ElvisNews.com: Johnny B. Goode Missing?

Johnny B. Goode Missing?

According to fans who have already got a copy of the new DVD of 'On Tour', the sensational opening video sequence where Elvis sings 'Johnny B. Goode' has been retained BUT the song 'Johnny B. Goode' has been removed and replaced with 'Teddy Bear'/'Don't Be Cruel' due to copyright problems. The same 'Teddy Bear'/'Don't Be Cruel' is heard later in the movie.
It seem incredible that after 38 years the 'On Tour' re-release is still not the real deal.

Source: Elvis Information Network / Updated: Jul 21, 2010

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Tony C (profile/ contact) wrote on Sep 2, 2010report abuse

Regarding the comments below about how Otis Blackwell will benefit from the substitution of "Johnny B. Goode" with "Don't Be Cruel" on the new "Elvis On Tour" release, I am afraid to say that he will not. Not because of any legal reasons, but because he has been dead for eight years!

WadeElvisMan (profile/ contact) wrote on Aug 29, 2010report abuse

I went and saw it at theater with Joe Esposito, he explained copyrights could not be made by the time EPE wanted it, "BEFORE Elvis week...so later it WILL have it an 3 hours + of xtra footage...What a shame, ..but it will be out within a year they are working on a five dvd set, but will be for serious collectors as the price will be around $60-$100

Dixieland Rock (profile/ contact) wrote on Aug 1, 2010report abuse

Tornado, I think you said it all in your last comment. You are "overreacting". I'm still not understanding why you are spending so much time analyzing & disecting my two comments. Neither are that important. The silly comment I made mentioning "Earth Boy", that's been nearly 2 weeks ago. Please lighten up. I was just kidding around. Even if it wasn't funny to you, chill out. But I don't recall "putting them down" as you suggested in regards to those songs. Regardless, it's not worth trying to analyze. Yes I do accept your apologies & I apologize if I offended you. Like I said in my last comment, I probably agree with most of your comments I've seen. When I disagree, I just hold my peace. I'm glad you see my point of why I mentioned Otis Blackwell & the song change putting him in the spotlight which is his gain. I don't even like the version of "Don't Be Cruel" that's in place of Johnny B Goode. I'd rather see "JBG" in there where it belongs at the opening. But I'm not going to lose sleep over the song change. Everything is cool Tornado.

tornado (profile/ contact) wrote on Aug 1, 2010report abuse

"Smokie Mountain Boy" or "Earth Boy". Did you really think Warner would have allowed these kind of songs for the opening? That was probably a kind of joke for you but I missed the funny part and saw rather another way, among zillions, to put down songs that had their place in a context and that some purists think Elvis should have never sang them. Maybe I"ve overreacted here. Please accept my apologies.I want to keep this forum in a friendly and happy mood.And you're right about the fact that Otis Blacwell will benefit from the new intro. It's cool too and he deserves it. He wrote so many good song for Elvis. I even think Elvis should have taken his version of Clambake. But that's a personnel taste. Keep the good spirit between us.

Rejane (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 31, 2010report abuse

Well if I hadn't been told of the switch I might not have remembered but I don't really think Don't Be Cruel has the pop of Johnny B Goode. Too bad ole Chuck Berry didn't want the money. It seems to me there was another really fast song Elvis used to use in his openings (which escapes me now), they probably should have tried to use it (maybe even Tiger Man would have worked better). It's for sure Elvis fans have no shortage of opinions!

rejane

Dixieland Rock (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 30, 2010report abuse

Tornado, take a chill pill & calm down. Boy you read alot of things in my comment that I NEVER even said. First off, I never said anything about "despising" any song period my comment. How did you read that into my comment? Nevermind, I don't even want to know. In fact, I happen to like "Johnny Be Goode" on the opening of "On Tour" & would much rather see it there instead of replacing it with "Don't Be Cruel". I don't even care that much for the version of "Don't Be Cruel" I heard is in JBG's place. But that's my opinion. After learning of why "Johnny Be Goode" was omitted & replaced with "Don't Be Cruel", all I was saying was it'll put an Otis Blackwell tune in the spotlight instead of Chuck B's song. I merely said in that regard, great news for Otis Blackwell & "tuff luck" for Chuck Berry & co. If you see my remark as "cheap" or "lame", so be it. You feel free to view it as such. And how you figured my comment as a "joke", I don't know where you came up with that one. Facts are facts, if "Don't Be Cruel" is in place of "Johnny Be Goode" on the opening of "On Tour", well then it's more exposure for Otis Blackwell & less for Chuck Berry. The reason I said "I'm cool with it" is because I have more important things in life to worry about than the first 87 seconds of a 38 year movie that I may only watch every couple of years whether it be vhs or dvd. Tornado, I pretty much have agreed with you & your comments for a long time. I'd just like to get along man, but please don't take my previous comment too serious. Everything is cool.

tornado (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 30, 2010report abuse

That's a cheap comment Dixieland Rock. What's the point of despising songs you don't like.? This kind of joke is so lame today. The positive side to it, in our imperfect world, is that On Tour will finaly be released, well amost as it was in the best sound and image possible. I still think Warner did the right thing. They have to work in a certain time schedule to do these kind of release and they can't wait forever for Mister Chuck Berry and his publisher to return their calls. It's mere lousy management from CB people or himself. But we know, - it is documented -, how Chuck was always resentful to Elvis's success.

