'Elvis: The Last Tours Volume 3'

'Elvis: The Last Tours Volume 3' is a 3-CD 5” digipak, featuring recordings from six Elvis performances in April 1977. These are Toledo University April 23, Ann Arbor Crisler Hall April 24, Kalamazoo Wings Stadium April 26,   Milwaukee Auditorium Arena April 27, Duluth Arena April 29 and St. Paul Civic Center April 30. FTD notes that the "concert audio sources feature incomplete shows". Recorded in mono. Three of these soundboards have never been released before. Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell & EIN's Piers Beagley check out this new FTD 1977 set ....

The fascination fans have with Elvis’ final year is quite bizarre. By 1977 Elvis was running on low, his set-list had become stagnant and his shows were often perfunctory at best. Elvis’ concerts were low-energy and fans were lucky to hear Elvis perform any rare song in his predictable set-list.

This 4-sided Digi-Pack includes six concerts from the 13 concerts that Elvis performed on his third tour of 1977. The tour went from April 21 - May 3. The soundboard recordings always missed the first few songs and the tape was stopped during the Introductions. This FTD set was released at the end of September 2025.

The following concerts are featured in this The Last Tours Vol.3 release
April 23 Toledo University 
April 24 Ann Arbor Crisler Hall 
April 26 Kalamazoo Wings Stadium 
April 27 Milwaukee Auditorium Arena 
April 29 Duluth Arena 
April 30 St. Paul Civic Center

The three soundboards from Milwaukee, Duluth and St. Paul are all previously unreleased. 

Felton Jarvis was desperate for extra material to fill out Elvis’ next LP so he recorded some material onto a basic 4-track tape machine from multiple shows from 26 March through to 3 May. Some of these recording were compiled for the ‘Spring Tours 77’ FTD release back in 2002.

None of the ‘multi-track’ recordings from these shows are included, which makes fans wonder how FTD will decide to release all those particular recordings in the future.

Audio Quality: In 1977 the quality of the soundboards were in general all very good, the mix of instruments, backing-vocals and orchestra is fine, as is the clarity. All six concerts here are a lovely mix, perhaps because Felton Jarvis was there observing his multi-track recordings. The overall sound quality - audio transfers by Vic Anesini / Mastering Jan Eliasson - is improved compared to the previous bootlegs. Sadly, of course, the quality of the soundboards improved over the years while Elvis’ performances got worse! 
The sound quality only dips on the Kalamazoo concert due to a higher level of cassette-hiss. This was similar on the old bootlegs 

One of the main reasons to buy this set was to get the best quality version of Elvis’ Ann Arbor concert but unfortunately the second half of the show is ruined by background digital audio static. This did not come from the original cassette and is not on the bootleg version. 
It should have been noticed in the mastering and never let get to production stage.

The Package Presented as a four-panel foldout Digi-pack it is a nice design with 14 images that show Elvis on his third tour of 1977 and looking not as overweight as on his previous tour. During this tour Elvis was again only alternating between his ‘Sundial’ and ‘King of Spades’ jumpsuits.  The cover photo and two behind-disc photos are of Elvis in his Sundial suit at St Paul on 30 April 1977.  The pack also features 3 good photos from Ann Arbor, three from Kalamazoo plus one from Duluth and Milwaukee.  With a ticket stub included from each concert the presentation, similar to previous ‘Last Tours’, is good.  A round 'audio disclaimer' on the front cover warns of various audio imperfections.

Once again Sherrill Nielsen’s name is spelt wrong just as it was with the last two FTD 1977 sets. 
And Kalamazoo is in Michigan state, not Wisconsin as printed on the FTD cover and Disc 2. 

This late April tour found Elvis in much better form than his previous one, possibly because girlfriend Ginger Alden accompanied him - and it is notable that songs such as Polk Salad were being performed again.
Before the Duluth April 29 concert Elvis also flew her Mother and sister Rosemary out to join her.

One of the best shows of the tour, as demonstrated by the audience recording, was the opening concert in Greensboro on April 21, 1977. The press reviews liked the highlight of 'How Great Thou Art' (the only time Elvis performed it this tour) but also noted that he got noticeably tired as the show went on.

The next night April 22 1977 in Detroit was less good with Elvis sounding quite 'down', but he was better again by the next show in Toledo…  

DISC 1 - April 23, 1977 Toledo / April 24, 1977 Ann Arbor. - RT 73 minutes

- April 23, 1977 Toledo, Ohio 
Immediately you notice that the audio quality is good and with a well-balanced mix.
Missing the first 6 songs the set kicks off with ‘O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never’ with lots of Elvis jokes about Sherrill, showing him to be in a teasing mood. It’s the typical loud-trumpet version and quite nicely sung. If you were in the audience this was no doubt a treat.

