Brian Quinn

Promotion In The UK For 'Viva Elvis' Album Cirque du Soleil, Pricilla Presley and the album producer Erich Van Tourneau all undertaking promo. Priscilla has already been on The One Show Major TVs are being lined up Marketing TV: Very heavy TV campaign across ITV, C4, Five and satellite booked from launch up to Christmas National X Factor launch spot the day before release Outdoor: Nationwide Adrail campaign Radio: Campaigns booked with Heart, Smooth and Capital Press: Nationwide front page strip on Metro day of release Sunday Mirror day before release Red & Hello full page ads Online: Facebook, Youtube and Google campaigns. Brian

Please go to the following URL: http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/2...on-Scientology/ Brian

Please go to the following URL: Brian

I have had an e-mail from SONY(UK) to assure me that there will be 12 tracks on the UK version of 'Viva Elvis'. Some countries will have thirteen due to local duets with Elvis on 'Love Me Tender' but NOT the UK. They state that it is a fantastic album and will be a big record when compared to any artist. Full tracklisting is as follows: 1. Opening 2. Blue Suede Shoes 3. That's All Right 4. Heartbreak Hotel 5. Love Me Tender 6. King Creole 7. Bossa Nova Baby 8. Burning Love 9. Memories [interlude] 10. Can't Help Falling In Love 11. You'll Never Walk Alone [piano interlude] 12. Suspicious Minds Brian

Latest on the Worldwide release of the 'Viva Elvis' Album. Apparently the Belgian version has 13 tracks including 'That's All Right Mama'; 'Burning Love'; and 'Love Me Tender' Duet with Belgian singer Dani KLEIN from the group Vaya Con Dios. This is in addition to the 'Love Me Tender' remix. Brian :)

SONY are obviously really worried about bootlegging of the 'Viva Elvis' Album. This is why it is very difficult to get exact details regarding the track listings. It is now coming to light that several countries are going to get a different 'duet' with an artist from that country. The latest is for French singer Amel BENT to duet on 'Love Me Tender' and Spanish singer Lourdes HERNANDEZ (aka Russian Red) to also duet on the same song on the Spanish version. If you remember, this is what happened on the 'Christmas Duets' album last year. I believe this policy stems from the fact that in each country SONY have their own 'profit centres' and can, to some degree, alter the track listings. By doing this it is imposssible for bootleggers to create one worldwide album as each country varies. The singers chosen to duet are usually new SONY artists who have won on programmes like the 'X' Factor. This makes sense for SONY as it gets their new artists exposure. There will be no duet on the UK version and the tracklisting remains at 10. I will try to get more information on these issues next week. Brian

Latest news from Stig Edgren, the producer of 'Elvis In Concert'. The U.S.A. and Canadian legs of the next tour will be in 2011. The UK leg will be in March, 2012 and in Asia sometime in 2012. Brian

The 'Viva Elvis' Album from the Cirque du Soleil Vegas Hit Musical 'Viva Elvis' will be released on 8th November in the UK/Europe and on 9th November in the U.S.A.. The first single release from the album is 'Suspicious Minds' and this is released on 25th October. Sony are going to give these releases major promotion. Those who have heard the tracks, fan and non fan, are amazed at the remix quality bringing Elvis' sound into the 21st Century. Major worldwide hits are expected for these releases. Having said this we must consider that no release can make it on its own without Radio and TV exposure. The TV/Magazine exposure will come from Sony but the radio exposure can only come from requests made to local and national radio stations by us, the fans. Bearing this in mind I hope you will all join me in my efforts to get as many tracks played as possible by blanketing radio stations with requests thus ensuring 'Viva Elvis' and 'Suspicious Minds' go straight to No.1 on the UK Album Charts during its first week of release. To help with this campaign I have chosen the following website - www.mediauk.com/radio/ which gives an up to date list of all radio stations in the UK. Individual DJ's and Shows are listed. May I suggest that you start e-mailing requests for the single release 'Suspicious Minds' around 4th October and for the 'Viva Elvis' album around 18th October. This will give DJ's enough time to schedule your requests into their shows. Personally, I will attempt to e-mail as many Stations/DJ's in the UK as possible. Please do your best and join me. Many Thanks in advance. The following is a list of the tracks on the CD to assist you in your selection: 1. Opening 2. Blue Suede Shoes 3. That's All Right 4. Heartbreak Hotel 5. Love Me Tender 6. King Creole 7. Bossa Nova Baby 8. Burning Love 9. Memories [interlude] 10. Can't Help Falling In Love 11. You'll Never Walk Alone [piano interlude] 12. Suspicious Minds For those of you who do not have time to compose a request I have printed mine below so that you can copy it should you so wish and add your favourite track Dear................. On 8th November Sony Records release the groundbreaking album 'Viva Elvis' from the Las Vegas hit show of the same name. The tracks are truly outstanding having been remixed with new backings and feature some of Elvis' greatest hits thus bringing his sound into the 21st Century and appealing to young and old alike. Unlike previous Elvis CD compilations these sound like completely new recordings. I would appreciate it if you could play......................... from the said album as it is one of my all time favourites (or 'Suspicious Minds' if requesting the single). Many Thanks. Best Wishes. ....................... Brian

