DEC4 Podcast: Elvis & the Press - Saginaw, Michigan, April 25th, 1977

For this latest instalment in our occasional series, Elvis and the Press, we’re joined once again by our leading contributor, Gary Wells (VintageWellsy)‪, to take a deep dive into the local coverage of Elvis’ performance in Saginaw, Michigan, on April 25th, 1977. It was the first of two non-consecutive shows to nearly 7 200 at the Wendler Arena, with a second concert added to the end of the 13 night tour in response to the demand for tickets. Reviewers for the Saginaw News, Anthony Rocha and Janet Martineau, observed that Elvis 'sings as well as ever', 'seemed in rare form' and 'that he seemed to be having as good a time as his fans'.

We look beyond the familiar myths and clichés of this period to consider how Elvis' inspired performance, captured in an unofficial audience recording, fits with what we know, or think we know, about his final months on the road, and ask whether the generally accepted narrative does justice to the reality.

Listen on Soundcloud;

Our previous Elvis and the Press episodes covered Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, NYE 1976-77, and we also looked at a later performance from this tour, St Paul Minnesota, April 30th, 1977.

The bootleg (audio) recording of the show was made from within the audience, and gives us a great sense of the atmosphere in the arena. Headphones are recommended for the best listening experience.

It’s worth remembering that if not for the bootleggers, who distributed both soundboard and audience recordings primarily for the European market, much of the history of Elvis’ later career would be lost.

The ‘1974 Arabian’ jumpsuit, otherwise known as the ‘Ace of Spades’ or ‘King of Spades’, was worn for both Saginaw shows, and then only once more, with Elvis favouring the ‘Mexican Sundial’ which has become most identified with this period.

Find more on Elvis’ iconic jumpsuits at the special index at elvisconcerts.com.

The joyous night that we’re celebrating here, April 25th in Saginaw, showed what Elvis was still capable of even at this late stage, and his efforts were justly rewarded by a loud, enthusiastic and very appreciative audience. But, as Gary reminds us, his natural ability to put on a great show shouldn’t blind us to the personal struggles he was confronting at the time. The sobering reality is that he had less than four months to live.

Special thanks to Gary Wells, and to Francesc Lopez and his website, elvisconcerts.com, celebrating 30 years online in 2026.

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