Cheers Chartbusters, for the info Definately will be listening to those! I have copied the info and added it to the Elvis Christmas/ Birthday Celebration thread B)

Bernard Lansky honored: :cheer:

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/lanskystreet.jpg

 

Part of Beale Street has been renamed in honor of one of Memphis retailers, Bernard J. Lansky. Of course you may know him as the "clothier to the King," for his special relationship with Elvis Presley, but at 82 years old, he still works seven days a week.

The store has since relocated to the Peabody Hotel, a block away from its original location, and Lansky and his family serve as a liaison to tourists from all over the world.

 

(News, Source: Memphis Flyer/Elvis News)

 

And as ElvisMatters said of Mr Lansky- He remembers working for Elvis: "There were very few things he would turn down," Lansky said. "I had an idea that he would look good in pink and black. That was one of my ideas. I put him in a pink coat and a black pair of pants — he was sharp. Everyone else was wearing white and black, and I pushed that pink on him and it blew their minds. It was dynamite :yahoo:

 

I've been lucky enough to meet Mr Lansky and he certainly is a charming man who works so hard in his shop. I bought some beautiful earrings from Lanskys and whenever I wear them, they bring back fab memories :wub:

 

Inside Viva Elvis

 

Here is the first official indepth look into the long awaited and anticipated Viva Elvis which will run for 10 years at the Aria at City Center.

 

The opening of Cirque du Soleil's Viva ELVIS is predictable, nostalgic and – if you're familiar with Elvis Presley's fabled Vegas years – utterly emotional.

 

A chorus line of dancers, their backs to the empty seats of Aria Resort's Elvis Theater, face a three-story black curtain spotted with Sun Records 45s. Booming over hundreds of hidden speakers is Richard Strauss' Thus Spake Zarathustra, famous for its anthemic roles in both 2001: A Space Odyssey and Presley's '70s stage shows.

 

As the music swells, the curtain falls and 30-plus cast members start dancing frenetically as vintage Elvis clips play on a huge screen overhead. Thus kicks off yet another rehearsal of a spectacle – opening Dec. 18 and scheduled for a 10-year run – that downplays Cirque's circus roots in favor of lavish dance-fueled production numbers.

Not that those trademark acrobatic feats are gone.

 

"I'd never played with acrobatics in my work before, but I made sure they were a part of this show, because (Cirque) fans expect that," says Viva ELVIS director Vincent Paterson, whose choreography résumé includes dancing opposite Michael Jackson in the Beat It video.

 

"It was fun to see how we could incorporate that (circus) element into a show about Elvis," he says. One way: A trampoline routine references Presley's love of high-flying comic-book superheroes.

Viva ELVIS breaks the performer's life down into a few key phases, with sets to match. Among them are a fairgrounds scene invoking Elvis' playful side, a 21st-century Jailhouse Rockset in which some performers dance upside down, and a Vegas-era extravagance that includes giant Elvis statues doubling as columns.

Wild sets by rock tour veteran Mark Fisher aside, the music is the star here. Which means Elvis. The late singer's vocals are layered over a live band, which takes some liberties with the catalog though in a playful JXLLittle Less Conversation remix way.

But there is one unenviable challenge Viva ELVIS does face: creating a live show compelling enough to pull theater-goers' eyes away from the gyrating, joking and always-youthful icon on those oversized screens.

 

"We are up to that challenge," says executive producer Stephane Mongeau. "Elvis has incredible charisma, still. But we hope what we have here will only add to his legend. After all, Las Vegas is his temple."

 

http://www.usatoday.com/life/theater/news/...lvis07_ST_N.htm

 

Source: USA Today / Updated: Dec 7, 2009

 

This is going to be a fantastic show I would so love to see it and the guy is so right. Elvis is timeless :cheer:

'Viva Elvis' premiere tonight

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/173_20091215191512.jpg

 

The VIP premiere of the long awaited Cirque Du Soleil show 'Viva Elvis' will be held tonight in Las Vegas. The show will be performed for the first time for an audience, that will have Priscilla and Lisa Marie among the spectators. Without a doubt, we will see lots of reviews, pictures and videos from this show coming up on the internet in the next days. Here you can see a new picture during one of the rehearsals.

 

Published: December 15th 2009 07:15 PM.

