Elvis Untamed- '68 Comeback Special -Thirty five Years and Still the Best

by Susan Brennan-Hodgson

Looking back, how can one adequately describe the "68 Comeback Special"

It seemed to me, to be a most significant time, enthralling in fact, because Elvis "found himself" again! He'd been so long making movies that it had become almost an insulation from reality, the harsh world, and his fans.

Sure, he was nervous ....... not knowing if he could pull it off ..... or whether his fans would really accept this older, and long absent, Elvis. It was years since he'd appeared in person on stage ...... the pressure on him was immense, not only from those around him, but from his perception of himself. Elvis' self-imposed punishing goals, to ensure he'd reach his peak performance and presentation by the time the show went in front of the cameras. Frien! ds were supportive, but even so, he felt insecure, vulnerable - we all fear the unknown, and Elvis was no exception.

"Lights, action" ...... the adrenalin flowed, the magic was radiant. Elvis clad in black leather, uncoiled as lithely as an untamed creature of the wild ...... pacing the stage, raw, beautiful, graceful, muscles rippling, his dark mane framing the handsome face, the crooked smile, sensual in every sense of the word, and the sound issued from the depths of his soul, like an animal in torment or exaltation. He had mellowed, and matured, his voice was richer, soaring to new heights.

The audience mesmorised, spellbound, crying and laughing in turn ..... held captive by Elvis' exploding talent. And Elvis himself, blue eyes moist, realized he was home, among his fans where he belonged. The King was back!

"Yes" - The '68 Comeback Special was much more than special, it was stunning.

ELVIS THE REALITY FAN CLUB NEW ZEALAND
Together for Elvis - we make it happen
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