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The TCB Band rocks Sydney!!!: EIN's Piers Beagley takes us into the showroom as he describes the magic that was Mick Gerace, the TCB Band and Sweet Inspiration, Myrna Smith, last weekend in Sydney, Australia. Relive the evening through Piers' vivid review and a photo record of the event. (Review, Source: EIN)

'Elvis' asks workers to help United Way: "Elvis" was in the courthouse building Wednesday, helping raise money for the United Way of Weld County. Elvis, or KFKA radio personality George Gray, walked around to various law clerks and court reporters' offices, catch- ing many off-guard as he serenaded them with "Love Me Tender." Gray also asked them to help the United Way. Weld District Judge Gilbert Gutierrez walked out of his chambers to shake Gray's hand, as he heard one of his clerks laughing with embarrassment. "It's not every day you get to shake Elvis' hand," Judge Gutierrez said, also laughing. Shairan Whitman, an accounts and collections representative for the 19th Judicial District, helped organize the King's surprise visit. Gray has been doing Elvis impersonations for years, and said he often helps with nonprofit organizations. "I've slowly been getting the reputation as being the Elvis guy in Greeley," he said. But he doesn't do it for just anyone and won't be Elvis for Halloween. "I'll go as Wayne Newton," he said. He may or may not have been joking. Those at the courthouse who donated to the United Way Wednesday will get a photograph of themselves with Gray, who was dressed in a very convincing white polyester Elvis suit. Anyone who wants a glossy 8x10-inch photo can get one for $5, Whitman said. (News, Source: Greeley Tribune)

Dress Up Elvis: An apparent collaboration between Ariel Books (Andrews & McMeel Publishers) & EPE, this slimline 32 page title (ISBN: 0740750704) is listed for release on 30 June 2005. Fans can all look forward to dressing Elvis up in their favorite "King" clothes. (News, Source: Amazon)

A Little Less Conservative: The Conservative Party, whose elderly and buttoned-down bedrock voters might have been just the types to be appalled by Elvis 40 years ago, last month unveiled the king's "A Little Less Conversation" as the theme song for its campaign for a national election expected next spring. "Few people would expect the Tories to use an Elvis Presley song but one of the things that we wanted to do was add a little humor," says Charles Hendry, deputy chairman of the Conservative Party. The party considered numerous other songs from artists including the Beatles as well as patriotic tunes, he says, adding: "Elvis is a global icon now." As icons go, he is also relatively cheap - a major reason why advertisers are so keen to use his image. U.K. marketers don't have to pay royalties to use digitally altered images of dead celebrities under British trademark laws, says Todd Morgan, director of media and creative development at Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc., the business entity created by the Estate of Elvis Presley/The Elvis Presley Trust, whose sole owner is the singer's daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. Advertisers in the U.S. must pay for such use, he says. And the company charges everyone, including the British, for using Elvis's recordings, negotiating the price depending on the song and how much is played, Morgan says. He declines to specify. Elvis Presley Enterprises welcomes the advertising dollars. A few years ago, the company sent information to marketers alerting them that Elvis was available. (News, Source: Google/ElvisNews.com)

Elvis does the Monster Mash: Bobby "Boris" Pickett's iconic tune "Monster Mash" has inspired an Elvis flavored tribute band. (Odd Spot, Source: Princeton Packet)

Elton John and Bernie Taupin's Elvis flavored Southern tribute: Here is an excerpt from an interview with Elton John's co-author Berni Taupin, published on the official Elton John website, concerning "Peachtree Road", his latest album. EltonJohn.com: Tell us the story behind Porch Swing in Tupelo. Berni Taupin: "Porch Swing In Tupelo is exactly what it says it is, a recounting of a Sunday drive I took down the Natchez Trace from Nashville to Tupelo. It's an absolutely extraordinary stretch of pure Americana and something anyone with a thirst for history should not miss out on given the opportunity. That the trip wound up at Elvis' birthplace and I ended up relaxing on his front porch swing is purely coincidental. The song is more a homage to the natural beauty of the south and how its heritage just seems to hang in the air. The overall feel of the track seems to convey this, I think." (News, Source: ElvisNews.com)

