1977 SPECIAL REPORT: "ELVIS PRESLEY'S BODYGUARDS SPEAK OUT ON HIS DEATH"

Elvis: What Happened? is a book about the personal life of singer Elvis Presley. The book, which is based on the personal accounts of three of Elvis' former bodyguards, went into detail on the singer's dangerous drug-dependence. His death, only two weeks after the book's publication in July 1977, made it highly topical and helped boost its sales to over 3 million.
The guards, Red West, his cousin Sonny West, and David Hebler, had been fired, officially for cost-saving reasons, but at the time, many suspected it was because they had been heavily critical of Elvis’ increasing dependence upon various drugs. With help from reporter Steve Dunleavy, they produced the tell-all memoir which they claimed to be a friendly warning, rather than a money-making exercise. Since the singer's death, most of its claims have proven accurate.

[@HezakyaNewz]

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[@carolcrockett7668]

Seems everyone that ever rubbed elbows with Elvis on any level has written a book - wife, every girlfriend/fling, all his buds, body guards, cooks, maids........ and each claims to have been closer and known him better than anyone else. Everyone wanted a piece of him and the circus continues all these years later.

[@preshutchins]

And at the same time doesn't mean what these men were saying wasn't the Truth. Elvis was a great entertainer and a beautiful singer but just like every other entertainer he had flaws and limitations and his was prescription drugs.... Deal with it.

[@carolcrockett7668]

@@preshutchins Can you read? More importantly can you comprehend?? Where did I say he did not have a prescription drug problem or that he was flawless?? I SAID everyone he ever knew has written a book or done interviews each claiming to have know the true Elvis .... truth only there. You deal with it!!

[@andrewmiller4885]

@@preshutchins Oh Good Lord, are you an idiot ? What a stupid response you gave the previous commentator, Carol Crockett. She never at any time denied Elvis had a prescription drug problem. How on earth did you glean that from her statement ?

[@valeriegriner5644]

And his personal nurse, too.

[@cpman1987]

Of course they all wrote unauthorized books!! Elvis is profitable!! 📈 And most of Elvis cronies were broke!! But I don't believe this book was meant to make them rich! Elvis was still very much alive, when this book came out in May of 1977. I believe this was a last ditch effort to Wake Up Elvis!! And force him to get some serious medical help!! They seem really concerned about what Elvis was doing to his body!!! Unfortunately, it was too little too late!! 😢 Elvis's health was already deteriorating rapidly!! Joe Eposito was the only person that could have saved Elvis from himself!! Joe Eposito was in reality nothing but a hangers on, a precurer of female groupies, illegal drugs or whatever vice Elvis wanted!! Eposito was "double dipping" getting paid by Elvis's greedy, fake, "Col. Parker" to spy on Elvis!! And Elvis was paying Eposito to be a gopher and yes man to get whatever he needed!! After Elvis fired Sonny and his cousin Red West and the other bodyguard David Hebler. Elvis was dead for hours, before his girlfriend found his body laying dead on his bathroom floor! Why do you think Elvis's father Vernon, had Elvis's autopsy sealed for 50 years???!!! What was he trying to hide??! Most autopsies are available to the general public. Even celebrities autopsies. Except for JFK's. Joe Eposito was loyal, as long as Elvis kept him on the payroll!! Eposito did not love Elvis! Joe Eposito loved all the perks i.e. the groupies, drugs, cadillacs, notoriety, money , fame, jewelry and all the worthless materialistic things that came with being a member of Elvis's entourage!! Once Eposito and the rest of the "Memphis Mafia", kicked in the door of singer Wilson Picket's Las Vegas suite! During Picket's Las Vegas engagement at the same hotel and casino Elvis was performing at the time: "The International Hotel,🚪 Wilson Picket alledgley said some derogatory comments about Elvis Presley and I believe Elvis sent the "Memphis Mafia " to Picket's hotel suite to deliver that waring!!⚠️ That pig "Colonel Parker"used Eposito to spy on Elvis too! Keeping Parker in charge of Elvis and ultimately killing him!!! Eposito even sued Elvis for a failed racquetball facility investment! But he loved Elvis?! Yeah right! Joe Eposito was nothing but a "Yes Man!" And he knew better than to question Elvis about his destructive drug abuse and deadly high cholesterol diet , infidelity and deteriorating health!! Joe Eposito along with a maid ,Elvis's late Aunt that worked at Graceland and Elvis's "airhead" girlfriend Jennifer Alden, helped conceal and clean up Elvis's bathroom and bedroom of evidence of drug abuse, before calling the paramedics, the day Elvis died in his bathroom!!! Because there was not one pill bottle found in Elvis's house, the day he died!! They pretty much compromised and contaminated a crime scene! Elvis's bathroom at Graceland, that's why om the tours of Graceland, no one is allowed upstairs period! Elvis was taking around 9,000 prescribed medications at the same time!! 💊 That's the real reason, Elvis never fired him with the rest of the dear departed "Memphis Mafia!!" Joe Eposito cheated on his wife with Elvis groupies, regularly took drugs and was a "bag man" procuring illegal drugs for Elvis when they were both stationed in Germany in the U.S. Army back in the 1960s!! Eposito continued bringing in prescriptions drugs via Dr. Nick, til the day Elvis died!! In reality, if Joe Esposito experienced a religious awakening and gave his life to God, his soul is right down there roasting in Hell, with greedy , fake "Colonel Parker, Elvis Presley and the rest of the leeche$ that lived off Elvis and used him!! "The Elvis Curse" has already snatched Elvis's grandson Benjamin Keough, causing him to commit suicide! He was only 27 years old!! And now Elvis's only child Lisa Marie Presley has succumbed to an heart attack at only 54 years old! Sadly, Lisa Marie also struggled with substance abuse! R.I.P. Very tragic and sad!! All that glitters...Is not gold! 🙏

[@gavinbrando8255]

I read that book as a kid and I idolised Elvis thanks to my father. I'm glad that I knew the good the bad and the ugly about Elvis as a kid and didn't just think he was a perfect person. I don't easily judge people. We all have struggles.

[@risacalcagno6072]

Inripetibile .. Saluti dall'italia

[@ladyjuliette8004]

Yes, your rigtht about that. But no one lives in a vacuum. People around us can get us up or down, please us and hurt us. When you got hurt to much and people expect the most impossible of you, it will effect you. So it was with Elvis to. There were so many predicates around him, he could trust a single soul. All he had trusted turned him down. He was unloved and sick, it was the best for him to die.

[@rogerwilhite530]

No one is perfect. Elvis needed help, he was really hooked. Elvis gave his body guards so much they turned on him, he didn’t have the funds to support them

[@1tarat72]

Exactly there isn’t a person alive who do not have struggles. He was just on the wolds stage where every one could see it. After everything that has been said and all the things over the years people say it has always made me love him more because he was human. I think he did what he did to perform for people to give them the best show he could. I’m sure along the way things could have became addictions but doesn’t make him a bad person at all. From all I have read he gave more than he got and he just couldn’t give anymore.

[@desfletc]

@@rogerwilhite530 friend, they did not turn on him, they were hoping after he read the book for himself, he would change his lifestyle, he read the book but sadly it was too late

[@BasilFomeen]

As a recovering addict clean 16 years let me tell you if you have the resources Elvis had, unlimited money, unlimited time, and having whatever you want delivered to you for any addict death is going to come before the bottom that could save you. People don't understand the power of that. Thats why Michael Jackson, Prince, Elvis ,and many more are gone

[@davidseamore2707]

So very true, all the famous people who have died. They all died very young Elvis was actually an old fart for being a dope feind. Only because he started every day drug use way late in his life. Ten solid years of power doping opiods and pharmaceutical grade speed I can only imagine how high E was every single day of his life. The doctors have the best drugs on planet earth especially American Pain Doctors such as E had several different Docs not just cause he was rich because he was the King and everybody wanted near him.

[@katjo71367]

That is true. My first husband had inherited $$$$$ and he died at 43. Same thing.

