DEC4 Podcast: Elvis and the Press - Houston Rodeo, March 3rd, 1974

For this latest instalment in our occasional series, Elvis and the Press, our leading contributor Gary Wells VintageWellsy joins us to consider press reaction to Elvis’ March 3rd, 1974, matinee performance at the Houston Astrodome as part of the Livestock Show and Rodeo, at which time he broke his own 1970 Rodeo attendance record.

Jeff Millar, writing for the Houston Chronicle, applauded Elvis’ effort, and observed, ‘Presley now does a Las Vegas headliner act. It’s a good one, but, heaven knows, the Dome’s not the place to stage it’. The combined audience of over 88 000 for Elvis’ two performances might have strongly disagreed.

We review the show itself, thanks to a very fine quality soundboard recording, and learn about some of the technical and staging challenges behind it. We also examine some of Jeff Millar’s observations about Elvis’ career direction at the time, and question some of his wider commentary which, putting it politely, has not aged well.

Special thanks to Francesc Lopez, whose pioneering Elvis information website, elvisconcerts.com, celebrates 30 years online this year (2026).

One of many interesting aspects of Elvis’ Astrodome performances and making them unique in terms of his 1970s concerts, is the absence of the Joe Guercio Orchestra which could not be accommodated on the small stage on wheels which was towed onto the arena floor. (You can see the towbar on the image below). The show therefore has an unusually pared-back, rock and roll feel.

Find additional background, images, links and suggestions for further reference at this episode’s dedicated webpage., where the soundboard recording of the show is also embedded.

Very special thanks to Gary Wells, Francesc Lopez, to all our readers and listeners, to Detlef Wolff and Gainesville, and to Steve Collins.