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TOPT Turns To Elvis Impersonator

January 20, 2005 | Other
Top of the Pops has turned to the star of Elvis Presley musical Jailhouse Rock after the late rock legend scooped the UK's 1,000th number one single.
Mario Kombou, who plays the Presley role on stage, will sing One Night on Friday's BBC One show as producers are unable to use Presley video footage.

It is his second number one in a row. The show used Presley photos last week. Presley will feature in the charts for several more months as all 18 of his original UK chart-toppers are reissued.

Tribute

A Top of the Pops spokesperson said: "It's a very special number one as it's the UK's 1,000th. "We wanted to pay tribute to Elvis in the best way we knew how, so we thought getting a professional would be the best way for Top of the Pops to do that."

Kombou is likely to appear on the show again next week as the next Presley re-release, A Fool Such As I, is on course to give him his third number one in three weeks. Kombou plays Vince Everett in Jailhouse Rock - the same role Presley played in the 1957 film of the same name.
Source:BBC
Lex wrote on January 20, 2005
It couldn't get worse... I thought... I'd rather have no attention for it at all :-(
Crawfish wrote on January 20, 2005
Whilst Mario done a fine job, it is an insult to Elvis fans everywhere that we can't see him tomorrow night. EPE sort it out please and quick!
2001 wrote on January 20, 2005
This is a slap in the face.
data wrote on January 20, 2005
The ultimate drop in the bucket. You see Harmston, is this what you wanted.Because that is what you gonna get thanks to EPE. Thanks but no thanks.
harmston wrote on January 20, 2005
It's not what I wanted at all. I've never ever said I didn't want film/video footage shown - only that EPE is not in the wrong as most peole seem to think. Of course, I want a proper video and not some impersonator -all of whom I detest as much as I love Elvis. Of course, this is not the time TOTP has used an impersonator, they did so for ALLC, albeit, that was mainly in outline. I think this is a disgraceful decision and BMG must do everything possible to prevent it. If BMG had secured the rights originally, there would be no issue whatsoever.
pacer1965 wrote on January 20, 2005
Here I am celebrating that the king is the 1000th number one and i get told that Top of the pops are going to show an impersonater. What an insult this is to the king. I think i would rather see a few Elvis photos for 10 seconds again.They did not have an impersonater when ALLC was no 1 on Top of the pops harmston it was a clip from TTWII because i have it on video. And i think this is what the arguments about because the bbc showed it twice !
al shookup wrote on January 20, 2005
This is like 'amateur night at the Roxy' instead of one of the major TV corporations in the world and the greatest musical icon of the 20th Century and possibly the 21st. Stop behaving like numbskills you lot at EPE and BBC and think about pleasing the fans for once and not a fast buck.
Crawfish wrote on January 20, 2005
Oh Boy, whatever would Elvis think of this situation! He would feel EPE have severely let the fans down and there is no doubt about it they have; but there is still time. Harmston, there really is no defence for this .. just dollars!
Viva wrote on January 20, 2005
What better way to showcase The 1000th UK no1 and the King's 20th than with a complete twat pretending to be Elvis. It never changes does it? when ever something good happens with an Elvis release, someone, somehow manages to f**k it all up. epe AND bbc - you should be ashamed of yourselves. Yet another golden opportunity completely wasted, it could have been so good, but no, you had to act like the spoilt little brats that you are. Yet again, the only reference to Elvis the younger record buying public will see is an impersonator. Mr Sillerman should sack the lot of you.
CEP wrote on January 20, 2005
Hey 3 number ones in a row, incredible groundbreaking stuff - how come I'm angry, depressed and embarrassed.Hey EPE I run my own business, can I run yours - could n't have done anyworse in this case. I was going to go to Graceland for the first time this March but I really don't want to now. And I never thought that I would say that.On the CEBEEBIES channel every Sunday night they run down the charts with videos - for One Night they showed an Elvis impersonator at the BBC playing soccer - it was cringworthy !!
RobIreland wrote on January 20, 2005
If its not Elvis its not worth it! I wonder will U2 have a stand in impersonater for them when they top the charts. Well we can say goodbye to Elvis' new found credability, this whole singles project has turned out to be a complete nightmare! I wanna wake up.
leannrimesfreak wrote on January 20, 2005
Nothing like a knife in the back!
