Lamar Fike Update

Good news for him.

Ton... do you mean... Bad news for us ?

Paul, no I didn't meant that. Wish him all the best.

Ok, Ton. At first,I thought you were a little sacarstic ;-)

After waht Fike has done to Elvis' legacy and reputation, he deserves nothing from any Elvis fan. Hope he rots in hell, as thats where he'll be heading.

I personally don't like the man.But no one deserves this.

Techy you are not being serious are you? One of Elvis's oldest pals who in every interview I have seen has always spoke truthfully about Elvis no matter how hard that is to stomach.Lamar is one of the great characters in the Elvis story and I for one hope he gets back on his feet. Lamar has not been sensationalist or disrespectful in my view - he has always related the Elvis story in a very honest way.He has told some great amusing stories from the 50s,60s and early 70s and heaped praise on and shown his love for Elvis during that time. He has also given very genuine insights into Elvis's remarkable self destruction during the later years.Don't start blaming everyone under the sun for what happened ,Elvis is solely culpable and at least Lamar tries to help us understand the traits and experiences that led Elvis down that path. You should really go and smell the coffee Techy - the rest of us are in the real world.

I wish the man all the luck in the world with his illness. Some of you people seem to be forgetting that Lamar may at times have had cause, to speak his mind, and an axe to grind once in a while! Due to his treatment from the Elvis setup. Lets face it he was the butt of their jokes for years.

For those who don't remember, Fike was the major source of information for the Goldman book. Goldman in fact died in a rather disgusting fashion whilst on board an airliner & I personally shall shed no tears over Fike..

Yes Fike did indeed feed Albert Goldman with information. Fike has said that he was misled by Goldman, but I seriously doubt that. I don't wish him to suffer, but I really don't care for him.

I wish Lamar a speedy recovery; he has always spoken with me of Elvis with love and admiration. True he shoots straight from the hip but then don't we all! I wish him well - whatever else, he was (and is) a good friend to Elvis for many many years. It was Elvis' choice to take him to Germany! I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

get well lamar!!

Dear Lamar: It’s our turn to show the world, and yourself, how competent you are about taking care of the most import “business” we have, the one you know so well. Your family, friends and even many Elvis´fans, count on you – and need you!

It’s your turn to show the world, and yourself, how competent you are about taking care of the most important “business” we have, the one you know so well. Your family, friends and even many Elvis´fans, count on you – and need you!

Lamar,i am thinking of you as many others are also.I admire your honesty and humor.Elvis was human,and had faults just as we all do.Thanks for sharing so many memories with us over the years,both good and bad,happy and sad..I hope someday i get to meet you once you are well again..Theres no doubt in my mind and many others you loved Elvis and Elvis loved you,we love you also..Best wishes Lamar,jeff angela and kids.

i would like to wish lamar fike well, despite the whole albert goldman book deal, we ALL do make mistakes, and i hope lamar has learned from his. i do believe their were some after elvis passed away, that tried to cash in on elvis's good name. it's sad because those people spent a good many years with elvis,a man who treated them like family and shared in his fortune with him. i personally don't like what he did either, but like one person on here said.. even elvis himself made mistakes.

Best wishes for a rapid recovery. I understand some of the Elvis fans' reactions because of the Goldman book. I once felt that also. However, it is true that Lamar was truly close to Elvis, lived at Graceland with him, and shared many private moments. Yes, he was the butt of many unkindnesses, but I do believe that he honestly loved Elvis. Non-Hodgekins Lymphoma runs in my family and I would not wish any illness on anyone, let alone one who was close to Elvis.

ELVIS Presley was very unfortunate to have friends like Larmar Fink. With friends like that, who need enemies. Someone said we shouldn't shoot him when he's down. Well, he shot Elvis when Elvis was down and even when Elvis was dead. He's definately reaping what he sowed. I hope he rots in hell,together with some of his Mafia buddies. Albert Goldman is waiting for him there.

