ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT
Back in the early 1990’s EPE trialled new concepts in new technology to try and make Elvis’ music fresh and introduce him to new audiences. With limited success, they were not hitting the heights there were hoping for; that was until Stig Edgren became involved with EPE’s concept. The idea was something special - to recreate an Elvis Presley concert for the upcoming 20th anniversary in 1997. Simple enough idea, but with only one problem - the lead singer being gone for 20 years…
Working through Elvis’ songs it was noted that Elvis’ vocal tracks could be isolated, thus in effect have Elvis sing on his own. Syncing up the vocal with footage, the idea was starting to become reality but who would back Elvis on stage? The TCB Band had not worked together for years, but it was agreed that all of the band and singers would return to perform with Elvis (excluding John Wilkinson who had a stroke and Kathy Westmoreland who was at odds over a book she had written, much to EPE’s unhappiness).
This show in 1997 was conceived as a one off. But the sheer reaction to Elvis and his band roaring through hit after hit brought it home that Elvis may be ready to go on tour again…
Many of the early shows in the USA were performed to less than full arenas, many people thinking that “Elvis The Concert” (as it was called at the time) was an impersonator. People really couldn’t get their heads around the fact that Elvis was singing lead vocals with his band playing live. You really had to see this show to believe it.
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