Adios The Final Performance
Reviewed by: Francois Sabel
Adios, the final performance (Mystery train/AJ records)
On June the 26th 1977 Elvis planned to give his last performance of the Sundial tour in Indianapolis, but it turned out to be his final concert ever instead.
Compared to earlier concerts that month, as seen and heard on the NBC television special "Elvis in concert", this show can be considered as one of the better ones of 1977.
Elvis sounds inspired and he even has the strength to hit the higher notes well when he cries out "Hurt".
The program of this show looks familiar with "C.C. Rider", "I got a woman/Amen", Teddy bear/Don’t be cruel", the throw away done 50’s songs etcetera, but there are a few surprises as well. How often did Elvis please the audience with "Please release me", "I can’t stop loving you" and "Bridge over troubled water" in 1977? Indeed, rare treats and therefore I would say that the King said "Adios" to his followers in style that evening. The irony of it all is that Elvis sounds like if he knew that this was going to be his last performance. Just listen how extensive he talks to the crowd before he starts "Can’t help falling in love" and you know what I am trying to tell you.
The original cd comes with some nice artwork and the sound quality is pretty good for an audience recording. These days we are a little spoiled with all those great soundboard recordings, but when "Adios" was released in the early 90’s we were less familiar with great sounding live shows. Fans who know the cd "The last farewell" sure were happy when "Adios" saw the light.
Anyway, I can recommend this cd to all fans, even to the general public. Until RCA finally decides to release this show in a better quality I will treasure it!