Читать книгу Following Elvis - Rechey Davidson - Страница 2

Elvis was gone. The great Memphis concert of July 5, 1976 had just finished and Elvis had truly left the building and I was completely exhausted. All that jumping up and down had worn me out. I can imagine how Elvis must feel after these tours. No wonder he has to rest up for a couple of weeks.

The “Raised on Elvis” fan club members that had come up with Brenda from Garland made their way down to our seats. Jill had shook Elvis’ hand. Judy caught a scarf --- and her seat was on the 40^th row! Brenda climbed upon a chair and shook Elvis’ hand while she was considering jumping up on the stage and grabbing him.

The most talked about song was “Softly.” That was an emotionally-packed song.

Soon the auditorium had thinned out so we decided to try and find where Elvis was staying and hang around the hotel. We had already heard rumors he wouldn’t go to Graceland. The fans were so thick around the gates he couldn’t get in.

As luck would have it though, we couldn’t find the slightest trace of where he got off to. Elvis wanted to hide after a Memphis concert. That is one place where fans from all over come to see him perform. And I knew why after that concert, WOW! I still can’t get over it, the effect he has on you.

We drove by the airport and the Lisa Marie was still there --- all quiet and closed up. He was still in town. We drove by Graceland, but there was no need stopping. I’ve never seen so many fans flocking around the gate. No, I don’t think he’d try coming home. We decided there was no way to find him tonight.

Brenda, Rechey and the other fans from their club went back to their motel and we went home. We told Brenda and all good-bye because they had to leave first thing in the morning and I was too tired to get up early just to say goodbye.

Boy, I sure had good dreams that night. I relived that concert over and over all night. The next morning I was as exhausted as when I went to bed. That instant replay was as good as the original --- almost. Of course, I would have much rather gone back for another dose of the real thing. Maybe next time I’ll get to kiss him!

That night James and I were back at our regular post at the gate hoping for a chance to see Elvis again. The crowd had thinned out considerably from the day before, but there were still more fans there than normal. Harold told us Elvis still hadn’t come back home. He was still hiding out.

Since it was during the week and Elvis wasn’t expected back, we went home early. Already I was having withdrawal pains. It had been over 20 hours since I had seen Elvis, and I was feeling like it had been 20 years. I had to see that man!

I guess he didn’t hear me though (or maybe he did!). Elvis sneaked back in at 4:30 in the morning. And stayed in!

He stayed inside that house until late the night before his next tour began. If he came out during those two weeks, he sneaked out because none of the fans at the gate ever saw him leave. There were so many cars coming and going all the time, he could have easily sneaked out. I sure didn’t like that, but I guess I don’t really have that much control over him after all. Elvis has so many gadgets up at Graceland he just doesn’t need to leave. He has videotapes, movie projectors, a complete gym, a barber area, everything. Why leave?

Brenda sent me a letter a few days after the Memphis concert dying to know what Elvis had been doing since the concert. I was sorry to write her back and say Elvis had just not been coming out. That was bad for me and the other fans at the gate. In fact, it seemed like every night there were less and less fans hanging around. Everyone seemed to feel all Elvis plans to do any more is just rest up between tours. The way he has been touring lately, he hasn’t had much time for anything else but resting. But that’s what makes me keep coming back! Maybe, just maybe, he was just doing that to get rid of some of the fans so he could come out and not be mobbed. But I know better than that. So, I just kept coming back and waiting and waiting --- but no Elvis.

It has got to be boring just staying in the house so much. Why doesn’t he come out? I won’t hurt him! I could even make him laugh by doing something crazy like taking a picture of my own face again.

July 22^nd rolled around and Elvis had not come out since returning home from the Memphis concert. I knew his next tour started the next day, so he had to come out soon, even if it was just for the trip to the airport.

That evening, I was at Graceland earlier than normal. I just knew he was going to leave tonight. I was going to catch a glimpse of him finally. I was aching from lack of seeing Elvis. I had my camera ready. I tell you this can really get nerve-racking. You look at Graceland, then at your watch, then at the other fans watching their watches or the house. You frown and grit your teeth while pacing back and forth, and look at the house again. The whole time that little voice in the back of your mind keeps telling you “He’s got to come out. Open the door! Where are you, Elvis?”

Then someone came running past the gate yelling, “There he goes! He came out the back!”

Talk about panic! Everyone scrambled for their cars and took out after Elvis’ limousine. You have to be brave to get out on the streets when Elvis is out! Cars are bumper to bumper at 60 miles an hour. Everybody tries to be first in the same lane at the same time. You would think someone had just lit a fuse to a ton of dynamite the way they left the gate.

Of course, James and I were in our truck right in the big middle of all the traffic. We hot-rodded down to Winchester and turned toward the airport. Elvis’ limousine was already over the rise. All we could see was a few fans’ cars speeding down Winchester.

By the time we got to the airport, Elvis was just going in the door of the Lisa Marie. We ran to the fence and strained to see, but it was too late. He was already safely inside and they were pulling the debarking stairs away.

