Elvis Lives Promotions held a concert (as a tribute to the ‘King of Rock ‘n Roll’) at Ladysmith Country Club on Saturday night.
The man with the lamb-chop sideburns, spangled outfit and guitar strung over his shoulder was Andrea Giglio, a well-known tribute artist and Elvis Presley impersonator who sings the King’s songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s. For 22 years now, Andrea has been belting out classics such as ‘Jailhouse Rock’, ‘It’s Now or Never, ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ and ‘Love Me Tender’. These songs all made it onto the play-list at the Country Club, as well as many other toe-tapping tunes and soulful ballads. It was all gyrating hips and ‘old school’, good-time rock ‘n roll that had the appreciative crowd begging for more.
Andrea says that being an Elvis impersonator came naturally to him, and it didn’t hurt to have the looks to begin with!
Andrea and Elvis Lives Promotions go around the country, singing at sports clubs and corporate functions. Andrea has also travelled abroad to perform in counties such as Dubai, Pakistan and the UK.
The Ladysmith show was aptly called ‘The Mirror Image of Elvis’. There were two sets of an hour each on the night, with a supper break in between. The audience couldn’t help but sing along as Andrea brought to life an era of music that is etched into the very fabric of society. If you weren’t there, then you really missed out! If you were there, then you’ll know why lovers of rock music tell you that “Elvis Lives!” The King might have left the building, but there’ll always be someone to continue the legacy and keep his memory alive.
Andrea will be back in Ladysmith on November 15 to perform at the Siegetown Moth Club.
