He drummed for a long time in Elvis' TCB band: drummer Ronnie Tutt is dead

Enlarge image

Ronnie Tutt on the drums - here accompanied by Neil Diamond

Photo: Alamy / Sayre Berman / mauritius images

Much has been written about the influence that Manager Colonel Parker had on Elvis Presley.

But on stage only one man's word was valid: "Elvis was always the one in charge." That was said by someone who was in Presley's service from 1969 to 1977: the drummer Ronnie Tutt.

In a Facebook post, his daughter Terie Tutt announced on Sunday that her father had died surrounded by his family at the age of 83.

"The legendary drummer Ronnie Tutt› has left the building, "she wrote, referring to the famous phrase" Elvis has left the building, "with which fans were asked to leave after the end of Presley's concerts.

Elvis Presley Enterprises, which manage the singer's estate and his former Graceland estate, recalled Tutt drumming for Elvis from 1969 to 1977.

He joined the TCB Band in 1969 with guitarist James Burton on the occasion of the opening of Presley's Las Vegas residence and remained loyal to Elvis until his death in 1977.

"Not only was he a great drummer, but he was also a good friend to many of us here at Graceland," the statement continued. Ronnie Tutt has performed there on many anniversaries and other special occasions. "Ronnie was a fantastic ambassador for the preservation of Elvis' work," the statement continued, saying that he had repeatedly exchanged his memories with fans. In addition, Tutt and other veterans of the TCB Band - the abbreviation stood for "Taking Care of Business" - brought the music to arenas around the world from 1997 onwards: During the show "Elvis in Concert", the musicians played live to archive recordings of the singer, the could be seen on the screen.

In 2018, Tutt emphasized in an interview how important it was to prepare for performances with Elvis.

“It was spectacular.

We always had to be prepared that he might suddenly turn around and ask for an E major chord or whatever, and then he just started singing.

He sang hundreds of songs and we had to know them all. "

In addition to Elvis Presley, Ronnie Tutt also played with many other big names in the music business.

He toured with Neil Diamond's Band,

and played on recordings and at concerts

for Johnny Cash, Stevie Nicks, Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers,

Costello, Michael McDonald and others.

Music critics particularly rate his contribution to the 1973 album "Grievous Angel" by country singer Gram Parsons very highly.

“It has been a privilege to share the stage with Ronnie for over 40 years,” tweeted Neil Diamond.

“He really was one of the greats in rock and roll.

God save you, Ronnie!

Give me my regards, Elvis! "

feb / AP