I hope you get well soon Lamar.I did not realise some Elvis fans could be so cruel.I am really shocked.I do not like them books either but I would not wish anybody to go through an illness like this.Nobody deserves this

no i think that he was screwed by goldman and he really didnt know about the book , though i will say this , some of the stuff that goldman wrote were correct . elvis wasnt perfect though he fibbed to us , telling us he never took drugs , smoked and drank esp the early days .

Wow some of the comments coming through here are just plain scary.It is no wonder non fans and the media don't take Elvis seriously - loads of extreme views. Whatever happened to the Elvis spirit,the humanitarian view of life and people as demonstrated by Elvis - before you abuse , criticise and accuse - walk a mile in my shoes !

Elvis would be thoroughly ashamed to have fans that can make comments such as those on this page about one of his oldest friends. Did Lamar make up the stories about Elvis' drug taking, or was he speaking the truth? The latter, I suspect, and it's the truth that usually hurts the most. Lamar, I wish you well.

Come on Techy, we've all said things we would like to go back and change unfortunate for Lamar most of his has been documented ... Get Well Lamar xxx T C B

Another Elvis cliche to add to the list -'Elvis would be ashamed...' How many times does this drivel have to be repeated. No one has a clue what Elvis' reaction to anything would be - it's simply embarassing to keep rolling-out this tired old cliche. Of course, everyone makes mistakes - the difference with Fike is that he repeats the same old crap again and again. He sold his soul to the devil for a few thousand dollars. And no, I'm not just talking about drugs. Elvis had a drugs problem - big deal! That gives Fike the right to besmirching Elvis name, character and reputation for 28 years does it? How about all the other crap Fike has brought into the public arena - whether they are true or not isn't exactly the point now is it? Some things should remain private and not sold to the highest bidder. Likeiwse, some things should be respected between 'friends' and not sold to the highest bidder. And as for making mistakes - well if everyone is entitled to do sosurely that includes Elvis too! And surely the world doesn't need an ignorant piece of garbage who courts fame, publicity and money through exploiting someone he professes to care about to constantly reinforce that yes, Elvis, indeed, made mistakes. Where's the compassion, understanding and forgiveness there? There is none. Whch is exactly what Fike deserves - nothing! No compassion, no sympathy, no understanding.

Techy, you sound very sincere and if you are as a big of a fan like I am and others it doesnt make a differance to me what anyone says about Elvis. Lamar will have to live with his own conscience on the things he has said in the past. And the only person he has to answer to is the 'big man upstairs'

Maybe I am not a Lamar Fike fan either, but what some people here say about another human being is disgusting, especially in this case of an illness. Most of the time I am critical towards people in the Elvis "world" and I am not a saint either but this goes way too far for me.

Regarding the comment about the "drivel" I have written, we do have an idea of what Elvis thought of people such as Lamar because of the amount of years he kept them close to him. If you don't like the books that have been published since Elvis' death lifting the lid on what his life was actually like, stick to pre-1977 copies of "Elvis Monthly" which showed how Elvis lived according to what Colonel Parker wanted us to believe. As a historian, I would rather know the truth, however painful.

I said this before and I'll say it again if the demand is there these books will be written these documentries will be done. We are the censor ... I wonder how 'Elvis by the presleys' will be recieved

i agree with kilburn tony . get well soon lamar.

Kilburn Tony, your comment 'we do have an idea of what Elvis thought of people such as Lamar because of the amount of years he kept them close to him', is simply ridiculous in the extreme, uninformed and utterly naive. There are many reaons why Elvis would keep the group (including Fike) around him, both positive and negative - the actual reasons which we are not privvy to as only Elvis himself knew. But for starters, it is a typical profile of a socially withdrawn individual that it surrounds him/herself with the familiar - this doesn't mean he has positive feelings towards that person just that he is happier with the familar, good and bad, rather than the unfamilar. There' is considerable eveidence to support this was a facet of Elvis' personality. People of addicitve personality types - which Elvis undoubtely was - also are more at ease with the familar, again reagrdless of the good or bad. Additictive personality types are by definition controlling, again a possible reason for the longevity of the group and Fike in particularly, who is known to have been a personal lackey and the target of Elvis' vitriol and 'humour' etc etc That Lamar Fike was around Elvis for a sustained period does not necessarily mean in the slightest that Elvis had any positive feelings towards him...

