I’m compiling all the responses to my Civic Auditorium (or “City Auditorium” for some) memories request. But I have one more request.
Did anybody out there attend the Elvis Presley concert in 1977, just before Elvis died? And do you have any memories or stories from the concert?
Of all the legendary names and events that happened in the Civic, the Elvis concert is the one I haven’t heard much about. Can’t believe it wasn’t memorable.
Thanks. And see you on Sunday. I think you’re going to like it.
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Tom –
Yes, I attended both of the Elvis concerts in Omaha — the one in ’77 and an earlier one that I think might have been in ’73, but I am not sure. I saw Elvis three times — twice in Omaha and once in Vegas.
Nothing compares to seeing Elvis in Vegas, but the Omaha concerts were still incredible and lifetime experiences. The performances were exciting and, as I recall almost breathtaking. I recall having really good floor seats for the earlier concert — which turned out to be a bad idea as I was surrounded by screaming young girls as soon as he appeared.
As to your specific question about the ’77 concert, it was much different than the earlier one. He had gained significant weight and lost some of his stage vigor and energy. It seemed obvious that something was not right — I thought it was simply his weight. However, the next few months told a different story — sadly. Still, even in his ’77 condition, he was unmatched as a stage performer.
Tom,
I was 13 believe or not. My mom was an Elvis fanatic and of course growing up that was all I heard coming from the stereo. She saw him every year that he came to Omaha and had a front row ticket. I begged and begged, so she got my older brother and I seventh row seats. I had already been to a couple of concerts at the civic, Kiss (76) and Steve Miller band (I think 76 also), so I thought I knew what to expect. Because of family friends that worked the auditorium we where their early and actually got to check out the stage, I believe I remember the friend telling us that because of Elvis’ eye sight that they had certain colored lights on stage that let him know where he was at on stage.
Like I said I thought I knew what to expect, the opening act was a comedian which at 13 I really didn’t understand the humor but when the lights went out and 2001 space odyssey started playing, wow. I agree with Ron he was heavy but not having seen the early concerts let me tell you it was awesome. I have seen a lot of great concerts in my lifetime, Rolling Stones, Kiss, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, The Boss, Doobie Brothers and Rush to name a few but that concert to this day is still my number one. The surge from the audience actually moved our seats and rows forward; women were crying, screaming and generally going nuts. I don’t believe I have ever witness someone have that much control and stage presence over people ( I would have liked to have seen Michael Jackson in concert), I made my way into the isles during the concert where I witnessed women fighting to get closer to the stage. So lady who I didn’t know grab my because she thought I was going to get crushed and got me to within about 20 feet of the stage so I could get a closer look.
What a night, needless to say my mom got a scarf and I my brother and I got to watch a legendary performance that still sticks in my mind.
Ron and Joe certainly expressed the flavor of seeing Elvis. And I am sure he enjoyed Omaha’s welcome.
I had the the good fortune of seeing Elvis in one of his very first concerts. It was 1955 while in jet training at Memphis NAS.
On a summer evening, in the grand old Memphis hotel, Chisca, Elvis was singing from a basement show room. Except by word of mouth, this show hadn’t been publicized, and even with his lack of “arrival” the street was full of kids, just to hear him sing from some basement windows. Despite criticism, Hound Dog and Blue Suede Shoes were their songs.
Going by, it was hopeless to get inside, but alas, still having a press credential from the old San Francisco Examiner, and imploring how their readers wanted to know Elvis better, a couple of buddies and I were pushed in to stand about 20 feet from where Elvis was singing. And SING, he could!! With his group of three, his sweat hit the crowd, maybe even hitting us. The crowd, standing and shouting, swayed in unison. In a room for 800, probably 1800 were his disciples. Fire laws were ignored and unenforceable.
And at around 18, Elvis was the Master of the Room. When he raised his hand, and touched his lips, instant quiet. But, when he dropped his hand, and wiggled his hips, instant bedlam. Gospel, pop, and rock. Entertainer Deluxe. Presley had it.
By the way, for you Presley people, Graceland in Memphis will still make you feel his style and music. Commercial for sure, like a lot of America, but a great Elvis show.
Tom gave nice talk at the Memories of Civic Center Sunday. Enjoyed reading about it!
Not being able to see Elvis perform in Omaha was something I will always regret. I had heard negative reactions about his performances because he had forgotten the words and slurred them. Regardless, Elvis was one of a kind and there will never be a singer and performer like him. If I ever need any motivation to get me up and going, I just put on one of his albums and it works everytime!
Saw Elvis’ 1st performance in Omaha in 1956 or 57?? Tremendous! Great seats! tickets were $5.00!!! Then saw him years later in Vegas! Again, one of the best performers ever!!
Former Omahan living in south FL. I saw Elvis in 1977. We had 5 couples go together. At our pre party a couple of us guys did our Elvis impressions. My father was an Omaha policeman for years and took my wife and brother-in-law to see him in 73. They stood in one of the tunnels in frontof the stage. I was out of town at the time.
As a side note, I actually picked up a couple of southern channels on my bedroom radio and listened to some early Elvis songs. This had to be around 1956 when I was in the seventh grade. By coincidence, I also saw him the first time he was on national TV. It was theTommy & Jimmy Dorcey show in 55 or 56. I didn’t pay much attention at first until I heard the girls screeming. I think he made about four or five appearances. I was hooked At recess the following monday, I asked some of my friends if they saw him and one kid said , is that the guy that plays the drums?
There will never be another ELVIS.