Besides fans ripping off other fans with their useless bootleg releases – and I do mean the real useless ones, the news reached a new high in blackness with an EPE press release about Elvis imposters yesterday.
I am not an EPE fan, and in reality I will never turn my back to Elvis’ music (as I stated in a first reaction to the news). Speaking out I am an Elvis fan is something different though. Until now I am used by the regular remarks like “how many jumpsuits do you have”, “where is your Elvis-wig” and other semi comic outings. At the moment I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed hoping that this press release will not leak in our national press. Otherwise I will have to fight the battle I fought for so long in the 1970s and 1980s again. I really hoped that would not be necessary anymore.
Ernst and Co. did a lot of good in the 1990s with releases like “The King Of Rock’n’Roll”, “Elvis56”, the other master box sets and so on. EPE/ BMG did it with the DVD (set)s for Aloha and the Comeback special. Even the remixes that I dislike from the bottom of my heart did it… Finally Elvis got wide recognition for his qualities and his music became more important than his looks (being it positive or negative).
Now that EPE is putting the spotlight on those morons that think that wearing a jumpsuit and wig makes you a good singer… my God, how low can you go? Not so long ago EPE positively surprised me with the news they were trying to fight those idiots, in an attempt to save the trademark and now they’ve turned 180 degrees.
There can only be one conclusion. EPE is only working for those stupid (American) female fans that walk their dogs on an Elvis chain, using an Elvis scoop to remove the dirt and wearing their blinking Elvis button while listening of course to their only Elvis cassette “Elvis in Hollywood”, fantasizing of being taken by him or an imposter.
I have said it many times before, and I’ll stick to it: the only good impersonator is a dead impersonator. That is MY opinion.
Black Elvis Week
By Lex, November 17, 2006 | OtherRelated links
PaulFromFrance wrote on
November 17, 2006
Lex... it's hard to agree with a Dutch, but... heck, I wholeheartedly agree anyway. :-) By the way, I walk my wife on an Elvis chain (I don't remove the dirt though). Does that count ?
Lex wrote on
November 17, 2006
Paul, it only counts if you wear your wig (and your wife her buttons).
JerryNodak wrote on
November 17, 2006
Sweet Jesus!! There were Elvis impersonators, Tribute artists, sound-alikes, working for years before Elvis died. It's nothing new. They're not going away. EPE has finally woke up to that fact. The rest of you should as well. I look forward to this event. It'll be fun.
PaulFromFrance wrote on
November 17, 2006
Hey Lex ! What about a contest between dead impersonators ? Could be fun.
stanton wrote on
November 17, 2006
I am 100% with Lex`s opinion: only a dead impersonator is a good impersonator. Great that there are some more folks out there that share this opinion with me; me, on my side, I am female, too, but I cannot and I won´t ever understand how female "so called" Elvis Fans by heart and soul can through themselves into these silly and unsophisticated performances of most impersonators and act as if it was Elvis himself out on stage. Some of them give out scarves and the girls take them as if it was one of Elvis`....others almost faint or creep for a kiss. Why do they consider themselves Elvis Fans? I think that`s those that neither love Elvis nor his music, but the idea of what it was like to be "all shook up" in a bedroom or elsewhere horizontal. A disgrace that EPE wants to back that up and support it. The image Elvis wanted to avoid and make himself a serious and respected artist. They shadder that by feeding the Immys and their unqualified performances instead of working on HIS dream and let his musical art continue growing into seriously respected history.
see see rider wrote on
November 17, 2006
I myself am not a fan of impersonators..yes I know they've been around long before Elvis died but it's not just Elvis impersonators I dislike, it's impersonators of any kind. These people seem to forget sometimes that they are just impersonating, that they are not that person..and when there act is done & over with, they still persist on being who there impersonating. I seen an Elvis impersonator in my home town one time, and after his show was over with, he still thought he WAS Elvis..doing all the hand gestures and just his whole movement (body language)..I couldn't do nothing but stand there and laugh..my wife and I thought it was ridiculous. And you're right about the female gender at these shows and the way they throw themselves onto the stage and fighting over scarves etc, whether their fans or not who knows, but like Stanton said, they love the idea of being "All shook Up" in the Bedroom or wherever in a horizontal position with Elvis even though it's not Elvis, and in that regards..there was and will only ever be just one.
Dan The Man wrote on
November 18, 2006
I see lex's point, some are very embarrasing, but why kill 'em all, there are some around who are quite good. I think Elvis impersonators are one of the reasons he's still known (good or bad) I've travelled some and there's Elvis tribute shows quite a few places. They even play with Elvis' old musicians. Elvis impersonators have been around since the break of dawn and they will cuntinue to do so. I understand EPE's move to join this part of fandom as in they can set a higher standard among impersonators. I find 'em good if they know they are'nt Elvis when they leave the stage. Call me naive, but I believe and hope that they will set high standards towards who will be in this contest.
