Elvis Presley - Elvis Lives: The 25th Anniversary Concert

Elvis is back in the building

Judging by the reaction of the audience and band alike, this must have been one hell of a show: Presley’s original TCB band play back up to edited Presley footage from a variety of concerts, with vocals coming from the master tapes. Driven by director Joe Guercio and drummer Ronnie Tutt, the whole band worked to cues and, once started, there was no turning back.

It’s a remarkable achievement, evidently greatly enjoyed by all the key musicians, including James Burton, Jerry Scheff, Glen D Hardin,�The Jordanaires, The Imperials and The Sweet Inspirations. Presley is, of course, in fine voice throughout, as the band synch to his every move and cue. Two dozen-plus songs bring a modern-day audience as close as possible to seeing the King in all of his 70s pomp.

A bonus 40 minutes or so has four of the musicians discussing just how the show was put together, and the occasional glitches they encountered along the way. The original 2002 shows must have been wonderful and, indeed, this DVD is too.

EMI | 8447619

Reviewed by Kingsley Abbott
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