Elvis Week 2007

 

 

Introduction

The most exciting and fun filled Elvis Week ever happened in 2007 as the world honored the 30th Anniversary of Elvis' passing. Almost 75,000 people jammed Elvis Presley Blvd for the Candlelight Vigil (the most since the very days after Elvis' death in 1977). For the first time in over 30 years Elvis had a sell-out concert in America; selling out the FedEx Forum with the digital concert, Elvis In Concert. Priscilla Presley was the key guest of honor at the Insiders Conference which was also a sell out at the newly developed Cannon Center for the Performing Arts (formally Ellis Auditorium). The media coverage was amazing and continued the assurance that Elvis' legacy with the media is still as strong as the one with his fans. It was one of the most incredible experiences to be a part of and if you missed it, I encourage you to beginning planning your Elvis Week trip for no later than 2012 for the 35th Anniversary!

 

Highlight of 2007

Although there were many highlights to such an amazing and large Elvis Week the top highlight for this particular year had to be the Candlelight Vigil because of its overall brilliance. The largest group to ever assemble at the Gates of Graceland all showing there love and support for one man; 30 years after his death. It was a moment that everyone over the world shared in whether through television media or listening to Elvis Radio on satellite radio - it was the first time the whole world could connect for that moment of respect and it will, for years to come, be the longest ceremony in the history of the vigil. We lasted until 4 am and the final walk through occurred around 6 am; Graceland officially opens at 9 am but shops and workers arrive as early as 7:30 am. It says something powerful about one single individual that over 75,000 people would travel to walk their drive way and light a candle in their honor.

 

On one other note, because this was such a large event year; another huge highlight was the Elvis In Concert at the FedEx Forum in which Elvis' live band played on stage while Elvis performed digitally. This was much like the 20th and 25th Anniversary shows but was even more spectacular. Lisa Marie presented a duet with Elvis of "In The Ghetto" and at midnight there was a second show, "Midnight in Vegas" with footage from "That's The Way It Is" - two amazing shows that may be the last time in the history of Elvis Week we ever have a chance at seeing.

Major Events

  • Elvis Insiders Conference

  • Candlelight Vigil

  • Music & Movies Night On Graceland Lawn

  • Elvis In Concert & Elvis: Midnight in Vegas Concert

Photos/Links