T.R.O.U.B.L.E. IN 1975
Part One - June '75
by Geoffrey McDonnell

1975 began for Elvis with Karate projects very much on his mind, and until 1975, when Kris Kristoferson took the lead part, Elvis had been very interested in "A Star Is Born." Although he was unsure if it was the right part for his movie comeback. NOw we hear, from Col. Parker, in January 1993, that Elvis didn't want to do it. Well of course we can't ask Elvis himself.

In late '74, Vernon and Dee seperated - which meant that Elvis had to pay a substantial divorce settlement in 1975. Meanwhile the Karate projects was slowly limping along as Elvis, now aged 40, seemed prepared to write himself off as 'OLD' - this seems ridiculous until one realises that Elvis was a very sensitive and delicate artist. In the past, the early bad press reports were shielded from him by his mother. In late '74, when the press called Elvis paunchy, depressed and living in fear, or fat and forty in '75, Elvis took it all to heart and sat around very depressed with a root problem of beeing unable to cope with growing old.

Despite good friend's advice, such as Ed Parker giving Frank Sinatra as an example of great success AFTER 40, with all the other pressures on Elvis' mind at this time, Elvis had a miserabie 40th birthday. What Elvis needed was a holidayI Also at this time Elvis was not well and at the end of January checked into hospital where he was found to be suffering rom an enlarged colon, liver damage and Glaucoma. At this time there seems to be an overwhelming feeling that almost all is lost, and could well be Elvis' lowest point in his life as, between 15.10.74 and 10.2.75 - despite plenty of time he did no recording work for five months. Unfortunately it got worse before it got better - as Elvis' father, Vemon collapsed (while visiting his son in hospital) in February and nearly died.

WHAT A RELIEF, thankfully after all this depressing news, a woeful start to 1975, by March both father and son had made good recoveries. It should be remembered that shortly after his birthday Elvis sent a telegram to Governor George Wallace with his proposal for a concert in Jackson, Miss. In May, to raise money for the recent McComb twister tomado victims of 10th January - again this was not a Tax dodge but a genuine gesture to help. Linda Thompson, particularly, had helped Elvis' throughout his hospital stay. Even though all year Elvis would make lots of jokes about "The Creeping Crudd' he was now feeling well again. Looking nicely in trim, in March '75, in a photo with Linda (and good brother Sam) Thompson, Elvis was not only ready to record and looking forward to the pre-Easter season at the Hilton (delayed this year to coincide with the opening of a new wing - which would allow more fans than ever before to sleep under the same roof as Elvis) and, as shown by the forthcoming 1975 album "Today," Elvis was ready to rock and almost certainly could still 'cut the mustard' forcing critics to concede later that Elvis is STILL the king of rock 'n' roll in 1975.

With the "Today" album Elvis crystalised his thoughts about what to record in late February/early March and was very certain about what songs and sounds he wanted in this album. This was his last 'studio' visit determined, later, by the unsatisfactory way the album was finally mixed in New York. This wasn't the balanced wide ranging spread of sound Elvis had wanted. As a result of this he would exert his power with more 'direct' control over any future recordings AFTER March 1975.

Looking at the 10 tracks recorded in Hollywood and released, they are all worthwhile listening. However although called Elvis "Today", judging from the cover "Today" meant Elvis in Seattle 29.4.73 E/S, or Uniondale, New York 22.6.73, or Pittsburgh 26.6.73, or Atlanta 3.7.73, - take your pick! This is rather surprising as in eady March or later in Jackson or Huntsville in May, Elvis in 1975, still looked superb! Just about half the songs are up-tempo and happy, the other half slower, sad or thoughtful. A very nice balanced mixture of songs, sung by an Elvis in good voice.

As "Elvis Sessions" shows, the "Tiger Man" was 'back' jamming in the studio! We've had "Yesterday Today" how about 'Rough Cut Diamonds Vol.2'. consisting of 1975 'outtakes'? I've found seven songs outstanding: A good version of Tom Jones' "Green, Green Grass Of Home." The now 'classic' rock in his version of a real 'tour de force' "T.R.0.U.B.L.E" - a superb rocker that with its very clever lyrics deserved to have been a much bigger 'hit', for Elvis in 1975. Lately, Travis Tritt has had a release of "T.R.0.U.B.L.E" but listening to his version it's reassuring to find it poor compared to Elvis' definitive version, also until we get to hear Elvis' version I did find one other Travis Tritt track, interestingly "One Hundred Years From Now!" "Susan When She Tried" is a great track (can we hear the run-on ending please). A better singing of "Woman Without Love" than Bob Luman. Then tear jerking versions of "Bringing It Back" (first heard by 'Volce' in Sept.'74) and a hidden reflective 'Masterpiece' "Pieces Of My Life", a cover of Chadie Rich's version but much better. A song that Elvis would introduce 'live' as 'The story of my life!' The Pointer Sisters, "Fairytale," a great country flavoured song. Elvis' hectoring treatment of "I Can Help" by former Graceland guard Billy Swan, may have suited railway announcements, but here, ruin a great song. Therefore let's have one of the altemate 'takes' sung a little more softly and tenderly by Elvis, Linda helped Eivis with material such as "Fairytale."