According to Sony(UK) the following is the tracklisting for the 'Viva Elvis' album: 1. Opening 2 . Blue Suede Shoes 3 . Heartbreak Hotel 4 . Love Me Tender 5 . King Creole 6 . Bossa Nova Baby 7 . Memories 8 . Can't Help Falling in Love 9 . You'll Never Walk Alone 10. Suspicious Minds. As we already knew, there were over 40 tracks recorded for the session including 'Burning Love'. Sony state they are going to let fans hear the album tracks very soon. Brian

Looks like the release date is 25th October. Please go to the following URL: http://elvis.de Brian :D

'Elvis Forever' Concert Review In order to celebrate the fact that 2010 marks what would have been Elvis' 75th Birthday, BBC Radio 2 organized the 'Elvis Forever' Concert in Hyde Park (London) on Sunday 12th September, 2010.This was the second ever Elvis Tribute Concert held in the UK( the first one being a televised show over twenty years ago). However, this was the first one outdoors. Elvis Presley Enterprises were fully involved with the event and Priscilla Presley agreed to attend. The Concert was given considerable publicity on BBC Radio 2, especially on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show. It was reported that ticket sales were healthy prior to the big day. On the actual day of the event we were blessed with the weather as it was warm with mostly clear skies and no rain. On my arrival at Hyde Park around 5 pm there was a long queue waiting to gain entrance and once inside it quickly filled up to what seemed capacity. As with most Elvis audiences these days the crowd were a very mixed bunch ranging from young to old and all ages in between. As the Concert was held in Central London there were quite a few people speaking in foreign languages so it would appear that tourists also took advantage of attending as one could buy tickets right up to the time of the Concert starting. Small Official Programmes were on sale inside the Concert ground and refreshingly were only £1 each. The Programme Introduction was written by Anthony CHERRY, the Producer of 'Elvis Forever'. It read "ELVIS NEVER REALLY LEFT THE BUILDING, DID HE? He remains in our homes, on the internet, on the telly, and on the radio, everyday. Even while you're listening to other music he's there, because he influenced so many. Without Elvis, there would be no rock 'n' roll and without that...well...un-thinkable. I could quote you statistics. The greatest number of hits; the most gold records; the biggest star on the planet. but somehow, that doesn't explain why Elvis endures. Perhaps it's the legend? The superstar lifestyle...his home in Memphis, Graceland....his unique sense of style? I think it's much simpler. It's the music. Whether you like the rock 'n' roll records; or the movies; or the '68 special; or the Vegas shows, it's the music that draws you to the man. And that's what we're about today. All our artists from Elvis' concert bandmates who are bringing us his authentic sound, to new bands, indie musicians and out-right rockers are celebrating the King of Rock 'n' Roll with you. And what brought you here? Perhaps you're a dedicated fan; or celebrating a special occasion; or seeing a favourite artist? Perhaps it's because you want to be able to say you were at a once in a lifetime event where Elvis sang in Hyde Park. (You will!)...Or perhaps it's because we all know that Elvis will never leave the building. He is with us forever... ENJOY! Anthony Cherry. Producer, Elvis Forever" On to the actual Concert. Before commencing my review of the various artists I must make it clear from the outset that the opinions given are purely my own and in no way reflect what others might have thought of them. All such reviews must by their very nature be subjective. Further, I am going by memory and some of the details may be inaccurate but I have done my best. The producer Anthony Cherry commenced the proceedings by introducing himself and saying a few words about the Concert. He then introduced Chris Evans (BBC Radio 2 DJ) the compere for the night. Chris bounded on the stage in a typical 'garish' shirt and was in good humour and spirits throughout the Concert. He performed his role admirably and when introducing the artists and tracks proved that he knew what he was talking about with lots of accurate information. 'Elvis Overture' - BBC Concert Orchestra The Orchestra was a massive 60 piece one with the men dressed in white Tuxedos and the women in black. They opened in traditional Elvis style by playing what we all know as the '2001 Theme'. I love this music and always get a buzz every time I hear it. A first rate Orchestra with years of experience behind them. 'Blue Suede Shoes' - Scouting For Girls This is a very popular group with today's teenagers and they got the show going with a classic Elvis track. The band were 'tight' and the bass player was particularly effective, coming across loud and clear. I was not that impressed with the lead singer but they seemed to be having fun and are known Elvis supporters as they had a Top10 release in the UK recently with 'Elvis Ain't Dead'. 