Steven Pitman’s ELVIS LIVE Tribute show promises to take you on “a musical journey – visiting the tremendous career of Elvis Presley – spanning over 20 years.”
His well-known and much loved performance includes the 50s & 60s, taking in Hollywood & Gospel, and cosying right up to the legendary 1968 NBC Comeback Special and Elvis’ tragic and untimely death in 1977.
RTL Today had a quick chinwag about how things have gone since the turn of the year and how he feels things might go along the way.
I am sure you have answered this a million times before, but why Elvis?
I became a fan on the 16th of August 1977, the day Elvis passed away. Hearing his music for the first time touched and fascinated me in ways I didn’t understand as a 12 year old. Little did I know that many years later that passion for his music would lead me into a totally different life.
Which Elvis song best suits these times?
If I Can Dream - my favorite Elvis song by the way. The song was written in 1968 and was inspired by the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy during the Civil Rights Movement.
Why do you think Elvis is such an enduring star?
Because he had it all! The voice, the look, the sex appeal. And he was an innovator, paving the way for countless singers & bands that he inspired then and still does today.
Which is the most commonly requested Elvis track?
Probably these three: In The Ghetto, Are You Lonesome Tonight and Suspicious Minds.
Which one do you wish you could perform more often?
Since it’s usually up to me, I can actually perform any song I want 😊
And which the least?
Viva Las Vegas and Wooden Heart.
How has the lock down and subsequent relaxation of regulations affected your performances and how have you adjusted?
It brought everything to a standstill. I’ve had to cancel or postpone well over 40 concerts, events, festivals, etc. But it’s not only affected me of course. It is across the entire entertainment industry including not only the artists but also the technicians, equipment rental companies, booking agencies and many more.
It’s hard adjusting to all that’s happened. Most musicians, bands, singers, entertainers not only make a living from performing and they really need the live audiences in front of them.
Online performances or live streams are fun, but they will never be able to replace performing live and on stage. The audience is the most important ingredient and that’s missing!
Do you consider the most important element of your act to be authentic impersonation or entertainment? How do you marry these in a show?
That’s a difficult question for an impersonator. In my case it really depends a lot on the type of show I’m performing. The most important part for me is the voice and I strive to get the vocals as close to Elvis as possible. I work very hard on that. The look and the moves and mannerisms are all important as well but they differ depending on the type of show or when I’m in a competition. It’s also very important to bring my own personality and humour into my shows.
What is the most common misconception about your act and indeed your dedication to it?
Probably that I live my life 24/7 as Elvis. Of course it’s become a major part of my life and it’s how I earn my living and pay my bills. But when I’m not performing I’m interested in lot’s of other things and my home is not an Elvis shrine.
Do you dream in Elvis...if so, what has been your most bizarre Elvis dream...
No, never actually!
And a real-life scenario where things were a little weird?
Sometimes it’s surreal when my fiancé and I travel to different countries and people recognise me from a show I did maybe years before in another country. I remember once we were walking along the beach with some friends and a lady comes out of nowhere, holds her mobile phone in front of me and says ‘Please sing a song for my girlfriend at home‘!
Do you think Elvis was the last of his kind...?
There have certainly been other icons such as Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Whitney Houston just to name a few, but I do believe Elvis was definitely in a league of his own. And it’s amazing how beloved and successful he remains over 40 years after his passing.
What are your hopes for the rest of the year?
Because of the COVID crisis this is going to be a very challenging year for everyone. I really hope things get back to some kind of normality in the upcoming weeks and months.
On the other hand we are living in a time of change and I hope the whole world can find some common ground to move forward.
I recently read a quote that really summed it up pretty well: ’Laundry is the only thing that should be separated by color’.
RTL Today is hosting a Live Stream of Steven’s incredible live show.
Wednesday 8pm. Facebook Live.Steven Pitman’s upcoming Elvis shows:
13.06.2020 ELVIS - DRIVE-IN-CONCERT
Drive-In-Cinema, Lake Echternach ((Parking Lot)
Reservations:
Tel.: +352 72 88 78 | Email: cinesura@gmail.com
www.cinesura.lu
Tickets: click here
22.06.2020 ELVIS - STAY@HOME DINNERSHOW
LIVE STREAM from PUNDEL VINS PURS
Wengertswee 50 | L-5485 Wormeldange-Haut
Reservations:
Tel.: +352 760 059 | Email: info@pundel-vinspurs.lu
Limited to 24 guests!
Tickets: click here
Steve Pitman Homepage
Steve Pitman Facebook Page
Steve Pitman YouTube Channel