Crawfish wrote on January 20, 2005
We have 12 hours to really go for the hard push and just pray that folks at EPE and at BBC wake up. It is absolutely sickening after all that Elvis has given the world they are letting him down in the biggest way; not to mention the total disregard to Elvis fans. But let's all pull together and fire off the e-mails to EPE, BBC and also LMP. We can't moan if we haven't all tried our damndest. Let's go guys and show the muscle of Elvis fans and how much we love Elvis and how much we are prepared to fight for his rights. It looks like we are all he has left now!
Viva wrote on January 20, 2005
I don't think they have the rights to show the impersonator as the BBC upset his mum in 1964, so I think they'll get an Elvis impersonator impersonator.
RobIreland wrote on January 20, 2005
Is that really you Viva ?? or an impersonator ?
RobIreland wrote on January 20, 2005
In the name of god has anyone tryed to find the email address on that BBc site , well i coulent , anyone know it i have to vent some serious anger before i sponitiously combust !
Jim Semple wrote on January 20, 2005
Go to bbc and scroll right down to the bottom, and on the right hand side, is ''Contact Us''. All the best. Lets bombard them but keep it clean and polite. No point emailing the idiots at EPE.
hot dog wrote on January 20, 2005
I think Tom Parker must still be running things over there. Its all about money honey
Deke Rivers 6 wrote on January 20, 2005
As I haven't seen it yet,I find it hard to criticise,but I would have though the beeb could have got Shakin Stevens to do it he is / was the nearest to Elvis ever ( who ever thought Cliff Richard was, needed glasses,Billy Fury was beter ) Anyway give the guy a chance,and watch tomorrow night. I'm waiting for "A Fool Such As I"/ "I Need Your Love Tonight" to be No1 it's my fav so far.
Ton Bruins wrote on January 20, 2005
I am crying my tears out in a little corner of the room...
Crawfish wrote on January 20, 2005
Deke, please don't get me wrong. Mario SOUNDED similar but the moves were rubbish and many were certainly unseen before and he actually looks nothing like Elvis. He is fine for a London musical show but not to go on Nationwide tv instead of Elvis! No Way!
data wrote on January 20, 2005
i just askt the BBC not to do this. I hope a lot of you do the same. And the thing i realy do'nt need at this moment is an impersonater, i never liked people to impersonate Elvis, most of them give him a bad name.
ryangiggs wrote on January 20, 2005
I have to defend Mario here-its harsh describing him as a complete twat and enjoyed watching him in the musical where he does a bloody good job in keeping our mans memory alive in the west end. I like most of you despise the image of the Elvis impersonator and had a huge reservations when I went to see the show but he was good and didnt try to be too Elvis like if that makes sense. Quite ironic that Jailhouse Rock is not in that show either. I agree this has turned into a bit of a nightmare but dont blame Mario who is after all a fan like us.
RobIreland wrote on January 20, 2005
Ton hahaha I know just what you mean . Deke I take it your young, 13 maybe? Shaking Stevens and Elvis Presley are two completly different creatures. No one should be standing in for the King , if it is'nt that voice and image then its just not Elvis !!
RobIreland wrote on January 20, 2005
They should have me on TOTPS, Im a born natural for this tune!!
shakyelvis wrote on January 20, 2005
What are you guys on? The guy is good enough to play Elvis but is not good enough to perform on live TV?! For god's sake it's better than the rubbish TOTP put on last week. Thank heaven someone at the BBC took some kind of initiative. As a fan of Shaky and PJ PRoby as well as of Elvis The Musical I would like to have seen one of these established stars perform as the KING. But come on, the guy's popular in the West End (Jailhouse Rock has just been given a six month extension). We should get behind him and support him all the way.
shakyelvis wrote on January 20, 2005
I haven't seen Jailhouse Rock, so I reserve judgement on Mario. But unlike most of you who complain about being stabbed in the back, I will not stab Mario in the back. P.S Shaky is probably the CLOSEST Britain has had to its own 50s Elvis (just check out his amazing and record breaking 13 year run of hit singles).
Yellowcaddy wrote on January 20, 2005
I agree, I am fedup with this country,anything to do with Elvis they always muck it up.He's made history by becoming the 1,000th No.1 but there's not much in the news, and what an insult to use an impersonator on tv.how ever good or not he is.I've written to EPE but cannot find how to get an e-mail to the BBC.Such a wasted opportunity to show what Elvis was really like. Flamingstar.
