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

After a 42 year run, The Philadelphia Spectrum will close it’s doors forever at the end of the ’09 season.

Completed in 1967, seating about 18,000, it became part of The South Philadelphia Sports Complex. The structure will close following a four evening concert with Pearl Jam on October 27, 28, 3o and 31, 2009. Thereafter, the arena will be razed to make way for a planned hotel for the complex.

Popular music concerts have been staged at The Spectrum since its opening. Renowned for excellent acoustics, the venue has presented the likes of The Doors, The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, Queen, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Kiss, Phil Collins and Phish. On May 28, 1977, Elvis Presley performed a live concert at The Spectrum arena. Elvis hit the stage dressed in his white, prehistoric bird suit and, despite mic feedback, charged through his opening number See See Rider. A business called King Features Syndicate produced bootleg  copies of Elvis’ concert that night. It would prove to be one of Elvis’ final appearances.

The Spectrum “Theater” was an additional venue for acts not big enough to fill the arena. A stage was placed in the center of the arena, and the second half of the Spectrum, behind the stage, was curtained-off to create the “theater.” Acts that performed in that setting include: Frank Zappa, Diamond Dog, Natty Dread, Kaya, Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel and Howard Jones.

And so, like so many other lost Elvis haunts, we bid farewell to yet another piece of Elvis Presley history!

"Large or small audience...I always give it my all"

Eddie O'Rourke..another venue, another Elvis Tribute Show

Over the years, my work as an Elvis Tribute Artist has taken me across the USA, Mexico and Canada. Currently, my itinerary is East of the Mississippi… with the brunt of my en

"Wherever I go...concert scarves for the ladies"

gagements in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Less frequently, I’m also in Philadelphia, PA, Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Virginia, Nashville and Memphis, TN as well as Chicago and Florida occasionally. However, you’re liable to find me just about anywhere, when time and fee permits.

My Elvis Tribute Show can be as elaborate as a concert with a full compliment of live musicians. Or performing with custom, prerecorded music tracks ,using my personal sound crew. The Elvis Show can also be as basic as simply supplying a CD  background for a DJ on location. The client’s budget is always the determining factor. No matter how we provide the music accompaniment, you’ll always get ME giving my all, singing those great Elvis hits and doing the Elvis karate moves. I’ll be decked out in one of my extravagant jumpsuits, giving away Hawaiian leis and concert scarves and mingling with the audience. And I always hang around after every show to chat and pose for photos with the crowd. I’ve always taken my job as an Elvis Tribute Artist seriously. I’m not an impersonator and I don’t think I’m “The King of Rock ‘n’ roll”…there was only one!  I’m a professional singer and musician who is faithful to “the image” and I perform with respect to his memory. In the Elvis tradition, the programs  generate a lot of energy and are appropriate for young and old,,,including children. My concerts cover a wide range of venues including: night clubs, auditoriums, banquet halls, corporate events, radio, tv, car shows, parades, cruises and private parties. I just might be coming to a town near you soon….I’ll keep you posted!

I’m NOT an Elvis impersonator and I remind folks of that fact all the time. I AM an Elvis Tribute Artist and I’m also a food and wine enthusiast…also a fact! My life as an entertainer has afforded me the opportunity to explore many restaurants in many locations. From time to time I will impart some of my eatery experiences ’cause I love sharing good food almost as much as I love sharing music.

I’ve already mentioned that Philadelphia is a favorite city for me. Scores of  exceptional spots for dining. A list of those Philly spots I would give high marks to would certainly include: Fork, Tangerine, Cuba Libra, Patou, Farmacia, Estia, Paradigm, Friday-Saturday-Sunday, Astral Plane, Striped Bass, Mission Grill, Davio’s, Tria, Roy’s, City Tavern, Panorama, Meritage, XIX, City Harvest, Le Bec Fin, La Croix and Susanna Foo.

There are a few Philadelphia locations that stand out in my mind for a myriad of reasons. Estia has wonderful Greek food with authentic atmosphere and live music to boot. Cuba Libra has a young, neo-latin vibe and is a happening place…especially on weekends. Roy’s boasts Hawaiian-fusion cuisine. Hawaiian seafood delicacies, meats, sushi and shellfish prepared with European flavors and exotic Asian spices. Add to that an award winning wine list for the perfect combination. For a real taste of colonial life…City Tavern is a must for the total  Old Philadelphia experience.  A faithful recreation of the tavern which stood  on the very same spot, where the founding fathers hung out while establishing the new nation. You can sample brews made from the original 18th Century recipes and all the staff is dressed in period garb. A total step back in time! Panorama features traditional northern Italian food with wonderful faux painting and murals that add to the ambience.  But, the topper for a wine enthusiast like me…the bar offers one hundred forty labels by the glass by way of their “cuvinet system.” And, for an absolutely elegant dining experience, no holes barred, my choice is Davio’s. Located on the second floor of the historic Provident Bank Building, a short run from trendy Rittenhouse Square. A spacious dining area with high ceilings, large windows and ornate plaster decoration typical of the period. The Bar area is appointed with over-stuffed chairs and sofas and offers a five star wine list. They feature a contemporary northern Italian menu, exquisite presentation and meticulous service. And, if steak is your delight, Davio’s is second to none. The entire staff always goes the extra mile to make me feel like royalty….Like “The King.”

Here I am with, my good friend and fan, Lisa Whiddett of Davio's.

As in the title of that great Johnny Cash tune…”I’ve Been Everywhere” and dined at some of the finest establishments across the country. From the simplest to the most extravagant dishes. This time it was Philadelphia, PA…STAY TUNED  to this “Tribute Artist” for the next installment as we explore food across America.

I recently played a gig just outside of Philadelphia…one of my favorite cities. A short two hours from my place in New Jersey, but a great spot for a quick getaway. I’m especially fond of  Philly’s “Old City”; steeped in history and so quaint. There’s Ben Franklin’s home, The Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley (oldest continuously occupied street in America) and, of course Philadelphia’s #1 attraction, Independence Hall. And that only begins to scratch the surface of sites to see.

On Market Street, down the block from Ben’s Home and Philly’s KYW-TV, CBS Channel 3, sits a men’s clothing store that has an Elvis connection without even trying. I’ve already  written previously about Lansky Bros. in Memphis, TN. That cool  haberdashery where a young Elvis Presley purchased all those “glad rags” for which he became infamous. Well, I found the Philadelphia equivalent to Lansky’s and it’s called The Corner Store (Suits, Ties & Pants) at 300 Market. A shop that mostly caters to black clientele, but is paradise for an Elvis Tribute Artist like me. The same sort of flashy, theatrical shirts, pants, suits and accessories that first attracted “The King” to Bernard Lansky’s store in the fifties. Gary, the owner, has gotten to know my taste in clothes and will often select a bunch of items for my consideration. Very often, he is spot-on! His staff is friendly, attentive and helpful and the prices are easy on your wallet. Whether you’re an Elvis Tribute Artist/Impersonator or just a guy who “Dares to Rock”, you’re gonna love  “The Corner Store” in Philadelphia.