'Can't Help Falling In Love' - Fran Healy - TCB Band, BBC Concert Orchestra and Capital Voices. I must be honest in that I found Fran Healy to have a weak voice and not very impressive. He did a routine job on the Elvis track from 'Blue Hawaii'. 'I Just Can't Help Believing' - Marti Pellow - TCB Band, BBC Concert Orchestra and Capital Voices. Marti Pellow, former lead singer with popular group 'Wet Wet Wet' has a nice voice and gave a competent rendition of this popular classic track from Elvis' Vegas era. Not an easy song to sing but the TCB Band and Capital Voices (all professional singers in their own right) helped Marti deliver the goods. 'My Baby Left Me/That's All Right Mama' - Imelda May + Band I had been looking forward to seeing Imelda May after viewing her performances on YouTube and she did not disappoint. Lots of energy and a great voice and backing band. The classic Elvis tracks were done in true 50's style with slap bass producing a great sound. Most surprisingly, after delivering what had been the highlight of the show so far she did not appear to get the applause she deserved. Most strange and I cannot fathom this one out. Following her performance the compare Chris Evans came on stage and said 'Imelda will be back later if you want her'. Unfortunately she did not return for an encore later as most of the other artists did. Strange!! 'Always On My Mind' - Fyfe Dangerfield - TCB Band, BBC Concert Orchestra and Capital Voices A new artist on the scene and one I had never heard of before. His hair style was unkempt covering a lot of his face and I thought that aspect let him down. However, he has a beautiful clear voice and sang 'Always On My Mind' to perfection. Playing acoustic guitar he had minimal backing and did not need it. No doubt we will be hearing more of Fyfe in the future. 'You've Lost That Loving' Feelin' - Tony Hadley - TCB Band, BBC Concert Orchestra and Capital Voices Former member of Spandau Ballet, Tony Hadley, is an accomplished singer and did an excellent job on 'Feelin'. He has a strong voice and looked as though he was enjoying the experience. 'Burning Love' - Jon Allen - BBC Concert Orchestra and Capital Voices Another new face on the scene, Jon Allen, did a good version of 'Burning Love' without being outstanding. 'Are You Lonesome Tonight' - Craig David - BBC Concert Orchestra and Capital Voices A real surprise here for me. Craig David was outstanding and for me was the best singer at the Concert. His rendition of 'Lonesome' was sung with real sensitivity and he made a fan of me instantly. I had never listened to any of his records before but I will now. 'Such A Night' - Elio Pace - BBC Concert Orchestra and Capital Voices Elio is also a new name for me and whilst doing 'Such A Night' justice was not particularly outstanding. However, he used the stage well and showed off his piano playing skills by joining the Concert Orchestra player in the middle of the song. 'It's Now Or Never' - Tony Christie - BBC Concert Orchestra An old favourite, Tony Christie, sang a straightforward version of 'Never'. Whilst having a good voice, Tony did not add anything to the Elvis original. 'If I Can Dream'/'You're The Devil In Disguise' - Nell Bryden + Band Yet another artist I had not heard of before but she performed both tracks well. She is very much in the style of Imelda May and really gave both tracks her all. We will no doubt be hearing more from her in the future. 'Return To Sender/'She's Not You' - The Magnets (Acapella) Using only their voices, The Magnets attempted to deliver both songs in novel fashion. Personally I feel they did not come across too well and needed more experience in this genre. However, they were enjoying themselves and did their best. 'Love Me Tender' - Fyfe Dangerfield Fyfe's second visit to the stage was to sing the classic Elvis movie track. Again he had no backing but certainly had the crowd singing along with him. This artist has a promising career ahead of him. A good find. 'All Shook Up'/Johnny B. Goode - TCB Band Suzi Quatro has been an Elvis fan since 1956. She came on stage in her traditional black leathers, turned to the TCB Band and said "Tonight we are going to kick some..." She then paused and said "Oh I don't know if we are allowed to say that on air - however we are going to kick ASS!! And she certainly did with the help of the TCB Band. She performed both tracks well, particularly 'Johnny B. Goode'. Excellent. She looked a little tired tonight no doubt due to her playing in Germany the night before. A class act. 'Leiber And Stoller Medley - BBC Concert Orchestra Now it was the turn of the Orchestra to shine on some Elvis songs and they were very good. 'Heartbreak Hotel' - Jon Allen - BBC Concert Orchestra Jon did a fairly good version of this track without being anything special. 'I've Lost You' - Mica Paris - BBC Concert Orchestra And Capital Voices Mica, known as the UK's 'Queen Of Soul', has been around a long time and in fact appeared on the first Elvis Tribute Show as mentioned above. She has a powerful voice and delivered an excellent version of the rarely performed Elvis track 'I've Lost You'. She had a minor upset during the first few bars of the song when the microphone was playing up. 