Interestingly here, relating to Billy Swan, is Elvis' introduction of him at the 29.3.75 M/S, in Las Vegas, with Elvis singing a line of "I Can Help" as a joke at this engagement at least three, known, times! "And I Love You So," written by Don McLean, made 'known' by Perry Como, is OK, but was often sung best 'live' in '75-'77. Finally "Shake A Hand" here, is sticky super glue slow and the result is mediocre. The final album is very good indeed, but if one more 'original' 'rocker' had been included to balance so many 'cover' versions it could have been faultless.

After the recording session from 10th - 12th March, Elvis had a few days to get ready for his 18.3.75 opening show. This was the first of a 29 show, two week engagement, in Las Vegas. Elvis followed, this year, a two week stint from Charlie Rich and three weeks from Liberace - with a two week clear break before Elvis' appearance to 'wet' the appetite.

After getting ready and rehearsing for the shows, Elvis opened, this time, with a strange backdrop of Easter Daisy's at the back of the stage. Also there were many 'new' suits, back to some of the two-piece style he had wom for the first two weeks of the August '72 engagement but here rather more 'jumpsuit' orientated in style. A dark blue two-piece suit with Gold, a White two-piece with blue omaments on the shoulders, a grey two-piece suit with Gold/Red, a blue two-piece suit with Gold/Blue, a blue two-piece suit, a blue two-piece suit with red ornaments and a very nice White Indian Feather jumpsuit.

Armed with 'NEW' material recently recorded, Elvis is just brilliant in this season and I feel, taken as a whole, Elvis' best quality two-weeks in Las Vegas since the Summer of 1970. Why? Well the backbone of songs listed below shows the BEST from '74: lf You Love Me (Let Me Know), It's Midnight, Promised Land, Let Me Be There and Big Boss Man. The one best song from 1973 and 'new' here "My Boy" plus a couple of recently recorded songs: "Fairytale" and "And I Love You So." The icing on the cake is arguably two of the best songs from 1972, "I'll Remember You" and "Burning Love." Quality here supercedes previous two week seasons and, at times, seems superfluous for the sometimes, complacent, crowd flocking to Las Vegas, however for listening FANS, these shows are great. Elvis is SUBLIME at his freshest and most MAGICAL since 1970. with coincidentally, the most one-Iiners since 1970:

"When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again" - one line 21.3.75 D/S... after 'C.C.Rider.'
"I'll Be There" - one line..22.3.75 M/S after 'Hound Dog.'
"Roses Are Red" - four lines ... 22.3.75 M/S..before 'Love Me.'
"I Can Help" - one line 25.3.75 D/S. two lines 25.3.75 M/S.. before 'Love Me', one line at the 29.3.75 M/S ... after intro of Billy Swan.
"Santa Lucia" - one line..27.3.75 M/S ... before 'Heartbreak Hotel.'
Elvis sings: "Just Tired And Lonely" ..28.3.75 D/S..after Tanya Tucker intro.
"That's Amore" two lines ... 29.3.75 D/S - just before the intros.
"Rip lt Up" - two verses..29.3.75 M/S..after 'C.C.Rider'.
"For The Good Times" - one line..30.3.75 M/S.. after 'Let Me Be There'.
"The Great Pretender" - one line..1.4.75 D/S..after Roy Clark intro.
"M.I.C.K.E.Y. M.0.U.S.E. M.A.R.C.H" - brief, 1.4.75 M/S ..before 'Little Darling'.
"You Do Something To Me" - one line + 1.4.75 M/S..before 'You Don't have To Say You Love Me'.

