This is one that slipped through the net for me, a previously unheard soundboard concert from Elvis’ final tour in June 1977. It was included in the final curtain box set, kindly produced by Boxcar for the millionaires among us in 2011.
It’s worth a listen, not only for being one the king’s last shows; the Sweet Inspirations’ drummer Jerome ‘Stump’ Monroe is behind the traps filling in for Ronnie Tutt.
While being driven to the hotel before this show, Elvis jumped out of his limo when he saw two men ganging up on a gas station attendant. With his flashlight and police badge in hand he was ready to take the two guys on, but as soon as they realised who they were dealing with they quickly backed off, more than a bit shocked. Once everyone calmed down, Elvis was happy to shake hands and pose for photos.
Later that same night Elvis entertained 10,000 fans at Wisconsin’s Dane County Coliseum. The opening numbers “See See Rider” and “I Got A Woman” are performed well with Elvis telling Stump to watch him as he has fun with the dive-bomb ending. An audience request for “Old Shep” is quickly dismissed before “Love Me”, “If You Love Me” and “You Gave Me A Mountain”; well sung here and are real highlights.
After the racing start to “Jailhouse Rock”, Elvis puts in a big effort and the crowd really enjoy this one. Up next is “O Sole Mio / Its Now Or Never” with a nice repeated ending. This is followed by an audience request for “One Night” - a song rarely done in later years. After Elvis stops the song when he’s not happy with the microphone, he does a decent version of the 50’s classic. After “Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel” and Don McLean’s “And I Love You So”, Elvis takes a breather and asks Sherrill Nielsen to sing a couple of his favourite songs. “Danny Boy” and “Walk With Me” are both nicely done.
Next Elvis sings “Love Me Tender” (another audience request). This is the last time this would be done live.
During the band intros we get a funky drum solo from Stump, with shouts of encouragement from the Sweet Inspirations.
Elvis turns down Jerry Scheff’s offer of “Kissin’ Cousins” for his bass solo, opting for his regular blues number instead… what a pity.
Most of the later live versions of “I Really Don’t Want To Know” can’t be compared with the Nashville cut from June 1970, and this one’s no exception. After “Hound Dog”, Elvis lets his dad take a bow. As “Can’t Help Falling In Love” brings the show to a close, Stump Monroe plays the closing vamp, I’m sure with great relief, as the man himself admits, “Man, I couldn’t believe it when they told me I was gonna play behind Elvis - I almost had a heart attack!”
Rest easy Stump, you did a great job!
LEAVE THE DRIVING TO STUMP
JUNE 24TH 1977 8:30PM
MR MEMPHIS