Elvis industry flourishes but what is the future?: Twenty-seven years after his death Elvis is the most profitable "dead celebrity", and in this article Forbes magazine looks at EPE's strategy to lift 'flat' revenues as Elvis again tops the deceased celebrities earnings list. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Forbes.com)

"Elvis" to run in the Melbourne Cup: Elvstroem (aka Elvis) the horse that won Australia's second biggest race, The Caulfield Cup, is to run in next week's Melbourne Cup. Trainer Tony Vasil has found the lure of the $4.6 million Cup irresistible. Elvstroem's recovery from an unlucky and soft run in the Cox Plate and the apparent lack of depth in the Cup field have swayed Vasil. (News, Source: Herald Sun)

New Elvis books announced: Several new books due for publication in America in November may interest many Elvis fans. Popstrology: The Art and Science of Reading the Popstars is a surprisingly interesting way of interpreting your personality by examining the pop music charts at your time of birth (ala astrology). Written by Ian Van Tuyl the 384 page book is being published by Bloomsbury Publishing Inc., (ISBN: 1582344221). The Hal Leonard Corporation is releasing Greatest Rock Stories Ever Told: The Best of Rock Fiction (ISBN: 0634080288). The publicity blurb indicates Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen all feature. The Oxford University Press is publishing All Shook Up: How Rock 'n' Roll Changed America. Written by Glenn A. Altschuler this 240 page softcover (ISBN: 0195177495) has met with critical praise from a wide variety of sources including The Washington Post, Publisher's Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. It examines the impact of "race" music on the cultural landscape of the US and includes "vivid biographies" of Elvis, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Buddy Holly etc. (News, Source: ElvisBookSearch)

Tuesday 26 October 2004

Win a copy of "Such Vicious Minds": Courtesy of St. Martin's Minotaur EIN has 6 copies to give away of 'Such Vicious Minds', the 4th instalment in Daniel Klein's great murder-mystery series starring Elvis Presley, super-sleuth. To go in the draw just click the "CONTACT EIN" block in our left hand column and fill in your details (simply specify Such Vicious Minds comp.). The competition closes on Monday 1 November 2004. (Competition, Source: EIN/St. Martin's Minotaur)

Elvis fans can't find BMG's new 'Artist Collection' series in record stores: A growing number of Australian fans are registering complaints on the various Elvis messageboards that they can't find BMG's new mid-price Artist Collection series in record stores. Many fans are also voicing their dislike of the cover artwork for the Elvis release. Fans can check out the official site for the series plus its feature article about Elvis at: http://www.artistcollection.org/ (News, Source: Elvis Messageboards)

Priscilla Presley To Accept Award On Behalf Of Elvis: Priscilla Presley, 59, will attend the live finale of Channel 4's UK Hall of Fame series, which honours the all-time greats of popular music. Though notoriously publicity shy, Priscilla has agreed to pick up an award marking Presley's outstanding contribution. Viewers were asked to vote on a shortlist of 10 artists from each decade. The winning five acts will be honoured in a ceremony at the Hackney Empire, East London, on November 11. Presley, The Beatles, Bob Marley, Madonna and U2 have already been elected founding members because of their huge impact on the British music scene. (News, Source: ElvisNews.com)

Monday 25 October 2004

Elvis estate is a boon that needs area boost: One of the most successful and well-visited landmarks in the City of Memphis is the Elvis Presley estate and shops in the Whitehaven community. It draws over a half million tourists annually. Elvis's home draws these tourists from all parts of the world and gives them an opportunity to understand the Memphis experience. However, because of the great success it has achieved, more could and should be done to be more community friendly and make some capital improvements in the areas surrounding their historic attraction. Yes improvements have been made, but it seems only for the direct benefit of the estate. There's nothing innately negative regarding making self-enhancing improvements, but being a bit more philanthropic will help Whitehaven as well as the Elvis estate to be more successful perceptively and financially. For example, couldn't there be a half-price day for school-age students, or a $1 day for seniors citizens? One of the area vacant buildings could be used to assist some not-for profit, 501c3 organization to teach computer skills, mentor young boys or provide etiquette classes for young girls. Endeavors such as these will also work to endear the community to the Elvis estate. Many Whitehaven residents have never visited the estate and have no plans to, because they feel alienated and disconnected from their vision. An effort of inclusion, that will involve different sectors of the Whitehaven community, will provide windfall profits as well as positive people production. (News Opinion, Source: Whitehaven Appeal)

