The Coin Flip Backstage That Determined Which Song Elvis Presley Opened With.

April 8, 2025

Backstage at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in the summer of 1969, the air was thick with anticipation. Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was about to make his comeback after years away from the spotlight. Fans were buzzing with excitement, and the atmosphere was electric. But before the show could begin, a crucial decision needed to be made: which song should he open with? It was a moment that would set the tone for the entire performance, and Elvis’s band gathered around the dressing room, tossing around ideas.

As the chatter grew louder, Elvis, known for his charisma, felt the weight of their expectations. He had always believed in the power of music to connect with his audience, and he wanted this moment to be unforgettable. Suddenly, in a spur-of-the-moment decision, he pulled out a shiny coin from his pocket. “Let’s flip for it,” he suggested with a playful grin. The decision boiled down to two iconic songs: “Blue Suede Shoes,” a rock-and-roll classic that had launched his career, or the heartfelt ballad “Heartbreak Hotel,” which resonated deeply with his fans. The band looked on, holding their breath as Elvis tossed the coin into the air.

The coin glinted in the stage lights and landed with a soft thud. “Heads for ‘Blue Suede Shoes,’ tails for ‘Heartbreak Hotel,’” he declared, glancing at his bandmates, who nodded in agreement. As he flipped the coin, time slowed down for everyone watching; this single moment felt like it could change everything. When the coin settled on tails, a cheer erupted from the crew. Elvis felt a rush of adrenaline; “Heartbreak Hotel” would open the show that night, and it would define his return to performance after a long hiatus.

As he stepped onto the stage, the roar of the audience was deafening. Elvis could feel the energy wash over him as he opened with those hauntingly beautiful notes. The crowd sang along, their voices blending with his like a perfect harmony. He remembered the times when he had struggled with self-doubt and the pressures of fame, but in that moment, he was reminded of why he loved music: it was about connecting with people and sharing emotions, heartbreaks, and joy. The applause felt like a warm embrace, reassuring him that he was right where he belonged.

The performance went on to become legendary. Elvis delivered a show that was not just about singing but about storytelling, taking his audience on a journey through the highs and lows of love and life. That night was a turning point for him, revitalizing his career and demonstrating his resilience after years of battling personal challenges. The coin flip had seemed frivolous at first, but it transformed into a powerful symbol of fate and chance, reminding everyone that life is a series of moments that can change everything.

Elvis left the stage that night with his heart full, grateful for the connection he had forged with his fans once more. The coin flip wasn’t just a decision about which song to sing; it was a reminder that sometimes, the smallest choices could lead to the most significant outcomes. As he stepped into the spotlight, his passion for music shone brighter than ever, proving that no matter the obstacles, the love for his craft would always guide him back home.