Elvis then says he will do a “medley of some of my records” and although in good humour you can still hear that 1977 tiredness in his voice.
Throughout these concerts you can easily notice Elvis’ wavering vibrato, a sign that his health was failing.
   
‘Little Sister’ while without the earlier 70’s energy is pretty fine with Elvis extending the ending - “one more time.” 

‘Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel’ is routine but gets the girls screaming.

Elvis notes, “A song we did a couple of years ago”- ‘And I Love You So’ is tenderly sung and has that rather touching emotional longing of Elvis’ 77 versions. 
  
‘Fever’ is ok, a fairly straight version and it’s nice to hear Jerry Scheff’s bass-work and it’s of course another crowd-pleaser.

Never attempted on his previous tour, tonight there was a good sign as ‘Polk Salad Annie’ was back. Elvis’ last live version had been back on Feb 19 Johnson City  (as we noted in Last Tours Vol 1). It’s a pretty fine ’77 version and Elvis is obviously enjoying himself. It features some great James Burton funky-guitar which makes up for the Jerry Scheff bass overload! 

Elvis sounds rather unsure going into ‘My Way’ but it’s a fine ’77 version starting very gently and building up to the power-ending. The audience gives Elvis an extended ovation.  

In 1977 Elvis would usually drag out the band introduction to 15 minutes or so. Unsurprisingly the engineer would usually stop the soundboard tape at this point. Perhpas it was Felton Jarvis who was present to make RCA multitrack recordings hoping for filler material for the upcoming ‘Moody Blue’ album.

The positive is that it makes each concert much less tiresome but the negative is that we don’t get to hear what Elvis’ mood or emotional state of mind was and also miss out on a few treats such as James Burton playing ‘Delta Lady’ as his solo. 

The tape is restarted as Elvis ends the Introductions with Elvis thanking Charlie Hodge, Marty Harrell conductor with the Joe Guercio orchestra and Chuck Berry’s ‘School Day’.
 
“One of my latest records is called ‘Hurt’, I’d like to do that for you.” Obvious meant to be a concert highlight Elvis voice is a little unsure and wobbly tonight. It’s OK but gets no reprise even though the crowd lap-it-up. 

A throwaway ‘Hound Dog’ at least has some nice prominent James Burton guitar licks. 

Wrapping up a tired Elvis notes, “You have been a fantastic audience. And while we were a little slow in getting here, I hope you enjoyed the show.”

A routine ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ includes his usual Spring ‘77 Peter Seller’s imitation “Some things you know” line in it. The Closing Vamp follows. 

- April 24, 1977 Ann Arbor, Michigan
There can be little doubt that ‘Ann Arbor’ was Elvis’ best performance from this tour. It was the only time Elvis sang ‘Unchained Melody’ on this tour and it would be the last time he ever sang ‘Little Darlin’ - with both tracks featuring on Elvis’ ‘Moody Blue’ album.  

Kicking off, ‘Love Me’ sounds quite enthusiastic as does ‘If You Love Me’. Elvis doesn’t sound tired tonight and you know it’s going to be a better show.

A gentle ‘You Gave Me a Mountain’ is rather charming and very well sung. The final line, ‘You gave me a mountain, Lord, this time” works well.

Elvis doesn’t sound so tongue-tied tonight and his positive energy is illustrated when he introduces the next song ‘Trying To Get To You’ - “Recorded 18 years ago, and it’s by special request.”
Only performed once in the previous tour, this version is quite fine with Elvis putting a lot into his vocal.

‘O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never’ is the usual Sherrill Nielsen / loud-trumpet version except that this time Elvis has a quick false start laughing, “I got heart and soul mixed up”. The song receives an explosive audience applause.

Elvis then hears someone in the crowd requesting ‘Blue Hawaii’. Showing his good humour Elvis tries the first line “Night and you and..” but sadly Glenn D Hardin had left the TCB Band and Tony Brown wasn’t sure of the melody. Unfortunately Elvis gives up too soon noting, “we haven't rehearsed that” kicking straight into a routine ‘Little Sister’ instead.

‘Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel’ are similarly routine crowd-pleasers.

‘Help Me’, only occasionally performed in 1977 is a nice addition, sincere and more pleading than his 1974 versions..  "Lord let me see where I fit into your master plan. I never thought I needed help before" a touching highlight.

Elvis introduces the next song as by Frank Sinatra and says he has to read it. ‘My Way’ is another treat being a very solid version with a strong but touching vocal. It gets the ovation it deserves. 
To be honest it would have made a better 'live' extra track on his 'Moody Blue' album than the ridiculous repeat of Memphis 1974’s 'Let Me Be There’. 

