Graceland for sale? Probably not, but every now and then rumours appear. This time it is mentioned in Sid Shaw's latest Elvis cyberalert. The reported asking price of should be US$350 million.
The rationale for selling Graceland and the EPE franchise would be concerns that older fans won't be around much longer and receipts are likely to diminish in future years.With fan numbers much less than anticipated at this years "50th Anniversary of That's All Right/Birth of Rock & Roll" Elvis Week some alarm bells may be ringing. Apart from a potential big 3oth anniversary Elvis Week in 2007 EPE may continue to experience slim pickings at other times.
Graceland For Sale?
August 28, 2004 | Other Source:Elvis Information NetworkCD King wrote on
August 29, 2004
Sid Shaw of Elvisly Yours is a joker. His Number One enemy is EPE. And Sid Shaw & Todd Slaughter are like Alien VS Predator.
TonyP wrote on
August 28, 2004
If Graceland was sold, it would be as a money making venture. The buyer wouldn't be interested in the bricks and mortar, they would be interested in the hundreds of thousands of people that come through the door every year. Whether it remains in current hands or is sold, it will remain open for fans.
CapiTrueno wrote on
August 28, 2004
I don't know in the Elvis Week, but I was there a couple of weeks before and there was a continuous flood of people going into Graceland... all ages, btw.
EspenK wrote on
August 30, 2004
One of the things I like about Elvisnews, is the "free float" of info, rumors and plain gossip. However, in this particular case, Id say its better to leave these kind of rumors alone. Its SO obvious to anyone with the slightest insight in EPE that they would not sell Graceland its a waste of bandwidth to claim anything else.
Crawfish wrote on
August 28, 2004
Numbers seem to be continually rising; and am sure LMP would never sell Graceland - it was Elvis' heart and soul. I am sure we will all still be going there for a good few years yet!
Viva wrote on
August 29, 2004
I was there this year and I did think it was a bit on the quiet side, if you can call 10 - 15 thousand people quiet (my estimate). Graceland for sale? yawn. How many times do silly little rumours like this appear? (remember the Lisa selling Graceland when she inherits it stories?). Lisa and Priscilla are so loaded now they could afford to shut it down and still run it as their own home, so what would be the point? If there are worries about less and less people visiting, then who in their right mind would want to buy it anyway? EPE is a major operation, and I suspect that Graceland itself takes a second place to licencing and product revenue when viewed from a financial standpoint, and is used more as an advertising platform for Elvis product which generates more and more cash every year. Of course, I would like to think that there is also the fact that this is Elvis's home and no one in EPE would want it to be owned by anyone other than those who Elvis wanted it to be owned by.
gribz wrote on
August 29, 2004
That's rediculous. Graceland has had a huge surge over the last 5 years, that shows the people coming are getting younger and younger. Gracelands best years are ahead for sure....I guarentee it..
MV wrote on
August 29, 2004
The fact this story is from Sid Shaw says it all.This is the guy who EPE tried to stop selling his tacky unofficial merchandise from his London shop.Sid Shaws idea for the 50 of rock and roll was to have 50 crappy impersonators dressed in jump suits go round London in an open top bus.The guy really does damage to Elvis' image.Don't take anything he sais seriously.Sid,if you're reading this do us all a favour;put your lead boots on and go for a swim in the Thames.
MV wrote on
August 30, 2004
Actually if you are reading this Sid put your lead boots on and go DROWN in the Thames. You're full of bullshit. My advice to everyone is ignore this charlatan. He's just a moneygrabber. NOT a true fan.
Gracelund wrote on
August 29, 2004
Graceland: Is A national historic land mark '' So it could never be touched in anyway'. Also you have Human Bodies barred on Graceland properties. And think for a moment its been 27 yrs and all is strong and well. what other person is this popular 27 yrs after death ??
answer None . If ELVIS was slowing down than there wouldnt be play about elvis coming out this yr -- All Shook Up and CBS wouldnt be making a new ELVIS movie '
So we all know it will not be sold so why even speculate on what might happen to it if it was And even if it was Sold somehow someway It can not be touched or changed from the way it is now due to all LAW'S ELVIS LIVES FOREVER ''
TCB4JEP wrote on
August 28, 2004
While I don't always agree with what EPE does, I have to say that the Graceland estate, the car museum, and the Lisa Marie airplane are being done right! I was just there right after Tribute Week and was very impressed! My biggest fear in someone else owning and running the operation would be the integrity of Elvis' wishes. I would LOVE to see the upstairs of the house, but I absolutely respect the family's wishes to keep it private and would be very sad if that was ever changed. I also saw fans of ALL AGES paying their respects and highly doubt there will ever be a lack of visitors. so long as the tours stay as reasonably priced as they are now. I think EPE treats Graceland with the respect it deserves and I trust that Lisa will keep it in the family for many years to come.
cockney_bill wrote on
August 28, 2004
I was there for Elvis week, and numbers were up on last year. Not just my observation, but also as reported in the Commercial appeal.
Son Of Mark 64 wrote on
September 04, 2004
If its for sale I will make a bid for it and then the white house and buckingham palace sid get real.