This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/10/2026
Offered is an incredible collection of original photos and medium format negatives documenting Elvis Presley's Opening Night concert at the International Hotel on July 31, 1969. The 11 x 14 inch photos were taken by Las Vegas News Bureau photographer Terry Todd and later given to country signer Johnny Tillotson (Tillotson worked Vegas continually in the period, and likely got to know people like Todd and others in the media). Many of Todd's other photos from the show are in circulation, but to our knowledge these particular images have not been seen.
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.
The KODAK paper back stampings on the contact sheet photos indicate they were printed in the period. The small photos measure 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 inches and are together on a 2 3/8 x 5 inch uncut strip from the contact sheet. The large 11 x 14 inch photos are mounted on art boards and show mild silver oxidation. STUNNING Near Mint condition.