Offered is the toughest of the Elvis Presley Las Vegas concert menus, the "priceless" opening night menu from July 31, 1969. The opening night menu differs from the versions used in August of that season as it has no prices listed and appears as a “set” menu--all attendees were comped guests for Elvis' highly-anticipated return to the stage. The later menus used in August displayed several options for meal items, an extensive wine list and prices for each item--one of these is offered in the next lot.
The International Hotel opened in 1969 in Las Vegas, with Elvis’ comeback to live performances being the highlight attraction. The new hotel, boasting the largest theater in Las Vegas, changed its name to the Hilton in 1971 after only a two-year reign of being known as the International Hotel. Once Elvis hit the stage at this new International Hotel on July 31, 1969, he redefined what it meant to play Las Vegas with a record-breaking series of 57 shows in four weeks. After nearly a decade of focusing on movies, he came back with a vengeance, and between 1969 and 1976 performed more than 600 sold-out shows. Among collectors, one of the most popular artifacts from the era are the menus that were provided to guests as they sat for dinner. The menus varied in size and style throughout the period, but one constant was the dominant and striking photos of Elvis adorning the covers. This one, the very first of these menus, is considered the “holy grail,” is the opening night “ribbon menu” with its black cover, ribbon accent and color image of Elvis visible though a die-cut hole in the front cover. The menu measures 17 by 8 1/2 inches and presents with minor scuffing and creases and some age-related toning. Excellent condition.
Emanating from the collection of a Tom Diskin Family Member.