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ELVIS ROCKS COPENHAGEN! The Forum – March 24, 2012 About a day or two before the Copenhagen concert, bass-player Norbert Putnam invited me to come over to their hotel, the Crowne Plaza near the airport. Even though I was suffering from a nasty laryngitis, it was hard to resist so I went over to the hotel to say hello to the TCB guys. Pretty soon they were all down in the lobby, chatty and amiable as always.
Glen added that what happened to Duke while with Elvis had a lot to do with the bodyguards. "They probably didn’t like him because he got all the girls and they didn’t like that too much, so they turned against him, just like they turned against Elvis later on", Glen said, referring to Red and Sonny and the ‘Elvis What Happened’ book. "I never heard Elvis say a bad word about Duke", he concluded. Ronnie Tutt agreed and said: "It was all politics… I was the one that got Duke the job. He was a fine bassplayer". So there you have it, another myth laid to rest by the people who were there. Joe Guercio came over and heard the last part of the conversation. He said: "Duke Bardwell! You have to tell him to sing that ‘Kiss My Ass Goodbye’ song!", and then proceeded to tell the story of how Duke got to sing it on stage one night in Lake Tahoe. You can see Duke tell that very story himself on this clip Go Here Not surprisingly, Ronnie Tutt seemed affected by the recent death of his son Nathan and was quiet for the most part. We did talk about it briefly, and it was hard to see the pain in his eyes. "Right now it’s the music that keeps me going", he said. It was difficult to find the right words to say to a man who had suffered such a terrible blow. A WONDERFUL TRIBUTE TO ELVIS
THE PLACE TO BE Since they all talked about the show with a great deal of warmth, I was greatly anticipating the concert at the Forum in Copenhagen. I had my wife and children with me. I just really wanted them to experience the full power of Elvis’ voice at least this once. As we arrived at the venue, the place seemed to be bubbling with activity and excitement. There were a lot of familiar faces from the Elvis scene in the crowd: Ernst Jørgensen, Pål Granlund, Henrik Knudsen, Erik Lorentzen, Dennis Jale… The Danish entertainment industry was also well represented, and I spotted popular entertainer / guitarist Billy Cross, ‘schlager’ singer Johnny Reimar, as well as Michael Poulsen of the popular Danish heavy rock band Volbeat. Tonight, The Forum was clearly the place to be. A little after eight, the first tones of the Opening Theme filled the room. There were 4,500 fans in the room… and you could just feel the whole place buzzing with excitement. It was easy to get lost in the illusion that we were anticipating the arrival of Elvis himself. The crowd reaction reached a fever point as ‘2001’ segued into ‘C.C. Rider’ and WHAM! there he was. Elvis filled the room with his unique stage presence. The band sounded great too; they played with a lot of energy and ‘oomph’ and the song just kicked.
‘Burning Love’ followed and confirmed that first impression. It was a delight to see Burton and Putnam feeding off of each other’s playing – some great musicianship going on.
STIRRING CLIMAX The very good impressions continued throughout the first part, where they used the topnotch quality ‘Aloha’ footage from 1973. The quality went down a notch or two with the ‘That’s The Way It Is’ footage from 1970, which in my view really should look and sound better than it did here. Elvis’ voice sounded a tad shrill on ‘That’s All Right Mama’, while the visuals in part were a bit blurred too. I also felt that the segment with the early rock & roll hits overstayed its welcome a bit. These 1970 versions are not all that good to begin with, and I felt that using eight of them in a row was pushing things a bit. The show seemed to lose some of its momentum here. Things picked up again with ‘Love Me Tender’, where the crowd seemed to enjoy the kissing scenes.
