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18.08.2005
Gamblers Give Up On Elvis Being Alive : Bookmakers have revealed that wagers have all but dried up from fans betting that Elvis Presley is still alive. Over the years UK bookmakers William Hill have taken thousands of bets that Elvis will be found alive, but in the last year fans have stopped placing bets. Bookmakers have now lengthened the odds of Elvis being found alive from 100/1 to 1000/1." The biggest odds we have ever given was a Elvis related bet, we offered 14 million to one that Elvis will crash land a UFO into Loch Ness hitting the monster," said bookmaker Rupert Adams. "It is perhaps the end of an era, where even his most ardent fans no longer believe that Elvis could have remained hidden for so long."
Source: Elvis News
All That I Am: The label Mystery Train who originally produced "When All Was Kool" will release in September a CD titled "All That I Am". This CD will mostly contain interviews recorded in March 1972 and July 1972. About 45 minutes of these interviews are unreleased and should interest the fans according to the available information. Hear Elvis in a very relaxed and candid atmosphere talking about the early days, the army, the tours, and his friends, Hollywood, driving a truck, sideburns and several other subjects. The CD will come with an extensive booklet (20 pages).
Source: For CD Collectors Only
Tens Of Thousands Watch Candlelight Vigil Online: AOL's 'live' coverage of this year's Candlelight Vigil at Graceland was, by all accounts, a huge "viewing" success, with tens of thousands of fans around the world watching it on their computers and many more via the PBS TV stations showing it. The Vigil is archived by EPE and can be watched at any time. With guest celebrities, plenty of Elvis performances and the atmosphere of walking up to the driveway to the Meditation Garden tune in and experience a great Vigil. EPE placed the crowd actually at Graceland at more than 10,000. Elvis World's Bill Burk suggests it was closer to 4,000 (the second smallest on record). As with all in between Candlelight’s the crowds are quite small.
Source: Commercial Appeal/ CNN News
Christmas Wishes And Other Australian CD News: Sony BMG will release a new Christmas compilation possibly titled "Elvis' Christmas Album" or "Christmas Wishes" on October 10, 2005 in Australia. The "The Rest Is Hitstory" 3CD set will be released on the same day Down Under. The Sony BMG Vinyl Classics series will be released in Australia around October at the same time as the UK Singles are available as originally announced however at this time the "Elvis NBC TV" Special has not been approved for release.
Track listing Christmas Wishes (not in running order)
1 White Christmas
2 Santa Claus Is Back In Town
3 Silent Night
4 O Come All Ye Faithfull
5 Silver Bells
6 It Wont Seem Like Christmas (Without You)
7 O Little Of Bethlehem
8 First Noel
9 Crying In The Chapel
10 In My Fathers House
11 Amazing Grace
12 How Great Thou Art
13 His Hand In Mine
14 An Evening Prayer
Source: Sony/ BMG Australia
Sony BMG Australia: Have are proposing to release an Elvis compilation on the "Sony Essential Series" in 2006. This quality series featuring such artists as Bruce Springsteen (includes Bruce's version of "Viva Las Vegas"), Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and many more).
Source: Sony/ BMG Australia
17.08.2005
714 Days To Go: That's the amount of days left until our 30th Anniversary Tour, departs for the USA Tour of a lifetime. Bookings continue to grow for this tour. So take a brouse at the Itinerary in our Tours section and be a part of this Monumental Event. We are the leaders in USA Elvis Tour here in Australia.
UK 18 No. 1 Hits Singles: BMG/ Sony Australia have announced they will be importing the 18 UK No.1 Hits Singles, un-numbered for sale in Australia. They are due for releasein October. Earlier rumours had them either retailing the UK release or the upcoming 20 Single release in the USA, due out around the same time. The only set back is that we will not have our own numbered collectable addition, but BMG/Sony have been worried by the sales of recent Elvis releases here in Australia. Let's all get behind this release and prove to them that Elvis is still a force both here in australia and also New Zealand, we can do it.
Archived Breaking News: We have added an Archived Breaking News Category in All Things Elvis. This will assist viewers of this page. Breaking News will be archived every 14 days and placed in this section of the site. Please keep a look out for announcements as we continue to upgrade this site .
16.08.2005
Blasts from The Past: We have just finished negotiations with our sister club, ‘The Elvis Presley Fan Club Of Victoria’ and commencing from today in our All Things Elvis section, we will be inserting a new weekly article ‘Blasts From The Past’ written by there Club President Wayne Hawthorne.
15.08.2005
August 16, 2005: Tomorrow marks the 28th Anniversary of the sad passing of the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll, I dare say all Elvis Fans will remember where they were at the moment they heard the sad news. It is a moment etched in our memory. A moment of total disbelief.
We take this opportunity to remember him, and we continue our work to ensure a new legion of young fans, listen and rejoice in his music.
The memory of the King and the joy he brings each of us, in his greatest legacy, his music will never die.
May all of us celebrate on this day the life of Elvis Presley.
Source:Jim Porter Club President
New Sun Takes Discovered: At the Elvis Insiders Conference Roger Semon played new samples of newly discovered SUN takes. He played footage of him and Ernst Jorgensen in the recording studio finding four versions of "Blue Moon" never heard by anybody in the world before.
Source: ElvisNews
Possible Plans To 'Tear Down' Graceland Plaza: EPE CEO, Jack Soden, has told a fan appreciation during Elvis Week 2005 that plans call for the tearing down of Graceland Plaza, across the street from the mansion, and replacing it with a more modernized one building. When asked Graceland's future plans for Graceland Crossing, where the last two independent shops have been told they must clear out by 1st November, Jack Soden said there were plans, but for the moment he is not at liberty to discuss them.
Source: Avis Brown
Chicken Soup For The Soul: As announced earlier the "Chicken soup For The Soul" magazine features Elvis on the cover of their August 2005 edition. For the collectors, there are two different covers featuring Elvis. There is an item about the Wertheimer photographs and a little spread. The cover says never before seen photos, but most fans will have encountered all but two or three.
Source: For Elvis CD Collectors Forum
Elvis Week In Vienna: Mozart would be mortified. Beethoven would probably spin like an LP in his grave. But for next week, at least, they ain't nothing but hound dogs to Austrians obsessed with The King.
Vienna's Hilton becomes the Heartbreak Hotel on Monday, when "Elvis Week" — seven days of live music, memorabilia and screenings of Elvis Presley films — kicks off for those who love him in Europe, where he never gave a concert.
The festival coincides with the 28th anniversary of Presley's death on Aug. 16, 1977. But it underscores the singer's huge popularity in Austria, Germany and other countries where he's still got fans all shook up.
"For me, he was the only unique entertainer in the world," said festival organizer Wolfgang Hahn, who runs Elvis4You, a new shop in downtown Vienna that sells Elvis music, memorabilia and trinkets. "My mission is to tell people in Central Europe how good he really was."
Presley's popularity in Europe has grown even though he never performed publicly on the continent.
