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Steve Binder and Bones Howe talk about the '68 Comeback Special

By: Elvis Australia
Source: William S. Paley Television Festival
June 29, 2008 - 12:02:27 PM
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At the 25th Annual William S. Paley Television Festival in the USA on March 14, 2008, at the historic Cinerama Dome at the ArcLight in Hollywood, California; Priscilla Presley, Steve Binder and Bones Howe were guests to talk about the 40th anniversary of the '68 Comeback Special.

Video: Steve Binder and Bones Howe talk about the '68 Comeback Special

In this video Steve Binder (Colonel Parker called him Bindle) and Bones Howe talk about giving Colonel Parker all the tickets to the show after a promise from the Colonel as to what he will do with them.

The story of what the colonel did with the tickets is amusing.

(Priscilla can be seen but does not contribute in this clip.)

Lisa Marie was in backstage and Priscilla mentioned that they were all thrilled at the prospect of a new baby in the family. Priscilla and Lisa had a brief photo session in the lobby. (Photos below)

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Steve Binder Talks about Elvis and The '68 Comeback Special
An in-depth look at the Elvis: '68 Comeback Special

Interview with Steve Binder
Interview with Bones Howe

Elvis 1968 Comeback Special : Press Conference : June 28, 1968

Priscilla Presley, Steve Binder and Bones Howe

Priscilla

Priscilla and Lisa Marie

Priscilla spoke very complimentary on Elvis' incredible dedication to the '68 Special, and how he was so determined to move on from the movies that he had grown to dislike doing. She said the '68 Special was the reason he changed his career - from making movies - returning to Vegas and live performances, which in turn led to his touring again.

Of course there was nothing really new in what Priscilla said .... but it was so heartwarming that she is saying positive things about his music career. I had hoped she would say something more 'lovingly' from her own personal thoughts, too but she didn't! An audience question to Priscilla was if she was at the filming of the '68 Special. Priscilla said 'Yes'...and mentioned was that it had been a long time since she had watched this Special, and that night, she noticed herself in the back (row?) of one of the scenes in it.

At one point Priscilla asked the audience if they had seen the episode on 'American Idol' last year, where they used 'If I can Dream' sung by Elvis with Celine Dion? ... Priscilla said she wass very moved by it and said she thought it was really fantastic.

Lisa Marie Presley

Steve Binder

Steve Binder did most of the talking! There was not much new in addition to what he has said in interviews in the past. He talked about Elvis being very nervous (as did Priscilla) and how he had to insist that Elvis go out on stage when Elvis almost backed away at the last minute! He also mentioned that Elvis was actually staying overnight at NBC - sleeping there rather than going home.

One thing he said I had not heard before was that The Beatles phoned Elvis while he was at the studio but Elvis did not take their call, as he did not want to be interrupted by phone calls from anyone!

He was totally engrossed in the show only.

Binder recalled that Colonel Parker had ALL the tickets at his disposal and had said only he would have ways of getting them out to Elvis fans all over the country. However The Colonel did not do as he had said he would, and they were all frantically running around looking for people to give the tickets to, in order to fill the seats at the last minute!

Bones Howe

Bones interestingly seemed to have a little different recollection to the events at the Burbank Studios regarding the audience. His recollections were that there were hundreds of people lined up in the parking lot at NBC. But he said they came because they had heard Elvis was there recording the show - and were there just in hopes of seeing him.

MY recollection is, yes, we were there standing in line to get in, but we all had tickets!

An in-depth look at the Elvis: '68 Comeback Special
Steve Binder Talks about Elvis and The '68 Comeback Special
Interview with Steve Binder
Interview with Bones Howe

An In-depth look at the Elvis : '68 Comeback Special
Review : 68 Comeback Special Deluxe Edition DVD

Buy Elvis '68 Comeback Special DVD
Buy Let Yourself Go The Making of 'Elvis' : The Comeback Special CD

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