Legend has it that in April 1954 Elvis Presley started working for Crown Electric in Memphis as a truck driver delivering goods to worksites for $1 an hour, with aspirations of becoming an electrician.
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In June of that same year his song That’s All Right (Mama) was recorded at Sun Records. In July, he quit truck driving to pursue music…and the rest, as they say, is history!
The life, times and music of Elvis Presley are celebrated in all their glory each year in the regional New South Wales town of Parkes in for the form of the annual Elvis Festival.
As the town prepares to host its 33rd festival, 21 Elvis tribute acts from around Australia and the world are busy rehearsing to shake, rattle and roll their way to glory as they compete for the title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist.
The winner gets to travel to the promised land in Memphis with a place in the semi-final round of the 2026 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist event during Elvis Week in August – an event held in honour of Elvis that coincides with the anniversary of his passing on August 16, 1977.
Among those competitors are South Australian Matt Birse, and Kiwi turned Queenslander Brendon Chase.
Aside from their intricate knowledge of Elvis’ music, both of these singers share a trucking background with their hero.
By day, Matt drives a prisoner movement truck between courts and jails in Adelaide, while Brendon’s a fly in fly out firefighter on the mines who’s often behind the wheel of the fire truck as it rolls into action.
For Brendon, his latest gig is somewhat different to where he started out working on ships as a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Coming from a musical family Brendon started singing early.
It was when he was about seven-years-old and Elvis’ Aloha concert came on television in 1973 that he says the seed was planted on wanting to be cool like the king.
In 1996 Brendon entered his first Elvis competition as a bit of a dare. He says he lost, but the bug bit and he came back the next year and won.
On the navy ships, he would always pack a jump suit or two, and when they floated into port he would find himself in local pubs in Singapore and the like putting on shows for the sailors on shore leave.
Now living on the Gold Coast in Australia, Brendon, 56, dFivides his time between FIFO work at the mines in Mackay, and performing as an Elvis tribute artist on regular rock cruises and club and theatre events that come up.
“I’ve been doing it for 29 years now, almost longer that Elvis has been singing,” he says.
“I’ve slowed down now. I’ve had years where I had far too much on. I pick and choose what I want to do now.”
When it comes to favourite venues, Brendon says there’s nothing better than working in small theatres where fans can immerse themselves in the music they love for a few hours at a time. He’ll be taking the stage at Parkes for the 12th time this year.
Image: Brendon Chase
For Matt, it was singing drunk at a wedding that kick started his journey paying tribute to Elvis.
“I went to friend’s wedding as part of the wedding party and got up and sung Love Me Tender and Burning Love.”
He says after a big night he woke up to find a note with a phone number, a date and the promise of $400 for him to sing at a wedding in three weeks’ time at Elvis.
It was the start of what was to become a long career as a tribute artist, from the first jumpsuit crafted using a white tablecloth, to a wardrobe full of them now.
“I started with a store-bought wig and welding glasses sprayed gold.”
His career evolved from birthdays and events to clubs and the last five years as a solo artist.
Today, his wigs are about $2,000 a pop and the 15 different jump suits, jewels, shirts, pants and capes he’s accumulated along the way are valued at around $150,000.
Elvis has taken Matt to Memphis to perform and all over Australia, and more recently Matt’s joined with some friends to take the role of Johnny Cash as part of the One Night in Memphis show.
The love of Elvis started with his Dad’s musical collection and an Uncle who used to belt out the Promise album in is F100 truck.
“I started buying Elvis CDs, bootleg CDs, VHS concerts and then I started to try and mimmick it.
“I’ve never had classical or professional singing lessons, just a little bit of gospel at church.”
Matt, who has performed and competed in Elvis tributes events all over the world, says he is looking forward to being back in Parkes and soaking up the love for the King that comes with the audience.
The 33rd Parkes Elvis Festival will be on from January 7 to 11.
Parkes Elvis Festival Director Brendan Shipley says crowds should expect a great mix of entertainment.
“Every year, the calibre of contestants gets stronger. This group of tribute artists brings a deep authenticity and energy to their performances,” he says.
“However, it’s not just about their dance moves and blue suede shoes. Contestants are evaluated based on their stage presence, vocal talent, and the overall excellence of their performance.”
More than 25,000 Elvis enthusiasts are predicted to attend the event which is working to the theme of the famous song, Love Me Tender.
For all programming and ticketing information, visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au.
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