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' - Tony Hadley - The TCB Band and BBC Concert Orchestra. The second performance by Tony Hadley and he again proved that he has a strong voice singing voice perfectly suited to this type of song. He commented what a great night this was. 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me' - Michael Ball - TCB Band, BBC Concert Orchestra and Capital Voices Michael Ball is better known for his theatrical performances and his most famous role was in the stage production of 'Jolson'. He has an excellent voice and certainly sang this Elvis and Dusty Springfield classic to perfection. 'In The Ghetto' - Marty Pellow - TCB Band - BBC Concert Orchestra and Capital Voices Marty's second song at this Concert and he did a really nice version of 'Ghetto' without being exceptional. 'Hound Dog' - Scouting For Girls The second song for this young group. Not as good as their first effort mainly due to this track being more suited to a 'performance' a la Elvis. 'A Little Less Conversation' - BBC Concert Orchestra and Capital Voices KT Tunstall, a new name to me, sang this very well without adding much to the original. She used the stage throughout. Priscilla Presley It was now the turn of Priscilla to be introduced to the audience and I must say she came over very well and did Elvis proud. She spoke of lost opportunities by Elvis to tour overseas, specifying the UK as being particularly loyal to The King. She emphasized how much Elvis loved his fans and that although he was no longer here in person his spirit was here this night and that his main love was singing for his fans. On behalf of all the Presley family she thanked the fans for their continuing loyalty. At this stage of the proceedings quite a few fans were expecting Lisa Marie to be introduced to the audience by Priscilla but apparently she was not in attendance. Personally, I find this very strange behaviour by Lisa. Now living about forty miles from the Concert venue she cannot bother to attend. Very disappointing. Priscilla then introduced Sir Tom Jones, who had received top billing. He performed three Elvis tracks, one of them 'Run On' being his latest single release and two others - 'Tryin' To Get To You' and an unrehearsed 'One Night'. All three were performed very well but in a routine fashion for Jones. Of course one can see why he became famous - his voice. However, he belts songs out without thought for 'feeling'. He said that he had been friends with 'Elvis Presley' (note he did not use the more friendly 'term 'Elvis'). He gave a plug to his latest album and then was off. Interestingly, prior to leaving the stage he appeared to be in deep conversation with James Burton and I'm sure the crowd thought he was going to do another encore but he did not. Be interesting to know what they were talking about - I would not be surprised to find Burton or the TCB band on Jones' next album!! Then came the highlight of the evening - THE KING on the big screen singing 'The Wonder Of You' backed by the TCB Band, of course, and the BBC Concert Orchestra. James got a big cheer when Elvis said "Play The Song James" and the big screen focused on James as he was then and now. Again, I appreciate that this was a Tribute Concert but I do feel that Elvis should have sang three songs, perhaps 'Suspicious Minds' and 'American Trilogy' or 'If I Can Dream'. They would really have got a great crowd response. Then Chris Evans introduced 'Suspicious Minds' from the Las Vegas Cirque Du Soleil production 'Viva Elvis' and as it happens, Elvis' forthcoming single release here in the UK. The single is taken from the 'Viva Elvis' album but the BBC Concert Orchestra played along with it. The crowd were bopping and moving around to this. At the same time as the track was being played a firework display lit up the sky all around the big stage. A fitting ending to a memorable evening and all for around £30. Excellent value for money. Throughout the Concert some 'surprise' guests were introduced including cricketer Freddie Flintoff; news reader Moira Stewart; TV presenter Melanie Sykes and two radio One DJ's, one female and one male whose names I cannot remember. All said a few words in praise of Elvis. It must be said that ALL artists appearing, famous and new, gave their best on the night and did Elvis proud. My comments, as already stated, reflect my personal opinions and preferences although I have tried to be objective. As a final comment on the Concert - YES - it would have been great if more big names had been there but then again ticket prices would have been excessive. As you can imagine, the crowds attempting to leave the Park all at once would have created havoc without the police erecting barriers and staggering them leaving the Park, particularly due to this being a heavy traffic area. However, the crowd mood was totally defused at the Marble Arch Exit by a member of the police force with a microphone. He told jokes all the time the people were waiting and he was really funny - the crowd loved him. All in all a great day out and one that did Elvis proud. Brian

