Elvis at Madison Square Garden on June 9-11, 1972
The King Returns: Elvis' Triumphant Madison Square Garden Stand
June 1972. The year of Watergate, the 'Summer of Love' fading into memory, and a nation wrestling with social change. But for music fans, one date held ultimate significance: June 9-11, the days Elvis Presley returned to Madison Square Garden for four sold-out shows.
It wasn't just any return. For Elvis, the Garden represented a personal comeback. After a period of self-doubt and creative stagnation, he had famously fallen out of favor with the critics. But the roar of the crowd that greeted him on that first night, the sheer electricity that crackled through the venue, showed that the King was far from finished.
The shows themselves were a spectacle. Elvis, sporting his signature jumpsuit and that iconic hair, owned the stage. He belted out hits like 'Hound Dog,' 'Suspicious Minds,' and 'Can't Help Falling in Love,' his voice still powerful, his performance electrifying. The crowd, a mix of die-hard fans and curious onlookers, responded with fervor.
'Elvis was in his element,' recalled one fan present at the shows. 'He was interacting with the crowd, laughing, joking, and pouring his heart and soul into every song.'
The performances were more than just a concert; they were a cultural event. The media flocked to the Garden, capturing the energy and capturing the iconic moments. The live television broadcast of the final show further cemented Elvis' status as a global phenomenon.
Beyond the music, the shows also showcased Elvis' evolution. While he still delivered classic rock 'n' roll, there was a newfound depth to his performance. His voice, though still powerful, showed signs of strain, a testament to the years of touring and the emotional weight he carried. Yet, his charisma and connection with the audience remained undiminished.
The Madison Square Garden run was a turning point for Elvis. It proved that he could still captivate an audience, that his music was timeless, and that his legend was far from over. The shows were a resounding triumph, a testament to his enduring legacy, and solidified his place as the King of Rock and Roll.
Looking back, the 1972 Madison Square Garden shows stand as a pivotal moment in Elvis' career. They represent a turning point, marking a resurgence of his popularity and a reminder that his music and performance style continued to resonate with audiences worldwide. The King had returned, and he was here to stay.
When you lok back at the career of Elvis Presley, three main events stand out. The 68 Comeback, The Aloha Concert and Madison Sq Gardens.When an entertainer leaves the music scene to do their national service their careers suffer greatly, but Elvis was different, he had the charisma to blow that idea out of the water, and these three events shows the magnitude and power of Elvis Presley.
The "Prince From Another Planet" released in 2012 contains the following.
CD 1: New York, Madison Square Garden, June 10, 1972 Afternoon Show
Also Sprach Zarathustra
That's All Right
Proud Mary
Never Been To Spain
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
Until It's Time For You To Go
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
Polk Salad Annie
Love Me
All Shook Up
Heartbreak Hotel
Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel
Love Me Tender
Blue Suede Shoes
Reconsider Baby
Hound Dog
I'll Remember You
Suspicious Minds
Introductions By Elvis
For The Good Times
American Trilogy
Funny How Time Slips Away
I Can't Stop Loving You
Can't Help Falling In Love
End Theme (Orchestra)
CD 2: New York, Madison Square Garden, June 10, 1972 Evening Show
Also Sprach Zarathustra
That's All Right
Proud Mary
Never Been To Spain
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
Polk Salad Annie
Love Me
All Shook Up
Heartbreak Hotel
Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel
Love Me Tender
The Impossible Dream (The Quest)
Introductions By Elvis
Hound Dog
Suspicious Minds
For The Good Times
American Trilogy
Funny How Time Slips Away
I Can't Stop Loving You
Can't Help Falling In Love
End Theme (Orchestra)
The 20-minute 'mini documentary':
That's All Right
Proud Mary (footage is incomplete in the middle)
Never Been To Spain (a few seconds are missing at the end)
Polk Salad Annie (footage is incomplete)
Heartbreak Hotel (footage is incomplete)
Reconsider Baby (only a few seconds at beginn)
Hound Dog
I'll Remember You (footage is incomplete)
Suspicious Minds (footage is incomplete)
Introductions (only a few seconds)
An American Trilogy (footage is incomplete)
Can't Help Falling In Love (only a few seconds at end)
Closing Theme
The two CD's are worth having to just hear Elvis in concert. The DVD is great as it shows audience shot footage, but contains music critics trying to sound smug, and make out they know Elvis. With all things considered the critics are worth putting up with.