For this upcoming instalment in our occasional series, Elvis and the Press, our leading contributor Gary Wells joins us to consider press reaction to Elvis’ March 3rd, 1974, matinee performance at the Houston Astrodome as part of the Livestock Show and Rodeo, at which time he broke his own 1970 rodeo attendance record.

Jeff Millar, writing for Houston Chronicle, applauded Elvis’ effort, and observed, ‘Presley now does a Las Vegas headliner act. It’s a good one, but, heaven knows, the Dome’s not the place to stage it’. The combined audience of over 88 000 for Elvis’ two performances might have strongly disagreed.

We review the show itself, thanks to a very fine quality soundboard recording, and learn about some of the technical and logistical challenges behind it. We also examine some of Jeff Millar’s observations about Elvis’ career direction at the time, and question some of his wider commentary which, putting it politely, has not aged well.

Special thanks to Francesc Lopez, whose pioneering Elvis information website, elvisconcerts.com, celebrates 30 years online this year (2026).

This episode, with extensive background, research notes, and links including the soundboard recording of the concert in full, will be available from the end of May 2026.