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

I don’t consider myself an Elvis impersonator, lookalike or imitator.  However, the fact that I choose to have real sideburns has often pigeon-holed me with one of those labels.

Years ago I made the decision not to use a wig and fake burns for my Elvis Tribute Shows. With few exceptions, they just never look natural. And, an ivy league haircut with paste-on sideburns just makes a guy look like someone dressed for a Halloween party. The thought of looking like a parody goes against everything I try to achieve in my Elvis Show. My tribute has always been done with sincerity and respect for the image. All my costumes are carefully maintained, I’m meticulous about the jewelry and guitars I use, and I’m fortunate to be blessed with a slim physique

Eddie O'Rourke as Elvis..."sideburns" and all !

Off stage, I’ve always liked stylish clothes. The combination of the burns and clothes pretty much have me in costume, even when I’m not. Whether it’s my home-base in New Jersey, Manhattan, Philadelphia, Memphis, Texas or just about everywhere… I, along with my family and friends, have grown accustomed to the stares and remarks when I’m out in public. I don’t think I look like Elvis, but folks continually make the connection. I suppose I should be flattered that the illusion exists in so many peoples eyes. It certainly helps to make my performance more convincing.

It has always been my belief that having an “Elvis Attitude” is as important as physically looking or sounding like “The King.” The right attitude can go a long way toward a good performance. It’s a tool used by the best actors. I’ve had people tell me I carry myself like Elvis. It’s not something I’m conscious of doing. If it’s true, it’s natural….like the sideburns. For the audience to buy into the illusion, they have to believe what they see. In most of my shows, I’m up close and personal with the crowd. The less “fake” they observe in my appearance…the easier it is for them to accept what they see as real. If the day comes when I feel I can no longer represent the image faithfully…that’s the day this Elvis Tribute Artist will shave off the sideburns and hang up the jumpsuit. Till then…THE “ELVIS-BURNS” STAY!

Elvis Tribute Artist, Eddie O'Rourke does the "red carpet" in Tribeca

Earlier in the year this Elvis Tribute Artist was invited to The Tribeca Film Festival. Founded in 2002, by actor Robert DeNiro and Craig Hatkoff  just after 9-11. The festival was conceived to foster the revitalization of the downtown area of Manhattan and to promote New York City as a major mecca for film making.

At a private screening I saw the premier of the hilarious dark-comedy “Serious Moonlight”,starring Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton.  The film was directed by actor/director Cheryl Hines and screenplay by the late Adrienne Shelly who also wrote, co-starred in, and directed the critically acclaimed 2007 hit “Waitress.” A big thumbs-up for Shelly’s final entry. Her tragic passing is such a loss to those of us who appreciate superb writing. I’ll be looking forward to hitting The Tribeca Film Festival once again in the Spring of 2010. See…I do occasionally get to do something in addition to my Elvis Tribute Show!

Another fantastic audience!

Eddie O'Rourke as Elvis is a "hunka burnin' love" at his Sept., '09 "Concert In The Park"

Saturday, September 20th was yet another New Jersey gig. An Elvis Tribute Concert at the Dr. David G. Morris Park in Bayonne. The facility is adjacent to an historic 19th century firehouse which has been  turned into a museum. I got to take some photos, dressed in a rendition of Elvis’ “Burnin’ Love” jumpsuit, with some pretty old fire fighting gear. One of my favorite antiques on display was a horse drawn, water coach from 1840.

This Elvis Tribute was sponsored by The Gary LaPelusa Association. Gary is a New Jersey politician. DJ Express provided my background music and sound support. The concert, just under an hour, ran the gamut of Elvis hits from the Fifties through the Seventies. The show attracted a mixed audience of kids to seniors and I caught every age group singing along at various points. After remaining for photos, as I was getting ready to leave, a sweet little girl named Madison, approached me with her grandfather. She had already taken a photo with me earlier, but wanted to shake my hand before going home. You know…it’s the magic of Elvis. IT’S GOOD TO PLAY THE KING!!

Bringin' it on home for the final "Elvis Summer Festival '09"

Eddie O'Rourke's "Blue Suede" finish for his "Elvis Summer Festival", Sept., '09

On Thursday, September 17th, I played the final concert for my “Elvis Summer Festival” here in New Jersey. The programs have been presented as a feature of the Bayonne Town Center Classic Car Shows, since the beginning of the new millennium

A cool September evening, no rain ( which this Elvis Tribute Artist has had a good deal of this Summer) and a very responsive audience was the setting for the last concert for my ’09 Elvis Summer Festival. Despite a minor mishap with my guitar strap giving out at the beginning of my opening number,  the show got off to a strong start with “That’s Alright Mama”, followed by “Release Me” and “Sweet Caroline.” Later, midway in the show, I did a well received rendition of “It’s Over” followed by “Return To Sender.” Near the closing of the concert came another Elvis classic, “If I Can Dream” and “Proud Mary” just before the traditional outro tune “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” A final concert scarf for a waiting female and that was it for my New Jersey “Elvis Festival 2009.”

My unending thanks to Mary Divock, Executive Director for The Town Center and Megan Januska, Executive Assistant for their support and sponsorship of my Elvis Summer shows. Also thanks for making  me feel so special. They are the ones without whom these Summer events would never happen. The Car Shows are but a part of the programs they are responsible for throughout the entire year. What they accomplish is no small feat. My gratitude also to The Big Apple Restaurant in Bayonne, NJ for sponsoring my “Aloha from Hawaii” concert in August. Finally, a big THANK YOU to all my New Jersey friends and fans who show up, in all kinds of weather, for these outdoor events. THERE WOULD BE LITTLE REASON FOR MY SHOWING UP WITHOUT THEIR LOYALTY…AND I DO SO LOVE MY WORK AS AN ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST!!