The only time he spent in Europe was a 1958-60 stint in the U.S. Army in Germany, during which he visited Paris twice while on leave, and, a brief stopover in Scotland when the military plane carrying him home was refuelling.
Hahn, who's 42 — "the same age Presley was when he died" — takes his Elvis seriously.
He calls himself Wolf Memphis, drives a car that bears an "ELVIS9" license plate (one through eight were already taken by other fans), wears an Elvis guitar pick on a cord around his neck and is the lead singer of Little Memphis, a band that does Elvis covers in English and German.
No pompadours, mutton chop sideburns, lip curls or hip swivels for him. Hahn, a friend of Presley's widow, Priscilla, makes regular pilgrimages to Graceland and sees Elvis impersonators as sacrilegious.
"There was just one Elvis. I think it's strange to imitate him," he said Friday. "It's a gag for a birthday party, but we take Elvis very seriously. He started a musical revolution."
Vienna's Las Vegas-style festival, which is expected to draw hundreds of fans, isn't the only Elvis event on offer.
French fans plan to gather in Fontainebleau on Aug. 25, and Elvis enthusiasts in England will assemble in Bristol on Sept. 6 for what's being billed as United Elvis Meet up Day.
Elvis rocks on in Britain, where a re-release of his 1959 hit One Night soared to No. 1 on the country's singles charts in January. Over the years, Presley tunes have topped the U.K. charts 20 times, beating out The Beatles, which only managed 17 No. 1 hits.
In Italy, where a fan club based at the Memphis Cafe in Milan boasts 430 members, about 70 people recently headed to Memphis; on a trip they organized to mark the anniversary, spokesman Maurizio Falletti said.
Elvis fans from Japan, where several festivals are planned for later this month, are heading to Memphis next week, and a number of concerts featuring Elvis impersonators are scheduled in Thailand.
Presley is also hot stuff in Germany, where fans gathered earlier this year to mark what would have been The King's 70th birthday.
In Austria, the Elvis fuss might have prompted the Von Trapp Family Singers of The Sound of Music fame to head for the hills. But Hahn says he can't understand anyone who isn't crazy about Elvis; an obsession that began when he was 13 and first heard All Shook Up.
"I just froze. I said, 'This is my guy," he recalled. "I get goose bumps just thinking about it."
Hahn's most prized possessions include a Gibson guitar signed by the singer, an original Elvis tour jacket, a framed autograph and a photograph of him with Priscilla Presley.
"He was 10 times better than what you hear on a CD or see on a DVD. He could do everything — rock, but also gospel and ballads that are so untouchable," he said.
"Even at the end, he had presence and charisma."
Source: Associated Press
10.08.2005
Viva Las Vegas Poker: The timeless appeal and cross-generation allure of Elvis Presley make it easy for USAOPOLY to put Elvis spins on games everyone knows and loves to play.
Following the successful releases of MONOPOLY®: Elvis, Elvis Trivia and Elvis Checkers, USAOPOLY unveils the new Elvis "Viva Las Vegas" Collector's Poker Set at the beloved Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee during Elvis Week, Monday, August 8 - Tuesday, August 16, 2005.
"Poker has this country all shook up," says John M. Davis, president of USAOPOLY. "Putting a Las Vegas Elvis twist on a classic game like poker is a natural fit."
What makes the Elvis "Viva Las Vegas" Poker Set so different is the inspiration behind the cool white case. It's designed to look like the famous jumpsuits Elvis wore during his legendary Vegas performances.
The beautiful red velvet interior holds 200 red, purple and white eight-gram clay chips embossed with Elvis' signature and two decks of high quality Elvis theme playing cards. Of course, each of the kings in each of the four suits has been transformed into Elvis (the one and only "King" of Rock & Roll) performing in concert in Las Vegas and on tour. Every element of the unique poker set is completely customised and authorised by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
The new Elvis "Viva Las Vegas" Poker Set will be available for purchase this month at Graceland and also on-line at ShopElvis.com.
Specialty stores such as Barnes & Noble, Hastings Entertainment and Tower Records will also carry the collector's game this holiday.
Source: The Elvis Express
Condo Towers Replace Cottages Gone At Resort At Elvis Ranch: The condo cottages are gone in plans for a multi-billion dollar resort at the site of a ranch once owned by Elvis Presley.
The Horn Lake Board of Alderman on Monday approved a plan for 16 towers of 35 stories each to go along with a performing arts centre, shops, restaurants and two golf courses. The plan calls for two of the towers to be used as hotels.
Assuming financing is secured, the Stars Resort would bring in 2,000 visitors daily in the first two years and 5,000 or more daily after five years, said J.D. Stacy, the spokesman for the development in the works since 2002.
In 2004, Stacy got zoning approval for a development that covered 803 acres. That fell through when he could not close on the land.
On Monday, Stacy said developers have not closed on any of the land this time, either. He said closing without the approval of the plan would have been premature. He said closings should begin this week.
The old Circle G Ranch was the former weekend retreat of Presley. He and ex-wife Priscilla honeymooned there in 1967.
The developers plan to have the resort completed in 2014. The cost is expected to be $2 billion.
Source: Associated Press
Fire Down Below Fight: Elvis Unlimited added an e-mail from Jerry Scheff on the announced release of his song "Fire Down Below" by Wolfgang Hahn in Austria on 16th August 2005.
"This is Jerry Scheff. I have heard recently that Wolfgang Hahn in Austria is promoting a release of my song ‘Fire Down Below’ for the 16th August 2005. I have no agreements for performance, publishing or distribution with him or any company he represents. He is also claiming it as a recording with the original TCB Band. If this is the case he has used material which he has no rights to and may be a demo quality unmixable instrumental.
Neither the TCB Band or I have been consulted or Co-operated in any way with this product. I understand that Wolfgang has dubbed his own voice over our performance in the past 3 days and is racing to benefit from the Elvis week events and audiences. It particularly saddens me to see the anniversary of Elvis' death exploited for personal gain in this way.
I urge you to let as many people as you can know of the truth of this situation. An official TCB Band CD of Fire Down Below can be found on my website or I eagerly invite you to wait until the version sung by Austrian Dennis Jale is releasing in October 2005 with which I have been fully and professionally involved. Dennis is a real singer: not a rip off artist. Also, Dennis's CD will also include another song I wrote for Elvis called That's When The Real Love Begins.
Thanks for your support for the TCB Band.
All the best, Jerry O Scheff
Source: Elvis Unlimited
Rumour Control: Graceland Does Not Have a New Owner: A press-release from EPE to control the latest rumours:
Last week, Woody Baird, Memphis bureau chief for The Associated Press (AP), filed his annual Elvis Week preview story (reprinted at the bottom of this page). As usually happens, print and television news outlets everywhere picked up his article. A focus of this year's article was to indicate how Elvis fans would not notice any changes to Elvis Week as a result of the new ownership structure of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE), which was announced in December 2004 and went into effect in February 2005. The article spoke of some concerns fans might have as the first Elvis Week to take place since then approaches. Elvis Week is the annual Memphis gathering of fans participating in dozens of events in celebration of Elvis Presley. Elvis Week 2005 runs August 8-16.