Garydt wrote on January 20, 2005
I've emailed this to EPE: Sir/madam: I and the UK fans are utterly dissapointed and disgusted at your refusal to allow BBC's Top of the Pops any footage of Elvis for his second consectative number 1, One Night. Instead they are using an impersonator! Kids, who could be future Elvis fans, are going to see an impersonator instead of the world's greatest entertainer. Half of the UK could have seen Elvis singing the hell out of One Night on the Comeback Special and be blown away but instead they will see yet another impersonator and kids will probably think that this is Elvis and will then think Elvis is a joke! All because, to my understanding, the BBC owe you money because they showed footaage outside the original contract. It is pathetic and an insult to the memory of Elvis, he would be turning in his grave! Elvis akways gave his fans what they wanted and should you.
Jim Semple wrote on January 20, 2005
Very well said Gary. I look forward to the typical EPE ''it's not our fault'' response. I'm preying for a miracle that EPE contact the BBC and give the green light for tomorrow. The clock is ticking tho.
Archie wrote on January 20, 2005
To Deke Rivers and shakyElvis, it's not about Mario but it's about Elvis!!
Mal wrote on January 21, 2005
Yellowcaddy you can contact the bbc by going to there website and at the bottom right hand corner on the main page is a tab with contact us, were you can e-mail them. Which I've done to both the bbc and epe to tell them how digusted I am with this situation.
Sean Ryan wrote on January 21, 2005
I,ve put this in a previous post on Elvis.news but feel its an important one. When TOTP is shown ,straight after is the highest ratings programme in the UK Eastenders(around 15milion viewers) so just think, all those viewers who switch over or are getting ready to watch Eastenders had a great chance to see some fantastic Elvis footage from the 68 special just before Eastenders starts.How many could have turned into fans? But now all they are gonna see is an impersonator so now, how many are gonna be turned off of Elvis .This is gonna do damage to Elvis, no doubt.I mean the public think that Elvis fans like that sort of thing.I get it all the time.Well done EPE.
Elvos wrote on January 21, 2005
A da rfr I'm speachless. It's getting worst by the day. I could cry right now. I won't, but I could .. The baddest thing to do , THEY DO!!
Crawfish wrote on January 21, 2005
To Shakyelvis, I, for one, certainly do not mean to sound like am stabbing Mario in the back, I am not. But I simply say, I have seen Jailhouse Rock twice (once through my own choice and the second time tickets were bought for birthday gift) and I was not looking forward to a repeat. Not because Mario doesn't do a good job but I am quite simply (and this is my own opinion) not into Elvis impersonators whoever and wherever. But as has been said this is not about Mario it is about Elvis and it is Elvis who we should see tomorrow as I too have said in e-mails to BBC, EPE and LMP (for what that's worth). It should be Elvis Aaron Presley or nobody!
William S. Burroughs wrote on January 21, 2005
hahahahahahahahahah (nervous laugh) Well I guess this I almost the F"#$%ing end for the artistic credability among new generations. But I guess this is the best to keep on well all of Elvis interests & business isn´t it Mr Harmstrong? I mean they are throwing right down to the toilet the gold mine, just to save the rotten goods. Not very clever.
pacer1965 wrote on January 21, 2005
I know the bbc wont take a blind bit of notice of me but i have sent them an email asking them please dont show an Elvis impersonator on top of the pops because it will be an insult to all the kings fans.If they cant get permission to show Elvis I would rather they showed nothing at all !
RobIreland wrote on January 21, 2005
Never did we realize that Elvis getting back to number one would be such a nightmare, please please I wanna wake up!!
pacer1965 wrote on January 21, 2005
Oh my god Rob you are so right. First we cant get the singles and now we have got to put up with a Elvis impersonator on totp. This is one big nightmare alright. Whens it gonna end....please let it be soon cause i cant take much more of this. There be coming to take me away in a straight jacket soon !
Jefffirmin wrote on January 21, 2005
What can I add to all that has been said here already - not a lot. This whole thing is a travesty to the legend of Elvis. I've lost all interest in supporting EPE in the future. As for my limited edition single collection that I was looking forward to completing, I've lost interest and given it to a fellow fan who hadn't got hold of anything so far. I wished him good luck - he'll need it. An impersonator just puts the icing on the cake of this whole farce! I hope no-one's going to add the candles, balloons and streamers, I can't take any more!! PS. What have the other chart shows been showing?
get real wrote on January 21, 2005
this is the WORST Elvis news i have heard for years. This should single handedly set Elvis' image back 20 years. EPE sucks.