Source: LA Times / Published by: ElvisMatters - David Hamal

 

'Viva Elvis' premiere tonight

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/173_20091215191512.jpg

 

The VIP premiere of the long awaited Cirque Du Soleil show 'Viva Elvis' will be held tonight in Las Vegas. The show will be performed for the first time for an audience, that will have Priscilla and Lisa Marie among the spectators. Without a doubt, we will see lots of reviews, pictures and videos from this show coming up on the internet in the next days. Here you can see a new picture during one of the rehearsals.

 

Published: December 15th 2009 07:15 PM.

Source: LA Times / Published by: ElvisMatters - David Hamal

 

 

Great statue :cheer:

'Viva Elvis' postponed?:

 

Cirque du Soleil's 'Viva Elvis' show has been postponed, CBC reports. The show was originally set to open January 8, which would have been Elvis Presley’s 75th birthday, but is now opening on February 19.

 

Viva Elvis is a show based on the music of Elvis, and will play in Las Vegas where Elvis spent many years performing. Much like Cirque de Soleil’s Beatles tribute, Love, which currently has seven shows playing across Las Vegas, Viva Elvis features narration along with the music of Elvis.

 

A new 2,000-seat theater at ARIA Resort and Casino was built for the show, but construction problems have delayed the opening. The resort itself only opened last weekend. One producer also told a Las Vegas paper that the show itself was not ready and still needs tweaking.

 

(News, Source: CD Insight/CBC)

Elvis The Concert Update

 

According to an e-mail we received the "Elvis The Concert" tour will differ from previous tours. The latest news is that the song line-up will be fresh with probably a couple of surprises. Best of all: there should be a new treatment in presenting or projecting the concert footage that, according to a very good source, 'will bedazzle the audience'! a very good sign that the producer is still working on this fantastic show to make it better every time around.

 

Source: Email / Updated: Dec 23, 2009

 

I'm really looking forward to seeing this in February, especially after hearing this news :dance:

New VIP expo

 

Because not everybody has the chance to visit Graceland, let alone the VIP-exhibition room, we'd like to show you three exclusive picture from that brand new exhibition. VIP tour ticket holders will enjoy a special exhibit focussing on the stage wardrobe of Elvis. If you've been to Graceland last year: this exhibit is located at the very same place where the Graceland 70 exhibition was last year.

 

http://www.elvismatters.com/index.php?pagi...uws&id=3210

 

Jackie Chan Sings Elvis

 

Jackie Chan swapped martial arts for karaoke when he appeared on a US chat show. The 55-year-old film star performed a rendition of Elvis Presley hit Can’t Help Falling in Love to mark what would have been the King’s 75th birthday.

The studio lights dimmed as Chan took the microphone from show host Ellen DeGeneres and burst into song. After beginning the number in his seat, he soon stood up and received a standing ovation from the audience.

Chan appeared on DeGeneres’ show to promote new movie The Spy Next Door.

 

Source: Monster & Critics / Updated: Jan 11, 2010

 

Would love to see this! I'm a bit of a fan of Jackie's films :cheer:

Tupelo may build up birthplace of Elvis -

 

Foundation wants more fans of the King to come, stay longer: The Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo has unveiled a proposed theater and other improvements in a master plan to double the number of Elvis tourists to 100,000 a year.

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/tupelo_upgrade.jpg

 

"We want to add some things that will continue to encourage people to come and see a part of the young Elvis," said Dick Guyton, executive director of the Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation.

 

The 15-acre site in East Tupelo now has the birthplace, museum, memorial chapel and the old church where the Presleys worshipped before they moved to Memphis. The master plan, which would cost about $5 million to carry out, will create the theater and several other activities.

 

The idea is to offer enough to do not only to draw more Elvis fans, but to encourage more tourists to spend the night and eat in Tupelo restaurants, Guyton said.

 

"We got a number of things to keep fans busy, but when you get a large crowd you have a lot of wait time," he said.

 

The master plan conceived by Memphis-based Design 500 Inc. features a 100-seat theater with a small stage. Movies and documentaries could be played there.

 

"So when you get a bus of 50 people who come in, they may want to spend 15 minutes in the theater before they go to the house, church and museum," Guyton said.

 

European tour companies have told birthplace officials that if they know in advance about a special event in the theater, they might book a tour to spend the night in Tupelo, he said. An amphitheater on the back side of the property, where a natural incline exists. "We could seat people on the hillside and have gospel singings," Guyton said.