Mr. Baird's article restated the particulars of the deal in which Lisa Marie Presley, in February 2005, sold an 85% interest in the company Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. to Robert F.X. Sillerman's company, now known as CKX, Inc. Although the article clearly reiterates that Lisa retained sole ownership of Graceland Mansion and her father's personal effects, the inclusion of the sentence "Lisa Marie Presley has sold the business side of her father's estate and turned over his famous, white-columned house to CKX Inc.," in the story has caused some confusion. The mention of Graceland Mansion refers to operations of the Graceland tour business and not ownership of the mansion property itself. Some fans and press misunderstood this to mean Lisa has now sold Graceland Mansion. She has not.
Mr. Baird's article was accurate, although that one sentence got a lot of attention from fans who did not read the story carefully, or perhaps saw an edited down or even mangled version of the story. Some newspapers or TV news programs that carried the story in its entirety or in part chose to create their own headlines, some of them misleading or inaccurate. Some of the headlines used the term "Graceland's new owner" or something to that effect. All this coupled with the fact that the article was picked up by so many media outlets made it seem as if there was a new announcement regarding the structure of EPE and the ownership of Graceland Mansion. There was not. The structure of EPE and the ownership of Graceland Mansion remain just as described in the Frequently Asked Questions item we posted on our site months ago.
Source: EPE
09.08.2005
DJ Fontana And The Jordanaires Recorded With Join Joey Figgiani: The Nashville-based singer-songwriter, is set to release an album of classic and rare Elvis Presley songs titled "Under The Memphis Sun" featuring Elvis' original drummer, DJ Fontana and background vocalists, The Jordanaires.
The CD will be released bye Three Minute Records on August 15, 2005. The album includes updated versions of classic and rare Elvis songs recorded with engineer/guitarist James Lott at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis and with Elvis' band members DJ Fontana and The Jordanaires at 16th Ave Sound in Nashville.
Figgiani is dedicated to maintaining and furthering the power, importance, and integrity of Elvis' music. "My intention with this album is to keep the Elvis flame burning for all fans of his music, but also reintroduce new generations to his incredible work."
Under the Memphis Sun is comprised of inspired versions of eleven classic and rare Elvis songs. From the rocking "That's All Right" recorded at Sun Studio to Joey's touching version of "Peace in the Valley" backed by the Jordanaires, Under the Memphis Sun preserves the dignity and legacy of the original songs while tastefully updating them for today's audience. DJ Fontana played drums on "You’re So Square," "Mean Woman Blues," and "Don’t Ask Me Why." The Jordanaires backed Joey on "Peace In The Valley," "Don’t’ Ask Me Why" and "Fire," a Bruce Springsteen song originally written for Elvis."
The album also includes "Mystery Train," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," (with Sun Studio Chief Engineer James Lott on lead guitar) along with tender takes on "My Happiness," "Blue Moon," and "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" (with Joe Fick of The Dempsey’s on upright slap bass). The rare cut, "How the Web Was Woven" is homage to Elvis' great range and sure to surprise those who only know Elvis as a guy in a white jumpsuit.
Source: Google
James Burton Statue To Be Unveiled: As part of the festivities of the James Burton International Guitar Festival in Shreveport, La., from August 19th to 21st. a statue of James Burton will be unveiled at Municipal Auditorium at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The same showroom, where Elvis performed his weekly Hayride shows now 50 years ago – at the Elvis Presley Boulevard.
Burton of Shreveport was Elvis Presley's long-time guitar player, as well as Ricky Nelson, John Denver and Emmylou Harris. The festival is raising money for his foundation to provide musical scholarships and instruments to children and young adults.
The James Burton and Friends Concert is Saturday, Aug. 19, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at historic Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport, La. Tickets are $50 and up. Others performing include Steve Wariner, Jeff Cook of Alabama, Dr. John, Johnny A, the Nelson Twins, Johnny Rivers, Seymour Duncan, Sonny Landreth, Steve Lukather (Toto), Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan), Doyle Dykes, Johnny Halide, Eric Johnson, Greg Koch, Jerry Donahue, Roscoe Beck, Steven Cropper, and Steven Seagal-tentatively.
Source: Email
King On The King: is due to interview several people from the Elvis world for his show. Names mentioned are Linda Thompson, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling and George Klein and possibly Charlie Hodge for a show to be broadcasted on CNN on August 12th (as advertised on Elvis Radio during their Elvis Week celebrations).
Ed Bonja Hospitalised: it is reported that Ed is in University Medical Center in Las Vegas after suffering a heart attack. More information when we have it.
His pictures are amongst the most famous images of Elvis and can be found on a large number of Elvis’ LP covers released in the 70’s.
We wish Ed well and a speedy recovery.
08.08.2005
ABC-TV's "Good Morning America" Show: will air a segment on Elvis impersonators on 10 August. The network put out a nationwide call for impersonators
New Hound Dog Café: has just been opened in Tupelo near the EP Birthplace. For lunch only between 11.00am -2.00pm.
It's located inside Bishop's Flowers at 1439 E. Main, and is operated by Debbie Turner, wife of Roy Turner, Tupelo's city historian, who is working on a documentary of Elvis' 1956 appearance there.
CKX Inc. Expands: Robert Sillerman's company has added Morra, Brezner, Steinberg & Tennenbaum Entertainment Inc, to the fold after earlier acquiring the "American Idol" TV show.
MBS&T is a talent agency that represents comedians Robin Williams, Billy Crystal and Woody Allen and has been involved in numerous successful movie and TV productions.
Elvis: American Idol: is a new book to be released by Publications International in 2006. Susan Doll, who has produced numerous Elvis books in past years, is editing the book.
The Price Of Petrol (otherwise known as Gasoline in the USA): is said to be volatile these days, but as of today, petrol in the Graceland area is costing between $2.12 and $2.25 a gallon. A gallon is the equivalent of four litres in the US. The price is not to bad considering we are paying between A$1.11 and A$1.25 a litre at the moment. One thing has to be said though, when it comes to the cost of fuel, Americans certainly get stuck into there elected representatives when prices stat to hike.
A special thankyou to Susan Brennan-Hodgson of New Zealand for forwarding the above information on to us, it is appreciated.
USA 2007: Bookings for this tour are now over 50% of our original tour group limit.
Due to the ever increasing number of inquires, we have decided to do away with the limit. Anybody wishing to be a part of this tour has until December 2006 to book.
Once again we highlight the fact that Wayne and Jim, our tour leaders, have taken part over 45 USA Tours between them.
We are the leaders in USA Elvis Tours in Australia, with our clubs leading these tours for over 30 years, this is unmatched within Australia.
Some of the tour members booked on this trip, will be travelling for the 2nd, 3rd & 4th times with us.
