"King Elvis" Captures Audience With Favorites

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
November 9, 1972

"King Elvis" held court in Lubbock Wednesday night and his loyal subjects turned put by the thousands to pay him tribute.

Yesteryear's teenyboppers and a large portion of the current teenage crop sat side by side in the capacity-filled Municipal Coliseum. Crowd estimates were put at almost 10,000.

Elvis was preceded by comedian Jackie Culhane, who noted that the Coliseum "resembled a convention of peeping toms" thanks to hundreds of pairs of binoculars.

Dressed flashily in a baby blue jumpsuit with flare-leg pants and a plunging neckline, Elvis made his first appearance in the show's second half, first wowing his audience with his version of "C.C. Ryder." Presley hits dating from his earliest "Hound Dog" days to his current release, "Burning Love," followed in rapid succession.

Elvis' accessories included high heeled white shoes and rings, three on his right hand and one on his left ring finger.

15 Years Ago

Elvis noted that his last visit to Lubbock was 15 years ago, when he was just "a baby," and was howled an enthusiastic greeting by the fans.

Delighting his audience with the famed Presley "flipping hip," the superstar sang such favorites as "Heartbreak Hotel," "All Shook Up," "Teddy Bear" and "Don't Be Cruel," punctuating this medley with the pelvis gyrations that made him famous.

Tucked into the neckline of the metal-studded jumpsuit, Elvis wore a succession of white scarves, which he tossed to an appreciative audience each time he mopped his brow.

Elvis seemed always mindful of the audience and wandered freely around the stage, dropping to one knee at one point and singing, "I hope this suit doesn't tear." Many of the frenzied fans to wish otherwise.

Gospel Favorite

A break in the ear-splitting rock show came when Elvis took on a more serious tone and temporarily silenced the crowd with his rendition of the gospel favorite, "How Great Thou Art."

But the silence lasted only moments, and Elvis brought back the screams and gasps by tossing his silver-studded hip belt to spectators. A few minutes later, the songster donned a matching blue cape, raised his arms in silent farewell amidst the roof-lifting applause, and then was gone.

In a second, an announcer appeared and reported that the singer had left the building. A stunned audience paused to compose itself and slowly dispersed.

Also appearing with him was a trio called "The Sweet Inspirations," who entertained the impatient throng as they awaited the star's performance.

In the band, directed by Joe Guercio, was pianist Glenn D. Hardin, a former Levelland resident and a member of the late Buddy Holly's Crickets.

The Lubbock police also were busy during the performance, towing away illegally parked cars and placing tickets on others.

A police department spokesman said that cars were packed so tightly together that when extra ticket books were requested by officers at the scene, they had to be "walked" through the maze of autos.

Nine wreckers were used to remove cars, parked in fire lanes and emergency exists.

Courtesy Of Francesc Lopez