Road to Nowhere (CD - EPC, 2016)

Title:

Road to Nowhere

Label:

EP Collector [EPC 2016-07]

Format:

CD

Number of tracks:

27

Running time:

67:00

Type of album:

Concert

Linked to:

Unofficial discography

Year:

2016

Recording date:

May 21, 1977

Release date:

2016

Singles:

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Road to Nowhere is a CD from the EP Collector bootleg label. It features the complete concert from May 21, 1977 in Louisville, Kentucky, marked by an incredible event before the performance.

Between January and May 1977, Elvis experienced an intense and challenging period in his personal and professional life. Despite facing increasing health problems, he maintained an unwavering commitment to music and his fans, continuing to perform and delight audiences wherever he went.

Early in the year, Elvis embarked on a series of performances that took him to several cities throughout the United States. In February, he began a tour that, although marked by setbacks, still revealed moments of brilliance of his incredible artistic ability. Even with his voice sometimes weakened and his energy compromised, he delivered moving interpretations of songs such as "My Way" and "Unchained Melody", which seemed to reflect his personal journey and introspections from that period.

His health, however, was a cause for concern for those around him. The excessive use of prescription drugs and the physical wear and tear of years on the road began to take their toll. Friends and crew members noticed that Elvis was showing clear signs of exhaustion and instability, but his determination to continue performing prevailed. There was a sense of responsibility for the legacy he had built and a deep connection with his audience that motivated him to keep going.

In March 1977, preparations began for what would be his final television special, recorded in June of that year. The idea was to capture the essence of his live performances, immortalizing moments that still resonate intensely with fans today. This project showed that, despite the challenges, Elvis continued to seek ways to reinvent himself and deliver something meaningful to his fans.

On a personal level, he maintained a relationship with Ginger Alden, to whom he was engaged. This relationship offered Elvis a refuge and the hope of emotional stability, something he craved amid the turmoil of his public life. Moments of tranquility were rare, but precious to him.

Over the course of these months, Elvis also demonstrated a renewed interest in spiritual matters and the search for meaning beyond fame and material success. Deep conversations with close friends reflected his restlessness and desire to find balance and purpose.

According to Larry Geller, who was not only Elvis Presley’s personal hairdresser but also his confidant and spiritual advisor, May 21, 1977, was marked by intense and revealing moments in the life of the King of Rock. That morning, before the show in Louisville, Kentucky, Larry visited Elvis in his hotel room. He noticed that the singer was visibly exhausted and struggling with health problems that had been accumulating over the years.

Larry said that Elvis seemed introspective, deep in thought about his life, career, and purpose. They talked about spirituality, a topic they both shared an interest in. Elvis expressed feelings of isolation and pressure that came with his relentless fame. Despite his brilliance onstage, there was a shadow of melancholy that followed him backstage.

Geller recalled that during that conversation, he tried to encourage Elvis to consider taking a break, to take better care of himself, and perhaps to seek a new direction that would bring him peace and personal fulfillment. However, Elvis felt a huge responsibility to his fans and crew, and the thought of disappointing them weighed heavily on his mind. He believed that by taking the stage, he could find that spark that motivated him again.

That afternoon, Parker would prove once again that Elvis was only important when it came to money. Larry Geller recalls the event:

"We were in a hotel room in Louisville, Kentucky. Elvis was feeling unwell, had a fever, felt nauseous, had flu-like symptoms, and had not been able to sleep the night before. He was in the room with Dr. Nick, behind closed doors. Suddenly, there was a loud knocking on the door. This was strange, because we had security guards on the entire floor and no one was allowed in. I opened the door and it was the Colonel. I greeted him and said I would see if Elvis could see him, but he told me curtly that he would come in anyway.

When he opened the door, all I saw was Elvis lying on the bed, disoriented and babbling - practically in a coma. Dr. Nick was holding his head and submerging him in a bucket of ice water to try to revive him. And the door closed. I thought this would be good, that the old man - Parker - would see what was happening, how bad Elvis was, and that he would do something about it. This could not go on. It was inhumane. 

Ninety seconds later, the door opens, Colonel Parker walks up to me - I stand up - and we're face to face. And he looks at me coldly, and he says, 'Listen to me now. The only thing that matters is that that man is on stage tonight. Nothing else matters. Nothing.'"