Dolly Parton tells of another potential Elvis number one stopped by The Colonel: Thirty years ago Elvis Presley asked a pretty blond country singer if he could record a love song she'd penned. The request for ‘I Will Always Love You’ in 1974 stirred Dolly Parton's blood. "I got so excited," she drawled wide-eyed, recounting the story for a packed house at Casino Rama, in Ontario over the weekend. "I told everybody Elvis was doing it." But Colonel Parker wanted half the publishing rights and Parton, a savvy business woman, wasn't ready to give that up. She told the story to set up a new song she's written, ‘I Dreamed About Elvis’, to memorialize the event. "I was disappointed I never got Elvis to record it . . . but Whitney (Houston) did it and made me a ton of money," laughed the 58-year-old music and film star. "It has been the biggest song of my career." Whitney Houston’s single sold 5 million copies in 1992 and spent 14 weeks at number One. ‘I Dreamed About Elvis’ is a novelty song performed with an impersonator who eventually sings her famous ballad by the end of the track. Parton said it will appear on a CD scheduled for release in early 2005. In 1967 Country star Porter Wagoner played a key role in launching Dolly Parton’s incredible career. Porter Wagoner was also an early RCA recording artist who, like Elvis, toured the country circuit and worked on the Grand Ole Opry. Wagoner also recorded the original version of ‘Green Green Grass Of Home.’ Dolly Parton returned to the road this month for a 30-city tour many fans thought they'd never live to see. Her 20-song set on Friday night - the first of three sold-out shows and her only ones in Canada - reflected old classics, new ones destined to become hits and carefully selected cover songs including John Lennon's Imagine and Kris Kristofferson's Me and Bobby McGee, popularized by Janis Joplin. (News, Source- EIN/Canadian Press)

TCB Band rocks Sydney, Australia: The legendary TCB Band, Myrna Smith and Mick Gerace rocked Sydney over the weekend with two sensational concerts. The shows featured many interesting song choices including Good Rockin' Tonight, Viva Las Vegas, Reconsider Baby (particularly good), a very clever version of It's Now or Never (sung half in real Italian) and Moody Blue. EIN will publish a review of the shows shortly. (News, Source: EIN)

Australia chart update: Aloha From Hawaii fell one place to #31 on this week's ARIA DVD chart. It has been on the chart for 14 weeks. (News, Source: Aria)

The Memphis Lullaby: This book tells the story of Elvis Presley’s life in his own words. Or as the Glasgow-based writer Linda Ann McConnell puts it: "it paints an intimate portrait of the King in his own words - transcribed from recordings of radio interviews, press conferences, concerts, his handwritten notes and remembered conversations with his friend Larry Geller". The book was announced in August. About the book: "It is 10 August 1977, Elvis Presley sits in his living room at Graceland. He has decided it is time to write his memoirs and intends to call the book ‘Through My Eyes’. He reflects on his life, from humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, through his rise to stardom and how he became the man the world called ‘The King.’ The story imagines Elvis as he reminisces, recalls anecdotes and touches the truth in his own words about the man, the myths and the music. As we walk with Elvis on his nostalgic journey we glimpse the man behind the King while commemorating his life and career". (News, Source: ElvisNews.com)

Sunday 24 October 2004

Elvis fills up four warehouses: EPE possesses an incredible amount of Elvis items. In fact there are enough Elvis-related particulars to warrant four warehousing facilities.

Three are scattered throughout the Memphis area at undisclosed locations.