[@soulfireonfire6423]

@@katjo71367 It wasn’t the same thing. It’s weird not one if them has told the truth in this interview

[@lorimiller4301]

​@@soulfireonfire6423 So what's the truth then ? He had 14 different drugs in his system. He and his buddies were doing all kinds of pills and they liked them. They enjoyed doing them but the guys were able to stop. Elvis couldn't. He didn't want to stop.

[@clhwheeler]

No one can survive never hearing the word no & always hearing yes

[@mariecavuoto319]

The thing that would have given ELVIS quality of life and longevity was to ensure that his insomnia was dealt with properly by his doctor and more importantly the rogue Parker, not through drug use but by ensuring the man was able to properly rest and recuperate. That would mean to ensure his shows were managed properly, doing midnight shows and then expect to go back to his room and go to sleep when on a high from performing would have affected any normal person. Insomnia exacerbated all the other health issues he suffered, notwithstanding the prescription meds he was being prescribed. Sleep deprivation has been linked to: 👉 Cognitive decline and neurodegeneration 👉 Poor memory and decreased reaction time 👉 Mood disorders and depression 👉 Weight gain and stimulation of appetite hormones 👉 Metabolic syndrome, elevated blood sugar and insulin resistance Sleep isn't just about the number of hours you're getting; it's also about the quality of your sleep. ELVIS suffered all these health issues due to his poor sleep habits! And agree these 3 x were angry at being let go, on their part they enjoyed living off ELVIS' generosity and didn't like the fact their cash cow was taken away! I hope that ELVIS is resting in peace now!

[@mrchips4489]

In this interview, they first admit to writing the book 'out of bitterness' and it's only after that the 'to help Elvis' gets added in. They were p.o.'d and wrote it out of spite. Did they regret it later...probably, but the damage was already done to a shy, very private person who was no doubt mortified by it. And yet, in the recorded phone call, you can hear Elvis expressing his care & concern for them even knowing that the book was going to be published. They knew he'd be devastated & had it published anyway.

[@Sergigrinkovvolponyfan]

I knew Sonny very personally. He regretted that book.

[@mrchips4489]

Too late; the damage was already done; it personally hurt Elvis terribly and t spurred on countless books like it after Elvis's death. @@Sergigrinkovvolponyfan

[@gingin6246]

Gosh.. he took that regret and hurt to his grave..

[@lillyd2246]

And a daddy worrying about the effect of that book for his daughter

[@jettsteari3062]

@@Sergigrinkovvolponyfan he MAYBE was the only one who did hebler was a lowlife POS and red,,, another scm bg

[@mws755]

He didn't take the pills over boredom. He thought he needed them to function normally. Thought he needed them to have energy for performances and needed to sleep

[@Jay-vr9ir]

I do not do any drugs and seldom drink , I like to drink but I need to watch my weight . I was very sick years ago and the doctor gave me Percs , I liked them , although after a while they were making me sick and I stopped taking the Percs . I could see where Elvis needed the buzz , I did .

[@davidkruse4030]

He needed the pills because he needed the pills. Your words. He needed rehab

[@scottfoster3445]

He was a junkie

[@markmarshall6375]

@@scottfoster3445 and you are a turd

[@jimmyjames5861]

Yeah all of us addicts seem to think that 💯🙏🙏🙏💯💔💔💔

[@daveshangar6820]

I was almost 19 when Elvis died. I was at that time just starting my dark journey through the perils of alcoholism. I am a long time recovered alcoholic. I wish I could have crossed paths with Elvis sharing the knowledge I now have regarding addiction. If Elvis had a better understanding of his addiction and his denial thereof it could have possibly saved him. His story is no different than any other alcoholic/addict who thinks they're in control and eventually meets with death.

[@itravisoni]

His friends hopefully tried to tell Elvis about his drug habit.

[@itravisoni]

He knew what was going on possibly Red West and his other friends hopefully asked Him to quit the prescriptions he didn't need

[@serenitylove6926]

Elvis took prescription drugs. Sonny West is the only one that goes around saying that he took street drugs. In later interviews he contradicts himself. These people are trying to defend themselves for writing this book.

[@tolistolis8277]

Coke start from 75 and after ,this was the reason why red west threaten to break the legs of ricky and the bass plsyer of voice grouo,becsuse find,this guys give coke to elvis

[@brucehallett1989]

​@@tolistolis8277i think it was Lamar Fike that told a story that they used to soak q-tips in liquid cocaine then put the q-tips in their nose. It would get them high for hours. Never heard that confirmed by anyone else, but I am pretty sure it was Lamar who told that story. Who knows if it is true or not.

[@jm34642]

Elvis was a beautiful human being who paid a great price for all that he gave. And so did the people who loved him. God bless you Elvis. RIP.

[@phebusphebus1546]

Hell yeah, when he was a kid He's Seen his parents being evicted from their différent housses, and later as Elvis as we all know him nowadays, a multimillionaire, he bought houses for his employes, Bodyguards etc ..what a mindset!

[@geraldwaldrop5131]

Elvis lived in a prison ... that after years of it he became sick of it.

[@davidchan9632]

Most of it was people who wouldn't stop leaving him alone.

[@TheJpep2424]

That's the price of Fame. You can't pursue fame and enjoy the adulation then turn around and want to be left alone. You can't pick and choose, it's all or nothing with fame.

[@gracieg7601]

He set it up the way he wanted. The lawyers should have had all of them sign a NDA. All of this could have been avoided. No one knows what it’s like to be around someone who is on drugs. I know someone who’s on them now and I think he will end up like Elvis. His wife has died sbd he’s miserable. And he does the drugs so much then pours alcohol on top. Elvis didn’t drink so.

[@keetonplace]

@@TheJpep2424 I wonder how many huge celebs you know of who, at their various homes, walked out to the gate where all the fans were all the time and spend time with them. Elvis loved his fans immensely and knew the regulars by name and sometimes missed them and asked about them when they weren't at the gate. He was not just stuck inside. He went among his fans for all of his short life.. So, no, he certainly didn't "turn around and want to be left alone." He even tracked down the wife of a man he noticed missing at one of his LA homes. The man had died and he found her and visited. This from a source who was a gate girl and was eventually let in by Elvis. There's pictures of her and Elvis all over the internet. She knows stories about these guys that are far from flattering. Things that debunk some of their stories.

[@RealSasquatchWatch]

famous people like Dave Chappelle has said being famous, u cant go no place, no where. let alone, a mall or shopping or to dinner without a monsoon of people. thats why famous people only date other famous people and only hang out at each others places.

[@DustinBlythe]

Elvis had legitimate physical ailments (twisted colon, glaucoma) but make no mistake he was a drug addict. He honestly saw recreational drugs (marijuana, etc) as evil but prescription drugs as safe, something he could control. It doesn't detract from his immense talent or good deeds, but it is part of the big picture of his life.

[@keetonplace]

A part of his life that should not have been made pubic. No other celeb has been so betrayed by so many. Very sad.

[@keetonplace]

@@ronniebishop2496 He did NOT gain 200 pounds!!!! I am so sick of all the lies!! He was bloated. He was some overweight, but it was mostly BLOAT! I saw him through the years. I watched when the bloat started. It came and went, according to when you saw him, as bloat does. I saw him 5 months apart in a huge venue and then in Vegas closer to when he died and he looked like two different people. Much bloat had gone in Vegas. He was sick and he was sad when Priscilla left. Leave him alone!!

[@lynnshrader1218]

@@ronniebishop2496 he never gained 200 pounds! He was not that overweight at his last concert! Ridiculousness! He was ill and had health issues but not as overweight as so many people have portrayed over the years!

[@KKC70]

@@keetonplace LOL what exactly is "bloat" made of? It's called fat. He appeared to gain, or lose 40-60 pounds pretty quickly, and most of it was in his stomach and face. I know this is possible because I've done it a few times. I'm not sure what you think isn't true that is in the book, but let's stop pretending that we as fans have even the slightest clue what he was actually like as a person to be around every day. All you have is the romanticized fantasy in your head of who he was as a human being.

