Don’t Miss Collective Soul Live at Pikes Peak Center: A Unforgettable Night in Colorado Springs!

Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper once joked that Elvis was everywhere, and in the latest album by Collective Soul, that sentiment rings true. Their two-CD set, “Here to Eternity,” was recorded at Elvis Presley’s former estate in Palm Springs, California. For Ed Roland, a founding member of Collective Soul and a lifelong Elvis fan, this was a dream come true.

Roland shared that Elvis spent his last significant moments at this estate, recording several gospel albums there just before his passing. He and his bandmates had to stage the house before recording, bringing in furniture since Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley had no interest in the property. They even set up their control room in Lisa Marie’s bedroom while Roland had the incredible experience of sleeping in Elvis’s room.

The band began recording in January 2023 and produced twelve songs in just four days. With a whole month still available at the estate, Roland decided to create a double album, expanding their project significantly. “Somehow, I got ten done in four days,” he mentioned, with excitement. They returned to finish the remaining tracks within five days.

The album features a diverse range of songs, from the heartfelt piano ballad “Be The One” to the catchy, upbeat “La Dee Da,” which showcases a Beatles-like vibe. There’s also “Bob Dylan (Where Are You Today),” an intimate track enriched by acoustic guitar and harmonica, carrying poignant lyrics.

As they recorded, Roland felt Elvis’s presence throughout the process. He would often choose to sing in spots where Elvis once performed, such as by the pool. This connection to the past added a unique energy to their work. On a memorable night, shortly after Lisa Marie passed away, some unsettling events occurred when the ceiling of her room fell, adding to the surreal atmosphere of their recording experience.

Despite the eerie moments, the joy of being at Elvis’s estate and creating music deeply resonated with the band. Roland reflected on how historic and moving the experience was, emphasizing the thrill of working in a place so intimately tied to rock and roll history.