Indeed, Elvis was in great spirits for the opening show as, after the introduction of, good friend, Glen Campbell, he quipped "Where's the rest room? On video footage of the 19, 20 and 27th dinner shows, Elvis comes across very well is slim and a consummate showman in this engagement, an example being the 22.3.75 D/S, where Elvis makes many good humored jokes about nurses he recalled whilst in hospital.

Sung here a few times anc 'NEW' are: "Green, Green Grass Of Home," "You're The Reason I'm Living" whichI'm assured was sung once at the 22.3.75 M/S only, and "Little Darling" a fun reminder of the 50's. As well as in late '74, NEW here is Bill Baise singing, appropriately, "When It's My Time" and Kathy Westmoreland singing, at least three times, "My Heavenly Father," also Shaun Neilson sings a few solos. With another 20 or so songs (all regular favourites) adds up to a great pool of 35 songs that Elvis would pick from to sing at this season. Show length varies, usually around 55 minutes, with 15-21 songs performed. "My Boy," "Promised Land" and "It's Midnight," are featured often, as they were recent releases and a regular part of his pre-Easter season repertoire. "Promised Land" especially is sung very often until 29th March, when experiments take place, such as in the last three days "Little Dading." "My Boy," I believe, in this season was performed at almost all shows, the closing show being an obvious exception.

Up until the 29th March, Elvis seems to be putting out 100% quality shows with great humour such as, during "Big Boss Man," during the top 28.3.75 D/S, he changed the lyrics to 'Want a drink of brandy,' kidding Charlie Hodge during the song. Any odd comments are easily overlooked or quickly forgotten, however, looking at the last six shows, on the 30th and 31st M/S, as well as the 1.4.75 D/S, seem as good as, starting with the 30th D/S, Elvis talks a lot quipping 'Slow it down fellahs, I've only got two more days to go' and takes a long time to get started, especially during "Love Me Tender" and although at least half the show is faultlessly sung a 'loose' show results. The 31.3.75 D/S is much worse, although yet again over half the show is very good with no superfluous dialogue, the other half is not. Well earlier, at the 21.3.75 D/S, Elvis mentioned that Kathy's father was from San Diego and worked at a Navel base there, later this had changed as in the 31.3.75 D/S to: 'Kathy looks like Get-Low my dog - you find Lee Majors again?' (Cleady Elvis was jealous over Kathy's friendship with Lee Majors during this season). Elvis here spites Kathy sowing the seed of "T.R.0.U.B.L.E." that would germinate in Las Vegas, flower during June/July and bear its poisonous fruits at the Norfolk 20.7.75 E/S. Other comments during the 31.3.75 D/S are not as good as Elvis seems unwell, pale and here, uninterested - even mentioning that he had just come out of hospital.

The closing 1.4.75 M/S again is 'loose' format, but here Elvis can be excused as he's having fun on stage with both Get-low his dog and Col. Parker ("Jingle Bells" intro!) dressed as Santa. Finally, at the end of a great one hour show Elvis said, 'Nice to see everybody coming to Vegas,' thanked everybody and said, 'lt's been a pleasure.' He even casually dropped the famous one-Iiner of 'You do something to me' - featured in somany films just before singing, 'You don't have to say you love me.' However, a quick departure from Elvis, and Elvis hinted at such a move during "It's Midnight" (given a humid three false starts) when he sang "Gonna be gone from Vegas, about two." Then just before "I Got A Woman," Elvis said, 'Well, that's the last time I'll have to do this song!' Welcome to the last show.' I'd like to emphasize here that apart from these aforementioned shows the TOP QUALITY continues right through the season - particulary during the 1.4.75 D/S.

During the previous 31.3.75 M/S, Elvis had jokingly introduced good friend Liberace between his singing of "Littie Dading" and "The Hawalian Wedding Song." Liberace then returned to humorously heckle Elvis from the balcony at the 1.4.75 D/S, (Just like the two old boys on the Muppets) causing much laughter. Management were present and introduced at this show - Conrad and son Barron Hilton who, together, opened the 'new' wing that day, an addition to the hotel. Later of course, ready for the October 1977 opening they built a 'new' 7,000 seater for Elvis to open - Elvis and the Hiltons got on very well.

