We all know that the famous July 31, 1969, Opening night has not become available yet. The earliest concert we have is the FTD release ‘The Return to Vegas’, which is estimated to be the August 3rd, Dinner show.
But besides that show, all the other Vegas Opening nights are available on official, or unofficial releases. Some of these have been released on different labels, but my list will include the ones I have in my collection:
January 26, 1970 – The On Stage Season (FTD) soundboard - 2013.
Opening riff/All Shook Up – That’s All Right – Proud Mary – Don’t Cry Daddy – Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel – Long Tall Sally – Let It Be Me – I Can’t Stop Loving You – Walk A Mile in my Shoes – In the Ghetto – True Love Travels on A Gravel Road – Sweet Caroline – Polk Salad Annie – Introductions – Kentucky Rain – Suspicious Minds – Can’t Help Falling in Love.
This great release includes the opening and closing show. Elvis was back in Vegas during the dead season but was still able to deliver great shows to sold out crowds.
The set list is outstanding. The rare highlight is ‘True Love Travels on A Gravel Road’. Too bad he did not do this song more often. An outstanding show.
August 10, 1970 – One Night in Vegas (FTD) soundboard – 2000.
Opening riff/That’s All Right – Mystery Train/Tiger Man – Elvis Talks - I Can’t Stop Loving You –Love Me Tender – The Next Step is Love – Words – I Just Can’t Help Believin’ – Something - Sweet Caroline – You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling – You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me - Polk Salad Annie – I’ve Lost You – Bridge Over Troubled Water – Patch It Up – Can’t Help Falling in Love.
Another great show from his 3rd Vegas season. In preparation for the movie ‘That’s the Way It Is’, Elvis played many new songs during that time, and this show includes the rare ‘The Next Step is Love’. Other highlights include ‘Mystery Train/Tiger Man’, ‘Words’, ‘Something’, ‘I Just Can’t Help Believing’ and ‘Patch it Up’. Another outstanding show!
January 26, 1971 – Opening Night 1971 (Flaming Phoenix Productions) soundboard - 2010.
2001 Theme – That’s All Right - Mystery Train/Tiger Man – Love Me Tender - You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me - Sweet Caroline – You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling - Polk Salad Annie – How Great Thou Art – Introductions – Jonny B. Goode – Introductions – The Wonder of You – Introducing Hal B. Wallis – Can’t Help Falling in Love – Make the World Go Away – Something – Heartbreak Hotel – Blue Suede Shoes – Hound Dog – One Night – Teddy Bear – Suspicious Minds – The Impossible Dream/Closing Vamp.
This show is not complete and there doesn’t seem to be a complete recording of this show available yet. Tracks 1 to 4 and 11 to 17 are from this show and include the rare ‘Make the World Go Away’. Other songs from January 27 and 28 were added to make a complete show. A good release with Elvis in great form.
August 9, 1971 – Summer Festivals Reflections of 71 (Stage Recordings) audience – 2022.
2001 Theme – That’s All Right – Proud Mary – Love Me Tender - You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling - Polk Salad Annie – Intermezzo – Johnny B. Goode – It’s Impossible – Love Me – Blue Suede Shoes/Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On - Heartbreak Hotel – Teddy Bear (incomplete)/Don’t Be Cruel – Hound Dog - Suspicious Minds – Introductions (incomplete) – I’m Leavin’ – Lawdy, Miss Clawdy – I Can’t Stop Loving You - Can’t Help Falling in Love – Closing Vamp.
Too bad the sound is not that good, I would rate it as ‘average’ but this recent release is the only one right now with this complete concert. It is included in a 5 CD box set with 4 other shows from that period. It’s a good concert, not as good as the ones from 1970, but still enjoyable. Elvis was still in good form, not as talkative, with decent versions of ‘Proud Mary’, ‘Polk Salad Annie’, ‘It’s Impossible’, ‘I’m Leavin’ and ‘Lawdy, Miss Clawdy’.
Elvis in Vegas in 1970 and 71 was at his peak. Part 2 will feature 1972, 73 and part of 74.