 

Improvements to the overlook on top of the ridge where the RCA Monument sits. It's said that is where Elvis would go to sit alone and dream, Guyton said. Plans are to add walking trails with story stations. And improved traffic flow and more parking.

 

The foundation receives funding from private sources such as local industries, and from the local convention and visitors bureau and the Mississippi tourism sources. The new facilities could be built in 24 to 36 months, depending on the funding, Guyton said.

 

He praised the design work of Design 500 Inc, a museum planning firm. This is the third project Design 500 has done for the birthplace. Led by creative director and owner Scott Blake, Design 500 also planned an upgrade to the birthplace museum in 2007 and the restoration and display of the old church. It was moved a short way to the birthplace grounds and opened in 2008.

 

"Our mission is to reveal the early Elvis in a manner that is world class while remaining true to his simple and honest ways," Henry Dodge, foundation president, said in a prepared statement.

 

(News, Source: AP)

 

I don't know about this <_< I can understand why they want to from a commercial perspective, and, yes, the Tupelo economy would benefit by visitors staying longer there, however..... I've been lucky enough to visit there and to me, it was lovely as it is, especially the little chapel there. The whole experience was very peaceful and I'm not sure I would like it to change, but that's simply my opinion B)

 

 

 

 

 

Now, this is good news :cheer:

 

Elvis On Tour Coming To DVD And Blu-ray

 

This Fall, Elvis on Tour is coming to DVD and dazzling Blu-ray high definition - for the first time ever. Featuring electric performances from Elvis' 1972 tour, this Golden Globe winning documentary captures the raw energy and excitement of Elvis' best live performances. In celebration of Elvis' 75th birthday year, a 17-film Ultimate Collector's Edition DVD box set is also planned, which will include ELVIS ON TOUR, VIVA LAS VEGAS, JAILHOUSE ROCK and more. Be on the lookout for more details soon!

 

Source: Elvis.com / Updated: Jan 12, 2010

Simon Fuller Considers Elvis Movie

 

Sillerman has a deal unveiled last week with "Idol" creator Simon Fuller that sees him remain a consultant on 19's hit shows "Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance" while he is also launching a new entertainment company. The deal will remove some development and production costs from CKX's cost base.

The Fuller deal pretty much amounts to a first-look deal at TV projects Fuller will develop, Sillerman said.

But it will allow Fuller to also develop film projects. Sillerman has opposed a move into films. He emphasized Tuesday that film is "not on the mission statement of CKX."

According to a recent regulatory filing, Fuller is considering a movie about the life and times of Elvis Presley. CKX holds the rights to Presley.

 

Source: Hollywood Reporter / Updated: Jan 20, 2010

 

If the film turned out like the Johnny Cash biopic Walk The Line, I would be happy, but until we know anything for sure, I won't hold my breath.

 

Viva Elvis :

 

After two weeks of fixation and the addition of choreography, the cast of the $100 million Cirque du Soleil spectacular Viva Elvis resumed previews over the weekend.

It gave me the opportunity to acquire a ton more fun facts about the show’s stunning statistics. There are 28 acrobats in the production who hail from eight countries and include gymnasts, circus performers and street entertainers.

Musical director and arranger Erich van Tourneau extracted more than 17,765 examples of Elvis Presley’s singing and speaking voice from 914 albums, 33 full-length films and dozens of old home movies, documentaries and audio recordings.

During rehearsals, every member of the cast went to Graceland, Elvis’ home, and even now they are required up until the premiere to answer weekly written tests about their knowledge of the King of Rock and Roll.

Band members during rehearsals played the mega hit “Love Me Tender” to the track of Elvis’ voice exactly 50 years to the day he first recorded it.

 

(News, Source: Brian Quinn)

 

I like the part where it says that the cast have to answer weekly written tests about Elvis. I reckon we should have auditioned for a role because we already know a fair bit about Elvis :yahoo:

Full Details: On Stage: Legacy Edition By Elvis Presley

 

On Stage: Legacy Edition By Elvis Presley. Now four decades later, those two albums - with multiple bonus tracks on each - have been coupled together for the first time. On Stage: Legacy Edition pays tribute to Elvis in one of the most outstanding performance periods in his career. The specially-designed double-CD package, encased in the distinctive Legacy Edition mylar slipcase, will be available starting March 23rd.