During the faultless 1.4.75 DIS, in which Elvis was at his MOST charming/congenial and full of embellishments/good humour to all around him, he introduced good Tennessee friend, Roy Clarke - with one line of the "Great Pretender" who coincidentally, was also appearing in Las Vegas and would later release his own 'live' album recorded around this time - then go on to appear on "The Muppet Show" (Kathy Westmoreland would also become involved with the Muppets before Jim Henson died - poor Kathy doesn't have much luck). Also introduced here is actor Hugh O'Brian who later on, appeared in the police action movie, 'Killer Force," co-starring Christopher Lee and Telly Savalas, a movie about a South African diamond mine. Clearly from this show, Elvis could get both his show attitude and format perfect-providing he was kept in line by those he was working for. Interestingly, at this engagement, Elvis was spotted several times, wearing a Turban, by fans between the two shows on 1st April and, after the last show on 21st March, in the early hours of the 22nd, in the Hilton kitchen! Track listing for the 27.3.75 M/S:

"2001 Theme; C.C.Rider; I Got A Woman/Amen; dialogue; Love Me; If You Love Me; And I Love You So; Big Boss Man; It's Midnight; Burning Love; Fairytale; Intros; What'd I Say; Hail, Hail Rock'n'Roll+ lntro of Lee Majors; My Boy: Help Me; Let Me Be There; Until It's Time For You To Go; Santa Lucia*; Heartbreak Hotel; Hound Dog; Bridge Over Troubled Water; Can't Help Falling In Love."
Running time 60 minutes.

* Title only, sung after "Jailhouse Rock, Old Shep" requests.
+ These were usually performed as just band instrumentals, although in some shows in this season you can hear Elvis 'off' mike singing along.

$6,000,000 Man, Lee Majors, was at many of the shows in this season and with Lee there, Elvis jokes and says: "There's a good friend of mine here, Ladies and Gentlemen, that I introduced in the first show, and uh, he's a littie crazy, he's a nut in a fruitcake you know ... called the 6 million dollar man... He's really got a big ego ... If you have ever wanted to see the 6 million dollar man drunk he wouldn't have to do it! This cat's weird, he thinks he's me: He does! ... He's a very good friend and a heck of a nice fellah, say hello to Lee Majors ... Bionic leg!..you have a bionic leg and a bionic gut! That's right..." At this point Lee is given some scarves to hand out whilst kissing girls along with Eivis ... after this Elvis has a job composing himself for his performance of "My Boy."

Very interesting here, in 1975, is that Elvis may well have been reflecting, looking at "Pieces of his life" as apart from songs from "Blue Hawaii" and songs from "G.I.Blues" sung 'live' at times, here in 1975, Elvis sang "What'd I Say" many times, "Santa Lucia" and later, in Houston on 4.6.75, after "Hound Dog", sang one line of "The Eyes Of Texas." With, in the past at the 6.8.69 D/S, Elvis having sung 'Viva" a bit from "Viva Las Vegas' after "Mystery Train/Tiger Man." Therefore, apart from "Blue Hawaii" songs, it appears that "Viva Las Vegas" might well be Elvis' second favourite movie to sing snippets from through the years. In 1975 was Elvis thinking of 1963, as later at the 12.12.75 show, just before introducing J.D.Sumner, Elvis sang a line of "Guadalajara" from "Fun In Acapulco." George F Will, of the Washington Post, summed up Elvis' March '75 season very well as "A Legend That Shimmies."

Following Las Vegas, Elvis had three weeks break before the first of three major tours, starting on 24th April, starting in the South-East. Following the possibility of world tours, in 1973, and possible change of venues, Jerry Scheff had left the band until now. Jerry retumed for good in April, replacing Duke Bardwell - which during the closing show Elvis hinted at during "An American Trilogy" singing 'You know my bass players bound to die.' In 1975, Elvis seemed unlikely to travel outside the United States despite rumours of a Canadian tour in the Fall. Also, in late 75, Jerry Schilling left to be replaced by, much less good, Dave Hebler.

The tour was as follows:
Macon on 24th April, Jacksonville on 25th, Tampa - two shows on 26th, Lakeland - also A/S + E/S on 27th April, a final show at Lakeland on 28th, then Murfreesboro on 29th, Atlanta over three days from 30th April to 2nd May, then A/S and E/S's at Monroe on 3rd May, Lake Chades two shows on 4th May. The famous Mississippi Benefit concert on 5th May in Jackson, then finally to close this tour two shows in Murfreesboro over 6th and 7th May.
Come on RCA/BMG let's have the May 6th Murfreesboro show!

This is a very nice tour, musically, with similar repertoire to Las Vegas, in March, and although at the end of March beginning of April Elvis had put on more weight, he looks like he's having fun, in footage of Jacksonville and Atlanta. By Jackson, on 5th May, Elvis was looking trimmer and very sharp - both on stage and before in the dressing room cheque presentation. The proceeds of his concert going to help recent Tornado victims. As Elvis personally paid for the expenses of staging the performance, the sold out concert raised $109 000 for victims of the McComb Wsier that had left people hurt and homeless, on 10th January, 1975.

