One Night of Elvis

Walking in the streets of Reading, when one day, suddenly I happened to come across this poster on a wall.

I was amazed by this poster and wanted to watch this event by hook or crook. But as the days went by, I forgot about it. A few days later, the same poster beckoned me once again. Googled for reviews and there were plenty of them with excellent reviews. Made up my mind to watch the show!

Called the ATG Group (Customer care number: 0844 871 7642 or http://www.atgtickets.com) and booked my tickets on 1st February for a show on the 3rd February in New Wimbledon Theatre.

The next 2 days I was restless! Like an excited kid, spoke with my parents on this show. Dad was also excited, but mum was like, "Have you gone mad once again? Why are you going for the show? With whom are you going? Why are you going alone? Why no friends till now? Its been six months and still none? Till what time is it? How are you going to come back? Stay back in London and come back to Reading the next day. Why do you want to risk by coming back in the middle of the night? etc etc etc" To me, it was like, "Blah! Blah! Blah!" Nevertheless, I know, deep down she is concerned and perhaps over protective about me. Typical of all mothers, isn't it?

Shared the enthusiasm with some of the friends here in office too. They were quite surprised to see a young chap taking immense interest in Elvis Presley! But to me, Elvis is God of Music! Everytime I listen to his song, I feel alright for he peps up my moods like no one else. His voice, the way he sings, the lyrics, his style, his looks are all soooo good to me! I've listened to a lot of his songs and seen quite a few of his movies too! So is certainly a great fan of his music, songs and the man himself!

Anyway the D-day arrived and I wrapped up my work quickly by 1615 hrs so that I could leave early for London. But then, as usual, nothing goes as per the plan. I had intended to leave Reading by 1700 hrs, so that I could get to the venue easily and early. But then I could only leave by around 1745 and this meant I would need to hurry to the station and also to the tubes in Paddington.

Took the 1800 train to Paddington from Reading and reached at 1830. Immediately made a dash to the District Line area to take the tube to Wimbledon. Reached at 19.20 after a long wait at Paddington and taking 2 tubes to Wimbledon instead of one. Luckily the Theatre was around a 5 minute walk from the tube station. Quickly walked in the direction of the theatre with a quick stop over at Greggs for a bite for I had not eaten my lunch that noon.

Eating my pasty on the way reached the place and made a dash to the ticker counter as it was already 1930 and the announcement of the show commencing was on air. Luckily as I had pre-booked the ticket, all I had to do was give out my Last Name and Postcode of the place I was staying. Upon confirmation they handed the tickets. Quickly they escorted me to the hall and a usher guided me to the seat.

The theatre was dark by the time I got to my seat. Sat next to an elderly gentleman who stared at me (head to toe) for a full minute, perhaps trying place me if he has seen me before (perhaps with his grand daughter?) Relax, grandpa, I haven’t met her nor have dated her. Infact, in my entire life, only on one occasion, I have taken the prettiest, most beautiful girl in the world (She was as beautiful as Liz Taylor), out for a coffee and a lovely chocolate cake. There have been none sadly after that! :’( . Gave him a sweet smile and exchanged pleasantries.

The show finally began and Lee ‘Memphis’ King appeared on the stage, dressed like The King himself! He then performed several songs of Elvis and impersonated him perfectly! Lee was fantastic. The crowd, a rough estimate of 150 plus, went berserk. What surprised me was that most of them appeared to be atleast 40 plus in their age. Some of them were well in their 70s too. As Lee sang on with some of Elvis’ best songs, many of them were on their feet and dancing on their toes, shaking their hips and waving their hands in the air. As the movements were restricted due to the chairs, I guess many were not able to dance as they would like to. Seeing them dance, decided not to be left behind and I too joined them! I sang the songs as loudly and melodiously as I could.

The best thing, probably, was the grandpa who was staring at me, approached me and said, “When I first saw you, I was thinking to myself, whether this bloke knows anything about Elvis? But looking at you sing most of the songs, I’m mistaken. You must be an ardent fan of his! Good to know that Elvis’ music is liked by young chaps like you. Keep going, son!” His comments made my day better. Lee, sang some of my favourite Elvis’ songs such as

1.   Blue Suede Shoes (opening song of the show!)

2.   Jailhouse Rock

3.   Always on my Mind (one of the most touching and the best song by Elvis.True Fact : Elvis recorded this song shortly after his separation from his wife, Priscilla)

4.   The Wonder of You

5.   Love Me Tender

6.   Suspicious Minds

7.   Can’t help falling in love with you

8.   Dont Cry Daddy

9.   Don’t

10. Burning Love

11. Way Down

12. Don’t be Cruel

13. Too Much

14. Hound Dog

15. Let me be your Teddy Bear

16. Its Now or Never

17. Now And Then There’s a Fool Such as I

18. Marie’s the Name of His Latest Flame

19. Good Luck Charm

20. Return To Sender

21. You’re The Devil In Disguise

22. Polk Salad Annie

23. In the Ghetto (One song that brings a tear to my eyes)

These are some of the songs I just love listening to! Was disappointed to not hear A Little Less Conversation, Are You Lonesome Tonight though! He did sing a few more, which unfortunately have slipped out of my mind now. But looking at the above list, I must say he did sing quite a lot of song in that wonderful 150 odd minutes.

As all good things must come to an end, and so did this show. The show was all over by about 2200 ish. The crowd slowly disappeared with joy and a song of Elvis on their lips. Perhaps, we were all drunk and intoxicated with his songs running through our blood now!

At the end of the day, I thought, what a phenomenon the King must have been in those days. He truly was a legend and his fame must have multiplied several times after his death! Legends like him shall never die. Infact they live on and on in our hearts! I am certainly grateful to my parents, especially my mother, for having introduced me to his songs at a young age and have grown up listening to his songs. So Thank you, Daddy and Mummy. You are the best parents ever!!!!

Watching this show has made me feel real good inside for I did happen to see a fantastic, rare performance for shows of this kind are unheard of in India! This day, I shall remember for years to come by.

So if anyone is thinking of going for this show, JUST GO FOR IT. YOU'LL NEVER REGRET IT. 

More on Lee Memphis King : http://leememphisking.com/index.html

Vinay

21-Feb-2012

Time : 2250 GMT