The jets were whining louder and louder, the on-board lights were all on, the tail was lit up showing off that golden TCB and lightning bolt. You could feel the excitement in the air. It was like electricity. You just knew something exciting was about to happen.

The jets whined louder as the dozen or so fans crowding around the fence yelled and waved. I had mixed feelings; telling myself darn for missing him, but excited about watching the Lisa Marie taxi down the field knowing he was on board.

Suddenly, the plane shook as the brakes were released and it started to roll, slowly turning away from us. Everyone screamed and waved even harder.

The Lisa Marie rumbled past, partially hidden by the small planes scattered around the field. Then it was in the open again. Man, it looked great --- majestic--- as it rolled around the corner of the hangers and out of sight. I was beginning to get that old feeling again, but I had to keep watching. Mother Nature would have to wait.

A minute or so later the rumbling became more and more intense, building as the Lisa Marie prepared to take off. We couldn’t see anything because of the other buildings, but I knew we couldn’t leave this spot. Elvis would be gone before we could get to the other side of the field. At least here we could see him just as he took off.

We could hear the jets loud and clear now. Any time now the plane would zoom by. I could only stand and wring my hands. I grabbed James’ arm. “Hurry, Elvis. Hurry! I can’t take much more of this.” Hearing the plane but not being able to see it is horrible.

Suddenly, the Lisa Marie lunged past the building and into the air in an explosion of sound. Streaking through the air, it was gone in seconds.

Then it was all over. I just seemed to go limp; listless. That really takes it out of you. All I could think of then was he was gone until August 6^th, at least. Sadly, we went home.

Things were always so dull and dreary around Memphis when Elvis was gone. When he’s here, there’s always that one possibility you just might see him. Its surprising how much higher your spirits are, just knowing Elvis is in the same town.

I knew it was going to be bad until Elvis came back, but I just had to go back to the gate; at least for a little while. You can pick up some good stories every once in a while and I liked getting to talk to all the fans that came by.

One night, a few days later, I was glad to be at the gate. The rumors were starting to fly about the next tour. Linda came in looking for me and called me outside, away from everybody. She had just found out Elvis was going to be in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 5^th. As close as we were to Jackson, I knew we would have to go. No two ways about it. As soon as she told me, I wanted to squeal! My feet were already stomping up and down ready to run wherever we had to go.

We crossed the street and bought a money order for the tickets, then drove out to the airport to mail off our order. We didn’t want to waste any time. We wanted our letter already at the airport when they picked up the mail. You might never know how much it helps the post office if you get the mail just a little closer to Jackson.

When we dropped the letter in the mailbox, we felt confident. There was no one else there. Ours had to be first. (Of course, I forgot about all the people in Jackson that were probably mailing their requests at the same time!)

After recovering from the initial shock of hearing about an Elvis concert close by, it dawned on me that there was more than one day on a tour.

“Hey, Linda, I just thought of something. What’s the rest of the tour? We might be able to see more than one show!”

Linda stopped in her tracks. “I don’t know! I got so excited about Jackson I didn’t even check out all the other dates.”

Linda called the girl back that had told her about the Jackson show to see if the rest of the tour was anywhere close. It was still too early. The only other confirmed locations were San Antonio and Houston on August 27^th and 28^th.

I knew those were too far away for me, but Brenda would want to know for her fan club. I told Linda to watch me play a sneaky trick on Brenda. I called her number.

“Hey! Girl! What cha doing?”

“Betty?” asked Brenda.

“Yeah, it’s me.”

“What is it, Betty? What’s Elvis doing? Did you hear of a tour? Where is it?”

“Oh, I just thought I’d give you a call and see how things have been going down in Texas.” I had to cover the mouthpiece while I broke up laughing. Linda had to cover her mouth, too. I straightened up and continued my joke. “Elvis is still on tour up north. It’s all quiet here. No excitement. I just thought I’d call.”

“Oh, don’t scare me like that. I just knew it was something for you to call,” said Brenda.

“No, just everyday stuff. You know, someone talking about everything she’s done and someone else has to top her.” I had to laugh again. I pulled my grin down with my hand. “Oh, there is one thing though. You remember my friend Linda? From here in Memphis?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, she came by here at the guardhouse and told me something.”

“What?”

“Well, nothing that would excite you much, but it is nice for me. Elvis will be in Jackson, Mississippi on September 5^th and ---“

“Where else? Do you know the whole tour? Is he coming here?” I couldn’t help but laugh aloud at Brenda’s excitement. This was getting good. “No, No. Easy, girl, you’ll blow a gasket. I guess you can’t make it to Jackson, huh? That’s pretty far. We just ordered our tickets. I thought I’d give you the address if you were going to try and go to it. They’re supposed to officially announce the tickets tomorrow.”

“I’d like to come, Betty, but that’s pretty far. Besides, I’ve got some things I have to do that weekend.”

“Oh, well, I just thought I’d tell you.”

“Some of my club members will probably want to go. I have members all over. I can tell them.”

“I’m sorry you can’t come, girl,” I had to snicker at Linda. Here it comes. “Well, maybe you can figure out some way to go to Houston then.”