Dixieland Rock (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 30, 2010report abuse

All I can is "tuff luck" for Chuck Berry & Co & great news for Otis Blackwell. I am thankful Warner chose to push the "On Tour" project with or without Chuck Berry & Co. I'm cool with them putting an Otis Blackwell song in place of JBG. No problem.

Steve B. (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 30, 2010report abuse

I was very disappointed in the screening last night. The sound was way too low and I wasn't impressed with the image quality. I have heard others, who were at different venues, say the sound was great at their screening. Maybe I just picked a bad theatre. One positive note, my four year old LOVED it.

tornado (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 30, 2010report abuse

We just got the news from Warners. These things are so silly. Why Chuck Berry's people or himself never returned the phone call back to Warner to make a deal on the song? Like all the other composers? Just annoying. Go figure... But better have it with another intro than nothing.

Lefty (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 30, 2010report abuse

I did see the movie at the theater tonight, and what we've heard about the opening sequence is indeed true. Johnny B Goode has been replaced with a poorly spliced and looped version of Don't Be Cruel. It doesn't destroy the movie, but it certainly doesn't help it either. It's still a fantastic film, and I look forward to owning it on DVD. It was hard to tell if the picture quality has improved all that much. The movie theater projection seemed a bit off. That being said, the sound is absolutely fantastic. The remixing of the audio is spotless! There was quite a big turn out at the local theater, and people cheered and clapped just as though they were in the audience in Hampton Roads. It was exciting. I honestly hope none of the fans actually boycott this release. It's obvious that the producers put a lot of effort into this project, and it really shines. You won't be disappointed.

mature_elvis_fan75 (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 29, 2010report abuse

Dont know, but i know this is why i dont pre order anymore!

elvis_aotc (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 29, 2010report abuse

Can i still cancel my order ElviMatters....

elvis_aotc (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 29, 2010report abuse

mature_elvis_fan75: I agree fully. It was a NO to remove JBG, but to replace it with Don't Be Cruel/ Teddy Bear is just a joke. The people who did that, really don't know nothing about the music of our man. Shame, shame, shame!!!

mature_elvis_fan75 (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 29, 2010report abuse

The worst part is not having to edit out Johnny B. Goode,the worst part if what they have chosen to replace it with. I find it strange that they offer nothing new on this release, been nice to have the materail from The Lost Performances on this release, kinda have everything in one place, but thankfully i do have my vcd to watch that one!

elvis_aotc (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 28, 2010report abuse

Shame, shame, shame!!! Of course JBG should be in there like the original. So now we know for sure no expanded version will be released if they even don't want to pay for one song. So hours of unreleased material what is laying in "climate controled rooms" will stay there forever. Shame, shame, shame!!!

Martin DJ (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 27, 2010report abuse

The simple reason for the exclusion of JBG on the dvd and its inclusion on VHS is that permission to use a song is given for a certain period of time and/or medium in which it is used.

KTemple (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 27, 2010report abuse

Elvis did slur the first line of JBG over the opening credits, I never really liked that opening anyway, its Not a big deal, why would people boycot this dvd because of one song?? As other contributors have said, would you boycot this dvd if they added unseen performances to it, I'd think not. Its one song, if it bothers you that much, fast forward to the limo bit and then enjoy the rest of the movie!!

Zoltan84 (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 26, 2010

Invisible because there was no relation to the article

SnOwMan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 26, 2010report abuse

What a disgusting thing to change the intro of a classic movie! Of course i won't buy it. I will boycott this release and i will tell to my friends not to buy it!

Dan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 26, 2010report abuse

Deano1, DITTO!!!!! There is so much more, outstanding performances locked away that we may never see.

Deano1 (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 26, 2010report abuse

There is not a bigger defender of Elvis and his movies on this site than myself, but claiming EOT is a classic because it won a Golden Globe for Best Documentary is a horrible argument. It was a co-winner that year in the documentary field with "Walls Of Fire" and those two documentaries were up against "Russia", "Marjoe" and "Sapporo Winter Olympics" (How many on this site have seen any of these??? I know I haven't.). It was the first year the Golden Globes had given a best documentary award and many years there after they were lucky if they found five documentaries to even consider. It wasn't like EOT won best picture, it was best documentary. Look the movie is good and Elvis' performances are great, but looking at the original movie, it could have been so much better (just like TTWII). So why the fuss if because of legal issues or whatever they drop one of the lesser performances and use a different song??? Would we be complaining if they had added 10-15 performances??? If it is a classic, wouldn't that still be altering a classic? I will buy the DVD and enjoy it with or without JBG over the credits.