Jokes Todd Morgan, director of media and creative development, "We'd take you there, but we'd have to kill you." A fourth sits above ground in an unassuming area on the Graceland grounds, a vault-like building that is earthquake, tornado and fire proof, "designed to withstand just about anything but a direct hit from God," says Morgan, and he's not joking this time. The climate-controlled facility, which stores the more sensitive portion, stays a constant 66 degrees; should the temperature ever reach 69, an alarm goes off. No one will disclose the budget for such an operation, though Marchese, one of three employees in the archives department, smiles at an annual figure of hundreds of thousands of dollars. As for its monetary value, Soden says a price can't be put on it. Take into account the periodic sale of Elvis things at auctions, and you end up with a number that has a whole lot of zeroes, he says". (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

Fifties musician recalls meeting Elvis: Buzz Cason's new book, Living the Rock 'n Roll Dream: The Adventures of Buzz Cason, is filled with interesting stories, none moreso than the time Buzz and his band The Casuals met Elvis. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Suburban Journals)

Saturday 23 October 2004

Oakland airport display fit for The King: an exhibition of Elvis memorabilia is on display at Oakland International Airport. (News, Source: Oakland Tribune)

Showtime At The International: Due for release on 15 November 2004 is an audience recording titled "Showtime At The International". This release contains the August 11, 1971 Dinner show. International Hotel welcomes you/ Also sprach zarahustra Intro / That's all right / Proud mary / You don't have to you love me / Sweet caroline / Polk salad annie / Walking around / Johnny b. goode / It's impossible / Love me / Blue suede shoes / Heartbreak hotel / Teddy bear - Don't be cruel / Hound dog / Memphis Tennessee / Trying to get to you / Suspicious minds / Introductions / I'm leavin' / Lawdy miss clawdy / The impossible dream. (News, Source: ElvisNews.com)

Another Elvis underground messageboard goes: The Larry Blong messageboard was discontinued last week. Blong is the near "dead ringer" for Elvis who was featured with Elvis in a photo taken at the Graceland Gates. (News, Source: EIN)

Friday 22 October 2004

Elvis Sessions III: EIN's Piers Beagley probes inside a "fascinating but ultimately flawed" release from Joseph Tunzi. Does the book live up to its US$75.00 price tag? Piers offers more than a few thoughts. (Book review, Source: EIN)

Wanted - Elvis Presley: Could this be YOU? CBS says it'll be holding an open casting call in Los Angeles to find someone to play Elvis Presley in an upcoming four-hour miniseries. "Participants will be judged on their singing ability, charisma and likeness to Elvis," says CBS. "Those interested in attending the casting call should look 18-33 years old. Hopefuls are required to bring their headshots, resumes and be prepared to sing 10 bars of any Elvis song." So if you can only look 34, forget it. Hopefuls will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis, says CBS. Date: Wednesday, November 10 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Where: CBS Television City Gate 6 - Sound Stage 46 7800 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (News, Source: p2pnet.com)

How to get access to Elvis' bedroom at Graceland: According to a post on the Elvis Collectors messageboard, getting access to Elvis' bedroom at Graceland is as tough as getting access to Fort Knox. Only Lisa and Priscilla have unfettered access and other EPE officials must formally apply for access. If access is granted a tough set of protocols is enforced. (News, Source: Elvis-Collectors.com)

Humperdinck: 'Elvis stole my image': Crooner Englebert Humperdinck was so fed up of being mistaken for rock king Elvis Presley, he shaved off his notorious sideburns. The Release Me singer is furious with his former manager Gordon Mills for forcing him to remove his famous facial hair and has still not forgiven the late Jailhouse Rock star for stealing his image. He says, "One day, at Gordon's behest, I shaved off my sideboards, even though I thought they were an intrinsic part of my image. I had grown mine in 1965 and Elvis had grown his in 1972. "What with Elvis's exact replica of my hairstyle and our matching, we looked like brothers, and people could hardly tell us apart. 'Elvis', I once said, mocking is Mississippi accent, 'I lurve (sic) everything about you, but you stole my sideboards.' "The moment I shaved mine off, I realised I should not have done it." (News, Source: ContactMusic)