JerryNodak wrote on
November 18, 2006
In the context in which I used the phrase it's meant in exasperation/frustration. It's very commonly used in this way in the U.S. (at least where I live). No religious conotation is implied. Sorry, if I offended anyone. That wasn't my intention.
Jimmy Boy wrote on
November 18, 2006
I have to agree with Lex. I find them ALL a total and utter embarassment. The majority of these so called 'Tribute Artists' (a tribute to what? a piss-poor impersonation!!??) continue to do far more harm than good.
Tigerman-GB wrote on
November 18, 2006
It's a shame we can't take them all down to Beachy Head (a high cliff on the south coast of England) & give them a Flying lesson without the bennefit of wings or a parachute.
Helbrown wrote on
November 19, 2006
My boyfriend George and I are heartbroken. This January will be my 31st time to Memphis, but if we hadn't booked non refundable plane tickets for EW07 we would not be going next August. I always admired EPE (at which I have quite a few friends) for keeping out of the circus and having some integrity but I'm afraid the New Regime has different ideas. Can you imagine what the media is going to be like next year? I have never been ashamed of Elvis. I AM seriously ashamed of and angry with those fans who dress up to perform as ETAs, or those who encourage them. Not in my name....
Dixieland Rock wrote on
November 19, 2006
Why can't people just be themselves instead of trying to pretend to be someone they are not?
jeremytcb wrote on
November 19, 2006
Another opinion...the fact is that the best of these guys introduce Elvis to many new people that then go out and buy Elvis CDs, etc. Sometimes a live event with an excited crowd full of other fans is just the ticket to get someone else excited, especially a kid who had never really given Elvis much thought.
Lex wrote on
November 19, 2006
If they need an imposter to get "into" Elvis they are brainless anyway... Are we waiting for fans like that? No, there are already too many of those "fans"... that's why we're settled up with those morons in jumpsuits.
johnwaynefan wrote on
November 19, 2006
Am I the only person who sees attacks against so called 'stupid, female, American fans' deeply offensive? This is misogyny and bigotry wrapped into one. What the hell is wrong with you? As for impersonators, I don't care to watch them, but what's the harm in people getting together and having some fun?
Lex wrote on
November 19, 2006
No it's a pleonasme. For that type of Elvis fans that support imposters: using more words than necessary.
jeremytcb wrote on
November 20, 2006
An opinion piece from a person who likes to see things in black and white usually isn't very interesting. All ETA's are terrible and should be shot, all of Elvis' 1977 shows are terrible and should not see the light of day, and other enlightening things from Lex.
PaulFromFrance wrote on
November 20, 2006
This is the concept itself (ETA) that is terrible. And yes, it's mainly targeted to sexually-frustrated-middle-aged-women. I saw some of these morons in Memphis some years ago, and they were watched by these women who were sometimes with their embarassed children. The whole stuff was disturbing to say the least. And devastating for Elvis legacy. As a result, noone takes his work seriously anymore.
Narek wrote on
November 20, 2006
I completely disagree with lll those statements about ETA's. There are very talented performers among them. Harry Shahoyan, Trent Carlini, Doug Church and others. Some have the looks, some have the voice. Now this is a show. Why would you call them imposters? Did any one of them claim they are Elvis Presley? NO. Than be careful with statements and the word IMPOSTER. Talk to these people. You will never find anyone among them who think he is 1% as good as Elvis was. They all respect and admire the man. They are actors who play the role of Elvis. This is nothing BUT ENTERTAINMENT. Why are some people reluctant to understand this? No one thinks he's the second Elvis, no one thinks he's better than Elvis, no-one thinks he or his show can replace Elvis. I'm using the word no-one cos I met many impersonators. I worked in night clubs myself as an ETA. My only aim was to have people listen to these songs. Trust me I did not make a fortune with that. Hardly any of those who call Elvis 70's show junk respect and love Elvis half as much as me. I never wore wigs, God gave nice black hair, and as for jumpsuits well what's wrong with jumpsuits? I have a replca of the Chain suit. I was an ETA, I may still give concerts occasionally and I'm PROUD of that. I helped more people to discover Elvis Presley than anyone sitting in his armchair and thinking he's the #1 superfan of Elvisworld.
MauriceColgan wrote on
November 20, 2006
C'mon guys a little compassion please, the Elvis impersonators cant' perform past 42 :-) I cannot believe there are Elvis fans so insecure that they would believe Elvis and his music could be eclipsed by far less talented mortals.
Steve V wrote on
November 20, 2006
Some of the worst people portraying Elvis were done in the so called tribute movies, Don Johnson for one comes to mind. Johnny Harra as the fat Elvis in This Is Elvis and that dude who played Elvis last year on TV. Those were more harmful because those films were seen by millions of people and they were awful. Thank goodness they didnt sing.