Steve B. (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 26, 2010report abuse

I am very excited to see "Elvis On Tour" on the big screen. As for the "JBG" thingie, I wonder how they included it on "Elvis Presley In Concert?" I just loved it in that great production. I love how the instrument break was longer and let the players have solos, very cool indeedy.

JerryNodak (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 26, 2010report abuse

serious1: It's been said before, but I'll say it again. Now listen carefully. EPE does NOT own the footage of 'Elvis On Tour." Whatever happened concerning the omission of Johnny B had NOTHING to do with EPE/Graceland. This is all related to Chuck Berry and/or Warner.

circleG (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 26, 2010report abuse

chuck, chuck, chuck, what has gotten into you? well now we know why the EOT has been delayed for so long. It really amazes me that that Elvis can still be controversial 33 years after he left us. Why couldn't those concerned come to an agreement? Well done anyway to those concerned for getting around the problem by using another song though as someone has pointed out its a little odd when Elvis says the line 'guitar player' and we then cut to a piano intro but thats a small price to pay.

benny scott (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 26, 2010report abuse

serious 1 : unfortunately jbg IS removed and replaced by dbc , but after all, I think the most important is having all the performances in really good quality. On youtube you can see the "roaring lion " of MGM twice : the vhs intro and the dvd intro . Look at the difference in colour-quality, that says it all ! Always El.

ricky (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 26, 2010report abuse

Sorry but i am not impressed by this one. It gives us nothing new, ok its been remastered, but that's all! While there is so much filmed and they won't use it. I'll wil let this one pass.

claunath82 (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 26, 2010report abuse

What a shame they used d b cruel and not the original j b good, the intro has not the same rock touch, incredible since we can see the original version on youtube in 2 clics and the vhs version was the original !!!tcb

ranskal (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 26, 2010report abuse

Just go to amazon and they search for the blu ray. They have 4 or 5 clips where you will see this isn't a bad transfer. It looks amazing and the sound sounds amazing. 8 more days...!!!

benny scott (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 25, 2010report abuse

Dan : thanks for letting us know! I now saw the new intro-sequence . As I still have the original VHS-release I noticed that they partly used other footage too for the new opening. Always El.

Dan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 25, 2010report abuse

Well, it's official, The opening sequence HAS been changed to "Don't Be Cruel". Elvis unlimited HAS the Blu-Ray DVD and mentions it on they're webiste (complete with screen caps). On the upside, they do rave about the picture quality. Go to Elvis Unlimted and click on any "news" item. There you will see the colum to the right labeled "More News". You will find it in there complete with the opening that's on YouTube. It was probably them who posted it, using a video camera shot off a projection TV or something. I could not post the URL, sorry!

Deano1 (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 24, 2010report abuse

I really like this documentary and I enjoy it more than the original version of "That The Way It Is", not so much Elvis' performances, but the way the documentary was constructed. I think Elvis was fantastic at these shows in April of '72 and while a bit huskier than he was in TTWII, he still looked darn good (I wish for one day, I could look that good!). Elvis, the singer and performer, was never better than he was in TTWII, but again he was terrific in EOT and one should not diminish the other. That said, what is the big deal about "Johnny B Goode" being dropped??? EOT, the original documentary, is not a classic. It struggled at the box office, was way over-shadowed by the "Aloha" TV Special less than a year later, hasn't been released in a new format for years and the song JBG was one of Elvis' worst vocal performances that was recorded (easily the worst in EOT). He sounds hoarse (almost shouts the lyrics) and he is a little off key. When the news about EOT being released on DVD and blue-ray was first announced, most everyone wanted songs added to it. If it was a classic, you wouldn't want it touched in anyway. The best thing they could do is just combine the performances of TTWII, EOT and the Lost Performance video and add any other "lost" performances they may have, that would be a classic. The two original documentaries, as movies, were not classics. Elvis' performances (for the most part) were.

Steve V (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 24, 2010report abuse

I heard that about Ray Charles also. Pity because Elvis really seemed to dig his music as I do very much. Well, they cant all be like Fats Domino who always praised Elvis. As far as Chuck, no surprise. He is very bitter about being screwed in the past on royalties, etc. I'm sure he has nothing against Elvis at all, its just Chuck being Chuck!

benny scott (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 24, 2010report abuse

Buffalo-Horn : thanks a lot for the info ! I'm disappointed in Ray Charles ! I didn't know he called Elvis a racist . We all know he wasn't ! Have a nice weekend . Always El.