 

http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/cd/on_stag...s_presley.shtml

 

Elvis CD News, Elvis News January 26, 2010

Full Details: On Stage: Legacy Edition By Elvis Presley

 

On Stage: Legacy Edition By Elvis Presley. Now four decades later, those two albums - with multiple bonus tracks on each - have been coupled together for the first time. On Stage: Legacy Edition pays tribute to Elvis in one of the most outstanding performance periods in his career. The specially-designed double-CD package, encased in the distinctive Legacy Edition mylar slipcase, will be available starting March 23rd.

 

http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/cd/on_stag...s_presley.shtml

 

Elvis CD News, Elvis News January 26, 2010

 

That sounds great, is it getting a UK release?

 

And also this that I forgot to comment on when you posted it the other week:

 

Elvis On Tour Coming To DVD And Blu-ray

 

This Fall, Elvis on Tour is coming to DVD and dazzling Blu-ray high definition - for the first time ever. Featuring electric performances from Elvis' 1972 tour, this Golden Globe winning documentary captures the raw energy and excitement of Elvis' best live performances. In celebration of Elvis' 75th birthday year, a 17-film Ultimate Collector's Edition DVD box set is also planned, which will include ELVIS ON TOUR, VIVA LAS VEGAS, JAILHOUSE ROCK and more. Be on the lookout for more details soon!

 

Source: Elvis.com / Updated: Jan 12, 2010

 

That's pretty exciting as I've read so much about how everyone has wanted Elvis On Tour released on DVD for ages. Plus the 17 film box set sounds amazing too, I was going to start buying them individually but maybe I'll just wait now :dance:

That sounds great, is it getting a UK release?

 

And also this that I forgot to comment on when you posted it the other week:

That's pretty exciting as I've read so much about how everyone has wanted Elvis On Tour released on DVD for ages. Plus the 17 film box set sounds amazing too, I was going to start buying them individually but maybe I'll just wait now :dance:

I'll let you know as soon as I find out more details, Ethan and the box set does sound amazing :dance:

 

I'll let you know as soon as I find out more details, Ethan and the box set does sound amazing :dance:

 

 

It sounds brilliant :yahoo:

Rolling Stones drummer, Charlie Watts blasts Elvis and the Beatles: :o

 

What's up with the Rolling Stones? As they fast approach the anniversary of their half century of playing together, guitarist Keith Richards recently hopped on the wagon after decades of pummeling his body and now drummer Charlie Watts has told an Austrian newspaper that he's always hated the music of Elvis Presley and 60s rival the Beatles.

 

The drummer, who is currently playing a series of concerts in Austria with blues-jazz ensemble The ABC&D of Boogie Woogie (named after the musicians in the band - pianists Axel Zwingenberger and Ben Waters, drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Dave Green), said, "I've never been a big Beatles fan.

Of Ringo, yes, but not of the music. And I've always hated Elvis. He was the last one I wanted to use as a guide. Miles Davis and Fats Domino, yes, but Elvis, no."

 

The legendarily non-plused Watts also said the he wouldn't be bothered if the Stones stopped rolling. "Honestly, I couldn't care less if it were over." He added, "Jazz is my passion. This is the music that I really want to do. The Stones are merely an annoying pastime."

 

However, the Austrian tour's promoter, Willi Turk, was adamant that the Rolling Stones would be back in action soon. He said, "The ABC & D concerts are only possible because the Stones are just taking a break. But when Mick Jagger calls, Charlie is ready."

 

(News, Source: spinner.com)

 

Following on from this story and Charlie Watts’ comments ;)

 

Marty Lacker hits back at Charlie Watts. Yesterday EIN ran the on-line newspiece that Rolling Stone Charlie Watts never liked The Beatles or Elvis: "Of Ringo, yes, but not of the music. And I've always hated Elvis. He was the last one I wanted to use as a guide. Miles Davis and Fats Domino, yes, but Elvis, no."

 

Marty Lacker sent EIN the following...

"I read with interest the comments by Charlie Watts that he hates Elvis and doesn't like the Beatles but he is condescending to Ringo because he's a drummer which would make Watts look bad if he dissed Ringo.

 

I'm sure the world couldn't go on until they got Watts' opinion on Elvis. I know I wouldn't have been able to sleep tonight without knowing.

 

I just heard from rumblings Elvis' resting place at Graceland and I could swear I heard him say, "Charlie Who?" - Marty Lacker.

 

EIN points out that it is important to remember that beneath all The Stones 'Rock'n'Roll', Charlie Watts has always stated that above all he was a true Jazz fan.