‘Don’t Cry Daddy’ and ‘In The Ghetto’ were good, with some excellent use of stills and footage focusing on the family theme, but the show took a nosedive again with ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’… Poor quality ‘On Tour’ footage and a very different looking Elvis, which spoiled the illusion a bit. A few days before the Copenhagen concert, the producers had decided to remove ‘Never Been To Spain’ from the show. They should have removed this one as well. The first half of the show was brought to a stirring climax with the triple punch of ‘Sweet Sweet Spirit’, ‘How Great Thou Art’ and ‘If I Can Dream’. The producers did a sensational job on this segment, and the band and the singers were truly outstanding. I felt a big lump in my throat while these songs were performed, and clearly I was not the only one. Everybody was standing, clapping and singing along… It was incredibly powerful. I had goosebumps all over. After ‘Dream’ the lights came on and it was almost like I’d just had great sex! I felt like I needed a cigarette badly, and I don’t even smoke! Seriously though, great showmanship, great musicianship and topnotch production work… Just sensational. GOOD VIBES No foreplay at the start of Act II, Elvis and the band meant business and went straight into a fantastic ‘Trouble’... moody, menacing – and magnificent. It really made me wish that they could incorporate more footage from the ’68 comeback into the show, but due to the crappy way that special was recorded, that’s probably almost impossible. It was fun to see the band rocking out on ‘Guitar Man’ -some very tasty J.B. licks on this. ‘Polk Salad Annie’ was sensational as always, and it was nice knowing that Norbert Putnam played bass on the original Tony Joe White version. Elvis and the band really rocked out on the climaxes, and the excellent lightning added to the overall excitement. The atmosphere in the room was tremendous and the crowd was quite vocal in showing their appreciation. The good vibes continued with ‘You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling’, ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’ and ‘I Got A Woman’. Great, great performances all; he was such a dazzling performer back then… ‘Woman’ sounded a bit different, like they had merged two different versions? Check out the video below and judge for yourself. ’Bridge’ has already been described various times as one of the highlights of the show, and I fully agree. The gentleness of Glen D. Hardin’s playing and the raw strength and beauty of Elvis’ voice made for an emotionally very powerful performance. At the same time it was so sad to think that this uniquely talented individual left us 35 years ago. The illusion of seeing Elvis right in front of me performing at his peak and the sad reality of him being dead was almost too much to fully take in, and I choked up several times during this song. I guess moments like this are tough for all of us who love Elvis.
From this point onwards, the show was just a wonderful blur of electrifying performances… ‘The Wonder Of You’, ‘Suspicious Minds’ (always a real crowd-pleaser), ‘I’ll Remember You’, ‘What Now My Love’, ‘Big Hunk O’ Love’ (with a well-deserved starring role for Glen D. Hardin), ‘My Way’ (with a gorgeous violin part which got a standing ovation) and especially ‘American Trilogy’, which was another emotionally stirring performance. The song’s finale was just sensational, with the full force of the band, the orchestra (from Sweden) and all the singers hitting you like a freight train. By now the audience had been standing and cheering for several songs, but this song got the best reaction of the night. I felt so privileged just being there, experiencing Elvis in such a brilliant setting, together with 4,500 likeminded people… It’s an experience that I will never forget. NO CIRCUS ACT After all these very strong performances, ’Can’t Help Falling In Love’ came almost as an afterthought, but still it was the appropriate way to say goodbye to this remarkable entertainer and his wonderful musicians. There they all stood at the end, waving at the crowd, looking like war heroes, a bit older and perhaps a little frail looking but still GREAT. In the wrong hands, this show could have been a circus act, but instead it’s just so beautiful… There is something truly noble about it all. Elvis was really with us tonight in Copenhagen, and we owe it all to these amazing musicians and the topnotch production crew for pulling it off. You could still feel the excitement and happiness all over as we left the Forum. Elvis had truly rocked the Danish capital.
It’s probably a bit unusual, inappropriate even, for the producer of one Elvis show to write a review of another Elvis production, but I have a feeling that in this case I will get away with it. I have written this review basically to urge EPE to keep this show going WITH the original musicians. They all told me how much they enjoy doing this, and that they want to continue with this show as long as they possibly can. James Burton called it a wonderful tribute to Elvis, and I agree with him. This show is the best way possible to remind people of his greatness, and also the best way for Elvis’ music to stay alive and attract new audiences. The musicians feel that the show is now tighter than ever, and having seen the show I fully agree… Elvis looks amazing on the big screen (notwithstanding a few songs where the footage is a bit blurry), his voice sounds magnificent, and the mix is better than before with the band sounding tight and crisp. Sure, there is always room for improvements, but overall the show is such an overwhelming and incredibly satisfying experience that I don’t even feel like pointing out the small flaws. The show is a fantastic tribute to Elvis, and no doubt he would have been honored if he would have been able to see the Copenhagen concert. I feel very strongly that this show won’t be the same without the original singers and musicians on stage. It would be interesting to hear from other fans. Click HERE and send us YOUR FEEDBACK which we will add to this article and send to EPE.