I am Buffalo-Horn! (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 24, 2010report abuse

Benny, it is definitely the version "Before I kick ..." In fact it's the only bit that fits – they've put it over Elvis doing a mirrored Karate kick. The rest of the music is just laid over the top of the existing title sequence – it doesn't fit well. Also there is no Teddy Bear section used! Re Chuck Berry, he certainly does give variable performances, but he & Elvis were friends. They both well understood early rejection & poverty. Ray Charles reaction to the use of I Got A Woman is typical. He did not like Elvis, in fact he called him a racist in a magazine article in the mid seventies... We'll all be buying the DVD, but tampering with historical documents upsets people – thus these 50 plus messages on this site.

benny scott (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 24, 2010report abuse

Hi Kilburn Tony, thanks for the info .I hope you'll get an answer from C.B. and let us know . By the way, knowing now that Teddy Bear is not used : is the version of Don't be cruel really the one where Elvis sings "before I kick your...." ? If it would be so, well, IMHO not a good choise , there are enough versions where our man sings the correct words.Thanks in advance for an answer ! Always El.

mature_elvis_fan75 (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 24, 2010report abuse

That doesnt make it any better.some are saying jbg is on the dvd and other are saying its not,always seems to be confusion when it comes to Elvis products.

Tony C (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 24, 2010report abuse

No, "Teddy Bear" is not used over the credits, "Don't Be Cruel" is.

mature_elvis_fan75 (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 23, 2010report abuse

First of all,i dont really care if Elvis would not like some comments about chuck berry. Personally im not a big chuck berry fan,but the fact is this film has been altered and to me the worst part is not saying a thing about it,letting people pre order this release and not giving any details,other artist are treated much better and so are there fans. Sure its a very small part of the film but another issue and maybe the biggest is what they chose to replace the opening number with,is it really teddy bear? come on give me a break. Elvis products are thrown out with no though,and no passion. this is not the only example of this just the latest one!

Tony C (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 23, 2010report abuse

I have just had a peek at Chuck Berry's website and it has a section regarding cover versions of his songs. There are different rules with regard to CDs/downloads and movies/DVDs. For the former a mechanical licence is required and for the latter a synchronization licence is needed. This would explain why there has never been a problem with RCA/BMG/Sony releasing "Johnny B Goode" or "Promised Land" over the years. It appears that Chuck Berry does retain control of his publishing and there is a section which allows people to e-mail publishing enquiries to them. I have sent them a message asking why there was a problem over the use of "Johnny B. Goode" on the new "Elvis On Tour" DVD. I said that many Elvis fans were disappointed not to hear this song in it's rightfulplace. I was very polite and I made no accusations, hopefully I will get a response. Watch this space! Chuck Berry has been ripped off over the years, as were all of the fifties rock'n'roll stars. Buddy Holly was only on the tour that lead to his death because he was being deprived of the royalties he was due by his producer and mentor.

Chuck Berry has certainly made up for it over the years, he will not walk on stage unless he has the fee in cash in his pocket at the time. The first time I ever went to see him, he did not turn up and the band employed to back him were forced to fill for time until we were all eventually sent home with our refunded ticket money. The second time, he was there in all of his glory, although his guitar was so badly out of tune that the solo's were like somebody running their fingers down a blackboard! In an effort to cram as many songs into the 45 minutes he was contracted to do, he played them at an incredible speed which completely ruined their poetic nature. He kept looking at his watch after every song and when the 45 minutes expired he was mid song. He just unplugged his guitar and left the stage, leaving the band to bring the song to a very awkward close. I was very disappointed, but I thought he may have just had an off-night. Two years later he was back in England and I gave him a second chance. That time he was even worse! Don't get me wrong, I do not dislike Chuck Berry. I think he is one of the best recording artists and songwriters of his era. I have always thought that Chuck Berry was rapping before the rappers were even born, something he has never been credited with.

Mark S. (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 23, 2010report abuse

IF Chuck Berry is to “blame” for this (and we do not know that for certain), he has been screwed over financially many, many times in the past. So let’s cut him some slack…

KTemple (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 23, 2010report abuse

Innitally I was disappointed that there is no JBG but hey get over it. Its not a great vocal performance anyway and quit giving out about Chuck Berry, he is a legend and Elvis would not approve of this bad mouthing him. The movie was available on video in its original form, yes we would have liked to have it in its original form on dvd/ bluray but I think most people are over re-acting big time. As for the song they chose, its a performance from 1972, Ive seen that some people wanted T-R-O-U-B-L-E or Promised Land, these were recorded after 1972. If anything it needs to be relevant to the documentary which is why they chose DBC from '72.

ger (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 23, 2010report abuse

Elvis on tour is not very good anyway

Tony C (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 23, 2010report abuse

There was a similar problem to this in 1960 when Elvis chose "I Got A Woman" as the old song he would re-record for "G.I. Blues". Ray Charles demanded huge sums of money to allow it's inclusion in the film, which the producers declined to pay. They decided to re-record "Blue Suede Shoes" instead and Ray Charles ended up with nothing. He was not so demanding when he was approached three years later to allow "What'd I Say" to be performed in "Viva Las Vegas". He had obviously learnt his lesson. With regard to the usual EPE bashing over the song replacement on "Elvis On Tour", we should remember that this DVD is a Warners release and has nothing to do with EPE.

