Elvis impersonator to rock KZN audiences
Andrea Giglio, is currently performing shows of Elvis Lives around KZN.
FROM the moment he steps into the spotlight, appropriately clad in a sequined, electric blue outfit, you know you want to be here. And Andrea Giglio’s charisma delivers the promise to charm his audience for the duration of his performance.
An avid Elvis fan, he beats out Hound Dog and Blue Suede Shoes with unabashed energy and then seamlessly switches into dreamy mode with well-loved ballads such as Are You Lonesome Tonight? and Can’t Help Falling in Love.
Sing along if you’re old enough to know the words. The evening is yours and Andrea is all about making this a night you’ll remember and that you’ll want to relive time and again.
Born in Durban and brought up in Westville North, Andrea has no academic achievements to speak of. Unashamedly he admits his favourite school subject was ‘the last one on a Friday afternoon’. He, however, was handy with a tennis racquet playing first division in his late teens – and he was offered professional coaching but his dad, being old school, considered tennis ‘not a real job’.
There was no particular time when Andrea discovered he had a voice. “I was in the choir from Class 1 until Standard 8 and I sang along with songs like all other kids did,” he said.
“When I got older I was doing karaoke and a friend said I should audition for the part of Elvis in a rock ‘n roll show that the Mayor of Queensburgh was putting together. That was in 1992, I got the part, and from there my dream started. I have been doing the Elvis tribute ever since,” he added.
It comes as no surprise when Andrea shares that Italian blood runs through his veins. “My mother sang opera when she was at school and she played the piano,” he said adding his dad could also hold a tune.
Why Elvis? “His music appeals to most age groups but the majority of the people coming to the shows are aged from 30-something,” explained Andrea.
It was quite by chance that he became an Elvis fan. “I was about 11 years old and I found an Elvis tape my mother had. I played it and I was hooked. I really didn’t know who Elvis was at the time but I appreciated his voice, the style of music and I felt comfortable singing the songs,” he said.
By singing along and mimicking Elvis’ voice Andrea was unwittingly training his vocal chords to sound as much like Elvis as possible. Later in life, when he was performing karaoke, he automatically chose an Elvis song and received an overwhelming reaction from the people watching. “That response was all I needed – a real ego boost,” he admits.
Andrea is concentrating on performing at all the country clubs in KZN and, as the show builds momentum, he will take it to other provinces and to bigger venues.
He will be performing in Elvis Lives at Yellowwood Park Sports Club on Saturday 18 October at 7pm. Tickets cost R100 each. To book, contact Lynne Cox on 082 823 3608.
He will also be at Lord and Legends in Amanzimtoti on Friday 28 November at 8pm. Tickets cost R100 each. To book, contact Leon on 072 133 3137. Or catch him at Harlequins Rugby Sports Club on Saturday 13 December at 7pm. Tickets are R100 each. To book, contact Alan on 082 449 4739.
Andrea’s aim is for guests to walk out having had a good time and, depending on the age, with a warm-fuzzy feeling generated by nostalgic memories of days gone by. Contact Leon Olivier Elvis Lives Promotions on 031 262 7368, 072 133 3137 or e-mail: elvislivespromotions@gmail.com
