Elvis Tribute Artist Eddie O'Rourke presents A Tribute to The King

Over the years I’ve developed several themed concerts. Programs that feature music from a particular timeline in Elvis’ career. The list includes: “Elvis…The Early Years”. Primarily songs recorded in the fifties. I have two renditions of  “Aloha from Hawaii”. There’s an abbreviated version and a longer concert that, more closely, follows the televized format. Likewise, a long program for, what is commonly referred to as, “The ’68 Comeback Special” and a shorter version “Elvis…Black Leather”. Then, there’s the “Elvis In Hollywood” show which features many of the better tunes from Elvis’ movies. In an effort to enhance the visual effect of this program, I set out on a project of recreating the look of The King as he appeared in selected movie roles. I perform the concert in any one of a number of jumpsuits. The stage however is peppered with blow-up posters of me as Elvis in various costumes representing a few of his more popular motion pictures.

Here you see me as Elvis in his movie "Harum Scarum."

The project turned out to be much more involved than I originally anticipated. First, I watched the individual movies to decide which costume best represented the essence of each film. Next, a suitable setting with the right props, followed by the photo pose most often used to publicize each film. Finally, the most challenging aspect of the project…COSTUMES!! I spent lots of time and eventually lots of money after exploring vintage clothes and costume shops on ebay. Often I would find the right look, but the wrong size. Hats, shirts, pants, scarves, guns, gun rigs, swords…all in all a daunting effort. But, for a movie buff like me…a lot of fun too!

Here I'm pictured as Elvis in the movie "Charro."

As of this writing I’ve recreated publicity shots for six Elvis movies and the project moves forward as I continue my search for more props and costumes. Now I’m thinking of producing a video in which I perform songs from those classic Elvis films while dressed in the appropriate outfit. On the outside chance that doesn’t come to pass….I have endless possibilities for future costume parties!!