11 August 1970 Midnight Show, The Pre Show featuring The Imperials (with backstage Elvis footage)

Anyone who goes to a concert is aware that before the man act comes on stage there is usually a support act, often consisting of an up and coming act or one which is beginning to establish themselves. During the 70’s however, Elvis preferred to let his backing singers take the spotlight and at first this would alternate between the Imperials and The Sweet Inspirations but on the road in the early 70’s the pre show would be the domain of comedian Jackie Kahane but in the later days it could even be Joe Guercio’s orchestra which would provide the entertainment. Despite the plethora of Elvis concert audio available through different sources there is very little of the pre-show audio available usually because it either wasn’t recorded or that releasing it as part of the concert would require an additional disc. Of those which have been released some are quite enlightening especially regarding the high quality provided by the singers and musicians and some of their repertoire. Judging by the audible reaction it always seems to the listener that audiences are far from enthusiastic about what they are watching and listening too especially to Jackie Kahane although it is possible that he just wasn’t that funny, which would be a pity as he had a thankless task to begin with. The lack of enthusiasm is understandable since most were interested only in the main event, Elvis himself, although being on the audience may have given a different impression. Some of the musical output is though excellent, particularly in the later years and a couple of highlights, with audio available in the public domain, with two of the best being heard in Philadelphia on 28 June 1976 which sees the The Sweets giving an excellent rendition of If You Leave Me Now but the highlight is Joe Guercio and The Hot Hilton Horns quite fittingly performing Gonna Fly Now, otherwise known as The Rocky Theme.