Elvis girl wrote on January 21, 2005
I agree with everyone else. we don't want an impersonator, we want Elvis footage shown, as someone else has just said, we can't get hold of these singles now we don't get EP on Top of the pops either. i am mortified!
William S. Burroughs wrote on January 21, 2005
What a load of shit! better if they just don´t show anything, I mean, Im 24 years old, Im an Elvis Fan since I was seven, I have almost every C.D. released by RCA/BMG and a few F.T.D. (I would like to have them all to, but you know Im not a rich guy) But you see Im a music fan, before an Elvis Fan, though it is because of Elvis that I learned to appreciate all kinds of music, from classic blues artist as Robert Johnson, to country singers as Cash or Willie Nelson, from Ma Rainey and Billie to Holiday John Coltrane and Miles Davis, from Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Dylan to Radiohead or Björk or... no, not Lisa Marie haha, but I will not insult her as other people. From Elvis to even classical. My love toward music is so big that I rather chose to be blind or to be In a wheel chair than to be deaf. But Im very very in debt with Elvis cause I learned and discover what wonderfull treasure music is at the same time I discover the wonderfull artist Elvis was; I just can´t understand people saying that they only buy Elvis rescords, I respect that, but for me is the other way, Elvis gave me the key to discover what a deep expression art is, and my life is richer because of that. So for me, well I want to puke when its cames about Elvis impersonactors and Britney Spear dressed like Elvis, and Elvis himself in those lousy soundtracks (well not really himself) Im a fan but there is so many Elvis related bulllshit that is not for Elvis benefit. I don´t buy certain Elvis realted products cause I don´t like to see someone that I love treated as a clown. And he was treated like that so many times during his life as an artist. He was so gifted, but there was so much greedy people and those dumb fans who wanted him to do the same thing over and over. I don´t think, with very few exceptions like FTD Jorgensen that people like EPE are doing it right, yes they are doing it right in the business field, but Elvis is being totally burned. I´ll put it in this way, Dylan have two number one hits, but 100 from now he will be remembered with respect, the same with beatles, Elvis? well he is already concieved by people my age as a very bad joke, and just because a bunch of ignorant business yankees and retarded fans who buy everything with the name elvis on it, those are the ways of a country called america wich is so full of shit. Better spend your money by giving it to the Tsunami relief, there are more important things in this life to do instead of playing the game of those thiefs. I guess if Elvis would be alive, rather he´ll be retired than to be used as he was so many times.
patrikw wrote on January 21, 2005
this is just appalling. One Night is one of Elvis' finest vocal performances and to have it parodied by some impersonator is just a criminal act. Can EPE not have some influence here and ban these perfomances also? EPE have a lot to answer for. For the sake of letting the BBC use footage from the 68 tv show for probably 3 minutes showing Elvis in his prime - they are letting an impersonator take over. A valuable opportunity of promoting Elvis is lost here. Instead of that we have to be subjected to the usual drivel of some clown in a wig curling his lip.
emjel wrote on January 21, 2005
Harmston - as you seem to have a handle on the legalities of this situation, what would be a satisfactory remedy. Whilst everyone is sending e-mails to the Beeb, perhaps they should re-iterate that it was their fault in the first place that we are in this mess because they broke an agreement. I am sure Mario will do an excellent job, but it's just not the same as seeing the worlds greatest entertainer on our screen. Unfortuenately, non fans will not understand the impact created by Elvis in watching Mario. I certainly cannot see someone in a few years time saying "I became an Elvis fan because I saw Mario on TOTP".
Kevin K wrote on January 21, 2005
An impersonator. this is just the pits! Why not just have him dance on Elvis' grave while you're at it! Pathetic.
johnlennon wrote on January 21, 2005
An Elvis impersonator on TOTP. That show really is the pits isn't it. One good thing to take from this though (if there is!) is that TOTP is soooo utterly shit that it hardly EVER allows the artists to perform LIVE (such as PROPER bands, not just rubbish boy bands and artists like Britney Spears), so I am assuming it will be Elvis' actual vocals with the impersonator guy miming away. I'd be VERY surprised if it was him doing the vocals. This is a strange decision but don't hold it against this Mario fella. I've nothing aganist Elvis impersonators at all if they do a good job. Elvis got to #1, who cares what a pathetic program like TOTP does? It's a degraded show which lost it's popularity many years ago.