Good Time Charlie (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 23, 2010report abuse

It' sucks BIG time. Not having JBG in opening sequence is like not having Also Sprach Zarathustra in 2001 Odyssey movie, or cutting Ennio Morricone's music in opening sequence of Once Upon time In the West. I'm pretty certain that Chuck Berry is the one to blame, he was always greedy !!&&&""~"!%$" Sometimes you just can't cut a deal with this type of person. What I don't accept is the fact EPE did not use some other R'N'R song , more appropriate for opening. T-R-O-U-B-L-E for example, has the same mid pace rhythm as JBG and it would fit the video, god dammit! And you know what, it took me 2 minutes to think of it as an idea, and we have much more songs in Elvis catalogue. It simpy shows they don't care or they are incompetent to do this line of work. "&/#%(&)&% I doubt I will buy this one, specially when I know how much more material they got from EOT & TTWII.

Elvis_The_King (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

Watched the blu-ray today and picture/sound on concert footage is simply awesome.

John4126 (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

The i tunes download of the movie has JBG. No issues with copyright there it seems.

benny scott (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

EJF : double "Amen" to that ! Always El.

EJF (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

OMG, what a lot of fuss about 90 secs! Yes, I too would have preferred to have EOT in all its original form. But really, it's not the end of the world. When Aloha From Hawaii was first released on DVD three songs were omitted due to copyright reasons, Johnny B. Goode included. I still bought it that time, as I suspect did a lot of other fans. Then when the 2-Disc Special Edition was released I bought it again. So when hopefully all copyrights problems are settled and we get the 3-Disc Special Edition of EOT (wishful thinking?) I will buy it again. If I'm still around that is!

benny scott (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

gilesm : wouldn't have made any difference : using an instrumental version of JBD is still using the music of the song, and that music is still Chuck Berry's "property", so, still same problem ! Always El.

gilesm (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

Perhaps, they should have used James Burton's instrumental version from his album "The Guitar Sounds of James Burton" it's just like the Elvis version, but without EP.

Monster (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

Dammit!!!! I loved that opening with the JBG music playing over it. But kicking off with the done to death medley most of us skip through on every ....single...Elvis live album is not going to endear anyone to this movie, dedicated fan or not. Surely Burning Love could have been edited in just as easily or is it all about saving time and money by slotting in something the publishing was controlled on. This is going to open up yet another window of opportunity for the bootleggers who will no doubt take the DVD copy, dub on a remastered version of JBG and make a fortune on that.

benny scott (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

Hi gilesm, I totally agree with you that Warner and/or EPE are not to blame at all for the JBG-story. Being a singer-songwriter myself I know very well the (special) world of copyrights and royalties . I'm almost sure one has to search in the direction of Chuck Berry himself and/or the publishing company owning the rights on the song. Maybe they have been a bit to greedy concerning royalties and did not obtain what they wanted, and no accordance was reached . Now they have nothing at all for the song, and the royalties will go to the writers of Teddy Bear (K.Mann & L.Lowe ) and Don't be cruel (O.Blackwell & Elvis himself, who got co-writership but probably had no real part at all in writing the song, words and/or lyrics). Always El.

drjohncarpenter0117 (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

Alot of emotion for obvious reasons but i am sure 'Elvis On Tour-The Complete works' will iron out all these copyright problems and will certainly go along way to giving us all footage regarding this and in the best sound/picture quality.
Lessons have been learnt from TTWII release so may save my money for this 'monster box set' and not on the official release?

gilesm (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

The version I saw on utube (looked like someone illegally videoing a cinema screen) went from Elvis "worth a damn (laugh)" to the first few bars of "Don't Be Cruel", the "Teddy Bear" part of the medley is missing. "Don't Be Cruel" was looped to make it fit the title sequence.

benny scott (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

Hi buddy Natha, glad we're not the only ones who consider this not being a drama. But you're absolutely right stating that it is a pity they had to find another solution due to the dispute about copyrights. I also can understand the posting of ttwiise, referring to Elvis saying ( at the very start of the movie ) quote: " I never saw a guitar player that was worth a damn " unquote :" then we get the piano intro of teddy bear ". Well, of course this is a bit strange, but Elvis was talking about himself as a guitar player , and the intro of Johnny be goode was played by James Burton. After all, this is a movie about Our Man, and not about James. Oh well, I think (and hope ) that in the end we all will enjoy this beauty on dvd. Have a nice day and take care. Best regards to you in the first place, and also to all the fans and members . Always El.