Charlie Watts would have probably had to hide his dislike of Elvis from The Rolling Stones driving force, guitarist Keith Richards, who has always stated his understandable appreciation....

 

Keith Richards, "Elvis hit like a bombshell, it was like the world went from Black & White to technicolour.

It was the first white band that anybody heard with a good lead singer, that could actually play black and sound black. They had the rhythm, that fluidity which white music, especially in those days, didn't have.

 

Those Sun tracks are so "Elvis Presley". The sound and the attitude are so pure, so unforced, so joyous! There was an enthusiasm that bounced right off the tape from Elvis and the band. You can even hear him laughing on some of the tracks. You couldn't make music like that today."

 

(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

 

Keith Richards has got it right

Elvis Screen Show in Europe another success

 

With just a few days left before the new "2010 European Video Tour" kicks off in the UK, the shows are already a success. An estimated 100,000 fans will be seeing Elvis on the big screens with his original band members playing live to his voice. This amazing production first set foot on European ground 11 years ago - 1999 - and has been rockin' the world ever since. There's just no stopping the King...

 

Published: February 3rd 2010 11:44 PM.

Source: ElvisMatters / Published by: ElvisMatters - Peter Verbruggen

 

Can’t wait to see the show - two weeks on Saturday :dance: :cheer:

 

Elvis Screen Show in Europe another success

 

With just a few days left before the new "2010 European Video Tour" kicks off in the UK, the shows are already a success. An estimated 100,000 fans will be seeing Elvis on the big screens with his original band members playing live to his voice. This amazing production first set foot on European ground 11 years ago - 1999 - and has been rockin' the world ever since. There's just no stopping the King...

 

Published: February 3rd 2010 11:44 PM.

Source: ElvisMatters / Published by: ElvisMatters - Peter Verbruggen

 

Can’t wait to see the show - two weeks on Saturday :dance: :cheer:

 

 

 

Wow, take lots of pics :yahoo:

Wow, take lots of pics :yahoo:

I sure will :dance:

 

Viva Elvis still not perfect

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/1Viva.jpg

 

Robin Leach, who has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, has just shared another scoop via twitter. According to him, the Viva Elvis show is still undergoing creation changes with four rehearsals scrapped to rehearse new additions. Even Priscilla Presley has been in several times since the original press mini preview watching over delitions, additions and changes. The official opening evening of "Viva Elvis" is set for later this month.

Published: February 7th 2010 11:54 AM.

Source: ElvisMatters / Published by: ElvisMatters - Peter Verbruggen

 

I would love to see this :cheer:

Paul McCartney To Lead Stars At Premiere

 

Plans are well underway for the star-studded VIP celebration for Viva Elvis' premiere Feb. 19 at Aria at CityCenter, and Cirque du Soleil is expecting Paul McCartney and members of The Beatles Love family at The Mirage to attend.

Cirque officials also are hoping for Ringo Starr with Barbara Bach, Yoko Ono with Sean Lennon and George Harrison's widow Olivia. All of them are fans of Elvis' music, and both John Lennon and Harrison have admitted that the King of Rock and Roll inspired the two Brits.

 

Additionally, Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley are scheduled to attend next week's premiere at the Elvis Theater in Aria. Other musicians and Hollywood stars have already accepted invitations. It will not be a red carpet gala, but in fact a blue carpet celebration paying tribute to Elvis and those blue suede shoes.

 

As the spectacular $100 million production nears its official unveiling, Viva Elvis still is undergoing creative fixation by Cirque's top producers. This past week the production suspended four nights of previews, including Saturday night's late show, for continuing rehearsals as segments were deleted and numbers added.

 

This is said to be a normal part of Cirque's creation process, as the colorful, action-packed musical nears its premiere. Priscilla Presley herself has shuttled back and forth from her Malibu, Calif., home watching over and approving the changes as the Elvis show takes its final shape.

"Nothing is wrong, and it's all going to be absolutely incredible when it's really seen for the first time. The exciting audience responses through previews have been phenomenal and wonderfully enthusiastic with supportive suggestions," a theater source said. A source also has confirmed that the Elvis character on stilts has been dropped from the show.

 

For those who want to witness the star turnout, the blue carpet starts at 6 p.m. Feb. 19, with a post-premiere gala planned for that night, possibly lasting past the midnight hour.

 

Source: Elvis Unlimited / Updated: Feb 9, 2010

 

Oh boy, I wish I could be there :(