Viva wrote on January 21, 2005
With reference to my first posting, I did not mean to personally attack Mr Kombou, I'm sure he is a very nice guy. I refer to impersonators in general. There is no such thing as a good impersonator, and I'm afaid "the closest thing to Elvis" is simply not good enough. The closest impersonator to Elvis is still a pile of shite. As the vast majority of postings here testify, what should have been heaven for fans and Elvis in general is turning into a nightmare. Do BMG have anything to say on the matter? Is there anything they could do as it is their product as well? Elvis must be in heaven shooting out tv sets left right and center watching this shambles develop.
Jim Semple wrote on January 21, 2005
Whatever the outcome, I'm finished with EPE. End of story. (Not that they will lose any sleep over it).
Johnny G wrote on January 21, 2005
I saw the Jailhouse Rock musical last week and thought Mario was outstanding, but he is clearly not elvis and I agree with most here that using an impersonator, however good, can only hurt what should be a cause of great celebration. I wish Mario well and know its not his fault but I cant help feeling that the only loser in this mess will be Elvis himself. What a great opportunity to get him right in the faces of all the kids out there and it is being wasted. It makes me sad to think Elvis could become an object of ridicule in the eyes of the public
Gabben wrote on January 21, 2005
Elvis, get down here and do something! Your estate don`t understand shit!
Jim Semple wrote on January 21, 2005
It's already been mentioned before but this has nothing to do with Mario, its Elvis or nothing. Christ, do they realise how many hundreds of thousands, probably millions of viewers, therefore potential new young fans they have lost. Elvis 1968 blasting out One Night would have won over his harshest of critics. My brother worked at the BBC for many years, in a senior position, and I can assure you that the BBC are a very honourable organisation, they don't break contracts and are a very fair company to work for and deal with. As for EPE, well they have form for a lot things don't they, namely GREED.
Pedro Nuno wrote on January 21, 2005
EPE = Elvis Poor Elvis!
RobIreland wrote on January 21, 2005
William S. Burroughs i totaly agree with ou. I am a music fan of all types, my fav group bieng The Cure so i can appreciate a wider spectrum of music as well as Elvis. But William there really are a few good songs in the film soundtracks, alot of those have been well underestimated if you ask me. Why is everyone all of a sudden puting Brittney Spears down?? Have you sen the Toxic video , wow!!
RobIreland wrote on January 21, 2005
Iv just been thinking ( anyone smell the burning?). This performance on TOTPs is not just for tonight. In future shows where they look back to TOTPs performances the 1000th single will always ALWAYS have this Mario guy doin his bit and not Elvis! Has anyone got this guys phone number , if so call him and tell him to stay at home tonight, although its probably already recorded, someone pull the plug on the BBC building!!
pacer1965 wrote on January 21, 2005
I thought EPE were suppose to be taking care of Elvis' image.After Totp show an impersonator it will be ruined here in the uk for good.EPE and Elvis will be the laughing stock of the uk. And i have not seen Elvis at all on any of the music channels.He was not on cd:uk which is on Itv. This is nothing to do with a dispute.The simple fact is EPE charge to much money to show footage of Elvis.Who is going to pay all that money for someone who is no longer alive ? EPE you have just wasted a great moment to show all the youngsters in the uk how great Elvis is. There is more young kids watch Totp then older people. So can anyone tell me why none of the uk channels are showing Elvis ? I know its $$$$$$ must be funny in EPEs world
RobIreland wrote on January 21, 2005
Why should the TV companies pay all that money. EPE should get Elvis of that pedastal, ok he was / is fantastic but hes only a performer/singer he isnt god! If he was treated like the rest of the greats such as Jimy Hendrix etc who has multitudes of respect from everyone and not always put up there on a "high horse" in such an arogent way maybe non elvis fans and the younger generation could relate to him better. No one is really interested in anyone whos untouchable anymore and thats how EPE are displaying elvis. I like all kinds of music Elvis was brilliant but not always the best just different , who says he has to be the best anyway. Respect is what is called for here !Respect for the talent that the man had.
