THE IMPERSONATORS ARE REVOLTING!

Elvis Impersonators Ready To Mobilise Against Sillerman

 

 

Recent reports that Robert Sillerman may 'register' Elvis tribute artists (ETAs), has ETA's around the world ready to mobilise. In Australia, TV news reports today indicate ETAs are preparing a series of concerts in opposition to the perceived Sillerman move and annual Elvis festivals are seeking clarification on what is planned.

 

The offending statement was made in reference to his planned Las Vegas cabaret show based around Elvis. Sillerman said: "If we were going to do a show that was based on Elvis impersonators, then obviously it wouldn't make sense to have unauthorised Elvis impersonators."

 

On the surface Sillerman's statement refers only to an EPE sponsored show, but the use of the word "unauthorised" raises the spectre of ETA's having to be approved by EPE if they want to go on performing.

 

The $64,000 question (with a really easy answer) is whether any move to register ETAs is about ensuring quality performances or simply revenue raising?

 

Obviously, Sillerman is looking for quick ways to recoup his substantial investment in the Elvis brand.

 

To ensure a better overall ETA performance will never work. The reality is the majority of ETAs work either on an irregular, casual basis or even an itinerant basis, and many come and go regularly from the marketplace. Only a small percentage manage to make a full-time living as an ETA.

 

The financial cost of administering a scheme to improve the ETA product simply won't work, even just in the US, and as many will be quick to state, this is not what the possible Sillerman move is arguably about. Not to mention, how do you decide what is in good taste, or professional, and what isn't?

 

With an estimated 30,000 ETAs worldwide, Sillerman will face a logistical and legal nightmare should registration be a real issue on his mind. The Elvis trademark is yet to be fully tested outside US borders (the EPE vs Elvisly Yours/Sid Shaw case in England was a mixed result). Perhaps, after nearly 30 years of unrestrained and variable performances by ETAs, they will be the focus for testing if the Elvis trademark is recognised globally as a legal right.

 

Associate Professor of Law at Melbourne University, Andrew Kenyon, who specialises in copyright law, said it was unlikely unauthorised Elvis impersonators could be stopped in Australia.

 

"The law's approach to protecting an image varies quite a lot between the UK, US and Australia,'' he said. "There is not a specific area of law that applies to it (in Australia).

 

There might be certain registered intellectual property rights that could apply. There might be things like defamation. There might also be commercial actions related to passing off or deceptive conduct. "If you could have a mix of those then that might apply."

 

The organisers of the Parkes Elvis Festival in the central west of NSW are seeking legal advice about changes to the rules surrounding Elvis Presley impersonators.

 

An American billionaire who owns the rights to the Elvis name and likeness is working to stop "unauthorised" impersonators as part of a plan to open a show and exhibit in Las Vegas dedicated to 'the king'.

 

More than 5,000 people travel to Parkes each year to see hundreds of Elvis look-a-likes and celebrate his music. The festival's Monique Kronk says very few details about the shake-up are known but organisers want to ensure it will not threaten the event.

 

"We've got to discuss not just how it affects the festival itself but ... who are coming in and we don't know quite yet enough about what they are planning to change," she said. "But obviously we'll have to speak to Elvis Presley Enterprises and maybe we can negotiate some sort of licence that will cover for the whole festival - festival goers coming - we don't know enough yet about the situation."

 

 

www.elvis-express.com / Source: Elvis Information Network

 

 

Follow up to this ;)

 

ETA crackdown talk sparks newspaper editorials: The potential move by Robert Sillerman to regulate or licence ETAs continues to occupy hard copy and online media news space. A number of newspaper editorials also have been devoted to the subject. The 'Daily News' in Australia included these clever words in its editorial on 20 April 2006:

 

 

"...They probably have been holed up in heartbreak hotels, staring up at a blue moon and thinking why won't people "treat me nice"...No doubt they would definitely prefer a little less conversation on this matter. They are being told to back off by the big boss man or they might end up doing a little bit of jailhouse rock. But rather than get too stressed about this US billionaire, the Daily News reckons all Elvises should simply wait for a warning letter and then mark it "return to sender". Thank you, thank you very much."

 

(News/Almost Elvis/Sale of EPE, Source: Daily News)

I don't know what others think about the whole subject of Elvis impersonators, but in my opinion, there are a few very good ones who really love Elvis and his music. Unfortunately, however, there are many more who just want to jump on the bandwagon and see it as easy bucks. Slip on a jumpsuit, give it a few 'Uh Huh Huhs' and sing a few of his hits and there you have it :angry: The 'old, fat Elvis image is perpetuated :huh: Personally, I would rather hear a good singer delivering Elvis songs without the need for the costume or trying to imitate his voice ;)

There is so much more to the man than that and I just wish that people could see the 'Elvis' that turned the whole world of music 'upside down' and influenced so many singers and bands that followed :dance:

I doubt that there will be any real change, despite what Sillerman hinted at, Elvis being the most impersonated singer, ever. The logistics make it virtually impossible to regulate.

