Introduction
Elvis Presley is one of the most famous and beloved musicians of all time. He is widely considered the “King of Rock n’ Roll” for his innovative style and influential sound. Throughout his career, Elvis toured extensively throughout the United States and around the world. This article will explore Elvis’ world tours, from the countries he visited to the setlists he performed, and the impact these tours had on his career.
What Countries Did Elvis Presley Tour?
During his career, Elvis Presley performed in more than 30 countries across five continents. Some of the countries he visited include the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Australia, Japan, and Mexico. Elvis also performed in South Africa, making him one of the first major international artists to perform in the country after its apartheid regime ended. In addition to performing in major cities, Elvis also gave concerts in smaller towns and rural areas. For example, in 1958, he performed a show in the small town of Lubbock, Texas, that drew over 25,000 people.
Elvis’ performances were held in a variety of venues, from stadiums and arenas to theaters and even churches. One of his most iconic performances was at the Honolulu International Center Arena in Hawaii in 1973. This concert was recorded and released as the album Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite, making Elvis the first performer to broadcast a live concert to an international audience.
How Did the World Receive Elvis Presley on Tour?
Elvis’ performances were met with wild enthusiasm wherever he went. His fans, who were known as “Elvis Army”, would often flock to his shows and scream and cry during his performances. According to one fan, “At the end of every song, you could feel the love in the room…It was like a religious experience.”
Elvis was also well-received by different cultures around the world. In Japan, Elvis was welcomed with open arms and even received the honorific title of “King”. In Mexico, he was greeted by thousands of adoring fans, who sang along with him in Spanish. He even performed in Israel in 1957, becoming the first major rock star to do so.
What Are Some Highlights from Elvis’ Tours?
Elvis’ tours were filled with memorable moments. At a show in Las Vegas in 1956, Elvis famously shook his hips during a performance of “Hound Dog”, which caused an uproar among the audience. Elvis also made several surprise appearances on television shows, such as The Ed Sullivan Show, where he famously performed “That’s All Right (Mama)”.
In addition, Elvis performed two benefit concerts in 1971 and 1972. The first was a charity show in Memphis, Tennessee in support of the city’s financially struggling public school system. The second was a benefit concert in Hawaii, which raised money for local charities.
How Did Elvis’ Tours Impact His Career?
Elvis’ tours had a major impact on his career. His concerts generated millions of dollars in revenue, making him one of the highest-paid performers of his time. His tours also helped spread his music to a wider audience and increased his popularity around the world.
In addition, Elvis’ tours provided him with invaluable publicity. He was featured in magazines and newspapers around the world, and his performances were broadcast on television and radio. As a result, Elvis’ fame only grew as he continued to tour the world.
What Was the Setlist for Elvis’ World Tours?
Elvis’ setlists varied from tour to tour, but typically included a mix of his classic hits, such as “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Jailhouse Rock”, as well as covers of other artists’ songs. Elvis also performed a variety of genres, including rockabilly, blues, country, gospel, and pop. His performances often included costume changes and dance moves, making them visually stunning as well as musically entertaining.
What Was It Like to Attend an Elvis Presley Concert Tour?
Attending an Elvis Presley concert was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was electrifying, with fans singing along to every song and screaming for more. Many fans reported feeling an emotional connection with Elvis, as if they were sharing a special moment with him.
Elvis’ performances were also incredibly theatrical. He often wore extravagant costumes and used props, such as guitars and microphones, to engage the audience. These elements combined to create a unique and unforgettable experience that fans still recall fondly today.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s world tours were an integral part of his career, allowing him to share his music with fans around the world. From the United Kingdom to South Africa, Elvis was met with wild enthusiasm everywhere he went. His setlists consisted of a mix of his own songs, as well as covers of other artists, and his performances were always filled with energy and emotion. Although Elvis has been gone for more than four decades, his legacy lives on through his music and the memories of those who attended his concerts.
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