Elvis in Tucson "Time Machine"
As we celebrate America's 250th birthday this year, we're also looking back 50 years to the Bicentennial year.
A number of legendary acts performed in Tucson in 1976, among them:
- Elvis on June 1;
- Paul McCartney and Wings on June 18;
- Outlaw country stars Waylon and Willie on Sept. 6;
- Tucson native Linda Ronstadt on Sept. 16;
- ZZ Top on Sept. 24;
- And the Eagles (with J.D. Souther opening) on Oct. 16, performing new songs from their upcoming "Hotel California" album.
Except for the Eagles' show, which was at McKale Center, all of those were at the Tucson Community Center Arena (now called the Tucson Convention Center) — wouldn't it have been sweet to have somehow possessed an all-access pass that year?
Here's what the Tucson Daily Citizen wrote about the box office draw of Elvis Presley's June 1, 1976 concert here:
"Elvis Presley has reclaimed his crown as the top money grossing act for a single performance at the Tucson Community Center. Temporarily eclipsed by British singer Elton John, who played the Arena last October, Presley's drawing power has reasserted itself for a sellout show here June 1.
"The box office draw for Presley's appearance brought in $113,495, easily passing John's record of $93,000 in gate receipts. Both Presley and John filled the Arena's 9,000 seats, but Presley's tickets cost more — thus setting the new record."
Presley had played Tucson twice before, the article noted: in 1972 at the TCC arena and in 1956 at the Pima County Fair.
Shown here is a photo of Presley's Tucson performance on Nov. 9, 1972 (photos of his 1976 show aren't readily available in our archives).
Photo by Lew Elliott, Tucson Citizen
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