Wayne & Jim, have previous experience in leading tour groups with over 50 tour members before, and guarantee a personell service will be provided to all tour members, our Travel Agents are Harvey World Travel and the are the travel professionals in the Australian Travel Industry.
06.08.2005
Elvis Week Tours of Lauderdale Courts : While in Memphis, enjoy a tour of Lauderdale Courts, Elvis' home from 1949 to 1953. Lauderdale Courts will be open for tours on August 10-17, from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. It's proximity to Beale Street, Sun Studio, and Pop Tunes made this the perfect environment for Elvis' incredible talent to grow. Tour admission is $10 per person.
ELVIS PRESLEY: ... AND THE REST IS 'HITSTORY': Sony BMG Strategic Marketing Group will Release an 80-Track 'Hitstory' On Oct. 4 in the USA.
Three-Disc Set Includes All Of Elvis' Iconic Hits In Deluxe Package will span Elvis' entire career from 1954's "That's All Right" to 1976's "Way Down," this deluxe three-disc set combines two landmark collections of Elvis's indispensable smash hits with a brand new compilation of more essential Top 20 singles. 'Hitstory' features Elvis' popular hits and recent chart-topping remixes, including "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "Love Me Tender," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Jailhouse Rock," "A Little Less Conversation," and 74 other iconic Presley hits.
Discs one and two of 'Hitstory' are made up of 'ELVIS 30 #1 HITS' and 'ELVIS 2ND TO NONE,' which went to #1 and #3 respectively on the Billboard 200 chart. The fastest-selling album of Presley's career, 'ELVIS 30 #1 HITS' went triple platinum within months of its 2002 release and went on to sell more than 9 million copies worldwide, proving that Elvis Presley is still a major name in the 21st century. Meanwhile, 2003's platinum 'Elvis 2nd To None' delves deeper into the King's hit-making legacy with more #1 singles, career milestones and fan favorites.
Disc three, 'The Story Continues,' is a brand new compilation showcasing nineteen Top 20 singles from the Billboard Top 100. With hits from all three decades in which Presley recorded, 'The Story Continues' is an essential collection.
'Hitstory' is digitally remastered using DSD Technology for optimum sound quality.
This three-disc collection is the perfect gift. It comes in a magnificent and elegant hard-bound package with iconic Elvis imagery and a collectable poster. This package is set to cap off a big year for Elvis. Between a TV special, accompanying CD and DVD an exciting new compilation, and single CD reissues, the 70th Anniversary of Elvis Presley's Birthday (January 8, 1935) has seen massive recognition across the board.
The newly formed SONY BMG Strategic Marketing unit works closely with the company's labels to oversee and coordinate activities in a variety of areas, including master television, film and commercial licensing, creative product development, partnership marketing alliances, and the coordination of joint soundtrack projects between the Sony Music and BMG label groups, as well as overseeing Elvis Presley content management.
SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is a global recorded music joint venture with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars, as well as a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is 50% owned by Bertelsmann A.G. and 50% owned by Sony Corporation of America.
'Hitstory' Track Listing
Disc 1: ELV1S 30 #1 HITS
Heartbreak Hotel
Don’t Be Cruel
Hound Dog
Love Me Tender
Too Much
All Shook Up
(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
Jailhouse Rock
Don’t
Hard Headed Woman
One Night
(Now And Then There’s) A Fool Such As I
A Big Hunk O’ Love
Stuck On You
It’s Now Or Never
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
Wooden Heart
Surrender
(Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame
Can’t Help Falling In Love
Good Luck Charm
She’s Not You
Return To Sender
(You’re The) Devil In Disguise
Crying In The Chapel
In The Ghetto
Suspicious Minds
The Wonder Of You
Burning Love
Way Down
A Little Less Conversation
Disc 2: ELVIS 2ND TO NONE
That’s All Right
I Forgot To Remember To Forget
Blue Suede Shoes
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
Love Me
Mean Woman Blues
Loving You
Treat Me Nice
Wear My Ring Around Your Neck
King Creole
Trouble
I Got Stung
I Need Your Love Tonight
A Mess Of Blues
I Feel So Bad
Little Sister
Rock-A-Hula Baby
Bossa Nova Baby
Viva Las Vegas
If I Can Dream
Memories
Don’t Cry Daddy
Kentucky Rain
You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
An American Trilogy
Always On My Mind
Promised Land
Moody Blue
I’m A Roustabout (previously unreleased)
Rubberneckin’ (Paul Oakenfold REMIX - Radio Edit)
Disc 3: THE STORY CONTINUES
I Beg Of You
My Wish Came True
Fame And Fortune
I Gotta Know
Flaming Star
Follow That Dream
One Broken Heart For Sale
Kissin’ Cousins
Such A Night
Ask Me
Ain’t That Lovin You Baby
Easy Question
I’m Yours – Single Master
Puppet On A String
Love Letters
Separate Ways
Steamroller Blues
If You Talk In Your Sleep
My Boy
Definitely Maybe Not: Oasis singer Liam Gallagher has told a Spanish newspaper that he and the late Elvis Presley are on the same level.
"There's Elvis and me. I couldn't say which of the two is the best," Gallagher was quoted as saying, in remarks published in Spanish in the daily El Mundo.
All I can say is, that Liam it's time to get a grip on your life and bring yourself back to at least "The Edge of Reality".
Australia's Floriade In Canberra: Will have "rock & roll" theme: On Saturday 17 September, ElvisCanberra Inc and Elvis Legends Canberra at the request of the Floriade Committee, will commence Floriade's theme of Rock and Roll with an Elvis Day of songs and tributes to the King.
Australia's Foreign Minister Does Elvis: Alexander Downer (Australian Foreign Minister) sang a reworked version of It's Now Or Never at a karaoke party to close this week's ASEAN meeting in Laos. Several observers said he even included a pelvic thrust.
Letterman Mentions Elvis & The Memphis Mafia: During an interview with Kelly Preston this week on the Late Night with Letterman program, Ms Preston mentioned eating out at Denny's with husband John Travolta, and how he liked going there so much he knew the menu very well. Host, David Letterman joked that "When Elvis did that sort of thing they would have just called ahead and shut the place down."
'Elvis' Stepbrother In Amsterdam:David Stanley, Elvis' youngest stepbrother, author of several books about Elvis and the man behind the upcoming film, The Headhunter, will be in Amsterdam on 26 August.
Discounted Elvis Week Pass At Graceland: EPE has advised that parking in Graceland's main visitor parking lot is $5.00 per day. But, we know many Elvis fans visit the Graceland property several different days during Elvis Week. As a courtesy to Elvis Week participants, we are offering special discounted multiple-date parking passes. One accommodates folks who are here for the entirety of Elvis Week and the other accommodates those who get to come in only for the latter half of the week. A 10-day pass good for August 7-16, 2005 is available at the 60% discounted price of $20.00. A 5-day pass good from August 12-16, 2005 is available at the 60% discounted price of $10.00. This parking pass includes unlimited access to the parking lot during regular business hours and for Elvis Week events and activities on the Graceland properties. Parking passes will be sold at the parking booth upon arrival. The passes come in the form of a keepsake "cling" window decal.
