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"You've got twelve days, three hours and twenty four seconds"...
Joe Esposito, Elvis On Tour, 1972
One of my favourite DVD releases, watched time and time again... Although only a snippet of what was rumoured to be recorded, Elvis' Bridge Over Troubled Water fantastic, led in by the great Joe Esposito comments above, to
Elvis' inquiry of "How much time have I got?"...
How could I have possibly thought that thirty seven years on following this recording, despite my many viewings, that I would meet Mr Esposito himself, in person here in Ireland, sharing his wonderful experiences and memories of Elvis Presley...
The Birthday Extravaganza made possible by Mr John Kavanagh, president of The Irish Elvis Social Club (www.elvissocialclub.net) commenced Friday January 9th, following the laborious efforts of The Elvis Social Club which introduced Joe Esposito to Irelands TV screens in his very first ever Irish TV interview. Sharing some many unique stories with the Seoige sisters. The insightful question, Why Did Elvis Never Come To Ireland?
Having heard the many rumoured stories, who better to give the answer than by one man who knew him best. Rubbishing such fiction, Joe shared his wealth of knowledge, quite simply, there was not a big enough venue to house him. Having performed in the early years in the outdoor arenas in the less than fortunate areas, Elvis vowed never to play outdoor again, telling the Colonel this. And so, keeping to his wishes, Elvis never toured outside America, because at that time, there was not a big enough indoor venue to house him. The full content of this interview can be found on my site pages.
With my appetite wet for the awaited excitement of what was to come the following Sunday, January 11th, the day finally came for what would be a day to remember, Elvis The Birthday Extravaganza.
Arriving early Sunday afternoon, I had the chance to mingle with fellow fans and guests and informally meet the great Joe Esposito. On entering the room, the excitement and electricity of the atmosphere could not have been more apparent. There was Joe standing greeting fans, in a manner that could only be described as warmly and welcoming. With everyone in attendance because of Elvis, thirty-one years post his passing, it was hard to believe he was not going to walk in the door himself. It was a sight that could only be described as proud, as an Elvis fan to be part of, and no doubt, for Joe Esposito to have experienced on his first visit to Ireland. I made my way through the room meeting fellow fans including Todd Slaughter (British Fan Club President), to introduce myself to Joe Esposito. It is difficult to describe another person as having such a charismatic persona, but on meeting Joe, his welcoming and warmth ness, he had one! Having been previously in company of former US president Bill Clinton, who was my last recollection of such a persona, I walked away thinking and feeling like, I had just met Elvis. Standing in the room observing fellow fans, I could not help reflect on the reason we were all there. Because of a man who was introduced to our lives by whatever influence, and met his untimely end in 1977, I felt envious of any fan that had ever the opportunity to have met Elvis Presley, while also considering how I would have felt, if I had met him myself. Following such excitement, the afternoon would bring further electrifying excitement.
We proceeded to the main function room where we took our seats. The first of fifteen Elvis Tribute Artists would begin their entry to the first heat of the Elvis Social Club's search for Ireland's Number One Elvis. With fifteen performers all competing and giving top quality performances, who better to judge than Joe Esposito and company. With each performer singing a song of their choice, and reflective commentary and judging, ten would be successful for round two, which allowed another dedicated performance. Following this round, six successful entrants were picked and will now perform in heath two, this coming March. Having only experienced the presence of so many ETA's at one event in the past, this was to be a treat. The dedication and professionalism of Jimmy Coffey, