PRESLEY DATES HERE – OUTLOOK GRIM FOR 1972
DESPITE widespread speculation and rumours, which have persisted throughout the year and before, it now seems virtually certain that Elvis Presley will NOT be visiting Britain in 1972 – or, for that matter, any other country outside the United States. This state of affairs could always change at a later date, of course – but certainly there are no plans for Elvis to undertake any trips abroad during the coming year. And that’s official! Furthermore, Presley is already contractually committed for all but two weeks in 1972 – and these commitments do not include any reservations for Europe.
Tom Diskin, right-hand man to Colonel Tom Parker, has brushed aside all reports – constantly circulating in this country – that various British promoters are negotiating to bring Elvis here. He says: “Neither Elvis nor his manager, nor anyone else either agent or representative, has entered into discussions regarding Elvis in Europe.”
Three months ago, a leading Dutch promoter announced that he would be staging a stadium appearance by Presley in Holland in August, 1972 – and this statement was widely reported in the British musical press, including the NME. But Diskin strongly denies this, declaring that Tom Parker’s organisation has never even been approached by the promoter in question. It has also been reported that Harold Davison of The MAM agency – one of Britain’s top promoters and Frank Sinatra’s European representative – was planning discussions with a view to bringing Elvis to this country. But in a letter to the NME, Diskin declares categorically: “We have never heard of this gentleman!”
For Elvis, 1972 looks like being a year of extensive recording sessions, U.S. live appearances – including two lengthy seasons at the International Hotel in Las Vegas – and a return to Hollywood to make at least one film. The possibility of a European visit cannot be written off altogether but, judging by this reaction from his management, it is still an extremely remote chance. And there is every indication that Elvis will continue to be held aloof by those who guide his career.
New Musical Express, 1 January 1972
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PQpUGtBIpU