[@keetonplace]

@@KKC70 Firstly, if you don't know what bloat is, compared to fat, you need to go read a little. Bloat is extreme water retention caused by usually some kind of disease. Fat is when you eat too much. Elvis ate the Southern diet just like I and all my family did. Some still do,. He was not fat. I never once saw Elvis fat, but I saw him bloated and there's a huge difference. He had a distended stomach caused by something I don't know. It's worse sometimes than others and all of this was only in the last few years. I believe you could only wish to be half the man Elvis was. He had plenty of faults , but so what? These guys outright lied. or embellished. I have spoken to a number of people who got to be within that circle and saw plenty done by THEM. As well as Lisa. And I have a feeling that you have no clue of what all Elvis gave all these betrayers during their years with him. I have seen some of it auctioned off, as I attend auctions both in person and on line. It is amazing at what all they and their wives got from this generous man, to then go on to diss him for $$$.

[@eddieholdway2227]

I never did blame the bodyguards for his death. I blame Tom Parker, the manager.

[@ayronsmama05]

Gotta add Vernon too!

[@presleylucas161]

Exactly he was the whole reason why everything was so bad

[@paradisedreaming6363]

Parker AND the drugs…taking effing Diluadid for a teeth cleaning ffs!! Massive medical malpractice on behalf of those Dr’s, especially Dr Nik, that killer!!

[@richardlawson6787]

Wrong...Elvis credited parker for his success..parker didn't make Elvis use drugs

[@bronsonosborne3962]

you cant blame NOBODY but ELVIS

[@jmljml9656]

I’ve only ever seen a few minutes of this interview. Thank you very much for posting this amount of footage from this historic press conference.

[@RealSasquatchWatch]

yes!!! absolutely!

[@rODIUMuk]

Same!!!

[@riverlawson6872]

What an awesome upload, man. Terrific.

[@Lizz9902]

Drugs don’t discriminate Elvis Presley-Michael Jackson- Prince- Marilyn Monroe- Anna Nicole Smith- Judy Garland- Heath Ledger- Chyna -

[@RealSasquatchWatch]

lol u put chyna here . "which one of these isnt like the other"

[@whatstheplayofficial]

what's your excuse

[@hollystiener16]

But Marilyn was murdered

[@frankie1012]

Whitney Houston, Amy whinehouse

[@frankie1012]

Whitney Houston, Amy whinehouse

[@KarlaElaine100]

You can’t blame Sonny and Red for being bitter. They clearly loved Elvis. I think Sonny was being honest. That being said, I think they both regretted the book as the years passed. Elvis didn’t want the book to,come out. That being said, I lost a job after almost 18 years due to a corporate uyout and restructuring. It happens. Yes, they had families to support. It seems like the book had a combination of motives, try to stop Elvis from taking pills, bitterness and for money. I have no doubt that they did love Elvis.

[@lillyd2246]

Elvis died only 2 weeks after their book was published in USA, more betrayed than loved by these guys

[@jettsteari3062]

yeah red ''loved'' hm so much that not only he wrote that sht book THEN recorded Elvis on a two hour conversation w/o Elvis knowing it on the phone

[@dimstath7546]

Just snakes

[@JohnnyCage333]

We love you Elvis rest in peace good sir🙏🏻❤☝🏼

[@ThuzzelBLS]

Above everything this should be all of our sentiment

[@jacquelineloveselvis]

Thank you for sharing this whole interview.

[@My3Sons333]

Red and Sonny came to regret ever publishing the book. It brought them nothing but grief. George Klein said that years later Red apologized and regretted ever having any thing to do with the book. And Red was like Elvis in the fact he never apologized, so he really did regret it l do believe.

[@tafolse]

Yes, Red seem to have deep regret about that “Tell All” book. Red never wrote or associated himself with any other book written about Elvis!

[@ScooterFarts]

They certainly must have, however the temptation to milk money even many years later remained. Joe Esposito the worst.

[@Della624]

@@ScooterFarts Do some frigging research ffs befoe insulting someone. Joe Esposito's second wife Martha was dying of terminal cancer and he needed money to pay for her medical bills. He at first tried to put together a DVD of some home movies he had and sell them, but Priscilla and EPE threatened to sue him. When they found out why he needed the money, Priscilla didn't offer to help out, she instead drew up a contract to buy them off him and she now claims them as her own and peddles the belief that it was what she filmed during her time with Elvis. As for the books, the only books Joe wrote were full of love and respect. They contained some undeniable home truths but they were never written with hate, or bittnerness or hurt or revenge, they were always revealed with love and respect. I'd've written such books if my Husband had been dying of Cancer and I wouldn't have felt bad about it one iota.

[@dirtlevel]

Damn bro I disappear for one day and come back to more content than I can handle! Thanks man!

[@mws755]

Out on the streets? I doubt these guys would of been homeless in an alley. Of course they made the book for the money

[@Mikepleith]

Sonny was a friend - he enjoyed the perks of course but he loved him. You can tell. Jesus he met the President of the United States on a whim - it’s surreal - Also he looked like a bad ass.

[@houdini1972]

You have no idea how many years I have searched for this. Thank you, Thank you, God bless you.

[@romeowhiskee7874]

Thanx Hezakya. Always wanted to see the whole press conference. Excellent.

[@modernretroradio993]

I have never seen the complete press conference before. Thanks!!

[@giovanniiannazzo2101]

I have seen this interview - nice upload However , it is missing a key comment from Dave, when asked "If you loved him so much, why couldn't you protect him?" To which Dave replied, "Of course protect him... How do you protect someone from themselves" Still makes me sad & moves me & gives me chills every time... 😢😢😢😢 I am 53 & a life long Elvis fan.. I still remember the day Elvis died - I was quite young.. We were back home in Italia My father's Elvis LPs & cassettes made me a super fan Love him, always will I listen to him every day Long live the King sempreee!!! ❤❤❤❤ May God Bless Elvis always... 🙏🧡🙏

[@michaelsouthward7152]

Sonny has deep love for Elvis as you can see. The last couple of years for Elvis was extremely tough . The Col pushed him over the edge.

[@kw9568]

They both loved him

[@kw9568]

I hv a family member who needs mental health problems. Never gets help. It's frustrating trying to help someone who doesn't want to be helped!

[@michaelsouthward7152]

@K W lm very sorry to hear that. I hope your family member find some peace and support to get through this 🙏

[@kw9568]

@michaelsouthward7152 thank you very much! Blessings to you and your family! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@sophieblossom8308]

You are right but they should not have written that book. I believe that they had a bad conscience until the end of their lives.

[@HeavenlyPresley-Tonya]

VERNON PRESLEY: 1978 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING ARTICLE: TALKING ABOUT THIS SITUATION -- None of his employees, friends or associates ever went without anything they wanted or needed- - be it Cadillacs or diamond rings and furs for their wives. Elvis gave lavishly because it was his nature to be generous. He wanted to share his good fortune with everyone who was close to him. I remember a time not too long ago when I felt that he was carrying too big a crew, so I advised, 'You don't need all of them, especially some who just seem to be out for what they want'. Elvis stopped me cold, answering, 'You see their wants. I look beyond their wants and can see their needs.'

[@dotmoran9808]

It’s a shame that they wrote that book. I read where he couldn’t believe they would write all that true or not, it was vindictive. Elvis was so kind and gave to everyone. But I am glad he is bigger now than he was then. The charisma and his beautiful voice and he was the greatest entertainer of all time. He was nice to all walks of life. 45 years later he has fans from the very young to the very old. He gave to family friends and strangers alike he was so generous. The poor guy couldn’t go out like us, he would have been mobbed. We love and miss you Elvis. There will never be another Elvis. RIP🙏🙏🙏

[@lisamccutcheon48]

I guess they hoped his drug addiction being made public would make him realise he needed help.

[@dustinsanchezmusic5851]

It’s not all bad… they had to speak out in hopes to get him until he died… I didn’t know he used cocaine..

[@user-nz3lo2yp7d]

@@lisamccutcheon48 Они не об Элвисе думали, а о своей шкуре.Настоящие друзья нож в спину не всаживают

[@TV-np9yp]

Dotmoran, You should read the book. It’s not that bad. Others close to Elvis have said and written far worse. There’s nothing in the book that hasn’t been revealed in other books.

