Beguiled by the twin emotions of repulsion and morbid fascination that the rock god Elvis Presley, had his life not been cut short at the age of 42 way back in 1977, would have been 80 on Thursday, the world is preparing to go a little crazy.
Prepare for an eye-popping onslaught of bejewelled white jumpsuits and jet black wigs as tribute concerts, stage shows and memorabilia stalls gear up for the big day. And not just in Memphis. You have been warned.
The Elvis Years, a stage show starring Mario Kombou of the West End musical Jailhouse Rock with a galaxy of other West End actors and musicians, is embarking on an 80-date UK tour which hits the Caird Hall, Dundee, on April 16 and Eden Court, Inverness, on April 17 and 18 (with further Scottish dates anticipated). Billed as the story of 'The King', the show spans his life from the day he walked into the Sun Studios in Memphis as a teenage truck driver, through to the Grand Ole Opry and Louisiana Hayride days, the death of his beloved mother, his time in the army, the Hollywood movie years, the 1968 comeback special and the Las Vegas concerts. There's also authentic costumes, nostalgic film footage ... and no fewer than 50 Elvis hits, including Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes, It's Now or Never, Just Can't Help Believing and Suspicious Minds.
Meanwhile, in the London O2, the largest Elvis exhibition ever has been going strong since last month and runs until the end of August 2015. Featuring over 300 carefully selected items from the one million in the Gracelands Archive, these pieces document the singer's personal life and meteoric rise to fame; some of them have never been seen outside Elvis' Memphis mansion (now owned by his daughter Lisa Marie). There's his 1956 Lincoln car (one of only 3000 ever made), the American Eagle jumpsuit and cape he wore in the Aloha to Hawaii concert, his 'taking care of business' ring, guitars, photos, belts and wallets. More poignant perhaps are his school report card and the first Christmas present he was bought by Priscilla. Coach trips and accommodation are part of the package; for £45 visitors get to see the Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony being streamed live from Graceland, while munching on a slice of birthday cake and a glass of bubbles.
But the real deal is of course happening in Graceland itself, which is hosting a week-long schedule of events for members of the Graceland Insiders fan club. On Wednesday, the eve of the big birthday, members get a private evening tour of the Graceland mansion followed by a reception in the Graceland Plaza, where they can ogle the Elvis Presley automobile museum among other treats. They will be given complimentary hors d'oeuvres, but there's only a cash bar. The grand finale at midnight is a singalong of gospel songs and a Happy Birthday to Elvis. On the birthday morning itself complimentary birthday cake will be served with coffee while friends, colleagues, co-stars and more will deliver their own tributes. The day ends with an Elvis Birthday Dance Party.
Who said the King was dead? Long live the King.
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