The King is Dead. Long Live the King!

He's been nearly 30 years in the ground but London is still a little bit in love with Elvis.

When Elvis Presley died in his Memphis mansion in August 1977 his fans swore the legend of the King of Rock and Roll would live on.

Thirty years later his spirit, style and songs are still celebrated in London. The novice hip-swiveller can find all things Presley at Elvisly Yours and The Elvis Shop and there are regular nights devoted to the King in the capital's pubs.

Hip-busting flares

One of the strangest ongoing tributes comes from two enthusiasts who turn up at London's many free festivals in Hawaiian shirts, low-slung, hip-busting flares and shades. They dance to the delight and bemusement of the crowds.

They’ve become something of a legend in their own right. Esther Simpson is a member of online photo-sharing community Flickr where a group called The Eastend Elvises is dedicated to tracking down and recording their appearances.

“They first surfaced in my consciousness when they started showing up at my ex-boyfriend’s swing gigs in the Festival Hall foyer three or four years ago. After that they seemed to be everywhere.”


She’s snapped them at Walthamstow Festival, Kew Gardens and on the Southbank but says a quick browse will throw up images of them at almost every free event.

A Multitude of Elvii

Writer and performer Mat Fraser is also a fan of the gyrating pair.

“I’ve often seen the London Elvii, notably at the Disability Arts open air gigs I perform at. They're pretty much always there, side by side, rocking to various beats, in their suits of glorious Elvis tribute, and their happy demeanours”

Mat is best known for his play "Thalidomide!! A Musical" but says he’s become fascinated by the Elvis phenomenon. His new project is “A Multiude Of Elvii” and is set at a Bognor Regis Elvis convention.

He has spent the last year meeting Elvis impersonators and going to festivals like The Porthcawl Elvis Festival in Wales. It boasts that it's the "biggest event of its kind in Europe".

His voice transmitted pure love

He puts the continuing enthusiasm of fans down to people feeling comfortable with what they know.

"Maybe it’s because he is finite, one can have the entire collection, you know where you are, it never changes or presents you with new things you don’t understand."

But Mat also recognises the sheer power of his music and magnetic presence.

"His voice transmitted pure love and he only had to smile to make all drop at his feet."

Media

Photos: Elvii sightings around London. Click here to see.

Sound: Betty Rodondo is an entertainment journalist who's been following the Elvis phenomenon for ten years. Hear why she thinks it's big bucks and great music that keeps the Presley legend alive. Click here to listen.

Movie Clip: See the London Elvii in action.


See this article as it appeared on the LCC website here.