Viva wrote on January 21, 2005
Just sent the following e-mail to Top Of The Pops: "I understand that you will be having an Elvis impersonator on tonights show. I feel very strongly that this is a bad decision and will confirm the myth in younger eyes that Elvis is a bit of a joke. Elvis Presley Enterprises have publicly stated that the BBC was in breech of contract in 2002 and as the matter was never resolved they, quite pretentiously i feel, will not allow the beeb to show any further clips. Surely something can be done to resolve this issue. While it is too late for tonights show, the majority of fans will be quite offended that the UKs 1000th number one, and Elvis' 20th will be showcased in such a amateur fashion. Impersonators are a joke and an embarrassment to Elvis' legacy & his supporters. Please try to do something different for next weeks show as it looks like he will be No1 again. Do the BBC accept liability on the breech of contract allegation from EPE, or is there more to it than that? Elvis fans are absolutely furious that the real thing can't be shown on tv. Elvis singing "One Night" from the '68 comeback show is awe inspiring. Watching an impersonator miming to it is nothing short of criminal. Perhaps you guys think that in the grand scheme of things this issue does not warrant the time it would take to resolve it. If this is the case, please consider that this is an important moment in chart history, and an astounding acheivement by Elvis, regardless of the current singles market. Thank you for your time." Can't quite bring myself to contact EPE. I need to calm down a bit first.
Garydt wrote on January 21, 2005
Return to Sender - ACT NOW! OK, we are all p***ed off with TOTP having an impersonator but let's do something positive. The next few Elvis singles after AFSAI probably won't reach No.1 due to the charity singles. So let's concentrate on getting Return to Sender to the top. I say this because, apart from it being a catchy tune, Tops of the Pops can use the clip from GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS as EPE doesn't own the film. So we should start contacting Paramount, or MGM/UA (whoever owns the film), write to them now and ask them to give the BBC permission to use the return to sender clip. That way, when RTS gets to no.1 the REAL Elvis will be people's screens! And it might send a message to EPE! Great email, Viva! Instead of moaning, we must act!
RobIreland wrote on January 21, 2005
Garydt I agree with you , that is very positive action indeed. We ca do nothing but cringe about tonights fiasco so The Return to Sender idea is an excellant one. I really would like to see Devil in Disguise get to number one though but I know, no footage.
jean michel wrote on January 21, 2005
Could anyone in the States call Lisa Marie & try to convince her . I guess she is the only one who could save the day and prove she still has some power at EPE at the same time !
johnlennon wrote on January 21, 2005
Everyone's upset and annoyed and moaning, yet I bet 99% of you all tune into TOTP tonight. I'm only watching it to see the Manic Street Preachers, I might keep it on for the Elvis part though but probably switch it off half way through :)
King Of Western Bop wrote on January 21, 2005
Yes Johnlennon, your'e right. I will be tuning in to TOTP tonight, but I'll bypass the rest of the dross just to LISTEN to the Elvis track.
MauriceColgan wrote on January 21, 2005
News. Using an Elvis Impersonator is disgraceful. Elvis Presley secured the 1,000th number one with his classic recording of "One Night". An historic achievement. Failing Elvis video or film. A selection of Photos of Elvis would suit me fine - even public domain newsreel circa 1959. United we stand.. Make your feelings known to the BBC Just think, the impersonator may be doing, "A Fool Such as I" Too, next week! Meanwhile, the amazing amount of worldwide publicity generated by these singles is nothing short of astounding. Sony/BMG take note millions of youngsters are witnessing the success. Elvis is Back!
Aarons wrote on January 21, 2005
Warning: Mr Sillerman is going to destroy Elvis's image.
Crawfish wrote on January 21, 2005
Oh Elvis, we sure need your help tonight; any chance of popping in and banging the heads together at EPE? This whole mess is an absolute joke. It is an insult to the fans but most importantly it is a total snub to Elvis and the wonderful legacy he left behind. My God there would be some job vacanies at EPE if Elvis hadn't left us. Common sense no longer applies unless it begins and ends with a $ sign.
roytcbintheuk wrote on January 21, 2005
All epe are interested in is making money its like the old days when the colonel was in charge. Epe are not bothered about the fans or his legacy unless their is a price attached to it i think as a business point of view epe have missed out on a excellent marketing opportunity.
Justtcb wrote on January 21, 2005
mario is on as i type and i'm about to put my head in the gas oven!!
RobIreland wrote on January 21, 2005
He could have been worse but im numb , its all just so sad . Oh what could have been!! Elvis Presley Estate I Hate You!!