At this point in the CD digital audio static starts crackling - right at the start of ‘Polk’. The digital clicks are throughout the rest of the Ann Arbor concert and quite disturbing on the quiet sections of ‘Unchained Melody’ and very noticeable on ‘Little Darlin’’.
This audio fault is not from the original cassette and not on the bootlegs. It should have been noticed in the mastering and never let get to production stage. 

Keeping up the energy ‘Polk Salad Annie’ starts with Elvis saying, 'Get ready to test this suit out'- and from newspaper reviews of the show he did! Elvis has some real energy tonight and works hard on the “chick-a-boom” with The Sweets as well as throwing in some karate moves. One of the best from 1977. 

The Introductions were not recorded and so it’s straight to “one of our latest records” ‘Hurt’
This is a much better version tonight with a powerful vocal. And showing his good mood Elvis reprises the last part claiming “I sounded a little funny on the ending, about 8 frogs jumped down my throat!”. 

‘Hound Dog’ is the 'throwaway’ crowd pleaser. 

Then Elvis says, “I’d like to play the piano and do a song called ‘Unchained Melody’”. It was the only time he sang it on this tour. 
While not his best it is however a fine version – and with overdubs it was released on 'Moody Blue'. It is a treat, and rather touching to hear it without the overdubs and just Elvis’ piano.   
The audience give Elvis the ovation he deserves. As Elvis himself notes, “Thank You - I have done it better.”

Changing the mood Elvis chooses ‘Little Darlin’’ which is merely the 'fun' song he has been performing since March 1975. With little other material available this was again included on his album 'Moody Blue’. 

Elvis then says, “You are a fantastic audience and anytime you want us back, just call us and we’ll come back” 

‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ again with “Peter Sellers” accent is better tonight, more powerful with Elvis adding a little extra wail at the ending. 
During the Closing Vamp you can hear the enthusiastic audience response. 

This was obviously a great show, one of his best in 1977, including a few surprise songs and with a strong performance it was very well received.
Hardly surprising that two multi-track recordings were used as 'live' cuts on his next album. The same 40 minute recording of this show previously came out on the Fort Baxter bootleg 'Shaking Up The Great Lakes.'

DISC 2:  April 26 1977 Kalamazoo / April 27 Milwaukee, Wisconsin  r/t 73 minutes

April 26, 1977. Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Not in Wisconsin as it says on this FTD) 

Back in 2001 the bootleg ‘Memories From Kalamazoo’ was released. I remember being totally shocked at how bad my hero sounded. It was the first 1977 concert I had heard apart from the edited ‘Elvis In Concert’ and here it confirms how Elvis’ health and performance truly varied from night to night.  

While the audio quality is fine there is a lot more cassette tape-hiss tonight.
It starts three songs in with ‘Love Me’ but Elvis again sounds tired having lost his Ann Arbor mojo.

There is hope when he suggests the rarely performed ‘Fairytale’ but after only one verse he sadly gives up, “I blew it, I blew it” and doesn’t even to attempt to restart it. 

Elvis changes his mind to ‘If You Love Me’ which RCA recorded in multi-track and surprisingly used in the 'Moody Blue' Album. It’s rather routine and nowhere near his best version.

Elvis’ voice sounds rather weak at this concert but ‘You Gave Me a Mountain’ actually ups the energy and is an Ok ’77 version. 

Elvis talks to the crowd “What do we have here? A big kiss for you, from who?”. It’s noticeable that he doesn’t sound slurry, but he does sound tired.  
Choosing a crowd-pleaser 'Jailhouse Rock’ is at least 'driven' and the audience loves it. 

The routine Sherrill Nielsen/ loud trumpet ‘O Sole Mio / It’s Now or Never’ follows.

Elvis asks, “Let me see, what would I like to do in this particular spot?” and having not performed ‘Big Boss Man’ since February 15 on his first tour of 1977 this was an interesting choice and while not having the power of 1975 it is quite well performed. JB’s guitar, The Sweets clapping and the band’s enthusiasm drives the song. Elvis even pushes for an extra final chorus.

Elvis searches for something interesting and chooses ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, only performed a handful of times in the whole of 1977 it’s a crowd-pleaser. Unfortunately the sounds drops out during it “we blew a fuse” making it only a passable version - as is ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ that follows.

On the original soundboard – as released on bootleg – there is a false start on ‘And I Love You So’ when Elvis asks to have his microphone changed, “There’s something wrong with this mic.” 
It’s close to two minutes of wasted time and hardly helps the overall feel of the concert. FTD has edited this out. 

Once restarted ‘And I Love You So’ is actually a delightful, gentle version with Elvis’ tired wavering vibrato adding an emotional weariness to the song.