[@dustinsanchezmusic5851]

@@TV-np9yp I’m reading it now… it’s really not that bad so far

[@ep1970]

Thank you for posting the interview been a long time since I have seen this interview

[@risacalcagno6072]

Inripetibile ... Saluti dall'italia .

[@elvisandbeachboysfan]

Thanks for this upload, never seen so much of this interview, just on This Is Elvis and that was only a bit, often wondered where it was in full.

[@serenity8145]

To be let go after 16 years with one weeks wages anybody would be upset. Elvis was a generous guy, but his business operations was run by his dad who most likely wasn’t equipped to manage people properly.

[@lisamorrison214]

So they could have sold one of the millions of gifts Elvis gave them to get by. You don’t snitch.

[@joanne26]

Hi from England I was 12 when ELVIS died. I have never read the book. I have watched lots of videos about ELVIS and his "backstory" and they make me shed tears and make me think so much about the years that have "flown" by This clip of Sonny and Dave (not sure if RED was on this tape but from questions asked by the press they were there and knew how it was I know Davis is still alive as is Jerry Schilling. and Larry Geller Elvis it seems towards that last 18 months was a parody of himself. I think he must have felt disgusted with himself as well. People say why did'nt ALL THE GUYS do more for ELVIS. BUT ONLY ELVIS could help himself. They ALL TRIED THEIR BEST and i hope they went through those pearly gates of heaven with NO REGRETS. They all LOVED ELVIS especially RED having known ELVIS since Humes High School in around 1948/9 As someone who has had family members die of alcohol addiction young you can do as much to help them as you love them so much but sadly this help does not always work😊😊😊🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹♥♥♥🙏🙏🙏🙏😭😭😭😭😭😢😢

[@emmpedno2161]

If you did not read the book, shut up, you cannot talk about it

[@deanbrandt2748]

They were all in on it enjoying the lifestyle. When Elvis wanted to cut them off because he knew they were using him, they turned on him…decided to write the book Elvis what happened to make themselves look good. Elvis wasn’t stupid. He knew they were in it for the gifts, the cars, the money and all that. Elvis was trapped and he got tired of it. That’s the truth. Believe it.

[@donnaleigh6535]

I’m a diehard Elvis fan but these men were fired with a week salary over 40 years old and for No good reason. they had to make money. they had families. I’m sure most of you would certainly understand if you were put in that situation. Most people knew Elvis was on drugs. That wasn’t a surprise.the book was about a lot of love for Elvis too 💔

[@lorimiller4301]

❤ Thank you Donna, that's the truth.

[@e2go]

News flash: all of these guys did drugs with Elvis and didn't give af about any of it until the free ride was over. Wahhhhhhhhhhh. The gravy train of gifts, women and drugs was finally over. Cry me a river. Grow up and get a job like the rest of the world has to. And there was plenty of reason to fire them. These dudes got Elvis entangled in lawsuits for jacking people up for no reason. Bunch of sycophant loser man children with no qualifications other than going to school with Elvis. Biting the hand that fed them their whole adult lives. Maybe they should've saved all of that money and all of those houses and gifts that Elvis showered these clowns with for doing absolutely nothing for 20 years. All of Elvis' behavior was all well and good until they finally got cut off.

[@jannekedevries2360]

Red West made films in 1975 and wasn't doing anything for Elvis except cashing in on Elvis' money, letting him pay for health insurance and his children's education. Red West has been hanging around Elvis and parasiting on him since Elvis was 21! Elvis bought him a house, cars, organised movieparts for him, paid his wedding and supplied him with a host of beautiful women, all Elvis' fans. Red West behaved as if Elvis was his sugardaddy. Sonny and Dave didn't leech on Elvis as long as Red did but they also profitted greatly of Elvis' money and fame. The three were removed from Elvis' security team because they were violent towards fans and maybe other people. As a consequence Elvis was sued for the damage caused by their behaviour which cost a lot of money. If they really loved Elvis they wouldn't have published a tell-all book about Elvis but a tell-all book about their own sins. My grandparents and parents always employed people for their business and household. Employees, who talked to outsiders about the private lives of their employers, were considered bad employees, which restricted their job opportunities. Red and Sonny West plus Dave Hebler behaved like no-good men, who were not worth Elvis' friendship. I read that Sonny West ended his life in financial trouble because he couldn't pay his medical bills and sugardaddy Elvis wasn't there anymore to finance his life. That's karma!

[@CeeCee-on2nq]

They lived off of him… used him😢!!! At 40 after all elvis gave them they should feel ashamed they did not get off their behinds and make a life and do the hard work!!

[@lisamorrison214]

I’d go deliver pizza, or work at any job that was hiring until something better came along before I’d betray someone who took care of me and my family for decades. Maybe he could have sold all the jewels, cars and furs Elvis gifted him and his wife.

[@amandarose2578]

His manager had a lot to do with it, he went from a 7 year movie contract to a long term contract performing in Vegas, he was being over booked and he felt like he was in a prison, the poor guy was miserable.. I read somewhere that he had said once that he’d rather be unconscious than unhappy.. so sad. I felt maybe he was just numbing himself.. I always wondered why he never took control and fired Parker, but I think when he tried to once, he billed him for a few million which he couldn’t afford with his overspending.. so there were so many things that were tragic in his life, I’m sure he felt used and he probably lost himself in his image.

[@boogitybear2283]

This channel is just too damn awesome! Keep up the great work you do Mr. H!!

[@Jeri_C11]

I read the book and there wasn’t a long thread of love through it. Besides the drugs there are other stories unrelated to drugs that are negative about Elvis. Let’s be honest. It was a tell all book by an admittedly bitter man because he was hurt and angry. We’ve found out since there were quite a few incidents in which they bullied people, even fans and pushed people around. Even Joe Esposito girlfriend said they used physical tactics on her. So just admit you wanted to hurt him back. That’s a normal response. If Elvis hadn’t let them go, they would have stayed on with him continuing the drugs. Also, many people said when Elvis heard about it and read an early copy of it he was very upset. Jerry Schilling said Elvis couldn’t believe it and stated he hoped his fans wouldn’t desert him.

[@monikacabadajova6514]

I agree.

[@chubby_artist]

I’ve read the book too. It came across to me as tough love but the thing is it’s all down to our own interpretation now

[@mike.6285]

@@chubby_artist Steve Dunleavy was a slime ball that put it all in a different light than intended probably. This book was child's play compared to what has come out since.

[@elvistherapy3931]

@@chubby_artist Since when is "tough love" getting to ruin someone's character in front of the world? Would you be okay or anyone you know be okay with that? Not "tough love" at all... just vindictive, low class actions from bitter cowards trying to put themselves in a better light after a tremendous amount of damage was done!

[@pbrandon4129]

@@elvistherapy3931 Bulls eye.

[@matildaharden1064]

Elvis was a wonderful human being. He had faults but his good outnumbers his flaws 10/1

[@davidherranz1978]

Always wanted to see this interview. Thanks for sharing it.

[@diankreczmer6595]

Sad that Elvis's friends wrote a tell all book and still today, Elvis's ex wife is doing the same thing, disparaging elvis, although i do think red west later felt bad

[@TheMARCVISION]

Wow!!! Definitely the best channel on KZbin! Been trying to find this for years. Salute

[@rburley204]

They were honest that they initially wrote the book out of bitterness. Unfortunately, the revelations were new at this time & I'm sure this hurt Presley immensely & he may have started taking more meds to try & calm any anxiety he may have had at the time; he eventually succumbed to a heart attack months later.. Loyalty was definitely important to Presley and although I get the motive of the book, this book was definitely personal and brought a negative spotlight to Presley. Definitely they cared for Presley, but there had to be some internal reasons for their dismissals. If they were still employed at that time, they would have continued covering up for Presley's dependency problems.

