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ALOHA REMEMBERED...

January 9th 1973, Elvis arrives in Honolulu for rehearsal. The infamous landing as included in the Aloha From Hawaii concert, recording his arrival to a much welcomed audience. Over the coming days, the rehearsals would begin and mark this iconic moment in Elvis' career and broadcasting history. January 10th is designated for a day's rehearsal. On January 12th, 6000 fans are invited to witness the final dress rehearsal with formal recordings in audio and motion picture, to be what was, the Alternative Aloha. This recording being destined as a reserve should the live broadcast experience difficulties. After the recording, Elvis watched the tapes over and over, and decided he did not like his hair, which can be seen changed on the later recording. January 13th was declared Elvis Presley Day by Honolulu's mayor.

January 14 1973, the day arrives, at 12.30am, Glenn Hardin and his grand piano introduces the Also Sprach Zarathustra with Joe Guercio mighty Bom Bom Bom Bom Bom Bom Bom... Elvis steps out on stage at the International Convention Center Arena, with to produce Marty Pasetta's seven recording cameras. Elvis is broadcast in the first live satellite broadcast to the Far East, and later tape delay to 28 other European Nations. Later on April 28th to be shown to the American Public. Elvis in arguably his most prolific time in his career, was in top form. His weight having decreased from the previous years Elvis On Tour capturings, an estimated one billion people, (a third of the worlds population), tuned in. Elvis recording regular features as See See Rider, Burning Love, and Suspicious Minds among others. Most notably was his versions of You Gave Me A mountain, Something, My Way and An American Trilogy, previous recordings... Such rarities on the night included Welcome To My World and the shows beneficiary fund's song, I'll Remember You, a future anthem in tribute in many shows and documentaries post his death. Elvis was in top form and it showed. The on screen camaraderie between him and his crew, obvious. The ritual water throwing over Glenn Hardin, to his powerful satisfaction during the brass build up of Trilogy. This was also evident in his continued pleasure in pleasing his fans... His belt throwing and cape to lucky audience members, what a treat. The show being broadcast to raise funds for the Kui Lee cancer fund... Audience goers being requested to make any donations as fee for their entry ticket. From some cents to dollars, the $25000 target was far exceeded to $75000. Of the thousands of audience members present, Elvis introduces one of his favourite actors. Hawaii Five-O's Jack Lord. Lord gaining entry to Elvis' dressing room after the show, and politely inviting Elvis to his house during his stay at Hawaii. A few days later, he to arrive with entire crew...

After the show had ended and the audience cleared, at near 4am in the morning, Elvis returns to the stage for filming of Blue Hawaii, Ku-U-I-Po, No More, Hawaiian Wedding Song and Gordon Lightfoot's Early Morning Rain. These songs to be used as post inserts for its future airing on TV, with upper body shots of Elvis amid Hawaii scenery. The absence of his belt being one reason for upper body shots.

Positive reviews of the receipt of the live broadcast was evident. Record viewing across the world were recorded. It being the highest viewed programme in TV history in Japan, and on its eventual airing in the US in April, more people tuned in then had watched the landing on the moon. "We're gonna make super magic for the tube, and we'll do it together.", Elvis telling producer Marty Pasetta. And they did just that!

Having been fortunate to meet Elvis' confident Charlie Hodge, who was there that night, I can recall a recollection of his... After the show, and everyone was in their dressing rooms, Charlie received a call. It was Elvis. He asks Charlie, do you know what two small country boys have done, we have entertained the world. How true Elvis was, he had entertained the world that night!

Author: Darren Clinton