New Ringtones from Elvis Mobile!: Now you can listen to your favorite Elvis tune every day. From "Hound Dog" to "Suspicious Minds," Elvis Mobile has the classics covered with 24 new 'tones now available. Elvis Mobile, the only place to get official Elvis content for your cell phone. Read more: http://www.mobile.elvis.com (News, Source: elvis.com)

Lisa Marie Presley to marry again?: A number of websites are saying that Lisa Marie Presley will shortly marry her band guitarist and record producer, Michael Lockwood. Both Lisa's own website and elvis.com (Graceland) are currently silent about the claim. Meanwhile, Lisa's second album is now slated for release in March 2005. (News, Source: Various)

Dire Straits on Elvis: Mark Knopfler's new solo album, Shangri-La, ranks among his best, both musically and for the strange characters that populate it. Many of the former Dire Straits frontman's songs are filled with men on the fringes, as diverse as Elvis Presley, Sonny Liston, bagmen and bank robbers. Knopfler has long had an Elvis Presley interest. He even opened his last concert at Red Rocks with Calling Elvis. "I remember in my naive way being kind of surprised that (Presley) wanted to be a movie star so badly. When you get a little bit older, you can kind of understand that. You look at the influence of Hollywood on the world. Again, it's a way of looking at now and fame TV and how many kids want to be famous. What have we done to address that myth of fame?" he says. "Have we matured at all as a culture since Elvis was a kid and wanted to be James Dean or Marlon Brando?" (News, Source: Rocky Mountain News)

Little known Elvis related film "Eddie Presley" released: The little known 1993 film Eddie Presley was recently released on DVD in the USA. About the film: By day, he works at a dead-end security job. By night, he is Eddie Presley (Duane Whitaker, who also wrote the screenplay), Elvis impersonator extraordinaire. Sadly, though, Eddie's life seems to be falling apart. The clubs he performs in have gotten increasingly smaller, his girlfriend has left him, and he can barely afford to live out of his van. But when he gets a chance at a "comeback" show at a seedy Hollywood nightclub, Eddie sees it as a chance to turn his luck around. Unfortunately, the performance won't go quite as he plans it. This bittersweet cult curiosity about the lower reaches of the Hollywood food chain also stars Clu Culagher (To Elvis With Love/The Virginian), Ted Raimi, Lawrence Tierney, and Roscoe Lee Browne, and features cameos from Quentin Tarantino and Bruce Campbell (Bubba Ho-Tep). Eddie Presley has been released on DVD by Tempe Video in both single disc and two disc (special edition) formats. (News, Source: Tower Records)

Such Vicious Minds: EIN dives inside the fourth instalment in Daniel Klein's entertaining series involving Elvis Presley, super sleuth. (Book Review, Source: EIN)

Green Carpet Ceilings- The Textile Art of Elvis Presley: we came across this fascinating article about the decor of Graceland ("Elvis style") on one of the messageboards. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Elvis-Collectors.com)

Feels Like I'm In Love written for Elvis!: According to a post by TJ, the disco song Feels Like I'm In Love by Kelly Marie was originally written for Elvis, but not recorded. It wasn't passed up as such, because it didn't make it to him before he died, but it's an interesting story. The song was written by Ray Dorset (lead singer of Mungo Jerry) and here's what he had to say about it: "I wrote it for Elvis and sang it in an Elvis-style voice for the demo. Barry Murray agreed to get it all ready and send it off to Elvis. A few days later, I was at the bottom of my garden when I got this call. It was Barry and he said, 'Elvis has died!'...I couldn't believe it. After that I kinda put it to bed for a while. Kelly Marie had a few minor hits in France and had been around our office a bit, so we asked her to do it." It's possible to imagine Elvis singing this with a less disco arrangement. (News, Source: Elvis Collectors.com messageboard)

Donna Early Presley "Elvis Art": Zamage Digital Art Imaging Inc., the world's leading publisher of photo-to-art artwork using proprietary processes, is pleased to announce it has signed an agreement with Donna Presley for the exclusive rights to the Donna Presley collection of family Elvis photos. "This is outstanding news," said Stewart Irvine, President and CEO of Zamage. "This collection of Elvis photos, will be transformed into a stunning body of artwork by our artists and made available to Elvis fans throughout the world. It is a never-seen-before, collection of family Elvis photos now available through Zamage and Presley Art." The collection of over 200 photos will be available for viewing online at www.presleyart.com and the company will be taking orders immediately.