& click to six NEWLY Added Concert Videos below Blue Suede Shoes
Intermission 21. Trouble/Guitar Man 22. Polk Salad Annie 23. You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling 24. You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me 25. I Got a Woman 26. Bridge Over Troubled Water 27. The Wonder of You 28. Suspicious Minds 29. I’ll Remember You 30. What Now My Love 31. A Big Hunk O’ Love 32. My Way 33. An American Trilogy 34. Can’t Help Falling In Love
Spotlight by EIN Contributor Arjan Deelen. Click here to comment on this article For more information on Arjan Deelen's Original Tribute Tour go here > www.elvisnews.dk
READER'S FEEDBACK - Are the TCB Band still important to 'Elvis in Concert'? - April 10, 2012 - well worth reading.. From: Michael Jarrett (composer/musician)
Growing up as a kid listening to Elvis was a very special time in my life, especially having his great music corresponding with 'first love' and these type of experiences as a youth. Never in my wildest dreams (back then) would I have ever thought that my life would connect with Elvis more than just listening to him singing on the radio and playing his Albums and 45's .. Like many others, I'm very disappointed to hear EPE wants to replace the TCB band. As you know, it will change the total uniqueness of the show .. that special connection with the audience to be able to witness the "kickass band" that backed the King those many years on stage right before their eyes; both in person and on screen at the same time and; have both the past and present together ... what a great concept. Sometimes when I'm sitting there at the keyboard playing during an Elvis Tribute concert and looking out at the audience and watching them react with such joy; I realize that they too are feeling what I'm feeling and we're collectively sharing a very unique "moment in time"; recapturing something very meaning full and special to all of us.. It's an awesome experience ..
- April 2, 2012 - more interesting reader opinions well worth reading.. From: Jeanne Pellicani - An alternate viewpoint... From: Steve Braun
From: Sylvain Alarie
From: Mikael Ahlgren- The Aaland Islands Finland Another thing is the quality of the footage from That's The Way It Is and Elvis On Tour. Why use a second or perhaps third generation copy in the show?? The Aloha footage with the limitation of being video footage looks way better than the footage captured on film! Why is that? This should have been corrected a long time ago. Right now this is the weakest part of the show. The remastered new versions of the films look so much better than Aloha on DVD/Blu-ray and still the footage used in the Elvis In Concert show looks like crap. This also goes for the Elvis lives DVD which could have been excellent if not for the lousy footage used.
The big appeal was that we had HIS people on stage, Playing with HIM... AGAIN! Let's take a look at the Cirque Du Soleil show.. Viva Elvis for just a minute. Yes, I know what some of you are thinking...the Viva Elvis show is a flop and that's why it's closing down at the end of the year..right? Wrong! The reason the show never did well was that it was just that a Cirque show, not an Elvis show. The fans who came to see this latest incantation of oddly dressed performers and contortionists, swinging from the ceiling, gracefully moving from one end of the stage to the next. They got just that...wait, no they didn't! I know, the Beatles pulled it off right.. well sort of. The "Beatles : Love" show is a fantastic journey into the deep realms of Cirque Du Soleil that just so happens to be set to the music of the Beatles. The Viva Elvis show, is an attempts to take the patron on a journey into Elvis life and career, that just so happens to have some Cirque Du Soleil thrown in. Now are you seeing the difference! Now let's take a deeper look into the music of Viva Elvis. The words that describe Viva's music are: Superb, carefully crafted, painstakingly articulated and simply a rare treat to the ears. Yes, the music is so very different from the original recordings, but strangely similar, fresh and "up to date"... it's ELVIS, all over again!!! Everyone reading this article has, no doubt, heard some or all of the songs on the Viva Elvis album. Go ahead, you can hum them! Bossa Nova Baby, Burning Love, the superbly crafted and blended "Can't Help falling in Love", just to name a few, in my opinion are Grammy worthy material. 2 years went into the crafting and making of just the music, to ensure it maintained the healthiest dose of Elvis, never straying too far from the original..or did it? Most agreed on the music, few agreed on the show itself. During the segment "Bossa Nova", we have the finale with an acrobat doing a handstand on a pile of chairs??!! Really?? Is that what Cirque is all about? This is why the show itself failed, but NOT the music. Poorly marketed, seldom advertised, sans a segment on the 2010 Miss universe and a spot on the latest Ashton Kutcher movie, these gorgeous, well crafted songs remain hidden from the public. A sleeping giant, waiting to open its eyes to the world. Hey, this article was supposed to be about the future of Elvis the Concert, not the demise of a Vegas night club act, right? My point is simple, the music of Viva Elvis must and should continue. It's too good to fold up at the end of the year and become a dusty CD on the shelves of the die-hard fans. The musicians who played on the Viva Elvis album are absolutely top notch, the vocalists who accompany Elvis on the "Duets" are fabulous. Take this opportunity to morph "Elvis the Concert" into "Elvis: The New Live Experience". Sparking the curiosity of