BLUE SUEDE SCHMOOZE
How the Premier wooed Baz Luhrmann and his $100m Elvis blockbuster to the Coast
IT began with a London dinner for two and ended with a simple text: “See you in Queensland”.
The Bulletin can today reveal how Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk wooed Hollywood director Baz Luhrmann to film his $100 million Elvis Presley biopic on the Gold Coast.
VIVA SURFERS PARADISE: The annual celebration of the world’s greatest music legends including Elvis Presley, the unrivalled King of Rock and Roll, sees Elvis impersonators performing live during the 10-day festival. The looming 2019 event from July 12 to 21 will welcome international Elvis tribute artists Diogo Light and David Lee.
MEMPHIS MAFIA INTERNATIONAL: A Gold Coast group of Elvis Presley fanatics started the global wing of The King’s famed Memphis Mafia. It was officially annointed by the late Joe Esposito, Elvis’ long-serving righthand man. Esposito became an MMI member joining Hollywood Showgirls owner Craig Duffy (whose Ferrari number plate is TCB a.k.a Taking Care of Business), ex Freddie Mercury impersonator and musician Craig Pesco plus Gold Coast frozen daiquiri king Brian Seoud. Mr Duffy said of the biopic news: “Joe loved the Gold Coast and said Elvis would have too.” BRODY JENNER: The stepbrother of Kim Kardashian is the son of Linda Thompson who dated Elvis for a time. Jenner is a regular visitor to the Gold Coast to headline as a DJ and surf.
THE Gold Coast’s Elvis impersonators are dusting off their jumpsuits and combing their hair as the hunt begins for Baz Luhrmann’s King.
Several popular performers are already receiving calls from media and fans to see if they’re in the running to play the iconic singer ahead of the $100 million film shoot on the Gold Coast early next year.
The story of the King of Rock’s life will bring Academy Award-winning A-lister Tom Hanks to the Glitter Strip, it has already been confirmed.
Hollywell resident Pete Memphis has performed as Elvis for more than 15 years and is shaking his blue suede shoes at the news.
He’s hoping to audition for the role of Elvis during the later years of his career, the 1969-77 jumpsuit era.
“They’ll have to get a few actors to play him given Elvis started singing at the age of 10,” he said.
‘Absolutely I would put my hand up – I did an acting course a few years ago.
“I was somewhat surprised they decided to film here given Elvis spent a lot of time in Los Angeles where the movies are made but it’s so exciting to see it being made here.”
Dean Vegas is Australia’s foremost Elvis impersonator and famously ran for Gold Coast mayor.
He was ecstatic at the news of the film and said he was keen to be involved.
“Oh my god this is amazing,” he said.
“It’s huge and just incredible that they are bringing it here.
“I would be utterly honoured (to be involved), no matter what.
“Elvis was unique and there will never be another King. He will be idolised forever.”
After 27 years as an Elvis tribute artist, Brendon Chase suspects he may be too old for the role, but the Kiwi said it’s his Southern accent that will keep him off the shortlist.
But, after finishing a semifinalist in the 2017 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, Tennessee, Mr Chase reckons he knows one or two contenders.
“There’s one I can think of off the top of my head, an American, who would be ideal for the role,” Mr Chase said.
“There are a lot of Elvis tribute artists who can sing like Elvis, look like Elvis, but not everyone can speak like him.
“Most Elvis Presley tribute artists can already act because that’s what we do, act like Elvis.”
OH MY GOD THIS IS AMAZING. IT’S HUGE AND JUST INCREDIBLE THAT THEY ARE BRINGING IT HERE. ELVIS IMPERSONATOR DEAN VEGAS