Each piece of art is a collector's edition and the body of artwork is unmatched. "Elvis has touched so many lives throughout the world," said Donna Presley. "We want to help people make Elvis a part of their daily lives." About Zamage Zamage Digital Art Imaging, Inc., (OTCBB.PK.ZMGD) founded in 1999, is a publisher, designer, manufacturer and marketer of canvas and paper giclee printed fine art products and art-inspired gift products. It is the only company in the world that provides customers with a fully-integrated photo-to-art and VMS (variable media and size) fine art printing system. From scanning the photos to delivering custom-designed framed artwork Zamage offers seamless, end-to-end artwork at a quality unmatched in the market. About Presley Art Presley Art is the first digital photo-to-art website devoted entirely to Elvis Presley. The visually stunning, Donna Presley Limited Edition collection of Elvis family photos is now available through Zamage Digital Art Imaging Inc. (News, Source: Google)

Ed Bonja interview: in the concluding part of our exclusive interview with Ed Bonja, Ed talks about the final years. (Interview, Source: EIN)

This Is Elvis & Elvis In Concert released on DTS DVD: From Korea come these two unofficial DVD releases. (News, Source: ElvisNews.com/getdtsdvd.com)

Elvis in Mojo magazine: The November issue of the UK music magazine Mojo (on sale November 15) will feature Elvis as the cover artist and an article "Elvis - Birth Of A Legend". The magazine will include a free CD "Riding With The King" featuring Little Richard, Lloyd Price, Rufus Thomas etc. It claims to feature an "Elvis rarity" (but we will have to wait ans see if that is really a rarity). (News, Source: ElvisNews.com)

Elvistroem, "Elvis" for short, Wins Caulfield Cup: Elvis was crowned king of Australia on Saturday with a grand staying performance for a wire-to-wire victory in the A$2.2 million Caulfield Cup (the biggest horse race downunder after the Melbourne Cup). Amid 51,000 cheering fans, Elvstroem (aka Elvis) was chased hard right to the finish by Makybe Diva (10-1), the reigning queen of Australasian stayers. She and Glen Moss went around the 17 other runners, of which all but two were ahead of them at the 800-meter pole. At the wire in Australia's toughest handicap at 2,400 meters, Danehill's current marquee colt in the south had only a half head to spare over the English-foaled daughter of Desert King. Elvstroem ran as a 3-1 favorite and newspaper headlines proclaimed "Elvis is the king". (News, Source: BloodHorse)

From Ireland To Graceland: Sir James Galway and his wife, Lady Jeanne Galway, played flute with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra last weekend, but they also visited Graceland. The acclaimed flutist said "I went to the home of a guy who changed pop music forever". Sir James, who admitted he wasn't a big Elvis fan when he was younger also said, "I became an Elvis fan later on, but I was too busy back then practicing the flute, trying to take over the world myself." Lady Jeanne was touched by the visit to the King's home. "I've just experienced standing in the room of one of the greatest musicians that ever lived and that worked so hard." Source: Commercial Appeal / updated: October 14, 2004 (News, Source: ElvisNews.com/Commercial Appeal)

New Elvis books announced: The University of Illinois Press has scheduled Louis Cantor's book, Dewey and Elvis: The Life and Times of a Rock 'n' Roll Deejay (Music in American Life) for January 2005 release. Examining the life of Memphis DJ, Dewey Phillips (the first radio DJ to play Elvis' That's All Right Mama in its entirety) it will be a hardcover release (ISBN: 025202981X). Meanwhile, Krause Publications will release Warman's Elvis Field Guide in the US in June next year. The only details so far supplied are that it will be a softcover release (ISBN: 0896891364) with 512 pages. (Book News, Source: Amazon)