Hot off the Press. The new Elvis single, from the 'Viva Elvis' Album, is 'Suspicious Minds'. I do not know the flip side or official release date yet. According to SONY (UK) it will get its first airing this coming Wednesday (15th) on a morning radio show but I do not know which one - I suspect it will be the Chris Evans Show on BBC Radio 2. Brian

I'm really sorry to post this but as it is in the public domain 'better the devil you know'. This just goes to show that celebrities in the public eye are hounded from day to night, especially in the UK. I expect Lisa had had a good night out and was tired. Apparently the stairs look like the pavement due to the yellow lines. http://celebslam.celebuzz.com/2010/09/lisa...esley-drunk.php Brian :(

Please go to the following URL: http://www.essentialelvis.com/blog/ Brian B)

Please go to the following URL to see the Tom Jones Interview: Brian :(

Just finished watching Tom Jones on the Paul O'Grady Show and yet again he had to ridicule Elvis. He told the 'shower' story and then related how Elvis went into the toilet immediately afterwards and had to call Red West to come and help him pull up his leather trousers. To add insult to injury Paul O'Grady suggested that if Jones had kept some of Elvis' excrement it would now be worth a lot of money. Jones merely laughed. This gave a very poor impression of Elvis. Tom Jones should be ashamed of himself for treating his former 'pal' in such a manner and on national television at that. He will not be getting any applause from me on Sunday. And yes, surprise, surprise, he will be singing the Elvis track 'Run On' (Jones latest single) at the Concert. Brian :angry:

Please go to the following URL: Brian

Please go to the following URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPs8mQuH0jg Brian

Apparently Tom Jones will be on the Paul O' Grady Show (ITV 9 p.m. Friday 10th). I suspect he will be mentioning Elvis as well. Brian

It is also available for pre-order at www.hmv.co.uk at £8.99. For once Sony has kept the price down comparable to that of other artists and this bodes well for sales. Although £3 cheaper than the Amazon price - Amazon will reduce theirs soon to compete with other retail outlets. Brian

The 'Viva Elvis' Album is now available for pre-order at: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Viva-Elvis-Presley...2060&sr=1-5 Brian

Priscilla Presley is scheduled to appear on 'The One Show' on BBC1 TV between 7 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. on Friday, 10th September. Brian ;)

Please go to the following URL: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Elvis-fan-Ma...hook.6516527.jp Best of luck to him and I hope he enjoys Graceland. Brian :D

Every Labor Day in the U.S.A. the Jerry Lewis Telethon raises money for Muscular Dystrophy. Last night they showed the cast of 'Viva Elvis' performing 'Blue Suede Shoes'. Apparently, they put on a great performance and afterwards Jerry personally thanked them for their hard work. Brian :D

Official Press Release From BBC Radio 2. Date: 06.09.2010 Category: Radio 2 BBC Radio 2 is proud to announce that Sir Tom Jones will be leading the dazzling roster of musicians at Elvis Forever, a concert celebrating the music of Elvis Presley, with Radio 2 Breakfast host Chris Evans and Priscilla Presley, in London's Hyde Park on Sunday 12 September 2010. The line-up of this unique tribute to the king of rock 'n' roll in the year that he would have turned 75 includes KT Tunstall, Scouting For Girls, Imelda May, Fyfe Dangerfield, Jon Allen, Michael Ball, Mica Paris, Tony Christie, The Magnets, Fran Healy (from Travis), Craig David, Tony Hadley and Marti Pellow. These musicians will be accompanied by the TCB Band (Takin' Care of Business), the group who provided the rhythm section to Elvis's band from 1969 until 1977. The evening, which will be broadcast live on Radio 2, will be full of surprise presenters and will culminate in a spectacular firework finale. "I am delighted that Sir Tom can join us to celebrate the music of Elvis Presley, for a night that promises to be very special," comments Lewis Carnie, Radio 2 and 6 Music Head of Programmes. So it looks as though the TCB Band will back most, if not all, of the artists appearing and there will be some surprise guest presenters. Brian