First of all, I would like to say that I never seen the TCB-Band performing with such commitment. Here is how the story goes!

Ronnie Tutt couldn´t make it to Vienese shows as Neil Diamond´s US-Tour had been unexpectedly extended, and Ronnie of course had to stand to his tour-contract, however, Dennis Jale managed to find THE ultimate substitute. For the very first time in Austria we saw another member of the legendary TCB-Band, Elvis´ rhythm guitarist John Wilkinson. For that reason alone, to see John Wilkinson perform was worth every cent of the ticket price alone. His stories about Elvis were told in a way that I just can´t describe it in words.............. you just had to be there! One story was about Elvis & John meeting for the first time when John was only 9 years old. Another story told how John was almost killed during a show, as Elvis shot at John with a water pistol!! Everybody knows that water and electricity don´t get along too well, and John´s metal-pick didn´t ease the situation at all. John also sang a few songs which were highly appreciated by the audience, resulting in standing ovations. Jerry and Glen D. also told a few new stories about their work and further experiences with Elvis Presley.

As mentioned earlier, the TCB-Band members played with total commitment which automatically captivated the audience. Eye contact between band members, (especially between James Burton and John Wilkinson) spoke volumes. As James played his riffs, he often turned to John, who due to illness, can no longer play guitar. This in reality let John participate and feel as if he was also playing. Dennis Jale conducted the whole band with such ease and lifted and elated each musician resulting in incomparable solos filled with joy and enthusiasm.

Not only did we have Dennis Jale in top form while performing with the band, his outstanding voice and stage performance captivated the public and put them into such a high fever that the audience was dancing and jiving during the last few songs of the show. The man sitting next to me had to tell me: "This is the best Dennis Jale & TCB-Band concert I´ve ever seen!". To this comment I have nothing more to add!

At the fan-shop organised by Thomas Schreiber you could literally find everything Presley realted. Not only CDs and key fobs, but also rare books and even original Elvis-autographs - a little something for everyone! Best of all was the free and friendly advice from the Elvis experts running the shop about anything and everything on sale. Believe me...nowadays you can´t take that for granted.

After the concert the TCB-Band members & Dennis Jale signed autographs, and patiently fulfilled all possible fan wishes. Pictures, CDs, LPs, mini guitars were some of the things being presented, and a few visitors even brought their own private instruments to the Metropol to get signed!

The next and final highlight of this concert night was the "fan-press conference" at the small stage of the Metropoldi, which neighbours the Metropol. Here the members of the TCB-Band answered some of the fan questions direct and honestly. Sunday especially, saw the mood of the TCB-Band peak with their spirits at an all time high. Here we heard more stories about Elvis, the Memphis Mafia and also about some of the private plans of each musician for the future. Jerry, James and especially Glen D. turned out to be in full battle cry. It was obvious that the musicians really enjoyed themselves in Vienna, and much of this was due to the consideration and hospitality provided by Dennis Jale who made sure the atmosphere and conditions were just right for the international stars.

Dennis Jale´s reputation for perfection in such events meant that many Elvis fans came from as far afield as England and Germany. Representatively, I would like to introduce to you Greg Retkowski (Praytome Publishing) and Peter Beines (1. Vorsitzender der Elvis Presley Gesellschaft e.V.).

And finally: during this weekend, I had the opportunity to watch Dennis Jale and The TCB-Band at first hand. Most memorable to me was the band rehearsal on January 12th, 2006. Whoever thinks these musicians only come together and jam a little is very much mistaken. During hours of rehearsals, Dennis, James, Jerry and Glen D. worked on each song with 100% focus and professionalism. Even then jokes and fun was never missed out as you can see on this picture, the director of the theatre, Dr. Peter Hofbauer, took the time out of his busy schedule to visit the rehearsals.

Finally a great big "Thank You" Dennis Jale, for celebrating Elvis´ Birthday in a fitting manner in Austria.

PS: Dennis, I´m curious how you will top this event in 2007 as you have set yourself a fairly high target! One thing you can take for granted... "Mabroselvisworld" will be there to report back to you about it.

HOME