Suits worn on this tour were the recent two-piece ones. "An American Trilogy" was still performed more often, on this tour and, at this stage with the flute solo. As in all the summer tours at least one singing of "That's Alright Mama" and the start of singing "T.R.0.U.B.L.E" his 'NEW' record, of which a great clear rocking version, along with "Alfie," can be heard in the Tampa 26.4.75 E/S. Elvis at different stages, in '75, surprisingly (compared to other albums) sang most of for 'live' as Elvis was keen to get audience reaction to his 'NEW' songs. After the tour wound up in Murfreesboro, Elvis had a break, exercised a bit and came out three weeks later for an unprecedented five shows in Huntsville. Elvis looks great, trim as in early March and in top formglad to be out doing it again.

Starting on 30th May, first show, then two shows on both 31st May and 1st June, then for the third day in a row, two shows on 2nd June in Mobile, one show in Tuscaloosa on 3rd June, Houston on both 4th and 5th June - of which some very interesting footage is circulating of Elvis at Hobby Airport on 7th June, Dallas on 6th, Shreveport two shows on 7th June, two shows on 6th in Jackson, one show in Jackson on 9th and finally one show to finish the tour in hometown Memphis on 10th June. Elvis looks and sounds in best form in both Huntsville and Jackson. Audiences on this tour were more medium sized compared to the previous, very large arenas in Atlanta, or the forthcoming audiences of 16,000-21,000 in Nassau or Cleveland in July. However, the Tuscaloosa University of Alabama fitted in the largest audience for this tour 15,400. A good- show widely released on bootleg but, I feel, less exciting than the April tour repertoire.

Jumpsuits were back for this tour - the beautiful White Indian Feather suit, the dark blue jumpsuit with silver eagle, the white jumpsuit with black eagle, white jumpsuit with red eagle. Elvis looks very smart and bright eyed on this tour, a very interesting tour. For FULL DETAILS I can thoroughly recommend Chris Brown's book "On Tour With Elvis..." as close as you'll ever get to 'being there.'

Rarities on this tour were: "For The Good Times" 31.5.75 A/S, the first time in a while "I Can't Stop Loving You" in Huntsville 31.5.75 E/S, and 1.6.75 E/S, "Release Me" sung in Huntsville much more longingly - like the great Indianapolis 26.6.77 version which is exzellent as in 73/74, it was often sung rather fast. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" started replacing "My Boy," firstly then, "I'll Remember You" later. As in the previous tour, "Help Me Make It Through The Night" was sung - this time in Jackson on 9th. Other rarities are "The Eyes Of Texas" at the 4.6.75 show and "Jambalaya (On The Bayou)" at the Jackson 9.6.75 show, where is the 35 seconds, of "Jambalaya" I've heard, from? Can we have the RCA version?

Interestingly with this tour Elvis was featuring the Trumpet solo during "An American Trilogy," replacing the Flute solo. Also Eivis starts, dramatically, holding the word GOD during versions of "How Great Thou Art," sometimes now repeating the last verse. "It's Midnight" and "My Boy" was not performed on this tour. RCA later released a 'compilation' show of 4/7 Dallas and 3/7 other early May + June shows which although very welcome at the time, was a very routine 'run of the mill' show and not as special as if say one of the Huntsville or Jackson shows. However, there is plenty of 'charm' to be found in this tour, often in "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)," during which Elvis really emphasised the line: 'And prayed you'd love enough of me to stay' - a nice violin sound adds to the 'Alice in Wonderland' feel to this song as the Joe Guercio Orchestra is really good on the tour. Unfortunately towards the end of the tour Elvis was inviting 'trouble' again as, in Houston, on 5th, in Kathy's intro, Elvis says: "The little girl that does our high voice singing, has a reason to do that." Then in Memphis, Elvis says to Kathy: "After tonight Kathy, you may never be with me again", also Elvis has a go at both John Wilkinson and Charlie Hodge for lack of trust and dropping his guitar. The shows have been good, but this unnecessary spite is disturbing and leaves a somewhat 'uneasy' feeling. Soon after this tour Elvis, quite unnecessarily has a mini facelift and then, ironically, proceeded to put on weight before the next tour - a start to the very strange behaviour in July 1975.

End part one.







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