I suspect at this point Charlie Hodge suggests ‘Polk Salad’ to which Elvis says “No way” and instead chooses ‘My Way’ “I don’t know the words to it, so I have to read it”. Again it’s a sincere well-sung 1977 version and with his vibrato it adds a poignancy “And now the end is near, So I face the final curtain, My friend, I'll say it clear, I'll state my case of which I'm certain..” it is a gentle concert highlight - and gets the applause it deserves

The Introductions as well as the extra songs that Elvis used to regain his energy were not recorded on the soundboard cassette.
We miss My Heavenly Father (by Kathy Westmoreland), Danny Boy and Walk With Me (by Sherrill Nielsen).

Elvis was too tired to even attempt 'Hurt', so the tape cuts straight to a perfunctory ‘Hound Dog’… Elvis really wanted to get out of there and back to the hotel.

Elvis says, “If you ever want us back” and quickly goes into a very tired sounding ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’.  

Kalamazoo was a low-energy, lesser show as by the intros Elvis was 'spent' and so he filled in time by featuring his backup singers - which from the audience recording you can tell caused restlessness and talking from his loving fans. Anyone can sympathise since there was a 20 minute gap between ‘My Way’ and Elvis’ next song ‘Hound Dog’. 

Fortunately for us the next FTD show is a little better.
 
- April 27, 1977. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 
Kicking off with ‘Love Me’ the crowd excitement is notable even if Elvis sounds tired and it is a very routine version.
‘If You Love Me’ is quite well sung – Elvis at least shows his enjoyment teasing “Good Luck Sherrill” at the duet section.

’You Gave Me a Mountain’ has an annoying false start “my fault” but otherwise is another good ’77 version. 

The oldies ‘Jailhouse Rock’, ‘O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never’, ‘Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel’ are all crowd-pleaser routine versions.

There’s an interesting moment when someone calls out for ‘Old Shep’ Elvis jokes “I was 2 years old when I recorded that song, are you kidding! It’s a conspiracy!” 

‘Little Sister’ that follows is rather lethargic tonight. While I am sure it was great for the audience you feel that Elvis is struggling on low-battery. 

‘And I Love You’ is ok, if uninspiring tonight and Elvis’ wandering vibrato is very noticeable. 
Charlie Hodge suggests ‘Fever’ to which Elvis intriguingly notes, “No way, son. You got to be kidding me”

On the intro to ‘My Way’ Elvis says that he’ll have to read the lyrics and sounding rather sad says, “If we make a mistake, please forgive us.”

‘My Way’ however turns out to be another magnificent, touching, delicate version. It gets a great ovation proving that Elvis could still sing his heart out.  

Obviously feeling more inspired Elvis notes, “Let’s do Polk Salad or something dirty like that”. 

‘Polk Salad Annie’ (previously released on ‘Spring Tours’ as a 'multi-track') isn't a (truck) patch on the TTWII versions but it still rocks with Elvis in very fine form. The 'call & response' from the Sweet Inspirations works very nicely as Elvis does some karate work-out. This puts the CBS 'In Concert' shows to shame. CBS was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Intros are again missing but there were no Sherrill Nielsen “filler” songs tonight.

So straight to a fine ‘Hurt’ which gets a reprise as Elvis wants to get “the ending right.” 

‘Hound Dog’ tonight gets a funny “wind-up” start which at least makes it different! 

Elvis then says his usual “You’ve been a fantastic audience and if you ever want us to come back”.
Then a routine ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ and Closing Vamp.. 

Unlike in Kalamazoo Elvis really picked up for the final section of this concert so even with the slow start you can view it as an overall passable show and thankfully without any unnecessary filler songs.

The next show for Elvis was in Green Bay on 28 April and mercifully, as proven from the audience recording, we do not get to hear the poorest show from this tour. Apparently Elvis had hurt his hamstring at the Milwaukee show and that impaired his performance.

Disc 3: April 29 1977 Duluth, Minnesota / April 30 St. Paul, Minneapolis - r/t 73 mins  

Missing the first two songs this show kicks off with fans shouting to Elvis “When you coming back?” and Elvis laughs, “When am I coming back? I just got here, Good god!”

Sounding a little tired – not a good sign - Elvis notes, “It’s hard to sing with ice in your mouth-maybe crackers but not ice!’ before a routine uninspired ‘Love Me’.

A weak 'If You Love Me’ has an unnecessary false start and Elvis jokes, “You know why I do this song?  Because Joe Guercio hates it … It’s easy to sing”. Having said that it features far more Sherrill Nielsen than usual. 

‘You Gave Me a Mountain’ is again less focused tonight and Elvis’ vocal is rather weak, in fact the whole concert has that “just-got-out-of-bed” tiredness to it.     

The crowd-pleasing oldies are routine, although Elvis does at least put some energy into ‘Jailhouse Rock’. The loud-trumpet ‘O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never’ is less focused, ‘Little Sister’ low-energy and ‘Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel’ forgettable. 