No Elvis Laser Light Show During Elvis Week 2005:The Sharpe Planetarium at the Pink Palace will not present the "Elvis: Legacy in Light" laser show during Elvis Week. But the museum does have several Elvis items that will interest fans in town for the annual salute to the King of Rock and Roll. The planetarium reopened for public shows July 9 after a hiatus of four months because of city budget cuts. But the line up of shows, now presented on Saturdays, does not include "Elvis: Legacy in Light." As staff is hired to replace the staff laid off in March, days, shows and show times will be added. The Pink Palace has several items on display of interest to Presley fans. In the Pink Palace Mansion exhibit, "From the Boss to the King," visitors can see Elvis's Army uniform and Army trunk from the time he was stationed in Germany in the '60s, as well as photos of Sergeant Presley in uniform. In the lobby, the script from Elvis's 1958 film, "King Creole," is on display. A picture of Elvis with a Cotton Carnival Queen and Carnival court member can be seen in the "Memphis Celebrates Cotton" area. For information, call 320-6362 or visit memphismuseums.org
Elvis Art Exhibition:The Elvis International Art Show (Fan Art from Graceland's Archives) will be unveiled at a wine 'n cheese party this Friday night at Memphis Heritage. Graceland has kept every single piece of art sent in by fans over the past 50 years and many of these will be on display. The show runs for a month, so if you’re travelling to Memphis for Elvis Week, drop by and look at this art display.
Elvis featured on new "Shake, Rattle & Roll" double album: Sanctuary TV are delighted to announce the double CD release of Shake, Rattle & Roll - an album that brings together all the excitement and cool of early Elvis, Gene Vincent, Little Richard, and Eddie Cochran! With 15 #1 singles, the album embodies the original roots of 1950's rock'n'roll music. This deluxe 2-CD archive set contains 50 classic rock 'n' roll hits making it an essential purchase for fans both new and old. Elvis songs featured include "That's All Right, Mama" and "Good Rockin' Tonight".
Graceland Travel:Is your dream to travel to Memphis and see Elvis' Graceland, do you live in Australia or New Zealand? Would you like to be a part of the 30th Anniversary in August 2007. If you do, see the Itinerary, under club tours on this website.
Note: If this Itinarery does not fully cater for your needs, or if you wish to visit any additional places, drop us a line at admin@elvisclub.com.au and tell us your needs, we will be happy to quote you on the cost of the tour of your dreams.
Be Careful On eBay!:A 66-year-old Wrightstown resident has filed suit in federal District Court in Philadelphia against a New York man. He's accusing the man of reneging on a bid he made on e-Bay to buy a 1969 Mercedes Benz that was once owned by Elvis Presley.
In his lawsuit, Gene Epstein claims that Jason Shepherd of Ballston Lake, New York, entered a "buy-it-now" bid of 245-thousand dollars for the vehicle. But when it came time to collect, Epstein says, Shepherd allegedly claimed that the bid was a mistake made when his daughter accidentally hit a key on his computer.
The lawsuit is seeking for Shepherd to pay the original bid, along with 150-thousand dollars in damages. Attempts to reach Shepherd for comment have been unsuccessful.
Call for 10th planet discovered on 8 January to be named "Elvis":NASA funded astronomers announced that they had found a lump of rock and ice that is larger than Pluto and the farthest known object in the solar system. The discovery will likely rekindle debate over the definition of "planet" and whether Pluto should still be regarded as one.' As the new planet (#2003 UB313) was discovered on 8 January fans on the FECC Elvis message board are calling for it to be named "Elvis".
Janelle McComb Funeral: It was a packed house at Janelle McComb's funeral Friday in Tupelo, as expected. Jack Soden and Todd Morgan represented Graceland; Patsy Andersen was there. Priscilla and Lisa Marie sent floral arrangements. Her son, Jim Hill, and her brother, Buddy Patey, told stories of growing up with Janelle. The EP Birthplace Board is planning recognition for Janelle when fans gather there on Monday, 8 August. Details not final yet.
Jordanaires Join Brian Seltzer For Cameo:Brian Setzer plays his pompadour off in the first of a proposed series of discs spotlighting rock heroes. For the first release in this series the spotlight is on the legendary SUN label that brought forth Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and other greats, who all waxed for Sam Phillips' '50s imprint with the cheerful sunrise logo. The album offers a touch of authenticity with a cameo from the legendary Jordanaires, Elvis' favourite harmonisers.
Memphis Boys Heading Back To Belgium: The Memphis Boys (Bobby Wood, Mike Leech, Gene Chrisman, Bobby Emmons and Reggie Young) are heading back to Belgium. Elvis musicians from 1969 are invited again by the United Elvis Presley Society for shows in Knokke (29/10) and Charleroi (30/10). For more details and tickets see our events section.
Honorary Award For Leiber & Stoller:The 5th edition of the World Soundtrack Awards, to be held in Gent on October 15, holds a special "Elvis"-surprise. Oscar winner Rachel Portman will be sharing the stage with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the legendary composers for Elvis. The two New York writers will get the full spotlight with the presentation of the Liftetime Achiement Award. Leiber and Stoller are the most important songwriters and producers of the early years of Rock ‘n’ Roll. They were the authors of over 10 million sellers for Elvis, and they wrote music for several Elvis-movies.
Ginger Alden "Elvis" auction: Auction house, Lelands, has a series of "Elvis related" items owned by Ginger Alden up for sale. The items include a hand embroidered Native American shirt and a colourful leather motorcycle jacket worn by Elvis
Hard Rock's "Rock Across America" Mobile Tour To Visit Graceland:Hard Rock has another exhibit travelling across America this summer. Their Rock Across America tour will make a stop at the Graceland visitor centre next week. The two tractor-trailer units of exhibits will be available with FREE admission for Graceland visitors to enjoy on 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Monday, August 2 and Tuesday,August 2.
Hard Rock's giving you a front row look into the lives and careers of rock superstars and the roadies that accompany them! Join us from May to October as we take you on an interactive journey and immerse you in the ultimate rock n' roll road trips... the "Rock Across America" mobile tour has begun!
From stops to redecorate the music memorabilia at some of our most popular Hard Rock Cafes, to concerts and festivals around the country, the "Rock Across America" mobile tour offers you a first hand look at.
But that's not all, the mobile tour also features an interactive 4D experience that truly rocks! An interactive movie takes the visitors backstage and on a visual journey from a roadie’s point of view, immersing them into the experience of life on the road with Bruce Springsteen, Motley Crue and Simple Plan. You’ll experience the non-stop action, awesome sites and sounds of the ultimate road trip with the bands, while your seat moves and interacts with the film. And that's just for starters!