[@jannekedevries2360]

They were, working as security-guards, violent towards Elvis' fans. That led to lawsuits which cost Elvis a lot of money. After that they didn't work for Elvis anymore but were still being paid in 1975! Red West played in movies in 1975 but still received his payments from Elvis inbreturn for doing nothing. It was not Elvis' fault that Red, Sonny and Dave had no markable skills that could pay for the luxurious lifestyle they were used to while "working" for Elvis. Red West even lived in Germany at Elvis' costs. Doing what while Elvis was in the army? Elvis provided for the livelihood of familymembers, "friends", girlfriends, housekeepers, security, musicians, airplanecrew and so on. About a 100 persons in total! Red, Sonny and Dave, who couldn't even provide for themselves and their nuclear family, call Elvis immature? It's laughable! They totally panicked when daddy Elvis didn't pay their food, bills, houses, cars, medical insurance and schools anymore. Spoiled children that were cut off by their sick father who had glaucoma, braindamage (1967 fall), headaches, acute insomnis, a badly functioning colon, auto-immunedisease/arthrose, congenital lung-, liver- and heartproblems and a weak immunesystem. Did they do anything to alleviate Elvis' huge responsibilities, protect him from Parker, urge him to go see the right doctors? No, they couldn't care less about Elvis as long as he paid for their livelihood.

[@butchp51]

This is like witnessing cult members who were kicked out and shunned. They were so caught up in his fame, and resentment was the result when it was all taken away. The bad things are finally spoken about, ask yourself why this book wasn't written 10-15 years earlier.

[@heikebohne8864]

Sonny West looked bit as Barry Gibb... 👨🏽‍🦱 I read about the press about Elvis in 1977, that He fired them, I could understand them... On the one side, but on the other side there is the great Elvis..., with His daddy, Tom Parker. Very interesting. The press conference sounds total different than today, very much near, no 😷😷😷😷 Covid 19.... Long time ago. Make Peace. Rest all in Peace. 🌹🌹

[@skelecaster]

Bee Gees were huge then, probably a fan. Elvis did record at least one Gibb song.

[@aliciagabriel8408]

I also thought the same Sonny had a resemblance to Barry G. at the same time

[@bohall]

This channel is one of the best

[@bravesoul5743]

They judged Elvis with malice writing that salacious book.

[@frankiepag1720]

They were trying to save him . These guys loved him.

[@vmackey11]

Not really, I guess they felt slighted considering Vernon fired them thinking they were the bad influences, think about it though. The people around the President protect him, they don't cross him in any way, they are loyal. These guys were loyal so feel slighted, These were the guys guarding him. As years went on, you can see they cared but tell an addict anything and that person is done with you. Hell, Parker was the one who booked those crazy shows and got him first hooked on speed. Read all about it. Parker was the bad influence.

[@bigtuna5334]

They tried to save his dumb ass..!! He was a Drug addict .. period..! To many people put him on a high pedestal.!! He was Human..!! I am one of the biggest fans of Elvis but sometimes the truth hurts..!!!

[@RobinMarkowitzcoolmedia]

Oh boy. This argument will never end. 100 years from now. Dave Hebler didn't "love" him. He hadn't been around long enough. Red couldn't appear there. Dilaudid is many times stronger than herion. So it's all ridiculous. They weren't all legal. The coke, according to an FBI memo about a variety of entertainers, came from NY. Some woman he knew from the 1960s was that source. The other source, mentioned here, was Donnie Sumner. And yes, Red broke his toe. His toe! 😱 Weird stuff happened. But they were no angels in terms of drugs; they are being disingenuous about that. Not sure about Red, because he went right into a TV series w/Robert Conrad after a period of mourning. He did okay. But Sonny, Mr. "Anti-drug Public Service Announcement" here, got in trouble in a couple years. I think Red and Sonny wanted to believe they were like the protagonist in The Fray's "How To Save A Life." THIS is a manual of "how to not save a life." Yeah, public humiliation works great, just great! You coulda talked to his Daddy. Vernon wasn't dumb; years before he hired a private eye in the capacity of a double agent to track down the Dr. Feelgoods like Elias Ghanem and "Flash" Newman and that weird old dude "Dr. Painless." Ghanem was horrific! He not only lived right up a hill from a very young Conrad Murray (yes, the Dr. convicted of murdering Elvis' future son-in-law. Ghanem treated a teen Michael Jackson when he and the group played Vegas. (Elvis did a very warm introduction of the "fellas" during his own show, met them backstage, told the youngest kids to "remember, all this you hear on the radio, in my show, EVERYTHING is all black music. Remember that." It was a wonderful moment that Michael heard. A bit later, Elvis' 7-year-old daughter was in town (I think Tahoe). Elvis didn't take her to the show. He did something that can only be described as "radical parenting." He asked Jerry Schilling and Myrna Smith, a couple consisting of a black woman and a white man (both as close as aunt and uncle to Lisa even before Jerry and Myrna got together) to accompany Lisa to their show. It certainly made an IMPRESSION! Close to 20 years later, they married. And stayed together after the official marriage ended. (Long story; not for today.) Elvis "fixed them up." Boy in the business wouldn't be a golddigger, like her final, horrible marriage and the custody battle from hell). Back to the point. They could've talked to Vernon, years before the split. They didn't. So talk of love rings hollow. But again, they knew Vernon didn't like the whole lot of 'em and wanted them away from his son, his only child. Yeah, people knew less in the 1970s about addiction than they do now. But things haven't changed too damn much: it's still a stigma and still people don't know how to save someone. What IS common sense is not to publicly humiliate the afflicted person in front of the world! You don't do that, then or n now. That's not love; t that's vengeance.

[@gloriae.p.luvr4life394]

I can tell not only from this footage but from other documentaries that these men did truly love Elvis. None of us lived what they lived or had to endure what all these guys had to endure in being Elvis' friends so I personally would never condemn them for doing what they felt would somehow get him to see what he had become. This was their last ditch effort and sadly, what it comes down to is that nothing that they did could've made Elvis stop the drugs. That was something only Elvis could've done. It's too bad that back then there wasn't much help for people struggling with drug addiction.

[@e2go]

They didn't "have to endure" anything😂😂. They leeched off of Elvis for their livelihoods then when he cut off the gravy train they wrote a nasty book about him. They could've gotten other jobs at any time. They are losers and did not care about him one bit, only what he could do for them and what knowing him could do for them.

[@brownmut5518]

red and sunny were with him from day 1. I believe the book was written as a tough love effort. they were trying to present him with a challenge to clean up and prove them wrong.

[@torvlogs7390]

They didn’t have to out him. I didn’t know he used cocaine. He was hugely humiliated, that would definitely make me off myself. Because it’s their words against what the critics already insinuate. Sad story, trust no one

[@rODIUMuk]

They tried to ruin him for money

[@gloriae.p.luvr4life394]

@@e2go They were powerless in trying to make Elvis see that he was destroying himself. Nothing they said or did got through to him and as his friends I'm sure that was hard. So, yes they most definitely did endure a lot as most friends and families of addicts do.

[@Chris6719]

Thank you so much for uploading the complete interview/press conference I've been wanting to see this for years

[@noneassociated9578]

I've been wondering where the rest of this interview was for years. Thanks for posting it as it's one of very few things about Elvis I haven't seen as I've only seen the short edited piece of this in the This Is Elvis film. BTW, are their any photos of Dave actually with/near Elvis? I don't recall ever seeing any of him around Elvis...