Afterwards Elvis sadly confesses to the crowd, “In case I miss a note, if it’s too high or too low, there’s somebody who covers for me. It’s hard to sing high and then all of a sudden do a song lower. So that’s why I have several people to cover for me. I need them all.”

For fans that would have paid to see the Greatest Entertainer of All-Time - ELVIS PRESLEY, you truly would not want to know that he needs back-up singers to cover for his vocal failings! 
Of course this was 1977, but still less than 7 years since his top-notch Las Vegas TTWII performances. How sad. ‘Elvis, What Happened?’ 

Realising that the concert has been rather insubstantial so far Elvis then asks Guercio, “‘Hey Joe, let’s do something that everyone will love... Either Big Boss or Bridge?” He chooses ‘Bridge’ but needs the lyric sheet.

‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ is only passable as Elvis truly does not have the energy to pull off the required demands of the melody. However there is a fragileness about Elvis’ performance that adds a different sentiment. Looking back. . . "When you're weary, feeling small…" has a poignancy about it. Similarly "I'm on your side when time gets rough, …. and friends just can't be found…" In 1977 where were Elvis' friends when he needed them? This was released multi-track on ‘Spring Tours.’ 
Finally this was a real treat for the crowd and they roar their approval. 

Elvis notes “It’s been a long time since we’ve done that song.” He was right as he last sang it in December 1976 at a Las Vegas show. He would perform it two more times in 1977, the last time at his very final performance.

With the overall mood elevated ‘Big Boss Man’ then gets a fine work-out and sounds pretty funky tonight.

‘My Way’ “I don’t know the words to it, so I’ll have to read it” is yet another good ’77 gentle version.

The Intros are missing, presumably not recorded. A shame as James Burton played Joe Cocker’s ‘Delta Lady’ in his solo spot.

The audience recording has a false-start to ‘Hurt’ which is missing here and while the song is a usual ‘show-stopper’ tonight’s version is fairly low-key and gets no reprise.    

Elvis throws-away the required ‘Hound Dog’ before wrapping up very perfunctorily noting “I hope you enjoyed the show and be careful going home”.

'Can’t Help Falling In Love’ is including the usual 'you know' in his Peter Sellers' accent, then ‘Closing Vamp’. 

Even though Elvis sounded tired and a bit slurry/impaired in this Duluth performance he did at least try three big songs in a row tonight and just about succeeded in creating a memorable show. 
 
- April 30, 1977 St. Paul, Minneapolis
Tonight it was Saturday and luckily Elvis sounds more alert.

The CD kicks off with a nice tease, “What is tonight, Saturday?” and Elvis then throws in four lines of Little Richard’s ‘Rip It Up’ which while fun, is in fact a rather feeble attempt.

However Elvis is sounding more focused and happier tonight noting, “We’re here to entertain you. So just have a good time and leave the driving to us.”

‘Love Me’ is a very short version tonight while ‘If You Love Me’ is positive enough, especially compared to the previous night. 

Before an 'ok-for-77' ‘You Gave Me a Mountain’ Elvis asks for the drums to be brought up.

There must have been audio issues as Elvis notes mid-song.. “You Gave Me a Mountain, you know you did - I can't hear a thing in my right ear!”

‘Jailhouse Rock’ is fast but bland. 

The Saturday crowd is a little over-enthusiastic so Elvis explains, “Just hold it for a second, you know we’re in no hurry, just take your time” 
The following ‘O Sole Mio/ It’s Now Or Never’ “That's cute Sherrill” is a better version tonight. The audience then screams in appreciation. 

(Surprisingly there was no, Little Sister, Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel tonight)

Elvis then says “this is a song that Frank Sinatra did and we hope you like it, it’s called ‘My Way’ and I don't know the words to it so I’ll have to read it”. 

‘My Way’ starts delicately and builds up nicely, albeit with some laughter at the end, to be a decent ’77 version (but obviously not good enough for official release like Saginaw April 25).

‘Hound Dog’ is perfunctory, which for some reason was chosen for release on 'Spring Tours ‘77'. 

Elvis then says “We have a lot of talent up on stage and I want to ask Kathy to do a song, called ‘My Heavenly Father’, she has a beautiful voice”. While perhaps not a crowd favourite it does demonstrate Elvis’ appreciation of her soprano.   
For some reason this is not indicated on the tracklisting. But one hopes that, after being edited out of the FTD 'Dinner At Eight' 13th Dec 75 Dinner show, finally at 80-years-old Kathy Westmoreland will be getting some royalties. 

Missed from the previous two concerts (a good indication of how tired Elvis must have been) ‘Polk Salad Annie’ was back for this show and Elvis lays on pretty fine ’77 version, which rightly impresses the crowd. 