Elvis' 911 call leads to Blues Brother car chase: Police responding to a call of a convulsing Elvis Presley impersonator soon found themselves in a high-speed chase of another faux celebrity -- a man dressed as one of the Blues Brothers. Crystal Police Capt. Dave Oyaas said the bizarre string of events began when officers were called to a veterans hall Monday morning to find a man dressed as Elvis Presley apparently in convulsions. When the officers approached, Oyaas said the man suddenly jumped up and yelled, ''Viva Las Vegas!'' before singing show tunes. At about the same time, two women said another man at the veterans hall dressed as John Belushi's character in ''The Blues Brothers'' had stolen their car and driven to a nearby airport. The man led police on a high-speed chase around the airport before officers forced him to stop and arrested him. ''It's one of those things that you stop and scratch your head, and you think that 'Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?'" Oyaas said. Oyaas said charges pending against the men could include disorderly conduct, fleeing police and drunken driving. The men had been drinking together at the VFW before police arrived. Blood tests will show how much, but Oyaas said, ''I would venture to say quite a bit.'' (Elvis News/Odd Spot, Source: Chicago Sun-Times)

New Elvis book published: The Tupelo-Memphis Murders: A Psychological Study in Self-Destruction and Murder! has been published. The controversial book is being issued as a limited edition run of 500 copies. Due to a publishing error the book is now available in two formats, as a perfect bound edition and as a wire bound edition. The pre-publication price has been extended until 26 October 2004. Click to find out more or to place an order. (Book News, Source: EIN)

Elvis' hit making team back in the studio: The Jordanaires, TCB Band and the Sweet Inspirations who found fame working with Elvis have come together to record with singer/songwriter, John Krondes in a funky new musical project. (Spotlight/Article, Source: PR Web)

FTD schedule announced: FTD continues its Classic Albums series releasing Elvis movie soundtrack albums and others no longer in the active catalog for the regular mainstream RCA Records label. These releases, which surpass the original versions in content and packaging, come in special 7” digipacks with 12-page booklets, the master recordings from the original soundtrack albums plus released and previously released alternate takes. The next releases in this series coming in mid-to-late November are the soundtracks from the films Follow That Dream and Kid Galahad.

FTD’s next regular series quarterly release, set for January 1, 2005 is The On Tour Rehearsals. It comes in the regular FTD digipack. It will feature recordings done at RCA’s studios in Hollywood in March 1972, which were conducted in association with that year’s MGM concert film Elvis on Tour. The CD covers Elvis rehearsals for his upcoming tour, combining classic Elvis live repertoire with some of his new studio material of that time.

Special FTD Book/CD Combo: Also set for release on January 1, 2005, is FTD’s next book/CD combination. The book is Rocking Across Texas, by Stanley Oberst. New stories, updated old stories and some especially rare photographs are featured. Accompanying the book will be two Elvis concert “soundboard” recordings (informally recorded from the concert sound system): the June 19, 1974 show in Amarillo, Texas and the July 3, 1976 show in Fort Worth, Texas. There’s also a short, previously unreleased 1960 interview recording with Elvis and his manager Colonel Tom Parker. (FTD News, Source: EPE)

"A Date with Elvis" book release: this new book is set for release on October 25 in Europe. The hardcover book deals with the 17 months Elvis spend in Germany with 900 pages on 240 pages. The book is written in both German and English. The first edition is a limited edition which comes with a A1-Poster of a reproduction of the German film poster "Gold Aus Heißer Kehle" (“Loving You”). (Book news, Source: Elvis Australia)

Site updates - EIN is back!!!: Regular visitors to our site will have been wondering why there have been no updates between 25 September and 12 October 2004. Our computer went up in smoke (literally) and we had an arduous time negotiating a new computer with the company we are leasing through. It will be another 5 to 7 days before we have all files (including our membership list, email archives and key files) copied across from our old hard drive. We intend to fully update the site progressively over the next fortnight. Stay tuned for part 2 of our interview with Ed Bonja, a new interview with Paul Simpson (author of The Rough Guide to Elvis), several competitions and reviews of Elvis Sessions III (Tunzi), Such Vicious Minds (Daniel Klein) and the new FTD CDs and the "unofficial" DVD 'This Is Elvis'. We will return to daily site updates from Monday 18 October and our weekly E-Alerts should resume later that week. (News, Source: EIN)