 

Anyway, that's my view ;)

Follow up to this ;)

 

ETA crackdown talk sparks newspaper editorials: The potential move by Robert Sillerman to regulate or licence ETAs continues to occupy hard copy and online media news space. A number of newspaper editorials also have been devoted to the subject. The 'Daily News' in Australia included these clever words in its editorial on 20 April 2006:

 

 

"...They probably have been holed up in heartbreak hotels, staring up at a blue moon and thinking why won't people "treat me nice"...No doubt they would definitely prefer a little less conversation on this matter. They are being told to back off by the big boss man or they might end up doing a little bit of jailhouse rock. But rather than get too stressed about this US billionaire, the Daily News reckons all Elvises should simply wait for a warning letter and then mark it "return to sender". Thank you, thank you very much."

 

(News/Almost Elvis/Sale of EPE, Source: Daily News)

 

Some try. I dont wear a jumpsuit or perform many songs post-army. But I am a bit fat :blush: is that ok :rolleyes:

Personally, I would rather hear a good singer delivering Elvis songs without the need for the costume or trying to imitate his voice

I think this applies to you, Martin And as for being fat :o You certainly didn't look fat to me ;) :lol: You're one of the good guys :dance:

Some try. I dont wear a jumpsuit or perform many songs post-army. But I am a bit fat :blush: is that ok :rolleyes:

 

Cheers m'dear :D as we say in very sunny Devon :dance:

Just seen this ;)

 

Sillerman has no control over ETAs outside the US: According to a report on MSNBC, 'Robert Sillerman has no control over Elvis impersonators in foreign countries. His new rule only applies to the US ones'.

 

(Sale of EPE/Almost Elvis/News, Source: Amber Smith)

Good news. But what about Elvis acts who are not from the US who get invited by Priscilla and or Scotty to play at Graceland. :rolleyes:

Or fantasyland in my case. :cry: :D

 

I'm sure as soon as they hear about the 'Lonesome Cowboy', your invitation will be in the post, Martin ;) :dance:

I don't think it's is possible for EPE to dictate who in the world should be allowed to be an ETA. Maybe they could stop rival productions, but not individuals.

 

Hey LC, do you have a sample of your music on the net anywhere for a listen? :)

I don't think it's is possible for EPE to dictate who in the world should be allowed to be an ETA. Maybe they could stop rival productions, but not individuals.

 

Hey LC, do you have a sample of your music on the net anywhere for a listen? :)

 

 

Not yet :cry: but coming soon, watch this space :dance: :dance: Should be a charity recording available soon, whenever my throat gets better :rolleyes:

Hope your throat gets better soon, Martin, cos I can't wait to hear the recordings :dance:

Not yet :cry: but coming soon, watch this space :dance: :dance: Should be a charity recording available soon, whenever my throat gets better :rolleyes:

Nice one LC, I will look out for it :)

Thanks guys. ad a gig on Saturday night (top of the bill :dance: ) brought the house down people dancing in the aisles :dance: Played, Thats alright mama, Love me tender, Tennessee Waltz, Lawdy Miss Clawdy and Jailhouse Rock. Very cool raised some cash for a local charity. B)

Edited May 2, 200619 yr by lonesome cowboy

Nice one, Martin :cheer: Would love to see you in action :dance: And well done for the money raising for charity :D

 

Love your siggy

Thanks. :D There were a few other acts who did their bit too a good night :dance:

 

and about time I had a decent siggy :lol:

 

I was also at a local blues night/jam on Monday and usually I'm asked to finish the night off jamming some rock n roll :D We had already done a couple (including a down and dirty Hound Dog) when the organiser suggested Be Bop A Lula a local DJ heard that one and has asked me and a few others to play live on his show (so now I've got to learn the words to Be Bop A Lula unless I can get away with some Elvis). Hopefully, if it comes off we will be on Apple Fm Which is a digital sattelite channel so I'll keep y'all posted :dance: see http://www.applefm.co.uk/home.html should be on the Sunday morning Andy Green show so maybe a bit of gospel

Edited May 3, 200619 yr by lonesome cowboy

including a down and dirty Hound Dog

 

Sounds fun, Martin ;) :dance:

 

a local DJ heard that one and has asked me and a few others to play live on his show

 

Fantastic news :cheer: :dance: Congratulations, Martin Make sure you let us know when you're on and we'll all be listening :cheer:

Sounds fun, Martin ;) :dance:

Fantastic news :cheer: :dance: Congratulations, Martin Make sure you let us know when you're on and we'll all be listening :cheer:

 

Cheers :cheer: will do

 

Can't wait! :dance: :cheer:

Cheers gotta go now se you tomorrow :D