Elvis Presley in Concert @ Birmingham LG Arena – 18th March 2012
How often do you get to review a dead legend? Let alone a legend that has had such a resounding impact on the music industry he is known as The King? The answer is very rarely and whenever given the opportunity you would be foolish to pass it up. Admittedly, when I did mention it to people, most assumed it would be an impersonator and when I explained it was the genuine article, I got reminded that Elvis has been dead for a long time. Despite his deceased status, various savvy types have compiled a selection of live concert footage, from primarily the early 1970’s, and collected various original band members together to create an experience as close as possible to seeing Presley perform live. Elvis is displayed on a massive screen over the centre of the stage, whilst a vast band play underneath and the side screens project live images from the stage and a selection of old footage of the original audiences, band and photos of The King.
The event starts with Google Earth being displayed, targeting in on the LG Arena following a blurry Elvis walking through the backstage corridors leading to the stage. There are screams and a sense of excitement exuding from the audience, showing how much power Presley still wields. The first song, in this nearly two hour set, is See See Rider, which allows your senses to fully process what is taking place. Often, at large arena concerts, you tend to watch the big screens rather than the actual artist on the stage so, if you suspend your reality, it is easy to get swept up in the possibility that you are seeing Elvis live. Throughout the set, we are treated to classics including Hound Dog, Heartbreak Hotel and Blue Suede Shoes that clearly portray this charismatic figure’s capacity and brilliance as a singer and showman.
The band has a challenging feat to make sure the timing fits perfectly with the vocal performance, and as the band consists of a string, brass and percussion section not including the two keyboardists, bass player, guitar, drums and back up vocals provided courtesy of The Imperials and Sweet Inspirations, this is one mammoth and impressive task. Furthermore, the band’s clear enjoyment, to be playing Elvis’s music, is apparent throughout the show especially when the crowd become more animated during Suspicious Minds. Respect also has to be given to the sound technicians who manage to mix the volume of the vocal track at an ideal level with the live band, and present Elvis’s voice at its finest.
There are many comedic elements to the event, as footage of over zealous girls kissing Elvis is kept in, including him questioning a fan if she would like to go serious, to which she replies yes and is then reluctant to detach her lips from his. As the concert draws to a close, with the inevitable comment that Elvis has left the building, I am left utterly impressed not only by the technical accomplishment of the event but by Presley himself. I have never been much of an Elvis fan but I truly started to appreciate why he is so revered by so many nearly 35 years after his death. However, during his version of the hymn How Great Thou Art, one does have to wonder if some of the audience may have Elvis and God confused but then again who is to define a deity in this day and age.
Review – Toni Woodward
Photos – Ken Harrison
Yes I was there and being my 7th time over the last 12 or so years twice in Memphis 1 at wembley 4 in birmingham would I still be as thrilled ? well having 3 grandaughters and 1 daughter with me (their first time )helped make it special but being on the 7th row the closest for me yet helped make it just another incredible experience ! fantastic !the charisma and power of Elvis and the professional musicianship of all on stage just makes it such a brilliant event tcb baby
I was born after 3 years Elvis passed away, and I’ve been to this concert 3 times travveling from Istanbul to London and wass amazed by the audience reaction and yes; Elvis’s charisma. I think the world is still unaware of his talent and musical impact completely. They know Elvis but don’t know how really big he is. I think time will work for Elvis instead of ignıring him. Because he deserves the best. Long Live The King.