''Elvis fans'' are becoming more of a laughing stock every day and no wonder. Some of the comments here are appalling, and you can't blame non-Elvis fans for thinking we are from another planet. I don't care what the guy wrote, what he said, what he didnt say, for christ sake he has cancer, and there should only be get well messages posted. The rest of you are a disgrace and Elvis himself would be turning in his grave at some of these remarks.

well said Jim, I'm sure every Elvis fan wants Lamar to beat this and get better T C B

Here ,here Jim, I totally agree. Maybe there should be a break away group of Elvis fans - those who want to positively promote his historical significance,boost his general credibility and appreciate his unique talent and charisma - and then those who want to live in the strange. bitter, Elvis twilight zone. The contributions on ElvisNews is definately showing that there are 2 very different types of fan out there with with very differing influences on Elvis's reputation.

techy viola i think you need to get off your high horse and show some respect for lamar you seem to want to have a go at anyone who wishes him a speedy recovery.

Why does Lamar Fike deserve respect? He doesn't. He deserves nothing. End of story.

Well friends is a mistake your think on that way...Lamar is like many others friends,he has good things and bad things like everybody, he´d stay on many importants moments and El was the first to critizice him called FAT and Pig Ears, is an another friend that´s all,he is very sincere and say the real part of Elvis´s live.So take care

Like others, it galls me what some former members of Elvis' camp has done to his legacy by revealing things (true or not) that they should have kept to themselves. But to their credit (very little), they lived in a world removed from reality with Elvis and when the King left our world, they were suddenly left to face the stark real world without their "friend". To survive in the real world, they chose to ride on Elvis' continuing legacy in various media - which we fans gobble up! There are many whom I can criticize (Col. Tom Parker being #1 on my list) but to condemn them would be like condemning Elvis - because it was he who ultimately chose who he let into his world. Having said this, I hope Lamar gets well. I will always be an Elvis fan because of what he has done for our culture and for humanity...and because he was (and forever will be) the most incredible male specimen to ever walk the planet!!

I'm shocked by some of the comments on this page, you don't have to like him but what good does it do to be so angry and heartless towards him. He's still a human being and it's not like he's a murderer or anything, get a grip.

It might be worth remembering two comments Lamar Fike makes in the video series "All the King's Men". On telling stories about Elvis he says, "Who's going to tell us we're wrong?" and "We don't always do right, but it's all we know." Seems like a confession to me.

For those of you who do not live in the U.S.A. or have never listened to interviews with Mr. fike, he sold out on Elvis long ago . His comments have always been negative to Elvis (maybe a payback for all the times El made jokes about him). Lamar tough if you are sick but maybe this is El's way of getting his own back.

It´s really scaring to read some posts. Well, in my point of view: I don´t like him and don´t give a cent for him.. But I wish him a speedy recovery..

Let's put things clear: It's obvious that one man (Lamar) has a cancer, and that is something to be respected. But is't also obvious that, that same man did'n had any respect for Elvis when he passed away and, like many others was trying to make a fast dollar, thinking that no one would remember years later. If you are a friend, you are not suposed to do so. I hope Lamar get's well, but i also hope he get's off the Elvis world.

Well I hope he gets well soon, but otherwise, I do NOT like Lamar Fike, he is a bitter so called friend of Elvis. Maybe this ilness is a way of Elvis getting back at him for helping out Albert Goldman. At least now, maybe Fike will lose weight!

Although I don't wish Lamar any ill will, I find it amazing that much of Elvis' former entourage like Lamar and certain family members outlived their master and make their living coming up with sensationalized stories and selling Elvis' soul and dignity for the almighty dollar. It also makes me wonder what it says about us who are on the other end of this feeding frenzy.

