Grahame Patrick (46) is one of the most famous Elvis impersonators in the world. The Irishman looks like Elvis, has a great voice and remains true to himself. Grahame started his career as an Elvis impersonator at the age of 23.
Mr. Patrick, you are known as one of the world's best Elvis impersonators. How does that make you feel?
It's very flattering, of course. Although I don't think that about myself. I just want to be a good entertainer and hope that people love what I do.
What were you before you became Elvis?
I did a lot of different jobs. For example, I was a truck driver.
Fits well - as you know, that was also the first job of the "real" Elvis ... how did you get into music?
I liked driving around and singing at the top of my voice. I always wanted to sing, so I put together a small band and played three or four gigs a week. Once I started with Elvis, however, I never looked back.
There are many other Elvis impersonators. Ted Torres, for example. He plays the second cast member in "Elvis - The Musical". What makes you different from him?
I am very strong vocally. But I don't think my movements and facial expressions are as good as Ted's. However, I am convinced that it's all about the big picture. I want the audience to get goosebumps. There's no cheating. There's honesty behind it. Everything comes straight from the heart and soul.
Do you also feel like Elvis when you're not on stage?
You can hardly be less Elvis than I am when I'm on the road as Grahame Patrick. (laughs) And that's a good thing. I don't have the pressure. I don't have to be a personality or maintain an image. I can just be myself.
Isn't your work very repetitive?
The arrangements always change a little. So not everything is always the same speed or loud or quiet in the same places. You also have to find a good mix of hits and lesser-known songs.
How does it feel to build your career on someone else's fame?
I often think about it. You have to see what I do first to understand it. And even if you understand what I do, you have your own opinion. I take it very seriously. I don't want to be a joke. There is only one Elvis and it's a tribute show. I'm not a copy and I'm not trying to be him. I hope people know that I'm a fan. Some audience members have tears in their eyes. Others wonder why anyone would do that. I want to give the audience the feeling of that time.
If you could ask Elvis one question, what would it be?
I don't know. I would probably be shy and say something stupid. (laughs) It would be best if I were a fly on the wall. Like a guest. That way I could listen to Elvis and his friends chatting and see where the conversation was going. I'm sure I would have met him if he was still alive. Maybe I'll bump into him in heaven. If that's where we're going. (laughs again) I work with people who knew him. It almost feels like Elvis is still here.
Do you think the Elvis show will ever come to an end?
Yes. I often think about what I want to do afterwards. One day I'd like to do a tribute show featuring all the obscure Elvis songs.