gilesm (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

Having seen the new opening on utube, I can live with it. While it's a shame that the original has been edited, the new version is a reasonable effort to make something that works. I think that Warner actually deserve credit here, one must remember that they were pushed in to this by the copyright holder, and this is the individual to blame. Don't blame Warner or EPE, this was all done to a selfish individual holding out for more money. The extras that we all know exist, well that again was because an agreement could not be reached, but that seems to be at a more corporate level, this was an individual trying to play hard ball regarding JBG. Money issues is the common route behind this and the non release of all those great hours of film we know exist.

GeoElvis (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

What a crock!! I loved that song in the opening! Waited all these years and the fans get screwed again!!! I'm going to see the July29th screening Ar the movies, we'll see if it's true. Why now, the video version has it! Why wasn't there a problem then! What a great song to a great opening in the movie! What a damn shame! As usual alive and gone they continue to screw with our man's legacy and talent! I think as fans we should write EPE and let them know not to mess with a classic documentary! TCB Elvis Fans!!

JerryNodak (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

I have a VHS copy of EOT. That will suffice until they get ths copyright problem solved. EOT (Or Elvis videos generally) aren't something I watch often anyway.

ttwiise (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

I never saw a guitar player that was worth a damn.... then we get the piano intro to teddy bear..... That sucks big time and I will not buy such a hatchet job I would rather wait another 10 years

Dixieland Rock (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 22, 2010report abuse

I'm just thankful they didn't add "Smokie Mountain Boy" or "Earth Boy"in place of the Johnny B Goode opening. ..lol. Regardless if they added "Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel" to the opening song, I'm still looking forward to the upgraded DVD/Blu-Ray versions. Bring it on.

Lefty (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

I don't know, something doesn't sound right about this. The DVD won't be released in the States until August 3rd. Has anyone verified this story, or is it just a rumor? If it is true, then so it goes. The anal retentive types will survive. And if it isn't true, then here we are, right where we started.

francieep (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

I am disappointed. You would think for the fans sake they could get together and solve the problem so the DVD would remain original. Unfortunately, EPE doesn't always think about what the fans would want.

dgirl (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

A Chuck Berry song should have never opened an Elvis film anyway! Who's bright idea was that in 1972? I actually like this idea better, history or not. Its just the credits for goodness sake!

Natha (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

Dear Benny Scott, indeed this news (about some 90 seconds) will never spoil my intense joy of having this on bluray soon and I am sure I will enjoy every second for a long long time. I watch dvds while doing my physical exercises. So I view them regularly! I only feel it is a shame (or for that matter a pity) that the original had to be adapted due to right of a song. The movie got a reward. Not that I am displeased. It was an observation. Elvisly yours, Natha

cableguy (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

Definitely unfortunate. Interesting to note that the original opening is included on the version that was made available on the US iTunes store late last year. I would have thought licensing for that would have had the same issues as the Blue Ray/DVD as it's a new medium too.

Tony C (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

Well said, Benny. I have just watched the credits of "Elvis On Tour" with the TV sound down and with "Teddy Bear"/"Don't Be Cruel" from the San Antonio concert playing on my stereo. I was surprised at how well it fits the editing tempo of the film and it is just the right length. I think we were very lucky that it was "Johnny B. Goode" that there is a problem with, the main content of the film remains intact.

I am Buffalo-Horn! (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

Yes, unfortunately it is true. 'Johnny B Goode' has been replaced by "Don't Be Cruel. It's the live version that runs "Please let's forget the past, before I kick you *ss! When the original film was edited the pictures behind "Johnny B" were 'cut to music', ie the pictures matched the song on the beats & it worked well & was exciting. In this case the replacement music is just laid over the top of the same pictures & fits rather badly.... It's poor & a bit of a c*ck up. Yes it certainly does matter. It's like replacing the Zither music on "The 3rd Man" with a different tune. We all know the "On Tour' opening & you don't mess about with history.
(Re Ktemple who wants to know how we know this, someone filmed it from a cinema seat somewhere!)

benny scott (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

Hi everybody and true fans everywhere . Due to copyrights JBG was replaced by Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel . Does it change something of the content of the movie ? No ! According to Elvismatters this will be the ONLY change in the project. To be honest : as some of you already mentioned JBG was played over the credits, so we do not lose one single moment of the " live performance and the moves " of Our Man. I checked with the VHS which I still have. Well, we're talking about exactly 87 seconds of JBG . So IMHO : not a big loss and certainly no reason for not buying this dvd. We've been asking and waiting so long for this movie to have on DVD . At last our wish comes true, so let 87 seconds of another song not spoil the pleasure . Always El.