What a bitter, twisted, sad little place the Elvis world is slowly turning out to be. I thought we were all making progress together - I spent yesterday afternoon with a features editor of a well known UK music magazine. When we got around to Elvis and why this magazine publishes very few features on Elvis in comparison say to the Beatles his reply was - 'you are joking are n't you - we get nothing but grief and criticism from elvis fans its not worth the effort' He went on to explain that this is also a general view within the industry. Writing about Elvis is n't seen as serious journalism because a large majority of Elvis fans don't want or can't enter into serious objective debate - the magazine actually feels as if it loses credibility by writing about Elvis. This bloke actually loves Elvis has over 100 CDs but does n't like some of the fans. He believes that Elvis has some of the best but also some of the worst fans in music. Seems like we are really letting Elvis down!

I dont know are we? When Elvis is talked about by family, friends the majority of them share beautiful memories about this wonderful man yes there was a negative side to him but I think the 'Elvis fans' are sick of this side being exaggerated over the years by certain people ... Everyones opinion here is valid thats how I feel... T C B

CEP, and the name of this journalist is? Because this is nonsense. Nonsense that music press doesn't write about Elvis - Rolling Stone, Mojo, Q, Record Collector etc all do so when they have a reason. Nonsense that Elvis fans can not be objective. That I, and some other people, have no sympathy for Lamar Fike has nothing whatsoever to do with our views and thoughts on Elvis - there is simply no correalation between the two. To try to forge some linkage is inane and crass. Trying to expolit and take out of context someone's view to support your own thinking is gross stupidity. I have known Phil Alexander, editor of Mojo, for a number of years and he does not support in the slightest your ridiculous theory. If, indeed, there is less written about Elvis than, for example, the Beatles -which is yet to be substantiated - the reason is that artistically, Elvis is, erroneously, not considered analogous to Dylan and The Beatles. Unfortuantely, in many ways, Elvis is still not considered to be a 'serious artist' and that has nothing to do with fans' reactions to the media as this has plagued Elvis for 50 years. Arguably, only Rolling Stone and Record Collector treat Elvis with respect. Another reason is there is actually little one can write about Elvis which is new - Elvis, unlike any other entertainer, has become elementary in every day life, there is little that can be said which hasn't been done so previously. And a third reason; again unfortunately and mistakenly, Elvis is not considered to be of relevance to the readership profile of the bulk of these magazines. But my primary point was there is no link between views on Lamar Fike and to Elvis. If you want an objective debate on Elvis , lets have one. What do you wish to discuss? Whether R 'n' R was founded at Sun?; the artisitc merit in Elvis' soundtrack recordings?; Elvis' place in the development of 20th and 21st centurt culture?; The respective merits of Elvis' musicians? The primary influences on Elvis and how these were manifested in different singing styles? Elvis' technical ability as a singer and how it learnt to alter the position of is tongue and openess of his mouth to give a different timbre to his voice? The different standards of remastering of the recordings and how these vary by release. You name it. I'll discuss it. Simply, I couldn't care less whether Lamar Fike had a cold, cancer, piles or whatever. He's exploitative, a self-confessed exaggerator of the truth, disloyal and disrespectful. Thankfully, I'm not one of the 'he knew Elvis for years and years so we must adore and worship him as Elvis ovbiusly loved him' brigade. As I've said before he has done nothing to warrant my respect or concern - indeed, it has done the opposite. Again and again he has demonstrated money and a bit of fame is more important than his soul. If he doesn't care about his soul why should I care about the rest of his body.

I think that you have probably more than proved my point techy. By the way it was n't mojo magazine who incidently don't exactly give Elvis fair and frequent coverage anyway.In my job I deal with journalists and writers everyday and this is a prevailing feelings amongst them.I'd also like to keep my contact anonymous other wise the poor bugger will be hounded by people like yourself. As for Lamar you have made your feelings explicitly clear. I fail to understand your lack of compassionate or balanced view but you are of course entitled to it - in much the same way that Lamar is entitled to his.In all the interviews I have seen involving Lamar I have always thought that his version of events is probably much closer to the truth of the matter than most of the others. I value his opinion as an honest assessment no matter how badly communicated. Do you like any of the extended Elvis family?

