Today, June 26th 2007, is a special day for Elvis fans � and not because of Colonel Parker�s birthday. Today, 30 years ago, Elvis gave his last performance at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis. 18000 fans attended the concert and saw his last goodbyes. �If you want us back�� Elvis said� and then: �God Bless you, Adios�. A final standing ovation, a final bow, a final rush to the limousine. Elvis would never perform again, never record again, never be applauded to. My God, how we miss him�

The Last Farewell: Elvis left Memphis in the afternoon and flew to Indianapolis, Indiana, arriving about 6.00pm. He was filmed by the CBS-TV crew as he left the Lisa Marie... The 8.30pm show at the Market Square Arena was Elvis' best of the tour, even though he was obviously very tired.

The next day's review by Rita Rose in the Indianapolis Star told the story, "And then he appeared, in a gold and white jumpsuit with white boots, bounding on stage with energy that was a relief to everyone. At 42, Elvis still has some excess baggage on his midsection, but it doesn't stop him from giving a performance in true Presley style....Just about everything he did created mass hysteria."

Lee Cotten reflects: During C.C. Rider, flashbulbs popped wildly and by the time he had segued into Amen, he had everyone clapping in unison...Toward the end of the show, he mesmerised the crowd with Hurt. He asked Vernon, who was looking frail, to come on stage to be introduced to the fans....Then, for the final time, he sang Can't Help Falling In Love. Even as the music faded, he wouldn't leave the stage. He walked back and forth, shaking his head in disbelief at the roar as more than 18,000 fans stomped and cheered.

Source: Did Elvis Sing In Your Hometown, Too?, Lee Cotten

Posted: 26th. June. 2007