Introduction
Elvis Presley – See See Rider (Aloha From Hawaii, Live in Honolulu, 1973): The King Opens With Fire and Soul
When you think of Elvis Presley – See See Rider (Aloha From Hawaii, Live in Honolulu, 1973), you’re not just recalling a song—you’re remembering the explosive opening of one of the most iconic live concerts in music history. The Aloha From Hawaii broadcast wasn’t just a concert; it was a global event, reaching an estimated audience of over a billion people across 40 countries. And Elvis chose “See See Rider” to kick it off—a choice that perfectly captured the electricity of the night.
From the moment the first notes ring out, the energy is undeniable. Elvis strides onto the stage in his dazzling white jumpsuit, the “American Eagle,” and the band launches into a driving groove that’s equal parts blues, rock, and soul. His voice—rich, commanding, and full of swagger—immediately takes control of the arena. There’s grit in every line, but also a sense of joy: Elvis is in his element, feeding off the roar of the crowd while channeling the deep tradition of rhythm and blues that shaped his earliest days.
“See See Rider” itself is a blues standard, one that has been interpreted countless times. But Elvis gave it his own stamp. With the TCB Band laying down a tight, hard-driving beat, James Burton’s guitar snarling through the mix, and the backup singers adding gospel fire, the song became something bigger than a cover—it became a statement. This wasn’t Elvis the movie star or Elvis the Vegas showman; this was Elvis the rocker, raw and unstoppable, reminding the world why he was The King.
What makes this performance unforgettable is how it sets the tone for the entire concert. Elvis isn’t easing in—he’s grabbing the audience from the first note and pulling them into a two-hour ride of music history. It’s the perfect blend of showmanship and sincerity, a moment that proved Elvis could still command a stage like no one else.
Looking back, “See See Rider” from Aloha From Hawaii stands as one of the greatest opening numbers in live music. It’s proof that Elvis understood not only how to sing a song, but how to build an experience—one that would be etched into memory for decades to come.
👉 If you’ve ever doubted the power of Elvis live, watch this performance. It’s more than a concert opener—it’s a declaration that the King was still very much alive, and ready to take the world by storm.