I certainly do not hound people. the mere notion is ridiculous. A Solicitor hounding people, 'methinks', I would be in a spot of trouble with the Law Society! Amusing idea though...Based upon my everyday life, anonymous people tend not to actually exist... As for proving your point. Excuse me! Have you actually read what I wrote! In no way does it support your inane logic. As I said, I will have an objective debate on any aspect of Elvis' career, legacy etc. Not only objective but informed. As for a 'balanced' view, I do have! Lamar Fike 'ain't worth a damn' and that's a consequenece of balancing the rights and wrongs of the creep. Alas, there were no rights. He's a piece of scum. You think he gives an honest assessment? Despite that fact that he has admitted that he can say what he likes as no one can question him? Hmm..alas, hearsay and cant is not prima facie by definition. Also, salacious stories sold for money have no legal substance. But, of course, that doesn't make them false or untruthful but whatever is 'truth' is the result of someone's interpretation, many actions can have different interpretaions but they can all still be considered truthful. Lacker, Fike and the Wests often have different interpretation of the same events...Frankly, I do not care what Fike thinks. For obvious reasons, if anyone (other than Billy) of the 'MM' has an 'axe to grind' its him. Extended family? I assume you are using the vernacular rather than the legal definition of this? As I said previously, there are many reasons Elvis could have wanted these guys around, much to do with his own insecurity and personality as much for any positivity towards them. I have never heard anyone call them 'extended fmily' other than themselves - not overly reliable. Ever read Vernon's view on these guys? Or Lisa's? Or Priscilla's? Certainly none of them describes them as 'extended family'. As I said in my last post 'Thankfully, I'm not one of the he knew Elvis for years and years so we must adore and worship him as Elvis obviously loved him brigade'. I do not dismiss out of hand the guys (and girl, if you include Patti) - as I have writen in another discussion, I have time and some respect for some of them - notably Sonny and Red West. The likes of Cliff, Richard and Charlie never really did anything for me to develop a view, negative or postive view. But, Fike, Lacker and to a lesser degree Esposito deserve nothing but cynicism, scorn and contempt for their disloyalty, disregard for their so-called 'friend' and his family, and unmitigated ignorance and disingenuity. Of the group the only real 'extended family' member was Billy Smith. Someone with arguably more right to feel embiterred than anyone, but although he has been involved in a few 'projects' (as Lacker and Fike call them) he has at least maintained his and Elvis' dignity. Fike and Lacker do anything for money - hence their failed attempt to lauch a collection of 'Memphis Mafia' memorabilia. Memorabilia! The whole thing is laughable. Who on earth wants to remember them!!

seems like we all thought - lawyers have too much time on their hands - I agree with CEP on this one for whats worth.Time to move on now.

Thanks you for the posts Techy_Viola. Nice to know we have some intelligent discussion once in a while.

Techy if I may call you by your first name ;) the more I read your posts the more impressed I become. You write brilliantly. Hope to see you more and more here. Luv Suzy

Get well soon Lamar. What are these people (family, friemds, memphis mafia) suppose to do?? They lived with the man. They knew the man. They know the good, the bad, and the ugly. I believe some fans and the media need to take some of the blame. It is us who want to know everything about the man. It is the media who wants to know all the dirt. If we as fans and the media were not interested or if we didn't want to know everything about Elvis, these people like Lamar, other memphis mafia, family wouldn't be a big deal. I am sure every where these people go they are asked continually about Elvis. So why not just write books or give information to movies or books. They have every right to make a living...what ever that living is. We want to know, so they tell us!

Techy_Viola has come out with some classics. What kind of law are you in? I think I would like you to defend me if the need should ever arise!

tcbflash: there is another option: even if the medias are interested, say nothing. This is what Richard Davis did. Techy: well done !

Elvis Presley has many good and sincere friends like Richard Davis, George Klein, Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodges,Red & Sony West, Jerry Schilling, Larry Gellar etc BUT sadly Lamar Fink is definately NOT one of them.