Elvis: Would you like me to sit down? . Â First of all, I plead innocent of all charges! Okay .
Elvis: I think⦠I think it was a matter of not getting the building, the proper building. We had to wait our turn in order to get the building.
Elvis: “I haven’t been able to get a good building in fifteen years!” Nah, we had to wait our turn to get into the Garden, you know.
Elvis: Oh I like it you know, I enjoy it . Â I just hope we put on a good show for everybody.
Elvis Presley â The 1972 Madison Square Garden Press Conference
Q: Mr Presley, why do you think youve outlasted every other entertainer to still gain enormous popularity?
Elvis: I take vitamin E! No, I was only kidding. I just⦠embarrassed myself, man. I dont know dear. I just enjoy the business. I like what Im doing.
I’ve read in a lot of news stories that you’re a shy, humble, and wonderful person. Would you agree with that?.
Elvis: Oh I dont know what makes them think that, I got, you know, this gold belt and .
(Elvis stands, unbuttons his jacket and shows off his Las Vegas gold belt. A female press photographer jumped up and took several pictures).
Elvis: Man, I was calm compared to what they do now! Are you kidding me? All I did was jiggle, you know?
What do you think about the entertainer today? How do you like the way they perform?
Elvis: Oh, I dont know. I really cant criticise anybody n the entertainment field. I think theres room for everybody and I hate to criticise another performer, you know?.
Elvis: Well, the is one thing and the human being is another, you know, so …
Elvis: Its according to what youre talking about, I dont know. No, I dont know, Id like to think so.
Elvis: Well, Ive found that in the audiences we have, its mixed. There are old people, young people, very young people, and all sorts of other people, which is good.
Elvis: I just had a movie of the last tour that I did. Its the first live concert that we ever filmed, so thats my next project thats coming out.
Q: Elvis, what finally made you come out of seclusion and decide to make personal appearances again?
Elvis: I just missed it. I missed the closeness of an audience, of a live audience. So as soon as my movie contracts were up, I went back to doing live concerts.
Elvis: I think so. Theres so many places I havent been yet. Like Ive never played New York. Ive never been to Britain either.
Elvis: Id like to, yes sir. Id like to very much. Id like to go to Europe, Id like to go to Japan and all those places. Ive never been out of the country except in the service.
Q: Mr. Presley, since you talked about your time in the military, what do you think of people who are protesting the war? Would you refuse to be drafted today?
Elvis replied, “Honey, I’d rather keep my own thoughts on that to myself because I’m just an entertainer and I wouldn’t say anything.”
Q: Elvis, they filmed your Boston concert last year so why arent they allowed to film here?
Elvis: She said why did they film the show in Boston but they couldnt film it here?
You know, Elvis, I just don’t think it’s time yet. Maybe one day, but not now.
Elvis: No sir. I dont have any other aspirations in politics or anything of that nature.
Elvis: Yeah. It would be cool if I could write something like a movie script if I could find the right land. In fact, were looking for it now. Youre talking about a non-singing type thing? Yeah, Id like to do that.
Q: Elvis, you seem to have shied away from rocknroll music in recent times. Do you have a reason for this?.
Elvis: Its very difficult to find that type of song. Its hard to find good material nowadays for anybody, for all of us, you know.
Elvis: Its very hard to find any good hard rock songs. If I could find them I would do them.
Elvis: I dont know. Theres a lot of people that I likeâ¦I got out of that one didnt I?.
Elvis: No sir Im not. Im not involved in that at all, Im just an entertainer.
Q: Elvis, what do you miss most about your past fifteen years making movies and so forth?
Elvis: I dont really miss that much about it. I enjoy it just as much now, if not more than I did then. I would like to think that weve improved ourselves over the past fifteen years.
Elvis: Thats what I mean. I mean musically and vocally and everything. Id like to think that Ive improved over the past fifteen years.
Q: Elvis, you mentioned earlier that youd like to go to Japan. Would you ever consider embarking on a concert tour over there?.
Q: Do you ever want to take a break to relax and maybe try to get away from people who want to get your autograph for a while?
