to the Las Vegas years, from backstage betrayals to public controversies, this book recounts 40 real-life confrontations that defined the rise, fall, and legacy of the King of Rock and Roll. 

In sharply drawn, fast-moving chapters, it explores everything from Elvis’s battle for artistic freedom to his conflicts with Colonel Parker, his complicated love life, his encounters with the Beatles, and the tragic personal choices that led to his decline. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his story, this book reveals Elvis not just as a performer, but as a fighter, up against family, fame, rivals, lovers, and time itself.

Disc Jockeys, Preachers, and Elvis

Ron Brandon, has produced a hardback Collector's Edition of his 2022 book 'Disc Jockeys, Preachers, and Elvis' which was originally published as a softcover. This new edition is an expanded edition of the black and white first edition with 250 additional photographs.

Publicity stated: The book is described as:'Disc Jockeys, Preachers, and Elvis' offers an unparalleled journey into the pivotal era of rock 'n' roll radio and its cultural impact, presented now for the first time with over 250 full-color photographs. 

This edition goes beyond Elvis Presley himself, capturing the rich tapestry of disc jockeys, and behind-the-scenes figures who shaped the music landscape from the 1950s through the 1990s. The vivid color images breathe new life into unforgettable moments and personalities, transforming the experience for readers by revealing details and atmosphere that black-and-white photos could not fully convey.

The cost of this edition reflects the meticulous care taken in sourcing, restoring, and reproducing these photographs in premium full color. Additionally, significant effort has gone into assembling the extensive content, spanning stories from Elvis' 1956 Tupelo performance to the careers of legendary musicians and the Disc Jockeys who brought their music to the airwaves across decades.

For enthusiasts of radio history, Rock and Roll, and American cultural heritage, Disc Jockeys, Preachers, and Elvis provides an immersive, visually stunning, and deeply informed experience. It is essential both as a collector's item and as an educational resource.

The book is available from >>> Amazon (associate link).

(Source: Memphis Mansion / Elvis Information Network)