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Elvis Joins The Beatles Exhibit

May 03, 2008 | Other
Elvis Presley's custom made leather guitar cover, seen frequently in the 1950's is being loaned to The Beatles Story in Liverpool as part of a special exhibit that marks Elvis' influence on the Fab Four.

Elvis was a major influence on the Beatles and on John Lennon in particular. John once said, "Nothing really affected me until I heard Elvis. Before Elvis there was nothing."

When John and Paul's pre Beatles group, the Quarry Men formed they began to introduce Elvis numbers into their repertoire, performed by either John or Paul, which included 'All Shook Up', 'Blue Moon Of Kentucky', 'Hound Dog', 'Jailhouse Rock', 'Mean Woman Blues', 'I Forgot To Remember To Forget', 'I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry Over You', 'It's Now Or Never', 'That's All Right (Mama)' and 'Love Me Tender' .

George Harrison was to comment, "I remember at school there was all that thing about Elvis. When a record came along like 'Heartbreak Hotel' it was so amazing. We know Elvis is great. Seeing Elvis was like seeing the messiah arrive."

Paul McCartney was to say, "Every time I felt low, I just put on an Elvis record and I'd feel great, beautiful". Elvis went on to record several Beatles compositions, including 'Hey Jude', 'Yesterday' and 'Something' Jerry Goldman, Director of Beatles Story said: "It's wonderful to link up with Elvis Enterprises to bring this stunning piece of memorabilia to Liverpool.

Elvis and the Beatles are the greatest artists in popular music history so it is especially apt that we bring the two great music cities of Liverpool and Memphis together."
Source:Elvis UK On-line
FLASHBOY wrote on May 03, 2008
In my opinion Elvis and the beatles are the most individual force in music history. So it's just normal to see Elvis with the fab four togheter i wish they had recorded something togheter.
Brian Quinn wrote on May 04, 2008
I have never liked The Beatles or their music. I do not like the idea of linking them in any way with Elvis. Elvis was unique and an historical figure.
Steve V wrote on May 04, 2008
Brian - you dont have to like The Beatles or their music, but dont you think they were also unique and historical figures like Elvis? Elvis recorded several Beatles songs so he must have liked them.
japio wrote on May 04, 2008
Elvis compaired to the beatles. Huh ? Elvis was a solo artist and the beatles a band. But how much has Elvis influences the beatles. when i see the pressconference of them and see Ringo do his stupid moves ,when they asked about Elvis influencess.I don't think so And in the beginnging years of the beatles they recorded also a lot coversongs.And we fans gets always the same questions about D...S . But i think they use it a lot.So The Beatles better than Elvis, I don't think so
ext_mnx wrote on May 04, 2008
Elvis Presley is the greatest.
ext_mnx wrote on May 04, 2008
I agree with you Brian Quinn
John4126 wrote on May 04, 2008
Sad to see whenever the beatles are mentioned in whatever respect - you always get the narrow-minded Elvis fan who just won't accept that groups place in music history. Apart from the 'elvis died when he went in the army' comment from Lennon, (and lets face it there are a fair few Elvis fans who probably think the same), i've only ever read positive things about their attitude towards Elvis and the inclusion of El's guitar case in this exhibit reflects that.
My boy, my boy wrote on May 05, 2008
Elvis and the Beatles are 2 completely different phenomenons. You can't compare both. "But" regarding the historical perspective, they are the undisputed 2 most significant musical events ever...no doubt about it !
Jumpin Jehosaphat wrote on May 05, 2008
John George Paul and Wrongo> Elvis with the Bugs or the Beatles Why?
Natha wrote on May 06, 2008
Songwriters don't make such impact as the actual performer. Elvis is renowned for his outstanding performances of songs written. That's what counts. As a band the Beatles were very popular and their influence has to be acknowledged. However, Elvis' decisive influence on their performances is obvious. And so is his influence on other artists throughout the decades. So I think this display is a tribute to Elvis. No need to be competative. Historical facts are beyond personal favors.
OtisBlue22 wrote on May 06, 2008
I look at it like Elvis is being invited to their party- if the Beatles had an exhibit installed at Graceland it would be an entirely different matter. Strange that "Elvis died when he joined the army" and yet they covered 'Are You Lonesome Tonight' and 'Now or Never'. Also, I'd want Lennon to hear Elvis is Back! and From Elvis in Memphis. George saw Elvis at MSG and said he was amazing, but the comments from Lennon are mostly negative. Moreover, I really hate those Beatles fans who greeted them at JFK airport with signs that read "Elvis is dead". Had those turncoats listened to/seen Blue Hawaii (1961), Follow That Dream (1962), Fun in Acapulco (1963) or Viva Las Vegas (released in 1964)?!!
John4126 wrote on May 06, 2008
I think they probably did and their view was enforced by Kissin cousins, Girl happy, Paradise Hawaiian style and the classic Clambake!! I am one of the rare breed that is a big fan of both. They did not 'cover' the songs you mentioned - maybe in a rehearsal or a snatch of in a live set particulary in the early days. But they do no appear on the regular releases released during 1963 - 1970. These are no more covers than Elvis singing a couple of lines of By the time i get to phoenix, Bad moon rising etc...in concert. Lennon is an enigma who too often was up his own backside but like all of us he was entitled to his opinion and frankly who cares if he didnt rate the albums you mention.
Steve V wrote on May 06, 2008
In one of the Rolling Stone interviews from 1969 or 1970 Lennon did mention listening to the From Elvis In Memphis album and commenting that Elvis is sounding good again. So I suppose he always kept up with Elvis, after all he was a fan. Dont forget he wore his Elvis button out & about in NY in 1974. Pity they never saw eye to eye enough to record together.
OtisBlue22 wrote on May 06, 2008
I'm a big fan of both too, but I put Elvis first. While A Hard Day's Night is a great film, I'd rather watch Clambake than have to suffer that "spy-spoof" shambles Help! Also, don't you think that Elvis got a better (i.e. fuller/clearer/richer) sound out of his early 60's recordings than the Beatles got out of theirs?