An Older, Uncomfortable-looking Elvis...And Not A Brow Is Raised
by Johnson Peters
St Louis Globe Democrat
June 29, 1973

Elvis Presley, the singer whose performances have sent women to the point of hysterical oblivion, came to Kiel Auditorium looking a little mellow Thursday night.

The crowd gave "the king" a standing ovation and women screeched when he gave an occasional jerk in his gyrations, but Elvis moved slower, perhaps more deliberate.

With a 25-piece orchestra ensemble playing the overture to "2001," Elvis came sparkling on to the stage in a white jump suit with a high collar, studded with gold colored decorations.

FLASHES THAT popped from cameras lit up the auditorium.

Elvis opened his show with a lively "C.C. Rider," but the strong timbre of his voice came through expentantly in "Help Me Through The Night". He threw scarves to women in the crowd as he walked to the apron of the stage.

Elvis, whose hairline has receded more, appeared to wear more make up and looked uncomfortable as he went through his paces.

But Presley, who started his meteoritic career more than 20 years ago, got his biggest response when he did some classic rock-and-roll pieces from a medley of traditional hits, including "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Shake Rattle and Roll".

He then slowed to a rather lyrical piece called "I'm Leaving" and a spiritual , "How Great Thou Art" before shifting to "You Ain't Nothing But A Hound Dog."

THE CROWD generally was restrained, but occasionally burst into applause.

Elvis got about as suggestive with "Fever" as he did all evening, but his gyrations Thursday night wouldn't have raised an eyebrow 20 years ago when he sang on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Those who waited for Elvis to arrive at the 15th street stage door were small in numbers , but faithful. The crowd of about 100, representing a range of ages leaning toward youth, generally were quiet and conservative.

Some had waited since 5 p.m. 3 1/2 hours before the concert began. It was the kind of crowd Sonny and Cher attracted at their recent show here.

WHEN ELVIS appeared at Kiel on Sept. 10, 1970 police cordoned off the street as an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 Presley followers lined up as far as east as the federal building terraces along Market.

The concert began on time at 8:30 p.m. to a full house that was sold-out a month ago. The first half was filled with Las Vegas-type entertainment featuring stand-up comic Jackie Calhane who was followed by a black female trio, "The Sweet Inspirations," who sang with their own backup group of three guitars and 2 drum.

The trio, reminiscent of the Supremes, sang well, presenting a melody of current pop hits in a slick musical style. They were Burt Bacharach type melodies, pleasing to the audience.

Courtesy of REX's 1970s W.E.N.S.W