The Introductions were not taped which is a shame as we miss the preamble where Elvis decides to do ‘The Wonder Of You’ instead of ‘Hurt.’ This was a real rarity as Elvis hadn’t performed it since May 1976. To get the band in the mood Elvis began by humming the song which is also not included here.

However his choice ends up being disappointing since ‘The Wonder Of You’ is half-hearted with Elvis forgetting the lyrics, remembering only the third verse and so ends up singing a very poor version. Elvis would attempt it one more time in Baltimore on May 29 but would sadly give up near the start. 

Luckily Elvis the selects another rare-for-77 classic ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ which is a treat for the crowd. It ups the pace and sounds ok.

Elvis must have been feeling positive about Kathy Westmoreland tonight as demonstrating his Saturday night mood Elvis jokes, “Every time I do the Hawaiian Wedding Song I feel like I’m getting married again, every night” 
Sadly Elvis again forgets some of the lyrics and it is only a so-so version, yet obviously a crowd pleaser. Elvis would only perform this song one more time in his career at of all places Rapid City for the CBS TV special.

Elvis then says a perfunctory “Thank you very much Ladies and Gentlemen” and quickly closes with a throwaway ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’

A newspaper report from the St Paul Pioneer Press claimed that Elvis was seen jogging around nearby Lake Nokomis some 30 minutes’ drive away on late Saturday afternoon which has to be absolute rubbish! 
However Ray Crump, a friend from Memphis, did meet up with Elvis in his hotel room in Minnesota prior to his show that Saturday night. Ray claimed that Elvis had lost 40lbs due to a regime of jogging and heavy exercise. So while it is impossible to imagine Elvis jogging in public on a Saturday afternoon mid-tour, he had obviously told his friend that he had been exercising to lose weight.  

Luckily Elvis saved his St Paul concert from being yet another poor performance by trying out some interesting additions towards the end. However several eye witness reports noted that some fans considered it a very poor show due to missing the expected ‘Hurt’ showstopper, as well as his surprisingly fast exit.  

Apparently Elvis had a bad cold and had a runny nose but he still sounds ok vocally. All this was mentioned in the St. Paul Pioneer Press May 2nd article 'Nasal Drips Cut Short The Hips' by Charley Hallman. 

Side Note: Disappointingly the Greensboro opening concert on 21 April is not included since audience recordings prove that it was a fine performance and nor are any of the last 3 concerts with his final Saginaw performance again being rather upbeat (released on The Final Curtain). On the other hand, none of the notably bad concerts are included.

Perhaps hearing Elvis in 1977 saddens you, in which case this set is not for you. But if you are a collector who appreciates Elvis in 1977, and you want to hear how his health and disposition changed at each performance, then this set is certainly worth a listen. Elvis was in a better state of health than in the previous tour and collectors will be excited that three soundboards have never been previously released

Overall Verdict: It’s hard to know what anyone might be hoping for when listening to Elvis' final performances. Elvis was not well and should have been resting instead of still working-for-the-man.
Luckily Elvis' third tour of 1977 was a definite improvement on his very lacklustre previous tour and the fact that 'Polk Salad' was back on the menu shows that Elvis must have been feeling better.
Featuring six performances of varying energy levels this set is a bit of a mixed bag and it’s a shame that the opening show couldn't be included. Elvis' Ann Arbor performance was the highlight of the tour but for some reason audio-static creeps into the second half of this FTD version. 
Ignoring audio-issues, Elvis’ two shows near the beginning of the tour make Disc 1 the favourite, while Disc 3 at least includes some interesting song selections where Elvis tried harder to impress his loving audience.
As a collector it’s not too bad a set and quite enjoyable at times if obviously a tad repetitive. 
The fact that 15 minutes of 1977 'Introductions' is missed from each show is not a bad thing, although I do miss John Wilkinson's 'Early Morning Rain'.
Fans of Elvis live in 1977 will certainly find this set interesting, even though one can’t  imagine it being worthy of too many repeat plays. 
For 1977 this was a "passable" tour but with notably only a few 'good shows’. Sadly Elvis' battery was running out.
No soundboards have ever been found from Elvis' fourth tour of 1977 so we can only wonder what FTD will do next for 'The Last Tours Volume 4'