burninglove92 (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

for people who think it's untrue, elvis matters has confirmed it

Martin DJ (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

On Tour wasn't the real deal to begin with: at the time it was released there was a copyright problem with the 2001 Theme - some other orchestral music was used in the film. In Joe Tunzi's Elvis Sessions II (p. 227) an "instrumental session" on March 3, 1972 is listed which includes a "2001 Alternate". By the way, the version of Johnny B. Goode at the beginning of the movie is from a rehearsal and included in the FTD Elvis On Tour - The Rehearsals, which was released in 2005. I wonder if Johnny B. Goode would have been included if On Tour had been released that year.

Mark (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

At least i will have my copy that was put onto dvd from the video tape.
I may get this one also just to have a copy for my collection

HangLoose (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

The only thing that missing is their brain.

Wiebe (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

This Is Elvis deluxe was released. I have it on DVD. It contains both the theatrical version and the European version.

snowplow floater (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

"I didn't like the first documentary, " Abel says today. Denis Sanders did a hatchet job on Elvis, quite frankly. There's a part of me that's a missionary and i think the world deserved a better image of Elvis than cross cutting him with a guy who's cutting up meat eating dinner. I told Elvis that everybody had photographed and filmed Mount Rushmore and the Washington Monument, but no one had done him yet. I told him there was no lovely, (Permanent) record that we could refer back to in a positive way. I said i thought it was about time someone did something, since we were all getting along in years. From Elvis, The Final Years, by Jerry Hopkins.

marco31768 (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

The same thing happened with some songs on "That's the way it is-Special edition" DVD... Unfortunately... I hope this time no but I guess this is possible. I hope NO !!!

tornado (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

That doesn't surprised me a bit. We've seen this before. The movie products have always been more complicated than the audio file. RCA-BMG-Sony-FTD had and has forever all the rights of the recordings. Even EPE can't intervene in their marketing. Fortunatly EPE and Sony/FTD works hand in hand for our benefit and theirs, if I might add. The owners of Johnny B. Goode probably wanted a ramson for the song's rights. Aren't we talking about Mr Chuck Berry here? We don't hear him these days. Is he the one behind all this, making a fuss for more profits? Or is it another party? Although it was not the best version of Johnny B.Goode Elvis did, it was part of the original print. So it should have been there. The producers finally made the adequate choice by using Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel instead. And On Tour will be a great DVD to watch. We've been waiting for this for so long, let's not spoil our pleasure here. I will get the Blu-ray copy. It reminds us that these things are never given for free. The other film that remains to be released is This Is Elvis. Somebody might educate me about the new remastered version done by the producers 2 years ago but that was never released. Why? Is it because Warner wanted to make space for On Tour in priority? The only thing that bugs me with This is Elvis is the fake Elvis's, the overdub fake comentaries I was told there were all gone in the new print. Thank God! On Tour is going to be just a joy to watch, don't you think?

ranskal (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

This doesn't bother me if this is the only difference. Of course I would like to have it in it's original form, but we aren't going to. To me, I rather get EOT on blu-ray with the opening song different, than not get it at all, or have to wait another 2 years to get the copyright worked out. I would be watching songs like Proud Mary, Never Been To Spain, and Bridge Over Troubled Water multiple times, not Johnny B. Goode. Heck, I have bought the Aloha 3 different times over the years and would buy it again if they re-did it on blu-ray and it was missing Johnny B. Goode...same with TTWII.

HowGreatEP (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

Agree, MGM put in a lousy version of JBGoode over Opening Movie, but : cutting it all out while there are so many,
very many super versions available of that fantastic song ? Shame on EPE executives having approved the final
product before public release ! We're still awaiting a 3 hour EonT72 Special Pack (newly edited by Jerry Sch with also
preferably Larry Geller comments to it due to his great voice). Now then EPE Corp would be making real profits (from all those millions of fans who wouldn't fail to buy such a great product - for fans only ! Are you guys with me ?

Tony C (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

Using "Promised Land" over the credits would have caused the same problem as "Johnny B. Goode", as they were both written by the same money grabbing songwriter. His obsession with money is well documented, perhaps he is trying to recoup the sums he was forced to pay out to victims who were photographed by him while using the toilet!

Tony C (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

His name is Roger Semon, he was one of the first people to try to give Elvis' fans better product in terms of audio quality and the use of then-unreleased out-takes. Roger was only in charge of releases in the United Kingdom and his great work was taken to the next level by Ernst (not Gernest) a few years later. These releases obviously cannot be compared to bootlegs, who steal tapes, performance royalties, songwriting royalties, publishing royalties and tax

The situation with "Johnny B. Goode" is one that occurred on the first "Aloha From Hawaii" DVD release. The makers of that DVD were held to ransom over the inclusion of several songs. It would appear that EPE came to an agreement with the copyright holders for their deluxe release, something the producers of the forthcoming "Elvis On Tour" were either unable or unwilling to do. Fortunately, it relates to a song that was merely heard over the credits rather than a filmed performance later in the film. I do agree that the version of "Johnny B. Goode" is not that strong a performance, but I would rather it were there in it's rightful place.