Elvis: No, Ive got used to it. I would kind of miss it if it didnt happen. People can ask for my autograph even if they didn’t see me or recognize me. That’s just how business works, and I don’t mind. I think I would miss it.
Elvis: Its possible you know, its possible. I dont know! They have RCA Victor officials here, so I dont know.
Elvis: That one. O Sole Mio was the largest selling and the next one to it was Dont Be Cruel. I think, then Hound Dog and Heartbreak Motel or whatever!.
ELVIS: I got home very late last night and had to go to bed because we were having a rehearsal right now. I have to go back to the rehearsal after this press conference unless you have something better in mind.
Q: You mentioned earlier, Elvis, the shortage of recording material. Nashville songwriters who work for big record companies have just sued, saying they aren’t given a fair chance as they should be. Based on what you know and how you see it, do you think that independent songwriters have a fair chance with big record companies?
Elvis: I dont think so. I think theres so many companies that everybody becomes independent. Once they have one hit record and they form their own companies and theres so many. People who write them are also starting to record their own songs, which is why I said it was harder to find good pieces.
Elvis: “Yes, I’m a publishing company, but I’ll take songs from anywhere and any writer… as long as they’re good.” Someone who writes a song doesn’t have to work for my company; it could be someone anonymous. If they can get it to me and if its good, Ill do it.
Q: Do you know of any evidence that recording companies favor songwriters who work for publishing houses they own? Did you hear any evidence that they do?
What do you think about the lawsuit that the Nashville Songwriters Committee filed? Do you have any say in the matter?
Elvis: “Honey, I really don’t know anything about that suit you’re talking about, so I can’t give you a good answer.” I don’t even know the specifics of it. I went to Hawaii to get a tan for New York, so I don’t know about it.
Do you agree that major record companies shouldn’t use a songwriter’s work if they aren’t in publishing?
Elvis: I dont think so. People who have good songs and are good at writing them should be heard if they aren’t already.
Q: Elvis, could you tell us a few lines from your most recent record? That way we’ll know what to expect when your next single comes out.
Elvis: I really cant sitting down! No, I cant do that. Id just sooner save it for the show.
“The photographers in front had been taking pictures for about fifteen minutes when the Colonel saw that the photographers in the back of the ballroom were not able to get any good shots.”
Would it be nice if some of these people with pictures would move out of the way so that these other people can get their pictures? Please move out of the way. Come on up with the cameras. Come over here with âem.
Elvis: The belt is an award from the International for the attendance record. Its like a trophy but I wear it just to show off.
Elvis: Do I talk to my father? I have to, he handles all my personal affairs.
How did the other Mr. Presley know that his son was really becoming a very, very famous person?
Vernon Presley: Well, its kind of hard to say. It all happened so quickly that it’s hard to keep up. It was like a boom overnight, so I’d say 1956, after the first TV show.
Vernon Presley: No, I have no regrets of it. In fact, I have enjoyed it, really.
Elvis: All kidding aside, it happened very fast to all of us. My mother, and my father and all of us. You know, everything happened overnight and so we had to adjust to a lot of things really quickly. A lot of good things.
Q: Mr Presley, do you think that in that time, Elvis has changed in any way at all?
Q: Elvis, what kinds of songs do you like to sing the most? For example, would you say rock songs or ballads? For example, would you choose a new ballad like “Bridge Over Troubled Water” over an old one like “Hound Dog”?
Elvis: Its a conscious thing, you know? I like to mix âem up. That is, I like to play a song like “Bridge Over Troubled Water” or “American Trilogy” and then switch things up by playing some rock ‘n’ roll or hard rock.
Elvis: No. Im not in the least bit ashamed of Hound Dog or Heartbreak Hotel or whatever.
Elvis: No, not really. Ive got too much energy. I dont think so. Not as long as I can.
Colonel Parker: Id like to live to my reputation of being a nice guy. This is it folks!