[@richardeidemiller6739]

2 of the so called authors of this tripe knew the man since high school They knew he was proud, shy, driven ,humble, private and yes addicted. He did not reveal everything that went on inside of him to these clowns with regard to his fame, his frustration or his pain whether emotionally or physically. They had to have known this was not going to force him to wake up to their way of seeing. Funny how a book writing coincides with their firing. Didn't feel the pull to "wake him up" with a tell all book before that? Not while the good life was still being enjoyed by all. Vicki

[@elvistherapy3931]

I agree wholeheartedly Vicki. "Clowns" is putting it nicely. They don't get a pass from me either. They were just doing damage control for their own hides! I hope they received the disdain they deserved from his fans. By the looks of it they did... Sunny wearing sunglasses speaks to his own drug and or alcohol use well after being around Elvis. Wonder if they would have been okay with a "tell all" on their bad behavior? Compassion has "left the building", lol. Have a good one Vicki

[@richardeidemiller6739]

@@elvistherapy3931 I was pretty young when all this happened but yes they had alot of backlash for this garbage.This book opened the can of worms to the man's personal struggles as well as a flood gate to more and more books, ever changing versions of stories, and more outlandish embellishments as the years went on. After some time they tried to do damage control with more books and interviews talking about all the good he did for people but it was too late. The damage was done and to this day many view him as nothing more than a self indulgent drug addict that died on a toilet. He was so much more and that this is the picture that many have of this phenomenon can be traced back to the beginning...this book. We don't know what this man struggled with and to be honest, it was his life and business. Much has come out since about health issues he had since birth which for obvious reasons were kept hidden as well. These pack of good old boys employees and friends certainly wouldn't have been people he would have discussed such private things with. The dissection of this man has gone on since 1977. Sad. Vicki

[@elvistherapy3931]

@@richardeidemiller6739 Agreed. I was young as well so I don't remember this book being released. It is frustrating to see the pass these 3 are still given to this day. I won't judge their whole lives based on this one action, but this was wrong on a massive scale and they should have spent their lives after, making things right. Pretty sure that didn't happen. Hebler has an interview on a KZbinrs channel and I just can't listen to it... I want to jump through the screen and punch him 40 yrs later hahaha.

[@ronniebishop2496]

@@elvistherapy3931 Well I was right there when it all happened and knew people that lived with E and yes these were very hurt more than anything else but they don’t deserve any disdain and if E hadn’t died so miserable at 42 just after the book came out it would have been just a tabloid type thing but it went viral and there’s the reason people are upset because 90% of his fans at first thought he had faked his death.

[@elvistherapy3931]

@@ronniebishop2496 Thank you for the reply. I can appreciate all opinions and experiences. I believe the word you used was "tabloid" and it fits here. It was sensationalism and spiteful. I will always believe "friends" don't do what those three did to Elvis...they were not under the pressure he lived with for decades supporting all of them. I own a business and the pressure to support the families of employees is daunting... I can't imagine the pressure Elvis was under to keep going even at the cost of his health... he was not well for years and meds were not the whole story! They were wrong pure and simple... the distain from fans was warranted in my opinion. Cheers

[@jasonmardoniomeza1711]

This man Sonny West...you can tell loved Elvis.

[@raven_ous2585]

The very same Sonny West that wrote that book, slating Elvis, along with Hebler, and the Other West ? You call that love ? 🔪🔪🔪🔪

[@chubby_artist]

@@raven_ous2585 maybe it was tough love that they felt they needed to do to get Elvis off the drugs. As well as maybe some sour grapes over being fired

[@tolistolis8277]

They write lies or truth in the book?

[@johnb.8687]

@@tolistolis8277 You can read it for free online quickly. At the time the stories seemed I think unbelievable. After awhile it doesn’t seemed too embellished. He died a month later

[@3SeveredHeads]

@@chubby_artist omg THEY TOOK THE DRUGS TOO!! Had all of Elvis' cast off ladies, took the FREE homes, cars, horses, 1st class lifestyle....SAVED NOTHING!!!! EXPECTED THE gravy train to keep on a ridding! Elvis was paying everyone on 50%...the colonal kept his 50% paying noone!!! As for Vernon being called 'right'...he could see the excesses Elvis was going to WOULDVE made them broke...he tried to reign him in a bit...nothing wrong with that. As for tough LOVE....YOU GOTTA B S H I TT ING ME 🤣😂😛🙄👍 They wanted him "as he was"...ohhh boo hoo...u stabbed the kindest man in the back...the very same back that CARRIED ALL OF YOU MOST OF UR LIVES!! Treated like a damn donkey... As ive said a true friend accepts BUT DOESNT EXPECT!! NO EXCUESES HERE....

[@teekolinski491]

His whole team worked him to death. Fake grief. 🙄

[@crackernegro2791]

I wish Elvis was still alive. Such a good guy. Graceland missed him, I know it does.

[@Junior-fd8ux]

I just started to look into Elvis's death and lifestyle. You can tell that his guys were some good old boys that did care for the man dearly and some were haunted by it till there last days. Also starting off on prescription pills you don't think your doing anything wrong...people were not as enlightened to every drug back then...as time passed the addictions set in and as mentioned he (had to have it) and being Elvis and sadly a addict he was going to get it one way or the other. Nothing gets in the way of that i can promise you. The whole things a shame

[@ladyjuliette8004]

Elvis was suffering from serious insomnia from early childhood. And when one think how much responsibility he had on his shoulders to keep everything going. They say that Elvis was bored, what an evil thing to say. He had so much to do that he was totally worn out. How much Elvis gave this betrayeders, in cars, bathing in luxury. I liked your answer a lot! ❤️

[@Junior-fd8ux]

@@ladyjuliette8004 you said it. He’s a legend!

[@ladyjuliette8004]

Please, digg very deep in Elvis history. And your conclusion will be totally different. He was addicted, that's true.

[@Junior-fd8ux]

@@ladyjuliette8004 iv actually done a lot of digging still not done, never done really but he was a pure soul absolutely. The generosity and care for other’s means more then anything to me an this man had it in spades

[@ladyjuliette8004]

@@Junior-fd8ux I could be more agree with you about this, he was so kind that a lot of people took advantage of him in the most hurtful and raw ways. He believed to good about people that he had near to him.He had high standards towards himself, he worked and worked. When I said digging in Elvis's life, I didn't mean Elvis himself. It's those who were around him. I have found out things that are hard to believe, but even true. Elvis wrote a beautiful poem about his life once( Maybe there were many), the poem tells how much love means to him, how hard it was to live without it. And that was written while he still was fit, and everything in his life seems ok. So I believe that Elvis was intelligent, intellectual, and he saw people. The thing was that he stood out with to much, because he didn't want to hurt people. It's the people around him, not all, but many of them, that I mean. Even those who was most close to Elvis.

[@davidpenn9396]

I never read there book but it really got me to thinking because they saw all that ever happened to Elvis and even his demons that shock Elvis all up to pieces because these guys knew what just happened to Elvis that is why they wrote this book to explain in details all the tragedies that took place when Elvis was still alive from that period of his time and his life until Elvis died which was a Shock indeed threw out The Whole Wide World even I Myself cried in 1977 when Elvis passed away

[@emmpedno2161]

"THEIR" book..... idiot... maybe you should read THEIR book if you want to have an opinion about it.... otherwise shut your mouth, you have NO idea what you are talking about... I read THEIR book, so I am entitled to an opinion... NOT YOU

[@janetmcgibney]

Shame on them turning on Elvis

[@JCX-9]

So refreshing to hear the truth from these men that were closest to Elvis. We need to know who Elvis really was without all that idolatry. It’s not fair to portray him as something he wasn’t for the sake of keeping his fans in the dark. I can accept the truth, it’s the lies that bother me. I believe what these men have to say about Elvis because it just sounds believable without all the fluff and make believe. It is what it is. He had great attributes and he also had a dark side. Knowing both makes him look real, human.

[@EricCox4848]

I watched a ton of documentaries of Elvis from the perspective of the Memphis Mafia. Great stories. Parts of it telling the sad truth, too. But these guys tried so hard to wake him up to make him see what he was doing to himself. All The King's Men was one, Elvis & The Memphis Mafia was another. Elvis, The Final Hours or Last 24 Hours. Maybe more. They all tell the same stories.

[@lisamorrison214]

Snitches, and money grubbing hangers on.

[@CancerWarrior91]

Him dying as soon as their book came out was a dream come true to them. They did it to make money not to help him. They had no problem taking his drugs and money for years.......

[@lumabi25]

Interesting to hear so much of this press conference. Only ever seen a few snippets before, including one that wasn't in this video: Q. If you loved him so much, why didn't you protect him? A. Of course, protect him. How do you protect a man from himself?

[@garysmith6142]

Bitter, they were sacked the pair of them. More to do with money than friendship. They lived a privileged life, financed by Elvis. Once the cash cow had left the building, friendship went out the window. Sad really.

[@3SeveredHeads]

Exactly Gary Smith!! Spot on....still trying to justify their greedy annoyance! Didnt they SAVE a penny over the many YEARS Elvis KEPT THEM IN LUXURY!!!? SAD SACKS...