Aarons wrote on January 21, 2005
I've just seen TOTP and the Elvis impersinator weren't that bad. He didn't do what most of them would've done.
pacer1965 wrote on January 21, 2005
Oh my god it was terrible. I had to switch over totp before One Night was over. Did anybody stomach all of it ?
Jim Semple wrote on January 21, 2005
No criticism of the guy Mario but the whole thing is dreadful.
data wrote on January 21, 2005
The last thing i want to see is an Elvis impersonater so i dit not see TOTP. I have already seen too many and a lot of those impersonaters only help to give Elvis a bad feeling with young people. This is the worst thing EPE could have done by not giving permition to show the real Elvis.
Arnie wrote on January 21, 2005
This was really a sad thing to see. Instead of Elvis all clad in leather singing his heart out in the comeback special Britain had to look at a secon rate impersonator. EPE and BBC should really have worked out something to celebrate the 1.000 #1 with the King of the charts. If it wasn't for Elvis I would quit being a fan right now. I feel really sick about this.
Elvos wrote on January 21, 2005
Rob_Irish youallready said it but it was what I thought. thanks for just copy paste it:-) He could have been worse but im numb, its all just so sad. Oh what could have been!! Elvis Presley Estate I Hate You!!
simontaylor wrote on January 21, 2005
Having been a fan for 37 years this must rank as the saddest moment since the death of Elvis. Words simply fail me.
Viva wrote on January 21, 2005
Well, I watched it from start to finish and it was every bit as bad as I thought it would be. Completely and utterly EMBARRASING. The guy singing? sounded like every other pissed up guy at a karaoke as far as I'm concerned. There is nothing positive to be gleaned from this whole sorry episode. The band sounded empty, and the singer sang an Elvis song which only Elvis could do justice to. I am still in a state of shock, once again Elvis is a joke. EPE where are you? hang your heads in shame, how dare you claim to protect Elvis' image when you are quite prepared to have one of his greatest achievements portrayed on tv in this degrading fashion. And the final insult? at the end they scolled across the screen "No1 - One Night, cast of Jailhouse Rock" - no mention of Elvis!! I'm off to stick needles in dolls of EPE management. And before anyone says "If it was that bad, why did you watch it?" You can't criticise what you haven't seen. I've seen it, and I can confidently claim that I would have had more pleasure in attaching my testicles to a pair of charging elephants.
Justtcb wrote on January 21, 2005
I know I'll probably get slated for this comment but I'm seriously thinking if I want to see Elvis hit number one again, not cos I love him less just fear of the cringing embarassement of the what TOTP will wheel out for next weeks show!
Andy, GM1TBW wrote on January 21, 2005
Just when you think it couldn't get any worse. Remember, at Christmas time, TOTP play all the past year's number ones. Could it mean we'd have to put up with 18 Elvis impersonators on stage doing their 'thing'? NO!NO!NO! The situation is bad enough as it is. You only have another 16 weeks to get this sorry mess sorted out before it gets any worse.
Digger wrote on January 21, 2005
EPE is out of control I think! Who is responsible for that mess? The OLD management or the NEW one? But these people there at EPE would just wake up, if the fans would stop visiting Graceland for a while. Maybe then they would realize what they have done and maybe after that, they would handle the fans with care and respect. Without fans, they would not earn a penny!
dailyone wrote on January 22, 2005
come on come on give the kid a break . just for a few seconds he has put a foot into elvis shoes . we can smile as we can see why elvis was so good . but give him a break
RobIreland wrote on January 22, 2005
eagleone once again you dont know what your talking about, why are you on this site anyway ? For the people who can really appreciate Elvis "Top of the pops" Saturday morning has just ended and represented Elvis with an animated pupet based on a terrible impersonetor swinging his arm dressed in white suit , large hair and over sized sunglasses. No performance of the number one. This is the pits.
I am Buffalo-Horn! wrote on January 22, 2005
Well, looking on the bright side, regarding TOTP, Elvis has set another record. The first Number one song to be performed AND sung by another "artist"!
Ton Bruins wrote on January 22, 2005
Another big mistake by the EPE. They should have shown the One Night version from That's The Way It Is-SE or from the '68 comeback.
RobIreland wrote on January 23, 2005
For the next number one they should have that guy that works in the chicken factory from X factor surrounded by muppets and fraggils (Fraggil Rock), that should just about do the job!!