Elvis performed four shows at Madison Square Garden. Two of these have been released. The first one was Elvis As Recorded At Madison Square Garden in 1972. More recently, Elvis – An Afternoon At The Garden, which includes a better performance (the afternoon show), was released on CD.
Madison Square Garden, known affectionately as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” is an iconic venue that has hosted historic sporting events, concerts, and productions for over a century. Located in the bustling heart of New York City, landing a job at this esteemed company is a coveted opportunity. However, the interview process can be daunting if you are not properly prepared.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide tips, examples, and insights into the 15 most commonly asked interview questions at Madison Square Garden. Whether you are applying for a role in event management, hospitality, marketing or any other department, this inside look will help you master the interview and launch your career at this legendary venue.
1. Why do you want to work for Madison Square Garden?
This question aims to assess your knowledge of the company, your career motivations, and your passion for the role. Hiring managers want to determine if you truly understand Madison Square Garden’s brand, values and mission rather than just being attracted by its iconic status.
How to answer: Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company by highlighting your admiration of its rich history, reputation for excellence, and the unparalleled experiences it has created over the decades. Share specific examples of legendary MSG moments that inspire you. Discuss how your skills, experience and work ethic align with the position and Madison Square Garden’s overall goals. Convey your passion for sports, entertainment and hospitality as well as your commitment to delivering exceptional service.
Example: “Ever since attending my first Knicks game as a child, I’ve been in awe of Madison Square Garden and the electric atmosphere it creates. Beyond the events themselves, I’m inspired by MSG’s commitment to innovation and world-class hospitality. If selected for this role, I would bring my 10+ years of experience in client service and my unwavering work ethic to continue the Garden’s legacy of excellence. My ultimate career goal is to be part of the team that creates unforgettable experiences for guests from around the world.”
2. What do you know about our company culture and values?
With this question, the interviewer aims to gauge how well you’ve researched the company and if you’ll be a good cultural fit. It’s crucial that your values align with those of Madison Square Garden.
How to answer Demonstrate your understanding of Madison Square Garden’s culture by discussing values like teamwork passion, integrity service excellence and innovation. Reference initiatives or policies that reflect these values in action. Share why these resonate with you personally and how you exemplify these values in your own approach to work.
Example “From my research, it’s clear that Madison Square Garden deeply values teamwork, passion and integrity For example, the ‘One Team’ philosophy brings employees from all departments together to achieve a common goal of exceeding guest expectations This aligns perfectly with my collaborative approach and my passion for delivering top-notch service. I also admire your commitment to integrity, from the transparency in leadership communication to the emphasis on diversity and inclusion across the organization. These priorities mirror my own values of honesty and respect.”
3. How would you handle an unhappy or difficult customer?
Possessing the skills to calmly and effectively handle challenging customer interactions is key for any client-facing role at Madison Square Garden. This question evaluates your problem-solving abilities, composure, empathy and commitment to service excellence.
How to answer: Describe your strategy for actively listening, expressing understanding and resolving issues when faced with a difficult customer. Provide a real example if possible. Emphasize remaining professional, collaborative and focused on achieving a win-win solution.
Example: “When dealing with an unhappy customer, I would first listen attentively to understand the root of their dissatisfaction without getting defensive. I would then express empathy for their situation and apologize for the inconvenience while remaining composed. Once I fully grasp the issue, I would present solutions tailored to the specific circumstances, like refunds, coupons or complimentary services if applicable. My ultimate priority is turning the negative experience into a positive one by making the customer feel valued and heard.”
4. How would you handle situations where employees from different departments have conflicting priorities or approaches?
The ability to manage team dynamics, foster collaboration and negotiate competing needs is imperative for success at Madison Square Garden. This question tests your leadership abilities, conflict resolution skills and emotional intelligence.
How to answer: Discuss strategies for building alignment and unity across multi-disciplinary teams. Share examples of bringing together disparate groups to achieve common goals. Outline your approach to understanding diverse perspectives, finding consensus and making collaborative decisions focused on shared objectives.