[@learn2fly605]

I post this on every video

[@user-uq8vn2fc5z]

I LOVE ELVIS. I HUNG OUT WITH SONNY IN MEMPHIS FOR 4 NIGHTS AND HE WAS VERY KIND TO ME. I COULD SEE FOR CERTAIN THAT HE TRULY LOVED ELVIS. I THINK MISTAKES WERE MADE ON BOTH SIDES BUT HE LOVED ELVIS!

[@markbrown6066]

Never seen this one before. Great video😎✌

[@3SeveredHeads]

Great video..thankyou 🤟🏼 Omg "what are we gonna do...40 yr old stunt men...we had families!" THAT IS THE KEY POINT!!! They rode a luxury gravy train..(.remember ur families while taking the pick of Elvis's leftovers!!?) Loved that man....yeah coz he paid all ur bills for decades! Not about the drugs but the drugs changed him...er so it was about the drugs...Sounds like they actually DID see he was bored and creatively frustrated...they didnt help him....they did exactly what he did but Elvis paid for it all...Elvis took it for a reason...what was theirs!!!? None but a freebie... Wanted to see him like in his prime!! Omg THAT WAS THE PROBLEM....He never would be that kid again...they didnt want him growing up...an poor Elvis knew he was stuck in an image, this is the result of letting go just a couple of his workers....angry betrayal disguised as "love" lol yeah right....a real friend wouldve saved and not expected...sound like whinging brats. RIP Elvis...u did all u cud & more...forever loved 🤟🏼💞🕊

[@risacalcagno6072]

Inripetibile . Saluti dall'italia Nello

[@donnap.c.886]

@3SeveredHeads… You said it exactly the way most of us feel about these guys!! The sound like spoiled adult men expecting a hand out for life! I have read that Elvis had said that he couldn’t slow down on working because he had to have enough money to pay everyone that worked for him. He felt responsible for them financially! And that is what is so messed up if you ask me, Elvis was getting older and life naturally slows down and we change. But Elvis was forced to keep performing the same thing year after year! It is no wonder that Elvis was lonely! I’m sure most everyone has heard the saying, “It’s lonely at the top!” Elvis was definitely at the top! But these “bloodsuckers” expected him to support them to infinity, that is so unreasonable! If people didn’t care too much for these particular men who wrote that book, then they made their case worse from that interview! One word comes to mind “Greed” and even “Selfish”. They couldn’t see past their own need to see that they were part of what was killing Elvis! The stress and pressure that it all must have caused Elvis! Unbelievable!!

[@3SeveredHeads]

@@donnap.c.886 Amen to that! 🙏🙏 Btw i recently found out that Elvis had had enough...realised his "mates" were just greedy hangers on, it saddened him but he was planning to ditch most of the guys, inc the Colonal (praise be!) And go away to Hawaii for a year to get off the drugs, get fit and he knew it had to be done....sadly he passed beforehand! Even that was strange...he apparently went into the bathroom to read about 9.30AM BUT wasnt found til about 3.15PM!!!!! IN A HOUSE FULL OF PEOPLE who supposidly cared for him....bloody disgusting. Joe Espisito even has said RIGOR MORTIS had already set in or was so!!! Omg that means NOT ONE PERSON HE PAID asked if he was ok for almost the whole day! How fricking sad. Then again there is alot of contradictions from the same people....if I had found ANYONE LET ALONE ELVIS i would DEFINATELY KNOW exactly what happened, where & what! The police shouldve cordoned his house off coz he died suddenly young...couldve been caused by anything or anyone!! Very strange they just saw him an said yep he dead lets move him! But its history now & Elvis is singing with Jesus..RIP beautiful genuine soul 💞🕊

[@raihanatew4885]

Thts true they got a lot from Elvis and now they turn against him. Elvis bought them houses cars and even paid for their weddings. It seem that was not enough. Such betrayal I say.

[@gregclark3268]

These guys go on about Elvis crazy erratic behaviour and his drug taking but most of the guys who worked for him were doing the same stuff. Only Elvis gets talked about because nobody cares about the other guys. Even Joe Esposito has said that none of them were saints on the road. Drugs women getting into fights, they all did it. Before Red and Sonny got fired there were dozens of lawsuits against Elvis because of their hit first and ask questions later attitude. After they got fired there wasnt one lawsuit. They loved touring with Elvis and sponging off him, rubbing shoulders with famous people and meeting women they wouldnt have met otherwise. Its a known fact that a lot of the memphis mafia were either using drugs, whining to Elvis about wanting money and cars, etc, or the outright stole from him when he wasnt around. As for Hebler he was a latecomer who sided with Red and Sonny and from what a lot of people have said, openly shot his mouth off about Elvis' relationship with his father.

[@rogerwilhite530]

Elvis wasn’t the only one using. MM was using too. Elvis had depression and wasn’t treated for it.

[@emmalouise8001]

They were very petty for publishing that book and they felt bad after Elvis died and so they should.

[@elvisleeboy]

It is certainly true that many of the people who criticise this book, have not read it. Females in particular are notorious for this , ie forming an opinion without bothering to perform the basic task of making sure that their opinions are informed ones.

[@chrisyarber5620]

This is AWESOME BRO!!! I have wanted to see this press conference FOREVER!!!!

[@star4evr9]

GOD BLESS all of you who worked to protect ELVIS from would be assailants and other nuts! Thank you for the book Thank you for loving the king. Best wishes to all of you.

[@gracieg7601]

The mistake they made was not reading the final book before it was put out.

[@gracieg7601]

Sonny wrote a second book to say the first book was a mistake.

[@janetbrowntlc]

@@gracieg7601 NO..HE WROTE ANOTHER FOR MORE MONEY

[@brianjames9828]

@@janetbrowntlc this statement is bullshit Janet Brown---they would have died for him

[@detroitpolak9904]

At 1:11, I was surprised to see Barry Gibb was one of Elvis’ bodyguards. He must have needed work pre-Saturday Night Fever.

[@paradisedreaming6363]

That’s what I said…”why is Barry Gibb in this?”…..

[@detroitpolak9904]

@@paradisedreaming6363 he could’ve been a Gibb impersonator in Vegas no problem.

[@terriesmith2720]

That’s not Berry Gibb it was the style back then

[@bencool5823]

Great interview 🍿

[@jasonrhodes5988]

There will never be another Elvis and there will never be another Memphis Mafia.. The King and his court.. Long Live the King.

[@alexfranklin3502]

A bunch of hillbilly hanger-oners.

[@robindore9582]

Rip Elvis Presley, 🕊️🤍

[@PhoenixWaffen]

They should have never aired Elvis' last performance in 1977. It made him look horrible. After 73' nothing was gonna stop his death. They would have had to put him in a drug induced coma to get him off. And even then the damage had been done. He wouldn't have lived very long there after. The only person to blame in any of this is Elvis himself. Elvis will stand before God and give an account not Sonny, Red, Marty, Lamar, Billy, Dee's kids or Priscilla. He made his own cake and ate it too. I love the man on stage. But offstage the man was bat shit crazy with all those drugs. I've been an addict and alcoholic my whole life and it CHANGES YOU as a person. Makes you do unheard of things. Then comes the guilt and condemnation of it so you stay numb not to give AF and face the consequences of your actions. Everyone points the finger at everybody else except their idol. We can't do that, because it will tarnish it. We have to keep it flawless so people continue to worship the image. The more I dig into his personal life the more I have changed my opinion about the man. As far as the image and what he did on stage and in the studio is where his greatness lies. No way in hell could Elvis have lived up to the image he portrayed to the people. If you read the more truthful books especially Alana Nash's book you will see him in a different light. Elvis was a mere man addicted to drugs offstage and America's biggest Idol while onstage.

