Presley Legend Alive and Very Well
Wayne Harada
Honolulu Advertiser
November 20, 1972

Elvis Presley remains one of the most electrifying show biz marvels - an incadescent musical force who's a legend in his own time.

And the 26,000 fans who took in his three sellouts at the H.I.C. Arena over the week-end will long remember Presley's mystique, the charisma and that indelible animal magnetism that combined to make him a Rig Leaguer nearly two decades ago.

THE HYSTERIA HAS subsided somewhat as the Presley legend has grown over the years. His hair now is fashionably coiffed - you and I can recall those controversial sideburns back in the 1950s. His repertoire has expanded. He's now 37.

But when he hits that stage, there's no denying. Elvis is a champ, the king of rock, a living American myth.

To the eerie strains of "Also Sprach Zarathustra" - more commonly known now as the "Theme From 2001 A Space Odyssey" - Presley emerges in a flashing powder-blue one piece body suit, sequined and lavishly clad in gear that reflects his show a real sparkler.

I took in his final performance Saturday night, and began his hour and five minute revue with "C.C. Rider," momentarily getting behind his ol' gittar.

Oh, you should've heard the screams. The screeches. The howls of delight. Why not Houn' Dog Man had come to town.

CERTAINLY, THIS DUDE has mellowed. He psychs out his audience, and one sweet little thing in the balcony kept squealing al evening, so even Presley found it humorous.

He's come such a long way, he even spouts himself. The body movements take on a choreographic stance, even that wicked mouth is twitched at precisely the right moment to complete the Presley [...]

Backed by a large (about 20 pieces) orchestra that's augmented by his usual six-piece rhythm section. Presley now is able to put on a better show, musically speaking. And like the guardian of Fort Knox, he is surrounded by gold - in the form of hits past, present and even possibly future. Quite a change from his Honolulu Stadium showing years ago.

These are the memory-makers: "Heartbreak Hotel," with a more sophisticated first verse that eventually leads to that proven twang. "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me," which exhibits his incredibly fluid baritone; and you name it, he did it, from "Polk Salad Annie" to "Love Me," from "I Got A Woman" to "Blue Suede Shoes," from "All Shook Up" to "Little Sister," from "Teddy Bear" to "Burning Love," from "Love Me Tender" to How Great Thou Art."

"FEVER." A MOVING PIECE of Presley blues, is a particularly chic tune that enables the Pelvis to jerk and churn. This hip, then that one; this leg, then the other.
Too much!

Hawaii has been kind to Presley (and vice versa), so when he offered two Island-related ditties, the applause and cheers were notably warm. The tunes? "I'll Remember You," which Presley first introduced in his act at the Madison Square Garden (but unfortunately no included on that particular live season for RCA Victor Records) and "Can't Help Falling In Love With You," from the "Blue Hawaii" movie, filmed in the Islands.

Throughout the evening, Presley hurled souvenir scarves into the audience - which set off mini-shows of tug-of-war among the fans, mostly young girls. At one point, Presley even hurled his wide white belt.

In exchange, the singer received an occasional lei (thrown because of the height of the stage). He tossed these back and forth souvenirs.

COMIC Jackie Kahane turned out to be a pleasant opening surprise. His gags are witty, timely, and above all, clean. And unlike so many others, Kahane quits when he's ahead, never overstaying his welcome.

The Presley gigs were coordinated in Hawaii by RCA Record Tours.

Courtesy Of Archie Bald