Example: “Encouraging open communication is key to aligning teams with conflicting priorities. I would arrange joint meetings where each side can discuss their needs and find common ground. As a leader, I would mediate and help both parties understand how their roles contribute to our collective goals. Compromise and creativity are crucial – are there ways we can integrate both approaches? Can we allocate resources differently to accommodate both needs? I strive to facilitate team cohesion while also coaching teammates on constructive conflict resolution.”
5. Tell us about a time you provided excellent customer service. What was the situation and how did you handle it?
The ability to create exceptional guest experiences is central to Madison Square Garden’s brand. This behavioral question evaluates your commitment to service excellence and discretion when dealing with VIP guests. It also tests your problem-solving skills and grace under pressure.
How to answer: Describe a specific instance where you went above and beyond expectations to create a positive customer experience. Keep it relevant to the hospitality, sports or entertainment industries if possible. Discuss the context, actions you took and the result. Share what you learned from that experience.
Example: “While working as an usher for major concerts, I noticed an elderly couple was having trouble finding their seats due to the confusing layout. Instead of just pointing them in the general direction, I personally escorted them all the way to their section, moving barriers and illuminating the path with my flashlight. They were so grateful that they even wrote my manager praising my service. This taught me that it’s the smallest gestures that can truly make someone’s day special.”
6. How would you promote teamwork in your department?
The ability to foster collaboration, unity and engagement among your team is essential for any leadership role at Madison Square Garden. This reveals your people management skills and exemplifies the company’s “One Team” value.
How to answer: Share tactics you have successfully used to build team morale, improve communication and create a collaborative environment. Describe your inclusive leadership style and commitment to supporting teammates. Give examples of recognizing achievements and facilitating information sharing across departments.
Example: “I promote teamwork by establishing open channels of communication. Weekly team meetings allow us to bond, solve challenges collectively and recognize peer contributions. I nurture personal connections through team lunches, happy hours and celebrating birthdays. Professionally, I encourage collaboration by assigning cross-functional projects, having different departments host meetings and sharing wins across the organization. My goal is to break down silos and enable the free flow of ideas, feedback and support across all teams.”
7. How would you handle a colleague who is not pulling their weight on an important team project?
This behavioral question tests your conflict management skills, professionalism, discretion and ability to motivate underperforming colleagues. All essential qualities for team leadership roles.
How to answer: Demonstrate sensitivity and tact. Discuss privately understanding reasons for the lapse and re-clarifying expectations. Share how you’d motivate them through support, advice and encouragement. If poor performance continues, describe collaborating with your manager on constructive action like training or reassignment. Focus on the resolution, not calling out the person.
Example: “First, I would speak to them privately to understand if there are any challenges preventing them from completing their tasks. I would reiterate the importance of their contributions to help motivate them. If lack of skills is the issue, I would offer training or resources. As a last resort, I would collaborate confidentially with leadership to determine if reassigning responsibilities could set them up for success. My goal is to address the problem professionally, not publicly call them out, and take a collaborative approach.”
8. How do you stay up-to-date on food and beverage trends?
Madison Square Garden prides itself on delivering innovative dining experiences to guests. For hospitality roles, knowledge of the latest F&B trends is key. This question reveals your passion, strategic thinking and ability to enhance MSG’s menus and offerings.
How to answer: Demonstrate curiosity and zeal for staying on top of food and beverage developments. Discuss channels like industry publications, associations, food festivals, social media and local dining experiences. Share examples of trends you’re excited about and how you would incorporate them at MSG.
Example: “I stay current on food and beverage trends through my subscriptions to F&B industry newsletters, following thought leaders on social media, and dining at restaurants running pop-ups or new concepts. For example, I’m seeing increased interest in sustainable practices like nose-to-tail butchery, functional foods and upcycled ingredients. If selected, I would love to pilot some of these elements through specials, tap takeovers or collaborations to continue exceeding guest expectations and supporting MSG’s innovation.”
9. Tell us about your experience driving new
Photos : Madison Square Garden
Elvis Presley : Madison Square Garden : June 10, 1972 : Evening Show : 2:30pm : Ticket.