Before heading to the concert venue, Larry watched Elvis prepare meticulously, almost as if it were a ritual. There was a mix of professionalism and vulnerability in his gestures. By donning his iconic costume, he embodied the persona that the world loved so much, even though internally he was fighting silent battles.

Despite health problems and the accumulated fatigue from years of concerts, he maintained his magnetic presence and delivered a performance that moved the fans present at Louisville's Freedom Hall. The atmosphere was electric; thousands of admirers gathered to see the King of Rock, many unaware that this would be one of the last opportunities to see their idol live.

Despite the difficulties, Elvis demonstrated an unwavering commitment to music and to his audience, showing moments of brilliance that recalled his peak years.

Read our detailed review of the concert below.

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- 1. Also Sprach Zarathustra: The audience is ecstatic with the fanfare.

- 2. See See Rider: Despite everything that was going on in those days, it seemed like the audience was in awe. For a tape, the sound is above average. The rendition is standard and Elvis sounds great after making a much longer entrance than usual.

- 3. I Got a Woman / Amen: "Thank you very much." This is a standard rendition, but Elvis does a more elaborate "well, well, well" routine. It's refreshing to hear the audience clapping along with Elvis' enthusiasm. The "striptease" sounds good, and the ending is standard.

- 4. That's All Right: Instead of handing Charlie the guitar as usual, Elvis decides to play his 1954 hit. He sounds energetic and like he's really playing. The crowd goes wild.

- 5. Love Me: The audience continues to go wild. The version is standard and Elvis starts handing out scarfs to his hysterical fans.

- 6. If You Love Me (Let Me Know): One of Elvis' favorites, the rendition is standard and well-arranged.

- 7. You Gave Me a Mountain: "'Mountain', son!" May 1977 has some good versions, but this is one of the merely passable ones. Elvis does it well, but it sounds rushed.

- 8. Jailhouse Rock: The rendition proceeds as usual.

- 9. It's Now or Never: Elvis' version, although not the best of 1977, is very good. Sherrill, as always, uses his unbearable screams that only Elvis liked. There is a good reprise at the end of the song.

- 10. Little Sister: A quick, honest, but very enjoyable version. Elvis' voice is magnificent, as is his interpretation, and the audience accompanies him with applause.

- 11. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: Elvis returns to the microphone to do the standard scarf and kiss distribution, but despite focusing on the fans, he does a good version.

- 12. My Way: "This next song... It was recorded by Frank Sinatra, I don't know the lyrics to it." It's strange to hear Elvis say he doesn't know the words to a classic he's been performing for seven years, especially since we'll never know if it was true or just an inside joke.

The rendition of Frank Sinatra's hit, recorded by Elvis in the studio in 1971 (but only released in 1995), is one of those moments that shows that the King of Rock still had the potential to outdo himself.

- 13. Heartbreak Hotel: Who would have thought Elvis would perform this song in 1977? The very rare occasions he performed it that year were killer moments and this is no different.

- 14. Funny How Time Slips Away: Normally, Elvis would make the well-known speech of turning on the lights to see the audience and this would announce the near end of the show, but here he goes straight to the music and at a moment when it is completely unexpected. It is a good version and well received by the audience.

- 15. Band Introductions: Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner and The Stamps (individually), Kathy Westmoreland amd Sherrill Nielsen.

- 16. Early Morning Rain: John Wilkinson does his solo and Elvis sings.

- 17. What'd I Say: James Burton does his solo.

- 18. Johnny B. Goode: James plays the guitar on the back of his head.

- 19. Drum Solo: Ronnie Tutt does his best.

- 20. Bass Solo: Jerry Scheff plays the Blues.

- 21. Piano Solo: Tony Brown does his part.

- 22. Electric Piano Solo: Bobby Ogdin does his solo.

- 23. School Days: Elvis introduces Charlie Hodge, conductor Marty Harrell  and the Joe Guercio Orchestra, which does its usual solo.

- 24. Hurt: "One of our new records is called 'Hurt'." This is a super version for 1977. Elvis sounds magnificent.

- 25. Hound Dog: The enthusiasm from the rendition of the previous song continues here, with Elvis delivering a great version.

- 26. Can't Help Falling in Love: "Until we meet you again, may God bless you!" The show ends with the classic 1961 hit, performed in a standard way.

- 27. Closing Vamp: We hear a short snippet of the fanfare before a fade out.