Elvis fans all shook up

Paul Britton
10/ 8/2008

SUSPICIOUS minds might have thought they were in Memphis.., not Horwich.

In a convention of quivering lips and shaking hips, the Bolton Arena became a stage for the world's best Elvis Presleys.

The spectacular, sequinned extravaganza on Saturday - which attracted fanatics from across the globe - was billed as the world's greatest ever Elvis show.

It featured four top tribute acts, including Shawn Klush, who is widely regarded as the best impersonator in the business.

And they didn't disappoint - as more than 5,000 Elvis fans were left all shook up in a show that lasted more than SIX hours.

Special guests on the night were DJ Fontana, who played drums for the King in the 1950s, and Elvis' backing singers from the 1970s, the Sweet Inspirations.

One of Elvis' cigar lighters, which he bought for £900, was raffled during the show.

And even the celebrities couldn't keep away. Former Cold Feet actor and comedian John Thomson soaked up the atmosphere and Bolton-born Vernon Kay, who hosted last year's BBC show The World's Greatest Elvis, shook, rattled and rolled in the audience.

Fans donned white jump suits, sequinned flares, leather jackets and make-up to add to the theatre.

Click here to read a review of the event and to see a photo gallery - http://preview.tinyurl.com/5ej9j4

Promoter John Patrick said: "It was an awesome evening. A truly incredible experience.

"An awful lot of people in the crowd were dressed as Elvis. People were in full make-up and costumes. It was a wonderful sight to see and I am absolutely sure that everyone had a fantastic night."

Top of the bill was Pennsylvania-born Klush, who triumphed in the BBC reality show. He performed alongside the Gracelands 24-piece orchestra.

John added: "Shawn Klush was the main draw, but the show was not just about him. All the acts were brilliant, as was the crowd."

Britain's Steve Preston, who has performed his act in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Show, Gordon Hendricks, a Stars in Your Eyes winner, and American sensation Justin Shandor completed the line-up.

John said: "When Steve Preston sang a version of Bridge Over Troubled Water the entire arena got up and applaud. It was wonderful.

"People were in tears in the crowd at Justin Shandor's version of Unchained Melody. It was unreal and he got a standing ovation too. In fact they were standing ovations all night."

It all just went to show that nearly 31 years after he was buried, Elvis is most definitely not dead.

Video Link to the concert at Bolton Arena http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1586371503/bctid1717896332



Article Source: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1061956_elvis_fans_all_shook_up

I really enjoyed that review. A true account of a brilliant night. And yes there were some..... people in Elvis wigs etc but it was all taken in good spirits. I saw quiet a few hawaian girls with grass skirts that looked fab!
Cant watch the footage at the mo as The Night Garden is on and Ebbs would kill me... will be watching it later though, cant wait til the DVD comes out.... not sure how you get a copy though

Just saw the footage. Really great stuff. Thanks for posting Charmaine
Loved Shawn's shirt, what a gorgeous colour!

good review & footage.... I didn't realise it went on for 6 hours!!! How time flies

EDITED TO SAY:

From the review...

"Whilst yank Steve Preston pulls the accomplished group through “the rehearsal years”, upping the backing arrangements to an epic proportion, even inspiring plenty of dancing in the isles."

HAHA, they think Steveo is a YANK

His American accent must be more convincing than I thought!!!

And they only gave it 3 stars.... A travesty! Its also untrue that half the crowd left while Shawn was still on stage.