We've also got legendary pieces of rock memorabilia allowing you to relive and experience your favourite rock n' roll memories. Mementos from Motley Crue including a custom made Crown Royal themed guitar from the late "Dimebag" Darrell of Pantera, Eddie Van Halen's custom made Kramer Electric Guitar, a suit from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, a drum head signed by Matt Sorum of Velvet Revolver, plus autographs, rare photos and concert posters from some of rocks greatest musicians including the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Jimi Hendrix.
So what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the spirit of rock n' roll and experience the Hard Rock Mobile Tour! You don't want to miss it!
Elvis' House For Sale:The former Elvis Presley Estate at 845 Chino Canyon Rd. in Palm Springs, CA is just put up for sale. Elvis and Priscilla purchased the home in 1970 from Mr. and Mrs. E.J. McDonald. The home is for sale for $ 2.5 Million through Coldwell Banker Palm Springs.
Summer Festival August 1972:The upcoming "live" FTD release, tentatively titled "Summer Festival", will be a soundboard recording of Elvis' August 11, 1972 with additional bonus tracks.
Ernst Jorgensen also added "we are working on about 6-8-studio albums and 3-4 soundtracks, obviously still waiting on finding the outtakes for several movies. At this time only "Summer Festival" is solid for October, but there will be at least one more - possibly two. Information not available until September 1st."
Update: apparently the CD "Blazing Into Darkness" is not August 11, as stated on the cover, but one day later, August 12, 1972.
Sam Thompson In Denmark:Sam Thompson, Elvis' friend, bodyguard and head of security, will visit the Elvis Unlimited shop in Randers, Denmark on September 4, 2005. During the day there will be an auction, never before seen footage (on big screen), a talk show with Sam, an autograph session and free entrance to the museum.
Unique Award Will Be Presented To Nascar Champions in Memphis: In anothe display of unique partnerships EPE & Memphis Motorsports Park Officials have joined together to produce a new trophy for presentation to the winner of Memphis Races over the next 5 years. The trophy has been casted in Elvis likeness as displayed in the current statue located in Elvis Presley Plaza on Beale Street.
New Zealand Elvis Fans Join Our 2007 USA Tour: We have been contacted by the travel agent for New Zealand Elvis Fans in regards to them joining us for our 2007 tour. This has happened, due to the high recommendations we have received from Susan Brennan-Hodgson in New Zealand. Susan and her husband Roy, have travelled with us and we take this opportunity to thank them, for recommending friends to travel with us.
New Zealand Fans wishing to join us can contact:
Karen Lewis
Cherrywood United Travel
Tauranga
Ph: 07 5762204
Fax: 07 5762945
Email: karen@cwtravel.co.nz
Australian Fans wishing to join need only complete the booking Forms on and return it to us with deposit.
2007 Fan Club USA Tour:We have recieved a number of questions about our USA Tour in 2007 for the 30th Anniversary. To answer a couple of them:
Q1: What if I,m travelling alone?
A: Don't dispair if your are travelling alone, we do have a room-mate service to find you a compatible person to share with. We have been finding room-mates for people for all our tours. After all, you will have something in common "Your Love Of Elvis".
Q2: Are our travel agents professionals?
A: Yes our travel agents are professionals, they are one of Harvey World Travels leading agencies and have won a large number of awards for Customer Service within the travel industry. They are also Elvis Fans, which does make a difference.
Q3: How many tours have Wayne & Jim lead to the USA?
A: Our tour leaders, Wayne and Jim have been involved in 45 tours to the USA, either as a tour member or tour leader. They are well versed in American Customs and Elvis sites around the country. There are not many people , who can match there credentials in regards to Elvis Tours. They take care of the little things.
Q4: Do most tour members, only visit the USA once?
A: No, one of the pleasant parts of our tours is the return business we generate, a number of our touring party, will be travelling with us for the 3rd time, that speaks for itself in regards to the quality of the tours we provide.
Q5: I have not travelled before, will you give me tips on travelling, additional sightseeing etc, prior to the tours departure?
A: Yes, Prior to departure, all tour members are issued with an informative handbook produced by Jim. It contains tips on packing, and details on weather conditions at the time, tour locations and accomodation, relevant phone numbers of hotels & taxi's. It also lists additional available sightseeing and Elvis Week events. We will assist you in obtaining the tickets you require for any of the Elvis week functions. As well as giving you insight into any of the additional sightseeing tours you may wish to partake. They are also available to assist with queries and helpful assistance during the tour. If your looking for something or some place special all you need to do is ask. They are available to answer queries both before and during the tour.
For more information look under Elvis Tours in this website.
Where you will find details, tour itinerary and booking forms. The price is $6,200 per person twin share. The tour is open to 40 participants, so get in early as over 50% of the places have already been taken.
Janelle McComb : The long-time dear friend of Elvis and Fans has died at her home in Tupelo, Mississippi from heart failure. Our thoughts are with her husband Roy and her family at this time. I was very lucky to meet both Janelle and Roy in 1988. We had a very nice dinner together and Roy showed me around Tupelo and the Elvis sites. Janelle will be surely missed at that little shotgun shack in Tupelo that we have all come to know and love.
Linda Thompson: It has been announced that Linda is going through the process of a divorce, which is terrible news. let's hope this gracious lady finds long time happiness in her life, she deserves it. A large number of Elvis' associates and fans have often said that had Linda been with Elvis, he would not have passed away on August16, 1977. The most resent one was Sonny West on his visit down under.
Purchase of www.elvisclub.com.au: The new domain name is now in operation, but don't dispair as we also own the original domain name www.elvisclub.org, which will continue to operate and is now interconnected to this site. You can use either name and it will log you into this site. This is a change to assist people in Australia and also get better recognition on Australian search engines.
Honorary award for Leiber and Stoller: The 5th edition of the World Soundtrack Awards, to be held in Gent, Belgium on October 15, holds a special "Elvis"-surprise. Oscar winner Rachel Portman will be sharing the stage with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the legendary composers for Elvis. The two New York writers will get the full spotlight with the presentation of the Liftetime Achievement Award. Leiber and Stoller are the most important songwriters and producers of the early years of Rock ‘n’ Roll. They were the authors of over 10 million sellers for Elvis, and they wrote music for several Elvis-movies.
Elvis #1 Singles Boxset: BMG Australia will be releasing either an 18 (UK) or 20 (USA) #1 Singles boxset. Release date yet to be confirmed.
Single disc DVD editions of Aloha & Comeback Special: Release of these in Australia has been put on hold, to a date to be confirmed.
Tony Smith Added To Elvis Lives Line-up:Tony Smith, the talented guitar player of Mondo Carne and rhythm guitar player for the Elvis Screen shows, has now been added to the line-up of the "Elvis Lives"-festival in Mol Belgium on October 1st & 2nd. Tony has always been a key figure in the Classic-shows, and the crew of ElvisMatters thought it was only appropriate to offer him a spot on the spectacular "Elvis Lives"-shows, alongside the mighty James Burton. Other artists performing, are Joe Guercio and a 75 p. orchestra, Glenn D. Hardin, James Burton, Jerry Scheff, the Imperials and Stephen Ackles.
