It was the early 1970's, my ex-wife and I were in Las Vegas while she was attending a convention. We stayed in the Hilton International and was at the time one of the largest hotels there.
Elvis was also contracted by the hotel and was appearing. Not sure how we got tickets, but, at the time was not that difficult. The "game" that the hotels played was that the best "tip" got you the best seats. That simple. Money talks!
The trick I learned was this. You wadded up lots of one dollar bills to make it appear that you had lots of cash to tip with. By the time this "maître-d guy" figured out that he didn't receive much, we were sitting stage-side. There was a three drink minimum and they brought all at once.
When they first introduced Elvis, it was the build-up that was impressive. First, the hotel orchestra played. Then out came his own personal band. Then the four female vocals came out on one side followed by the four male vocals on the other. Then after a little more of a musical build-up, here came the "King." Wow oh Wow!
His health was not the best at this late stage of his life. He appeared to either be on drugs, intoxicated, or just plain exhausted. From the very beginning of his act, he messed up by forgetting words to his songs, slurring his words, and just plain acting "goofy." People, a lot of people, started walking out and demanding a refund. It was sad, but, we did get to see the "King of Rock and Roll."
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