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'Elvis Last Tours Vol.2' In-depth FTD Review: FTD's 3-CD 5”digipak 'Elvis: The Last Tours Volume 2' features recordings from six Elvis performances in March 1977, Norman OK March 25 & 26 , Abilene Tx March 27, Austin Tx March 28 and Alexandria LA March 29 & 30. By 1977 Elvis was running on low, his set-list had become stagnant and fans were lucky to hear Elvis perform any rare song in his predictable set-list. Elvis was not in good health, had been rowing with girlfriend Ginger Alden and the last four dates of this second tour of 1977 had to be cancelled. So one has to ask how much do you enjoy Elvis’ performances in 1977? Five of these soundboards have never been released before and it is Elvis’ Abilene concert that is the real highlight. Of course, if you are a collector who appreciates Elvis in 1977 then this set might be perfect for your collection. Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell along with EIN's Piers Beagley explore this new six concert pack in-depth to see what fans might discover.. (FTD Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis Last Tours Vol.1' In-depth FTD Review: FTD's 4-CD 5”digipak 'Elvis: The Last Tours Volume 1' features recordings from seven Elvis performances in February 1977, West Palm Beach (Feb 13), St. Petersburg (Feb 14), Montgomery (Feb 16), Columbia (18), Johnson City (19) and Charlotte (20/21). By 1977 Elvis was running on low, his set-list had become stagnant and fans were lucky to hear Elvis perform any rare song in his predictable set-list. Elvis did not look healthy at the start of this tour but his weight and voice definitely improved as the tour progressed. So one has to ask how much do you enjoy Elvis’ performances in 1977? There were certainly a few highlights but overall most of these concerts sound all too similar. Of course if you are a collector who appreciates Elvis in 1977 then this set might be perfect for your collection. Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell along with EIN's Piers Beagley explore this new seven concert pack in-depth to see what fans might discover.. (FTD Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

Elvis: Amarillo ’77 FTD CD Review: Elvis' second tour of 1977 kicked off in Tempe, Arizona on March 23rd. He had just returned from his final vacation in Hawaii and was hopefully rested and recuperated. This previously un-released March 24th Amarillo concert was the second concert in the two-week tour and hopefully Elvis would be in better form than was often the case in 1977. In fact Felton Jarvis started recorded some songs professionally for the 'Moody Blue' album from Norman, Oklahoma the very next day. The new Amarillo FTD focuses on this second tour and includes 11 Bonus Tracks creating a very packed CD. These include 'Steamroller Blues' Elvis' only 1977 version from Austin, Texas - as well as the very rare live 'Bosom of Abraham/You Better Run' previously unreleased. Go here as EIN contributor Geoffrey McDonnell checks out this brand new FTD to see whether Elvis' Hawaii holiday really had got him fired up and ready to rock. (FTD Reviews; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

Spring Tours '77: Spring Tours, April 1977 and Elvis, just four months before finally 'leaving the building', is still out on the road supporting the Colonel's gambling habit. Since Elvis refused to go into the studio Felton Jarvis recorded portions of each concert, on a 4 track system, hoping to get some rare material to be included in Elvis' next LP. 1977 wasn't the greatest year for The King. But this release is worth buying if you're buying it for the right reasons. Sound confusing? Piers Beagley explains...

'Elvis: Stateline SAHARA '74' FTD In-Depth Review: 'ELVIS: Stateline Sahara 1974 Lake Tahoe' released as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak features three previously unreleased performances from Elvis' third Lake Tahoe season - May 19 (Evening show), May 20 (Midnight show) and May 25 (Midnight show). Just two weeks before this Lake Tahoe season Elvis had been playing to audiences of over 18 thousand at the Los Angeles Forum, so it is understandable if Elvis sounds a little more on ‘cruise-control’ but being less O-T-T is also a positive in that they sound more intimate. FTD have already released three concerts from this Tahoe season plus five of the best tracks from this set. Go here as Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell & EIN's Piers Beagley investigate what fans may discover in these previously unheard performances (FTD Reviews, Source:GM/ElvisInfoNet)