Pauline Nicholson: A former cook for Elvis Presley, has died of cancer. She was 76. Pauline also worked as Elvis' housekeeper and sometimes looked after Lisa Marie when she was little.
Pat Geiger: The driving force behind the "Elvis stamp" has passed away, she has lost her battle with cancer. Pat will always be remembered as the driving force in having the Elvis stamp - the second biggest selling stamp in US Post history released. The stamp was chosen by the public (1.2 million ballots returned) and released on 8 January 1993. Around 500,000,000 sales have been recorded. Mark Stutzman designed the stamp.
Purchase of www.elvisclub.com.au: As we strive to improve our club and it's presence both in Australia and World Wide, we can now announce that we also now own the domain name: www.elvisclub.com.au. In the next couple of weeks our website will be listed under this domain as well.
Sonny West Interview: If you look in our new interview sub-heading on the left hand side of our home page. You will find a recent interview we had with Sonny West whilst in Australia.
Ed Hill Has Retired From The Stamps Quartet: Ed Enoch of the Stamps Quartet has announced that Michael Hellwig, from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, is the newest member of the Stamps Quartet. Hellwig is 29 years old. Michael joins the Stamps Quartet as the baritone singer, replacing Ed Hill who officially retired from the Stamps Quartet in April due to health issues.
For the past two years Michael has served as a vocalist for the Wilburns.
Ed Enoch states, "Michael Hellwig is one of the finest young men and one of the 'very best' baritone singers I've ever heard. He's full of energy and his voice has a full-rich sound with a tremendous range that blends beautifully with the other members of the Stamps Quartet. We're so blessed to have Michael as an integral part of the Stamps. Please make him welcome when you attend a Stamps concert.
Elvis' Lauderdale Courts Apartment Featured in Parade Magazine for National Preservation Month :The saving and renovation of Elvis' teenage home, Lauderdale Courts, is featured in PARADE magazine as an inspiring preservation effort for the publication's "Tell America's Story" Preservation Award Contest. The National Preservation Month promotion is done in inconjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the History Channel.
On the National Register of Historic Places, Lauderdale Courts (now called Uptown Square) was built in 1938 as one of the nation's first public housing developments under Franklin D. Roosevelt's WPA initiative. Built by some of Memphis' top architects of the day, the 66 building apartment community lies on a 22-acre track of the city's downtown area. It is one of the few remaining depression-era developments still standing.
In the mid 90s the structure, in disrepair, was scheduled for demolition. A fervent letter writing campaign by Elvis fans to local and national housing departments, to the mayor to the president of the United States and Memphis Heritage preservation organization's effort to place Lauderdale Courts on the National Register of Historic Places stopped the wrecking ball.
However, the buildings lay dormant until seasoned downtown developer, Jack Belz of Belz Enterprises, Inc. and new urbanism developer, Henry Turley of Henry Turley Company partnered with the City of Memphis to transform the property.
By pooling $36 million in public and private funds and bringing the best architects of Memphis once again, the once-neglected development was renovated to become a chic, garden-style apartment community known as Uptown Square.
It is now part of the $150 million, 1,000 home, and 100-city block downtown revitalization effort called Uptown Memphis.
This downtown apartment community has garnered local and regional landmark awards to become a national model for mixed-income living.
From doctors and researchers with nearby St. Jude hospital, to downtown business and legal professionals, to working families and working publicly assisted families, the community continues its promise to provide housing for all.
Uptown Square boasts as Memphis' first wireless apartment community. Residents also enjoy media, business and fitness centres along with a new outdoor pool.
Moreover, the 689 square-foot floor plan of Elvis Presley's apartment was preserved while other apartments were expanded to meet modern living tastes. In 1949, Elvis and his parents Vernon and Gladys moved in what would be at that time their most stable home.
A then shy Elvis practiced his guitar in the laundry room basement or played in the dark to passers by from his bedroom window. The communal courts were conducive to afternoon and evening gigs among the musicians in Lauderdale Courts. Elvis would gradually feel free to join them.
The significance of this place is its location and sense of community that gave Elvis the support and exposure to Memphis music culture. Beale Street, Ellis Auditorium and Poplar Tunes Record Store were all in walking distance. Sun Studio would be just a mile away.
Memphis also was experiencing breakthrough radio programming with WHBQ's DJ Dewey Phillips' rhythm and blues show and America's first black formatted station WDIA hitting the airwaves.
With twice-yearly public tours and year round overnight stays, Elvis' apartment takes guests back to his time they’re with vintage furniture and fixtures personalized with Presley family photos and memorabilia.
Graceland Closing Down Souvenir Shops In Graceland Plaza:
Graceland have advised Memories of Elvis and other private shops in Gaceland Plaza that they will not be renewing their leases at the end of the year. This has not only upset the shop owners but a number of fans as well.
Personally I have shopped in these stores on a number of trips to Memphis, indeed on my first trip over 20 years ago, Memories Of Elvis was the only shop you were able to buy souvenirs in. But times have changed and from a business point of view, I agree with Sillerman to close them down - Graceland should have done it a long time ago. Could you imagine McDonald’s letting Hungry Jacks sell hamburgers on its property, not likely?
"Elvis Is The Most Handsome Man: Spread over two pages, the Belgian newspaper “Het Laatste Nieuws” gave its readers a list of the 100 most handsome men ever. The journalists found their inspiration in the British magazine “Harpers and Queen”. On top of the list is Elvis, who won the contest because of his "divine smile and irresistible sex-appeal".
George Klein’s Memories: Radio DJ and Elvis confidant George Klein is working on an update of “Memories”, the video show he released 8 years ago. According to George Klein the DVD version of “Memories” will be out by spring of 2006. It contains some bonus footage, mainly interviews with people who knew Elvis personally.
Scotty Moore In Sweden: Scotty Moore will come to Sweden this August. On August 9 and 10, 2005 you can find him at Rival Hotel in Stockholm.
Badmouthing Elvis: Several new sites run a story in which Elvis is portrayed as a "nazi". They use a picture of him wearing a nazi-cap and giving a nazi salute. The source is supposedly a newly discovered grainy home movie.
If the authors had done their homework they would have found out that this footage comes from footage from a boat trip Elvis made with June Junico while on holiday in 1956. The captain of the boat was a WWII vet who bought the hats as trophies. Elvis and some others put them on but instead of giving the nazi-salute he is waving. The footage is available on the DVD "Elvis And June - A Love Story".
The response from Todd Morgan (EPE) to the few fans that have written EPE about it:
Elvis was just kidding around. Our understanding is that the hat was a World War II souvenir of the owner of the boat Elvis and his companions were riding on. It's unfortunate that the Sun tabloid chose to invent a story about it. But, that's what tabloids do.