the seasoned fan with the passion of today's youth, and you have a sure thing. A way to bring Elvis with us on this journey we call...The Future! Some will simply disagree with me, shouting to leave Elvis' music alone! No one is touching his music, it will always be there...forever. But just like entertainers who have spanned the decades, they too change with the times. Never dropping the original fans, just making new ones along the way. I only ask that after you read this article, you put on your Viva Elvis CD, or go and get one or download it. Turn up your stereo... loud! Crank up the headphones! Listen to the opening "2001 theme". Did you ever think that theme could get more exciting than when you first heard it on the "aloha" Album. Listen to the drums taking this theme to heights never before dreamed of. Listen to the powerful rendition of Burning Love setting your soul on fire! Take a trip to New Orleans with "King Creole". Listen to original sound clips blended into the new arrangements...How cool is that? Bossa Nova Baby is amazing! Listen to Blue Suede Shoes...wow! Viva's Suspicious minds , musically, is an absolute show stopper! The sparse album only contains a small sampling of the gems re-mixed and re-invented for the show. More than enough to create a 90 minute spectacle. Take this show to the big venue with Clips of Elvis on and off the stage, created a sight and sound extravaganza, tour it around the world. New visuals, new musicians, new sounds. Elvis will still be in the building, every step of the way.. i promise! I remember hearing the King himself say that after a show with screaming fans, back stage he excitingly said " What'd I do? What'd I do?... Well , whatever it was... DO IT AGAIN!!!"
From: Paul Turner UK
From: Sylvain Alarie From: NSandynrs From: Brian Quinn.
From:MobileTxt
I feel this time round it was poorly promoted. Only the week before the MEN Arena in Manchester did I hear it frequently mentioned on Smooth FM. That didn't do the concert attendance any good. It meant most of the plugging was done via the internet and although most people are using the internet now it has to be remembered that others don't and rely on papers, radio, tv for 'whose coming to town'.The promoters should have worked better and harder. With all of the rumours that this could be the last I can't help but feel that it was on purpose as a way and means to pull the curtain and support any plan to do so!!! Yes there is a recession and let's not blame that. You can see a full attendance at a big football match still, we have a big race coming soon and it's estimated that it will have the biggest attendance so if things are done properly then there's folk out there who want to know. I spoke to Elvis fans about going to the show and they didn't even know about it and had to jump on line last minute. Look at it this way for any empty seat could that seat have been filled by someone who doesn't use the internet but did see it advertised? So some 'butts' needs a hefty size 12 here I think. I have spoken to band members re it being the last time saying to myself 'please say no' and these wonderful musicians can't even say yes or no to the question. They don't know it's like as if they are not communicated with properly. Yes the cast are older aren't we all! but they play like they did 30yrs ago. Yes sadly we have lost some too. Myrna Smith from The Sweet Inspirations what gives promoters the right not to bring Portia and Estelle to the stage because Myrna is no longer there. Myrna would want the show to go on and Estelle and Portia miss the fans and the Elvis world. The Sweet Inspirations were sensational this year standing along side of these incredible musicians. Joe Guercio, Elvis Imperials, Ron Fuer all perfect and enjoying every minute of it all. These people are the backbone of EP's shows and perform with him as if they are still on his payroll, with a loyalty for their boss, with respect for his legacy and keeping his music alive, keeping the show to the way EP would have wanted it and any changes introduced not done by them if they knew he wouldn't have wanted it. A few changes were added this time round and they met with great approval from the audience. To me I feel the musicians and cast need to be treated with a bit more respect. Are they getting a say in all of this, are they being asked, do the powers that be even give a monkeys?. These people are world class musicians and performers they were so before Elvis, with Elvis and since Elvis they are not two bit 'has beens' and are still more than capable of running rings round many. Any ideas carrying the tag 'trying to teach your granny how to suck eggs' isn't on. They should be the ones who decide when its over and it should only be over when they want it to be not be told 'it's over'. You can't replace these people when they still want to be on the stage with the screen show. The only change I would make and I appreciate that there may be reasons for it not happening, is to do it on less of a tight schedule instead of bang bang bang one show after another giving our heroes a day or so off. Gives us fans travelling with them a rest as that's hard work too :-) You know what runs through my mind now is I for one would never sit and watch this with other musicians on that stage as I'm sure many wouldn't. I'd sit and watch a dvd of it all at home. Watching how it should be. Again when they say themselves they have had enough then that is their decision but any thought of being replaced is sacrilege.
Click HERE and send us YOUR FEEDBACK which we will add to this article and send to EPE.
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