O Rei Do Rock DVD reissued: The South American documentary DVD "O Rei Do Rock" ("The King Of Rock") has been re-released in South America by Continental Home Video. (News, Source: Elvis News.com)

G.I. Elvis Figure: McFarlane Toys have announced they will release a new Elvis figure in April 2005. This figure will feature Elvis in his military fatigues dating back to his 1958 induction into the United States Army and includes a custom base with American Flag banner. The figure will come complete with a service revolver, canteen, binoculars and an ammunition belt. Due for release this month is the third action figure which will be titled Elvis, Live in Vegas 1970 and will re-create one of his famous concert appearances in the City of Lights. Elvis 1: Elvis ’68 Comeback Special (released in June 2004) - This figure has been flying off the store shelves so fast it has become an instant classic for collectors! McFarlane Toys' first figure of Elvis, the best selling solo recording artist in U.S. history, is based on reference from his famous '68 Comeback Special. The figure is dressed in Elvis’s legendary black leather costume, and includes a custom stage diorama base complete with chair, guitar, microphone with stand and backdrop based on the informal in-the-round concert stage. Elvis 2: Early ‘50s Rockabilly (released in August 2004) - The second Elvis figure, released in July 2004, celebrated the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ July 5, 1954, history making recording at the legendary Sun Records studio in Memphis. Stunningly detailed in Elvis’s early rockabilly look, this Super Stage figure includes the custom diorama stage base, guitar, microphone stand and showcases Elvis in his signature dance action pose. Elvis 3: Elvis Las Vegas the third McFarlane Toys’ Elvis figure this year will be available this month, and portrays him from the summer of 1970 performing in his critically acclaimed Las Vegas show. The figure will feature the King in his famous one-piece white jumpsuit, elaborately adored with fringe, beads and a rope style belt. The action figure base is a replica of a 1970’s theatre marquee. (News, Source: EPE)

Mark Knopfler, Back To Tupelo: Following "Calling Elvis"with Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler has recorded another Elvis themed song titled "Back To Tupelo" for his new solo album "Shangri-la". Knopfler's band, Dire Straits, earlier recorded the song Calling Elvis.

Sequel to cult movie Bubba Ho-Tep likely: A sequel to the movie Bubba Ho-Tep could go ahead, it was revealed today. In the first film, which is currently showing in some UK cinemas, an aged Elvis Presley battles to protect his old people's home from mummies with the power of sucking the souls out of the elderly. Director Don Coscarelli told Yahoo Movies that the film's star Bruce Campbell could soon be back for another adventure. He said, "Things are looking quite good. MGM was very happy with the results in the States, the UK's looking very solid, there's a lot of fan interest in it - and Bruce would love to play some more of the old hound dog!" (News, Source: Google)

Calling Elvis: The company Harris Interactive did an on-line survey among a nationwide sample of 2,719 U.S. adults (aged 18 and over). The question was: "If you could make a 15-minute cell phone call to (any of the following) who would you call?". Most people wanted to call God, but two percent of the adults aswered "Elvis". Here is the Top 10 list (with % response indicated):

More Elvis VCDs released in Thailand: Seven more VCD's have been released in Thailand. They contain the movie in both the English and Thai language. They are "Double Trouble", "Easy Come, Easy Go," "Jailhouse Rock," "Speed Way", "Spin Out", "The Trouble with Girls" and "It Happened at the World's Fair". (News, Source: ElvisNews.com)

Cybill Shepherd's Tribute To Elvis Source: Hollywood actress Cybill Shepherd was reportedly so touched when she visited the grave of her former lover, rock & roll king Elvis Presley, that she has written a song called 'Graceland Revisited' as a tribute to Presley. The song, which took four years to write and talks about her visit to Presley's grave in Memphis, is a part of the 54-year old actresses soon to be released album 'At Home With Cybill,' reports Rate the music. "It just knocked me sideways with a big emotional wallop. I worked on that song for four years to get it right. It took so long because it had great reverberations for me," the report quoted her as saying. (News, Source: Topix)

October 2004

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