James Burton has had the most career and shows little signs of stopping at 83.
The rock legend has worked with all the greats, including the late Tina Turner, and is the only guitarist to have played with all four members of the Million Dollar Quartet and the Rat Band.
Ahead of his highly-anticipated show in the UK next week, the musician spoke EXCLUSIVELY with Express.co.uk about the joy of working with Elvis Presley as TCB’s guitarist through his Las Vegas years and those iconic concerts.
He recalled: “All the shows were great and they all sold out. I don’t think there was any show that wasn’t sold out as far as I can remember.”
Read More: Photos Of Elvis’ Last Years With Sweetheart Linda Thompson Wiped From Bio
Asked what Elvis was like in private, Burton said: “Working with Elvis was a real pleasure. The guy was an amazing person, an amazing artist and he could do no wrong. We were always there for him and he was there for us. He was an amazing guy.” He joked, “If only he could sing, that would have been the only problem we had!”
When asked about his favorite Elvis concert, he admitted to the 1973 Aloha from Hawaii via satellite, adding, “It had a lot to do with the atmosphere.”
The 83-year-old plans to honor The King at James Burton and Friends UK on Sunday 4 June 2023 at the London Palladium.
Burton quipped that he hopes to do Little Sister Hotel, Suspicious Minds, and Heartbreak. Meanwhile, Queen legend Sir Brian May will open the show with him in duet Susie Q and Hello Mary Lou.
“I’m excited,” said guitarist Elvis. “We’ve got some great people and it’s going to be great.”
Another big feature of the show is the tribute to Glen Campbell alongside Steve Warner. Van Morrison, Albert Lee, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, and more will also feature surprise guests in a concert that will take audiences back through six decades of music.
Elvis’ guitarist added that it was a “real pleasure” that every seat sold went to his charity.
His team shared: “Proceeds from the show will go to the James Burton Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports music education for those in need through guitar donations and musical instruction. Over the years, the foundation has given away thousands of guitars to schools, children’s hospitals, veterans, and other organizations. The success of this event will allow the foundation to expand its music education programme, facilities and partnerships”.
To book James Burton and Friends UK tickets, click here here.
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