The Bittersweet Encore: Elvis Presley's Farewell Show in Indianapolis

Elvis Presley, known worldwide as the King of Rock 'n' Roll, thrilled audiences for decades with his legendary swagger, good looks, and unique vocal styling. Among his many concerts over the years, the one that garners much historical attention is the final one, at Indianapolis's Market Square Arena on June 26, 1977.

His last performance, to a crowd of nearly 18,000 people, inspired copious press attention. An article in the Indianapolis News on June 25 listed it as a requisite event for music fans. The Indianapolis Star noted playfully, "If you admire Elvis Presley's back, you can still buy $15 seats behind the stage for his concert at the Market Square Arena tomorrow night."

The concert began at 8:30 p.m., but Elvis didn't perform until 10 p.m. Warm-up acts of brass bands, soul singers, and a comedian filled the time before the King took the stage. Then, for about 80 minutes, Elvis sang both his classic tunes, like "Jailhouse Rock" and "Hound Dog," and his more somber numbers, like "Hurt" and a cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge over Troubled Water." He closed the concert with "Can't Help Falling in Love with You," one of his most poignant ballads. As he left the stage, he told the audience, "We'll meet you again; God bless, adios." Based on filmed footage, the crowd appeared enthusiastic about the performance, but the local press was divided in their reviews.

Rita Rose's piece in the Indianapolis Star provided a sympathetic take on the show, even as it criticized Elvis's appearance. She wrote comically, "The big question was, had he lost weight? His last concert here, nearly 2 years ago, found Elvis overweight, sick, and prone to give a sluggish performance. As the lights in the Arena were turned down after intermission, you could feel a silent plea rippling through the audience: Please, Elvis, don't be fat." Rose assured readers that despite carrying some excess weight at 42 years old, Elvis still performed in true Presley style. She noted how well he sang certain songs, including "It's Now or Never" and "This Time You Gave Me a Mountain." Rose's piece emphasized the concert's better elements and the crowd's excitement.

Conversely, critic Zach Dunkin's piece in the Indianapolis News was a harsh review. He wrote, "Elvis Presley led another crowd of screamers in banana land last night during his concert at Market Square Arena, and the question is why." Dunkin criticized the mix of opening acts and Elvis's performance, likening it to a "sideshow" and suggesting the natural attraction was lacking. He also heavily criticized the vendors' "hawking" of souvenirs and Elvis himself, saying he could "sing when he tries." Despite acknowledging Elvis's good renditions of "Hurt" and "Bridge over Troubled Water," Dunkin pointed out that Elvis had to read the lyrics from a sheet. Dunkin's overall impression of the King was lackluster, and he concluded with a call for ardent fans to demand more from their idol.

Sadly, Presley never got the chance to improve, as his show in Indianapolis turned out to be his last. After the concert at Market Square Arena, Elvis took a break from touring and returned home to Graceland. Nearly six weeks later, on August 16, 1977, Elvis died in his home at 42. The legacy he left behind continues to shape the world of music.

Elvis Presley's final concert serves as a poignant reminder of the highs and lows of fame, the vulnerability of human existence, and the lasting impact of an artist who forever changed the landscape of popular music.

Elvis Final Performance Set List

• "C.C. Rider"

• "I Got A Woman/Amen"

• "Love Me"

• "Fairytale"

• "You Gave Me A Mountain"

• "Jailhouse Rock"

• "It's Now Or Never"

• "Little Sister"

• "Teddy Bear"

• "Don't Be Cruel"

• "Release Me"

• "I Can't Stop Loving You"

• "Bridge Over Troubled Water"

• "Early Mornin' Rain"

• "Johnny B. Goode"

• "I Really Don't Want To Know"

• "Hurt"

• "Hound Dog"

• "Can't Help Falling In Love"

Sources:

1. "The Last Concert" - Elvis Presley Official Website

2. Guralnick, Peter. "Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley."

3. Marsh, Dave. "Elvis."

4. Schilling, Jerry. "Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley."

5. Guralnick, Peter. "Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley."

6. Nights with Alice Cooper - "Elvis and the Importance of His Last Concert"