'Elvis: Summer of '76' FTD In-depth Review: This new FTD set features three 1976 concerts, Charleston A/S July 24, Springfield E/S July 29 and Hampton Roads A/S August 1. Things started going terribly wrong for Elvis in 1976. The beauty and on-stage power that he still exuded the previous year was fast fading away. Elvis' third tour of 1976 was one of his worst. Starting just 10 days after Elvis fired Red, Sonny West and Dave Hebler he was not in a good way. Despite already releasing 27 concerts from this rather sad year, FTD have released yet another three 1976 performances and they are not good. Collectors of course will appreciate that FTD have included two previously unknown soundboards here and they do help us explore what state our hero was in for his 1976 summer. However Elvis was obviously not in a good way which makes them rather sad.... Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell along with EIN's Piers Beagley explore this new FTD 1976 triple- pack to see whether fans could learn anything new... (FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis: From Louisiana and Memphis 1976' FTD In-depth Review: FTD continues their extensive look at Elvis' performances in 1976 with three July 1976 concerts. This is a FOUR CD 5” digi-pak, this set features three concerts, Shreveport Louisiana July 1, 1976, Baton Rouge, July 2, 1976 and Elvis' last home-town concert Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis July 5, 1976. FTD have already released two soundboards from this June-July 1976 tour but both the Louisiana concerts have never been released from soundboard before. By early 1976 Elvis’ set-list had become routine with few surprises along the way however this tour was one of the best for 1976 and for collectors the previously unreleased Shreveport July 1 1976 soundboard is a real bonus - and Elvis’ final show in Memphis should be in everyone’s collection. Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell along with EIN's Piers Beagley check out this new FTD 1976 triple-concert pack to see whether we can learn anything new... (FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis: Pine Bluff to Madison '76' FTD In-depth Review: FTD continues their extensive look at Elvis' performances in 1976 with another two previously unreleased concerts. This set features two shows: Pine Bluff Convention Center, September 8, 1976 830pm and Dane County Coliseum, Madison, October 19, 1976 8.30pm. FTD have already released plenty of soundboards from these two tours including September 6, 1976 Afternoon and Evening shows ‘Elvis In Alabama: The Last Double Date’ and the day before Sioux Falls, Oct 18 (On The Road With Elvis CD2). By early 1976 Elvis’ set-list had become routine with few surprises along the way and while the Pine Bluff performance has the energy of the Closing show of the tour fans surely don't want to hear Elvis suggest that “we should rehearse more before we tour”! Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell and EIN's Piers Beagley check out this new FTD 1976 double-pack to see whether it is another essential release for your collection. (FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis: St Louis & Spokane 1976' FTD In-Depth Review: 1976 is not an easy Elvis concert year to review. There were no major set-list changes, no dramatic "emotional roller-coaster" of 1974 and no high-flying "Huntsville" 1975 excitements. Released as a 2-CD 5” digi-pak, this new FTD set features Elvis at the Kiel Auditorium on March 22 1976 and The Coliseum on April 27 1976. Both shows were "Closing Nights" of these short 1976 tours where Elvis would often go that little bit further for his loving fans. Larrie Londin played drums with the TCB band on the March 1976 tour so it will be a treat for collectors to get an official release featuring 'A Different Beat' with Larrie Londin playing at St Louis on March 22, 1976. Can there really be that much to say about these two concerts, well EIN's coolest reviewers have rustled up over 4000 words.. and check if there any surprises in store.. Go here as Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell & Piers Beagley check out this new set .... (FTD Reviews, Source:GM/ElvisInfoNet)

'Elvis: The Bicentennial Show' 1976' FTD In-Depth Review: 1976 is not an easy Elvis live-in-concert year to review. There were no major set-list changes, no dramatic "emotional roller-coaster" of 1974 and no high-flying "Huntsville" 1975 excitements. Apart from the exceptional blast of the final December 1976 Tour the year was the inevitable downward spiral. However there were some highlights along the way and Elvis collectors have always been keen to hear Elvis' July 4th 1976 Bicentennial performance, as well as RCA's Joan Deary's initial choice for the 1980 box-set of Duluth, October 16, 1976.   As FTD releases two more 1976 soundboards, will Elvis be back on form and are there any surprises in store.. Go here as Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell checks out Elvis' celebrating July 4th 1976 .... (FTD Reviews, Source:GM/ElvisInfoNet)

'The West Coast Tour '76' FTD CD Review: FTD have released their second 1976 double-set in a row, this time featuring two shows from Elvis' November tour, San Francisco, November 29, 1976 and Anaheim's Closing Show from the following day. 1976 is not an easy Elvis live-in-concert year to review. There were no major set-list changes, no dramatic "emotional roller-coaster" of 1974 and no high-flying "Huntsville" 1975 excitements. By late November 1976 however Elvis had become involved with new love Ginger Alden. As fans are well aware Elvis’ final 1976 tour of December is well known for having the most energetic and exciting concerts from this tiring and lacklustre year, however back in November Elvis was already more energised, losing weight and excited to be with Ginger. Go here as Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell checks out this new FTD double-pack .... Superfan Tom McAllister - who was at the concert and took the front cover photo - also adds his own comments.. (FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis In Alabama Sept 1976' FTD In-Depth Review: 1976 is not an easy Elvis live-in-concert year to review. There were no major set-list changes, no dramatic "emotional roller-coaster" of 1974 and no high-flying "Huntsville" 1975 excitements. Apart from the exceptional blast of the final December 1976 Tour the year was the inevitable downward spiral. These two Huntsville concerts from September 6th 1976 demonstrate a real transformation when you consider the abysmal ‘state’ Elvis was in just over a week previously at the dreadful ‘Houston’ 28th August show. Elvis was focused and put in more energy than Colonel Parker's double-booking probably deserved.  This FTD features both of Elvis' Huntsville concerts on September 6th 1976. Go here as Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell checks out Elvis' last Double-Date .... (FTD Reviews, Source:GM/ElvisInfoNet)