Despite all of the television appearances he made
which were filmed in New York City (The Ed Sullivan Show, The Steve
Allen Sow, Stage Show), Elvis Presley came to New York City only
once in his career for a live concert performance. lt was an eagerly
awaited event. lt was a historic occasion.
lt all began at 4:00 pm on June 9, 1972, when Presley, in a blue
suit in the Mercury Ballroom of the New York Hilton, held a thenrare
press conference. One of the members of the press asked why he had
started making concert appearances again. "I missed it," he answered.
"I missed the closeness of a live audience."
Over the next three days, he had the opportunity to make up for lost
time and make history at the same time when he gave four sold-out
performances at Madison Square Garden (8:30 pm on the 9th and llth;
2:30 and 8:30 pm on the 10th). He was the first performer ever to do
so. 80,000 Fans attended the shows, which grossed $730,000; tickets
were $5, $7.50 and $10.
Although RCA Records recorded both shows on the 10th, it is the
evening performance that is included on this album.
It was an event. It was standing room only. It is understandable,
and now it's captured in the brilliance of digital sound. (from the
liner notes) |