Where it all began . . .
Living near Sleaford, Lincolnshire (in the UK), I began performing in 1987 fronting various live bands (La Bamba, The Silhouettes, Amber Way, Tennessee Avenue, and Footloose) performing in various types of venues around the country, as well as performing as a solo artiste with backing tracks with 50's & 60's material and also Country Music.
Brought up by my parents who listened to Country and Rock 'n' Roll, and I guess by listening to their records when I was young made a great impression on me - Cliff Richard, Buddy Holly, Ricky Nelson, Charley Pride, Johnny Cash, Don Williams etc, . . . and especially songs recorded by a guy called Elvis Presley!
Elvis became my biggest inspiration to want to sing and although I have always sung his songs for so many years I never really wanted to be what most people would term as an 'Elvis Impersonator'. These two words unfortunately conjure up all the negative thoughts in peoples minds and created the image of a cartoon type Elvis which I find insulting to his memory. Now we all know there will only EVER be one Elvis - he was the original and sadly he passed away when he was only 42 years old. My Mum and I were watching the TV when a Newsflash came on in August 1977 saying Elvis had died. We cried so much and it was like we'd lost a friend - even more than that - it was like a member of our family had died. In the hours, days, weeks, months that followed I began to really realise through all the media coverage on TV and in the newspapers just what a special man Elvis Presley was and how much he had affected so many peoples lives around the entire world.
So Elvis became very special to me and was my biggest inspiration to want to sing and entertain people. So I bought equipment and began performing in clubs both solo and with various bands with a mixture of 50's & 60's music etc. Whilst performing at venues with my normal mixture of 50's & 60's music many people would come up and say 'You should do a full Elvis show!' and although I thanked them for their kind comments . . . I was me - always will be, and could never be Elvis. No-one could, - He was unique. But then I began to get interested in seeing Elvis Tribute shows - as I would never get to see Elvis himself I wanted to see something that was as close to an Elvis show as I could get. I went to theatres and was disappointed to find how unprofessional some of the performers were. Way out of tune, some badly mannered, some dressed in ridiculous cheap 'Fancy Dress' costumes and accessories that didn't fit or even look accurate. Some slurring the vocals as if to sound like Elvis. But he never sounded like that!
So I guess I decided that now was the time to try and correct even just a little of that negative image and if people wanted me to perform a sincere tribute to my idol then I would. This is why I do my Elvis show - I don't class myself as an Impersonator - I prefer the term a 'Tribute Artiste' as I guess all the respectful Elvis Tribute Artistes (ETA's) do. I am a true Elvis Fan - I love and admire the man, I love to try my best to please the Elvis fans that miss him so much, and WE know they'll never be another, but if you enjoy the music, the memories and the style of Elvis then this show is for you!
About The Show:
Attention to detail is important to me - There's no wigs or stick-on sideburns ( . . . Yes it's all real!) My suits I have specially made in USA, Canada and the UK to the exact same specs as the originals - with boots from Las Vegas, Original 70's microphones as used by Elvis (boy they're hard to find!), Top Quality backing tracks, Lighting Show and Quality Sound System. I cover all three decades using authentic costumes relative to particular eras - from the 1950's Gold Lame to the 1960's Black Leathers and then onto the 1970's period of costumes with puffy sleeve casual shirts and various jumpsuits.
It would be impossible to sing every song that everyone wants in one night, (There's just too many . . . Elvis recorded approx 700 Songs!!) but audiences have been delighted by the show that myself and my lighting technician/soundman have put together. We also include some of Elvis' movie songs and some more obscure but good album songs that no-one else usually covers, but also still include some of his major hits that everyone would expect.
My Elvis Tribute Show - 'Memories of Elvis - Live in Concert', is available for bookings for all kinds of events such as Corporate Events, Functions, Birthdays, Weddings, Holiday Resorts, Social Clubs - anywhere in the United Kingdom or abroad.
The show sets can be tailored to suit any event - whether it be 3 x 40min , 3 x 30min, 2 x 30min, 2 x45min, 1 x 60mins etc. and features Lights, Effects and Backdrops (venue limitations permitting), and also includes audience walk-abouts during certain songs.
I encourage dancing at my shows and am also happy for photos to be taken with audience members if they wish - I want people to enjoy themselves, to have fun and to listen & remember how great the music of Elvis is!
This show is put together for true Elvis fans and maintains dignity and respect to Elvis' memory at all times and at reasonable rates.
TCB! - Mike
Enquiries for bookings to: info@mikeshelby.co.uk or Tel: 07804 122704