[@whatstheplayofficial]

how you so sure about the judgement you placing on another man, in the afterlife. you a fool, until you meet that afterlife stop putting your fantasy thoughts on others. you know Elvis as much as I know you, you goof

[@johncameron2545]

There is no other entertainer since Elvis Presley who gave away so much to fans and everyone. Cars 100’s of them gifted, jewelry, money, etc. This man shared his wealth with the world. You will never see another celebrity, entertainer like him. All entertainers want now is their 100 million dollar mansions. Elvis was never apart of the so called 1% rich people. He was a real human being who gave a shared it all with family, friends, fans people he didn’t know.

[@gregclark3268]

He also donated a lot of money to charities every year which nobody ever talks about.

[@angelamartin2811]

You have to remember they wrote this book out of anger because they were no longer on Elvis’s payroll it was Vernon’s ideal to let them go. When Elvis heard about the book he felt betrayed it wasn’t long after he died. Some of the book might be true but I guarantee it’s exaggerated. Like Lisa Marie said they’re not as innocent as they like people to think they were doing drugs also. Elvis as much as he was a giver he did not deserve this no one’s perfect. These are just more of the people that used Elvis.

[@pamelatipson1705]

I don't call them friends lcall them back stabbers they didn't see a human being just someone to hurt 😢

[@karentranter7806]

What an amazing interview. Finally we get to hear more about the book and the interview in more depth not just the clips about the drugs. Thank you most interesting xxx 💝

[@mr.aldini6801]

I expected their book to be more of a hatchet job on him than it was, but for the most part, a lot of it was about the good times they all had with him.

[@gracieg7601]

The biggest mistake they made, was not reading the book themselves before it was published. They had faith in the wrong man. He took what they said and twisted it. They didn’t know he would do that. Vernon caused the whole thing. If Vernon had done what Elvis said it wouldn’t have happened. lol

[@gracieg7601]

It’s too bad Sonny and Red aren’t around to see what was written in DESTINED TO DIE YOUNG.

[@gracieg7601]

Sonny wrote another book saying what had happened with the book from before. He regretted the earlier book.

[@Joe-to8og]

and it was all true.

[@shable1436]

It's so bizarre to hear them say, "what are we supposed to do, we are 40 year old men" I mean it shows the privilege they lived off of Elvis name and spoiled themselves by never actually working a real job, they act like they don't know how to get jobs or something, like they are disabled and living off of someone was their only means of earning a living. It's disgusting listening to them sounding elitist, not one of them tried to start a business of their own to separate themselves from codependency from Elvis but just made him the center of their lives, and yet they all talked shit behind his back.

[@monikacabadajova6514]

They should have never written aby book.

[@diningroomfish5470]

They had families 👪 now you're in your late 30's with very little money, they were thinking that book was going to make them some big money 💰 I don't know if it ever did

[@susanseymour2587]

Yes i have read the book and it’s a vicious attack on someone that can’t answer back how you can say it wasn’t because his father sacked you and your gravy train of money was gone so you thought you would write about his life and bring up all the things that he thought he could trust you with it seems he never really had a true friend who wanted him for him and not what they gained out of his friendship so sad

[@80steen44]

Elvis was alive when it was released

[@midsouthreb]

I was a friend of Red's son John. Red was not a blood sucker. Red was actually a genuine down to earth guy. He put up with a lot B.S. from Elvis. Despite the book, Red actually loved Elvis.

[@TheEccho]

Sone West mad at the guy who wrote and edited his book, 5:35 Sony - " There's lots of exaggerations in there " reporter - " Is the book a misrepresentation? " Sony - " Not at all...it's facts, it is truth"

[@Badfingerbabe777]

Sonny's new book is very good. I felt they were good friends to Elvis and tried to save him. Its sad things turned out like they did. I believe if Elvis got off the drugs he would have made up with his friends. Elvis had his flaws he was not perfect but I don't judge him, we all have flaws. God Bless him, he just could not face it.

[@e2go]

Lol these absolute losers leeched off this guy until the end. Did absolutely zero on their own that anyone gave a damn about so they had to sell out their buddy that gave them everything and hurt him terribly... then people take them seriously and legitimize the garbage they're saying lmfao. What a joke. The only ones that should be answering for their flaws and for not being perfect are the clowns in this video that were mad they couldn't rough people up at the shows anymore and cheat on their wives with women there to see Elvis anymore. Complete dirtbags that did nothing but enable and leech off of Elvis then act like they wanted to help him by shitting all over him for a buck.

[@JustMe-gf1ko]

Perfectly said. Period!

[@chrisdonnelly3577]

Sonny and Red were indirectly involved in Elvis' death.

[@lonmcq7317]

No, they were not... It was really on the wall for him after about 1975...

[@joebaird2570]

@@lonmcq7317 I'd add a speculation too. If, and I know ifs can be worthless, but IF Elvis took a stand ( maybe hard to do while numbing oneself) and insisted on doing " A Star Is Born " he just might have pulled away from it all. New friends, new motivations, maybe a negative critique or two could have shook him up... Etc.etc. I believe that was his chance. A real chance and a new real reason

[@hollielee6719]

Elvis 😇♥️ was a GIVER 💜🤑 He gave Sonny West, Red West, and Dave a lot of money 🤑💰 bought houses 🏘️ vehicles 🚜 jewelry 💍💎 paid for their medical bills 🤑💰 vacations ⛱️🏝️. paid for Sonny's wedding 💒 and honeymoon and he spent a lot of time with them. Elvis 😇💜 had various physical health problems 😟 and he was in a lot of pain 😟 for a long time.

[@gmoney8585]

Elvis was high during that 73 special his words slurred with the first song cc rider

[@pleun315]

Elvis gave them everything..... money houses cars juwelry... He shared what he had even with strangers ! But he was surrendered by the devil, pure evil. When you have it all like Elvis you dont have any real friends, its the ultimate jin yang. That book was proof !

[@rontrudell3358]

Fantastic. Fantastic. Nice to see the whole interview. Awesome. T c b. Canada. R I p. Sonny.

[@dannyayers6561]

I didn't know Barry Gibb worked for Elvis.

[@knockedoutloaded279]

all the bee gees did...

[@tdiio7998]

At first i thought they were traitors. But as the years progress I have understood that the 3 Body guards, were somehow in a certain way also trying to make Elvis aware of his Drug prescription problem. Yes its also clear the book was also written out of bitterness for them getting fired. But it had no affect in that Elvis attempted to stop trying to stop the Prescriptions intake.

[@lucille1949lh]

Liz you are so right drugs not discriminate

[@Noname-ew9js]

It's true. Our factory foremen gave us speed to get out production. I totally believe some military people did it too.

[@janeternst6674]

My Dad was in Army, he worked two jobs and they gave him uppers and downers to sleep.

[@Yobbie72]

I read the book. It was a disgraceful betrayal.

[@Yobbie72]

@@user-rn7me5pi3z and the stress caused by that damn book no doubt contributed to Elvis dying by heart attack!

[@JerriRobertson1976]

People use the hell out of Elvis. Elvis was nothing but a damn bank to these people.

[@gutenbird]

Wow. I believe Elvis was a very generous person way before celebrities gave to promote an image.

[@forestgeorge8855]

Lost people do what lost people do. Personally, I think Elvis might have died anyway even if the book hadn't come out. I don't condone what Red, Sonny, and Dave did. Red actually got a gig on a TV show starring Robert Conrad shortly before or after he was fired and he did okay for himself. No, when you write a book like that . . . you either are trying to wake a person up or you are trying to hurt them. They could have gotten money by other means too, just by being the former bodyguards of Elvis Presley. I do think the Press Conference was a legit case of two men trying to do damage control, because they never expected Elvis to die. I think Sonny was remorseful too, but we are all wicked and depraved people without God's mercy and grace and I've forgiven the Wests and Hebler a long time ago.

[@Jay-vr9ir]

Red West I find to be a person of mystery , he wrote hit songs , while working for Elvis as a bodyguard .

[@barbaradavis2873]

I read it right after released and yes it was very hurtful and bitter sounding to me

[@thomasandersen2938]

Put yourself in there position

[@modernretroradio993]

If Vernon Presley had followed Elvis' wishes, "Elvis What Happened?" would've never happened.

[@mike.6285]

I think Red and Sonny West had deep feelings for Elvis . I think Hebler was a Johnny come lately. I don't see the sincerity.