We never contact tabloids to protest their articles because we know that will do nothing but inspire them to write a follow-up story ("What EPE Doesn't You To Know" or something silly like that) and that they would make sure the regular news media knew that we were at odds with them, which would lead to more publicity and sales for the tabloid. There is no winning with the tabloids. Unfortunately, there are no laws protecting deceased persons against libel or slander, so that means there is no legal recourse for us with anything incorrect or objectionable anyone says or writes about Elvis. The law says that a deceased person is no longer in need of his reputation and, thus, cannot be a victim of libel or slander.
Sometimes tabloid stories are picked up by legitimate news media. When legitimate news media contact us about a tabloid story, we always respond to their questions. In the rare instances in which tabloid stories have gotten major coverage in the legitimate news media, we have issued formal press statements. But, so far, this Sun tabloid Elvis/Nazi article has not managed to generate any interest from the real news media that we know of. We have not received even one media inquiry. We have received only a few inquiries from fans and have responded to those.
Hopefully, this Elvis/Nazi nonsense will not receive any more attention and will go away. Soon, the tabloids will come up with something else.
The original news item: Almost 28 years after his death, fans of the King of Rock, Elvis Presley, can now see their icon in a radically different light; that as a Nazi. The legend is seen wearing a Nazi cap and giving a Nazi salute in some pictures taken from a grainy half-hour home cine film.
The pictures, believed to be from the Sixties, were taken during a boat trip with friends and have surfaced at the same time as Presley's ex-wife Priscilla released his home movies.
"I was given it ages ago, I think when I used to own a bar. But I had never watched it. It wasn't until I found it in the loft that I decided to. When I did I was shocked," the Sun quoted Mark Ernon, who owns the tape, as saying. (ANI)
Elvis Sculpture Stolen And Found: A thief stole a 3m Elvis Presley guitar sculpture from Nashville's Music Row ain't nothing' but a hound dog as far as irate fans are concerned. A $US3000 ($3970) reward was offered for the culprit's arrest unless he or she returned the sculpture by Friday, officials said. One of more than two dozen individual fibreglass Gibson guitars displayed throughout the city as part of a Guitartown art project, the over-sized guitar featured a painting of Presley on the front and the words Heartbreak Hotel arrayed down the neck. It vanished on Monday from its stand in front of the RCA building. The sculpture had been expected to bring in $US20, 000 ($26,500) at auction at the end of the year when the art exhibit closes, with the money going to charity.
Two days later the ten-foot-tall guitar sculpture turned up leaning against a childcare center. Day-care operators called police when they saw the fibreglass sculpture with Elvis Presley's likeness on one side and Hank Williams' picture on the other. Employees at Sony/ATV Publishing on Music Row saw the guitar was missing when they came to work yesterday morning.
Company facilities manager Bobby Strickland says it was a practical joke. A note left on the guitar said the "borrowers" were going to replace it, but things got out of hand. Strickland says the people who took it are good friends and good friends don't mean harm. Asked whom he thinks it was, Stickland asked how many musicians are there in Nashville. The big guitar won't come back to Sony/ATV. Instead, it will be displayed at the Gibson Guitar Company. Gibson is the lead sponsor of the outdoor art exhibit of 26 of the guitars around the Music City. Circle G Resort Project Gets Tax Waiver: Horn Lake aldermen have agree to waive some taxes on the proposed golf course and entertainment resort at the site of the old Circle G Ranch once owned by Elvis Presley. The 155-acre ranch is where Elvis and Priscilla spent their honeymoon in 1967. Under Mississippi law, developers of a "major theme park" or similar resort can recoup up to 35 percent of the amount they spend in capital improvements over the first two years of construction.
The board of aldermen voted 3-2 Tuesday to give up all sales taxes generated by "qualifying" improvements. The Mississippi Development Authority decides what qualifies and it also determines how much of the construction would be recognized as completed within the two-year window.
J.D. Stacy, who has been the Circle G Resort's point man, said he did not know what might qualify.
"All this does is, it lets us make an application," he said.
Alderman J.W. McElhaney said the outgoing board - four of the five members leave office July 4 - was being asked to give its approval when it's still unclear exactly what might be built.
"It looks like we're getting the cart before the horse," he said.
The board had approved a similar resolution April 19, but Acting City Attorney Billy Campbell Jr. said the revised language was more in accord with language sought by the state.
Stacy said time limits set by the MDA made passage Tuesday crucial.
"If we don't do it today, it's a dead issue," he said.
The taxes will be diverted away from the city to the developer until the 35 percent investment is recouped or a period of 10 years has passed which ever comes first.
Footsteps Of Elvis Exhibition Next Stop Amsterdam:The Footsteps Of Elvis exhibition will move on from Finland to Amsterdam in Holland. The Grand Opening in Amsterdam will be on August 27th and the exhibition will continue until September 18th, 2005.
The organiser in Amsterdam will be Mark Events Ltd, which will work in close cooperation with The Footsteps Of Elvis exhibition’s exhibitor, Ettan Media Production Ltd. –
The Dutch and visiting tourists can see private articles, which once belonged to the King. The exhibition will be in the Beurs van Berlage Building in Amsterdam. In this historic building, located in the heart of Amsterdam, many famous conferences and exhibitions have been arranged, even Royal weddings. It is thus the utmost and complete location to host the King of Rock.
The producer of The Footsteps Of Elvis exhibition is the Finnish company Ettan Media Production Ltd and the authentic articles shown in the exhibition come from the USA from the world’s largest private Elvis collection outside Graceland. Ettan Media Production has a worldwide agreement with the owners of this collection.
Sillerman And George Klein On Elvis Projects: If rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley shows up in any future digital projects it will not likely be in a commercial, The Los Angeles Times reports.
Robert F.X. Sillerman - who recently gained control of Presley's name, image and likeness - said he doubted Presley would appear in a car commercial, the way the late Steve McQueen recently did. Sillerman also said he didn't think it would be a good idea to do with Presley what was done with the late Conway Twitty recently -- when bits of Twitty's old records were manipulated through a computer program to make it sound like he was singing a new song. "I'm not sure you're going to see Elvis in a commercial," Sillerman said. "With Elvis, less is more."
George Klein, a pallbearer at Presley's funeral who currently operates an Elvis station on Sirius satellite radio, said he would welcome a new Elvis record.
"I think it's strictly business and this is 2005," Klein said. "He's been dead 27 years, and you have to move on. Market what you got. A duet with Britney Spears or something like that would be great."
Did Elvis Visit Holland?:Is it true that Elvis drove to Eindhoven, Holland, to deliver a letter from the Colonel to his mother? Nobody says it’s true, but rumours have been flying around ever since his army days in 1958-1960. Sender of the letter was Tom Parker, born Dries van Kuyck and raised in Breda, Holland. During his army days, serving his country in Germany, Elvis supposedly drove to Holland by request of Colonel Parker. The mere ‘rumour” was enough to trigger a brand new documentary that premiered on Dutch local television, “TV Brabant”, last weekend. In the documentary, relatives of the Colonel talk about the now famous manager, and the cameramen even found the house where Elvis may have rang the doorbell.
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