As the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Elvis Presley had fans all around the globe. But despite his worldwide popularity, Elvis never toured outside of North America. Most of his concerts were in the U.S., but he did perform five shows in Canada.
For decades fans have wondered why Elvis never held a concert elsewhere, and after much speculation, the truth has finally come to light.
In November, a previously forgotten document of Elvis’ from 1976 surfaced during an auction, which detailed his plans to travel to England and Japan. Unfortunately, Elvis never had the chance to carry out his plans, since he passed away the following year. So why was it that Elvis never made an effort to tour outside of North America before 1976?
As it turns out, Elvis was excited about the possibility of touring in other countries, but was held back by his manager Colonel Tom Parker.
Tensions between Elvis and the Colonel were high for many years leading up to his death. Elvis was strong in his desire to go tour in other countries, but the Colonel kept him busy with an extensive U.S. tour schedule instead. Elvis’ cousin, Billy Smith, spoke to the Elvis Information Network about his cousin’s conflict with the Colonel.
“I know that Elvis loved Colonel, but he also had resentment toward him for holding him back on certain things that he really wanted to do. One thing was to tour Europe. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. Unfortunately, it never came to pass.”
The fact that Elvis never toured outside of North America weighed heavy on his mind. His good friend Lamar Fike once said “The biggest disappointment for Elvis in his life was not touring outside the U.S.”
Although Elvis never got the chance to go on tour in other countries, he still continues to have a strong fan base around the world, particularly in Europe. He had a wealth of number one hit songs in the UK over the course of his career, including “The Wonder of You,” which you can watch him perform below. What are your thoughts on the reason why Elvis never toured outside of North America?
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STILL THE BEST ALL AROUND SINGER EVER,,,SO MANY STYLES OF MUSIC, ,SONGS TYPE’S. THE TRUE KING
Elvis should have hired a strategic adviser to advise him on business, financial and other matters. It is easy to say this in hindsight, but the Colonel was a short-sighted man only caring about his immediate financial interests. Rumors had it that the colonel did not have a passport and he could not leave the US.
It is sad that neither his father, nor Priscilla, while they were married, could provide sound advice to Elvis.
Still Elvis had a fantastic professional career bringing joy to many of his fans throughout the world to this day.
This was so true he did hold him back and he didn’t truly have the the support and advice he needed. He was and still is a fantastic entertainer
It’s true Elvis did not leave the country but he made a great life for everyone back here he was the greatest entertainer there ever was or ever will be he loved all his fans no matter who they were what color they were or if they were young or old he loved his family and Lisa was the apple of his eyes he loved her with all his hearti feel so bad that he felt all alone but even with all the people. around you can still feel lost and alone I’m sorry he had to go through this and no one noticed how he felt and to me that’s not only wrong but sad. RIP Elvis for I love you and always will
Tom Parker was a complete fraud of a man. An illegal immigrant, likely wanted in the Netherlands for possible crimes.
He couldn’t leave the USA for fears he’d be caught and couldn’t return.
Why Parker just didn’t delegate is the mystery.
Parker made Elvis a star, for sure, but was a crook.
super heart warming.long live the king