“HOUSTON! Oh, Betty! WHEN?”

Linda and I were rolling now. Brenda sure gets excited hearing about a tour. “He’s supposed to be in Houston on August 28^th, and San Antonio on the 27^th.”

“San Antonio, too? Oh, Betty, you’re a mean one! I can go to both of these. When do tickets go on sale?”

“I don’t know yet, girl. I just heard there would be a concert on those days. You better get your money order ready.”

“I’ve already bought it. I just need an address for the envelope.”

I had to laugh at her again. She really likes going to concerts, but who doesn’t? I knew it was getting late and running up a bill so Linda and I both told Brenda good-bye so she could call her club members.

Boy, I am sneaky though. I like watching or hearing Brenda pause at the mention of a concert. I think that’s typical of the real fans. They’ve never missed a concert, but they’re always afraid the next one will be the one they miss. Got to get that front row seat!

It was late now and Elvis was gone so we went home to sleep and dream about those front row seats.

Nothing much happened the next couple of weeks. Elvis was on tour part of the time and didn’t come out once he got home. Or, if he did everyone missed him. It was just not the same lately. We used to see him so many times coming and going at the gate.

With each day I got a little more nervous about my tickets. Every day I excitedly checked the mailbox only to be disappointed. After two weeks, I was checking the mailbox every hour on the hour. Even after the mail was delivered! You never know, I might have just missed it the first time or the mailman may have overlooked it and had brought it back to me.

Finally, that envelope addressed to me from Jackson, Mississippi came. I just stared at it for a few long seconds, breathing deeply. There it is! I got them! Then I excitedly tore open the envelope --- I’m surprised I didn’t tear the tickets I was in such a hurry. Main floor, Row 14! Wow! Fourteenth row isn’t what I was really hoping for, but it was sure a lot better that what I was expecting to end up with. Man, I was proud of these. One more time I get to see Elvis in all his splendor --- and just three weeks from now. I had to run call Linda and tell her about the tickets. James and I had seats 11 and 12 and gave Linda and her two friends the other three seats next to us. I could hardly wait. Labor Day weekend couldn’t come any too soon this year, and not because it was a holiday!

Having those tickets safely in hand sure seems to make you feel important. I carried them with me all the time and just managed to happen to pull them out at the gate. When a newcomer was hanging around the gate, he would always ask when Elvis’ next tour would be. So, naturally, I had to pull out my tickets and nonchalantly flaunt them like I really had connections. And I always laid it on thick, like, “Well, he’s not planning a tour here till sometime next year, but the closest thing around here is --- umm --- let’s see --- ah --- here it is; Jackson, Mississippi, Sunday before Labor Day. I usually go to the concerts that are close. These tickets are “way back” on the fourteenth row, but I don’t like to get too close. The stage is usually so high you can’t see everything unless you’re back away. I like to see it all.” Real cool, huh? I just don’t tell them I would love to see everything from the stage!

After a few days the thrill of showing off the tickets slacks off and I start worrying about not getting to see Elvis come out like he used to. Last year I saw him all the time. This year, especially the last few months, he just stopped coming out so much. He just tours then stays inside Graceland then tours again.

Before we knew it, it was time for Elvis to leave for San Antonio. I usually hated knowing he was gone on tour because everything around here becomes so dull. When he’s in town, there’s a certain magic in the air. You feel different just knowing he’s in the same town. Just knowing you mightsee him.

This time it was different. I hated his being gone, but I was glad, too. Ten days into this tour and I’d see him for sure!

Linda and I, and even James, were getting excited about Elvis leaving. We were going to see him this time. He had to come out. Tomorrow is the first day of his tour and we were going to be right there to see him get on the plane.

Friday afternoon the 27^th I was getting ready to go by the airport. Linda came by to go with us. James came in, cleaned up, and we were ready to go. We jumped in the truck and headed for Memphis International. I was all giggly and goose-bumpy. Boy, we were going to be there early and get a good spot to see Elvis get on-board. I even brought my binoculars.

Linda and I were giggling about how great he’s going to look and even a naughty remark once in a while about what we’d really like to do if we ever got the chance. James just laughed at us and shook his head. I was dying to jump up and down on the seat; I could hardly sit still. We passed Interstate 240 going south on Airways. In a second, we would see the Lisa Marie waiting on the field.

Suddenly, I panicked! The Lisa Marie was gone! My heart stopped and my mouth was frozen half open. Linda panicked, too. We started scanning the skies, but no luck. Elvis was gone. Missed him again! Talk about coming down fast. I just sunk back in the seat. “Damn!” was all I could say. “How can he do this? It’s too early for him to leave.”

We continued on to the airport and looked it over good in case they had just moved the Lisa Marie. We passed a workman and asked if Elvis had left. He said he had left an hour ago. That ruined the day for me, and the weekend. There’s just no figuring this guy out. It was ten days now before I could see him again. I lost my appetite, everything. I didn’t even want to go by Graceland. It would remind me I missed him. Sadly, I said, “Take me home, James.”