Stan27 wrote on
November 20, 2006
What we're talking about? Listen to Elvis singing "Walk A Mile In My Shoes"... a song with a message for everyone. C'mon and live your life with fun! If you don't like something, don't watch it or don't listen to it. But be respectfull to other people! It's very easy to critisize EPE but it's almost 2007, 30 years after Elvis passing and he's still selling millions. You can agree and disagree with EPE, but they have a job to do for all Elvis fans all over the world, not just for one person.
GeeBee wrote on
November 20, 2006
"EPE is only working for those stupid (American) female fans that walk their dogs on an Elvis chain, using an Elvis scoop to remove the dirt and wearing their blinking Elvis button while listening of course to their only Elvis cassette “Elvis in Hollywood”, fantasizing of being taken by him or an imposter." OH? And EPE is not working for the stupid International) MALE impersonators who dare to fantazie that they ARE Elvis? Oh please...
gbalaban wrote on
November 21, 2006
we can't do anything about it, but like another said they hope EPE will set a higher standard. Oh ya, I just received my new Elvis Catalog and in it is "Elvis as a DUCK" I think we are in trouble :}
Narek wrote on
November 21, 2006
Did it come from "Renan Augusto English Dictionary of Random Synonims"? Impersonator is the same thing as actor. Only plays one role. If you think actors are also ridiculous than the topic is exhausted.
Lex wrote on
November 21, 2006
GeeBee... you're right... but those imposters are available for the same ladies... it's a vicious circle (Like "In The Ghetto", a song Elvis once recorded). Over here in Europe they are only used for what their purpose is... ridiculing Elvis at bachelor parties and such. The real tributes over here are done by quality singers that don't need sideburns, jumpsuits and a fat body.
Renan Augusto wrote on
November 22, 2006
I guess Armenian Elvis is an impersonator. Do you have those 70´s jumpsuit and sing Tutti Frutti and Kiss Me Quick? And do you sing as if you had hot potatoes in your mouth?
Lefty wrote on
November 22, 2006
I'm always amazed by the anti-American sentiments that are punctuated by European Elvis fans. How do they separate their admiration for Elvis' music from his overt patriotism, faith in God, and his gaudy Southern lifestyle? Let's be honest, Elvis himself would walk his own dog on a diamond studded leash. I guess the only fault Elvis Presley really ever had is that he was born, raised, and died an American.
Narek wrote on
November 23, 2006
What's the point of having this discussion anyway? Tried to express a different opinion here, but I guess it's impossible. Too many capital letters. Sorry for trying to express alternative opinions, the main opinion is gonna be shut down people throats anyway. What's the point of having this discussion an
Narek wrote on
November 23, 2006
Dear Renan, I do have a replica of 1970 chain suit, which was mentioned earlier. And why do yo expect me to sing as if I have potatoes in my mouth? A have baritone instead. Is that your perception of Elvis impersonators? I entioned a few names below, please care to visit their websites and listen.
Lonesome_Cowboy wrote on
November 24, 2006
Not all Elvis acts wear jumpsuits, some concentrate on the early music –pre-army. Lots do sing very well and some don’t try to impersonate, rather they attempt the feeling of an Elvis concert. Lots of money is raised for charity by many of the ETA’s and hundreds or thousands of people every year enjoy themselves at these shows. I think the problem is that some Elvis fans go along expecting the show to be exactly like an Elvis show, lights, 10 or more backing vocalists, large professional band, orchestra – oh! And Elvis himselvis! Take the blinkers off go along with an open mind and enjoy yourself, sing along, close your eyes, and as Elvis once sang Relax, Just Pretend. :)
Helbrown wrote on
December 02, 2006
Oh no, not the charity argument....(yawn). Aren' t there other ways to raise money? Such as a sponsored silence...! If I want to be taken back to the days of Elvis, I'll play a DVD. "Armenian Elvis", if you are such a great baritone, why don't you sing your own songs and not somebody else's? All these different races of Elvis make me ill...I've seen Chinese Elvis, Indian Elvis, Mexican Elvis, Female Elvis among others. Elvis was an American male for a starter. Some people can't even manage to get that part right.
Ruthie wrote on
November 05, 2007
Dear Lex,
Regardless of your opinion of most Elvis fans, EPE certainly isn't working for us. Far from it. EPE used to be about the fans & used to be about protecting & respecting Elvis & his music. Those days are long gone since selling out to CXX. That company calls the shots now, not EPE. Profit is not a dirty word & EPE needs to make one to stay in business (and yes, fans, it is a business) but not to the extent they have gone. 180 degree turn! You are right there! Take it from us with the flashing Elvis pins on our fur Elvis vests or those of us wearing our TCB jackets while out walking our doggies, we are not important anymore. We are not encouraging all those things you detest. We are trying very hard to discourage the tackiness but the fans are no longer listened to. We are the peons & the wackos. We used to be the backbone of EPE. All the Board of Directors want now is our hard earned dollars. Many of us are on a mission to make sure they don't get it!
pete1954 wrote on
June 06, 2010
yes i totaly agree with you there is only one elvis so all elvis fans should support his name and works.