With regard to the comments about how this change may herald other changes including the addition on unseen footage, I fear that will not be the case. The producers were unable to reach a deal over the use of this material with the owners. Using "Teddy Bear"/"Don't Be Cruel" over the credits would be a different matter, the audio would simply be licensed from Sony. At least they have chosen a performance with a similar tempo to "Johnny B. Goode" as the cutting of the images was done to that track and would look odd if a slower song were used.

Ton Bruins (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

No Johnny B Good ? Teddybear/Don't Be Cruel as the opener ? Not a good choice. They should have taken "Promised Land" instead then. Strong, haunting song, same as Johnny B Good...but again we are not taken seriously as fans once more. Maybe Chuck Berry had problems with using JBG as the opener...

Mark S. (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

The fuss –to me– is that I’m still not getting the original film (no doubt I will in the future, like with TTWII). The dvd is advertised as the “noted Golden Globe ®-winning documentary, newly restored and remastered”. If songs are taken out for whatever reason, it’s just not what it is advertised to be. It’s not “Elvis On Tour”. Not to me anyway. Nothing to get too excited about, but since there’s a “give your opinion”-button on this website I’m giving you mine. :-)

Wiebe (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

It is a bummer, but I can live with it. Hope to see more unreleased songs in it since they did edit the movie. I would have prefered to have the extra songs in a bonus chapter, now they may have butchered the movie and ruined the pace of it. Just as I don´t like the song lineup in TTWII SE, they took out the masterpieces.

Herman (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

You're right Pedro Nuno, I also ment Lost Performances. Teddy bear / Don't be cruel was in that video first. If it's also in this "new" On Tour that would be very strange. It's ok for me, so please than also Suspicious minds. If not, maybe for the DVD Elvis On Tour - The Sequel in 2028

drjohncarpenter0117 (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

The opening title is available on YOUTUBE if you want to see what the fuss is all about??

davrid (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

The reaction of sme people is just incredible. So what if a few songs have been changed or there's the odd omission or two - the film is nearly 40 years old, and if the right to use certain songs isn't available or justifiable in terms of cost, then so what? The JBG was never that great anyway... Indeed neither was/is EOT as a film or as a musical legacy - it simply does not represent Elvis at anywhere near his best. The guy is clearly suffering from all manner of things -pyschologically, physically, resulting in performances which aren't fit to be compared to just two years earlier. Of course, I'll still buy it, probably watch once or twice, and no doubt enjoy it (as I can also enjoy something like Tickle Me) but I don't give a damn if things have been changed 'here and there' - maybe they've even been changed for the better.

Mark S. (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

ElvisMatters (who'll be showing the movie in the theatre on August 15th) confirmed it today. So it's true.

italianfan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

"The news is coming from our friend Brian Quinn. He’s usually trustworthy" In that case theres no doubt this is the truth.

Pedro Nuno (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

Something is wrong here. Teddy Bear/Don't be cruel, wasn't used in the On Tour original version (nor the Video releases). It was released to the general public in the "Lost Performances" video (1992 release), with stuff from TTWII.
If your information is correct, and if what some fans already have is the original Warner release, it means that it is a new release, with different performances and a different song line, than the original.

Mark S. (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

The news is coming from our friend Brian Quinn. He’s usually trustworthy :-)

italianfan (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

What im confused about is..if Teddy Bear/Dont be Cruel is used, then is used later in the film too. Does that mean there are changes? Im a bit suspicious of this, I think these people who claim to have seen it might be telling porkies. But I dont know whos making the claims so I dont want to judge.

KTemple (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

Where is this information coming from, I thought the DVD was not released yet?

Mark S. (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

In that case, I'll keep my "made in Pakistan"-copy and save my money for the re-re-release WITH Johnny B. Goode. :-)

snowplow floater (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

Vandalism is the only word that comes to mind.

Natha (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

if so, then . . . shame shame shame. Both the copyright owner and the publisher should be ashamed for their lack of understanding the historic value of this product.

ttwiise (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

cannot possibly be true!

Raleighroadace (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

I would like to see Suspicious Minds complete.It must be on film somewhere.

Herman (profile/ contact) wrote on Jul 21, 2010report abuse

I really can't believe this ! So, like you wrote, it is still not the real deal. And later in the movie ? Teddy Bear / Don't be cruel was also not original in the movie, it was in the Great Performances. What are the next surprises on this disc ?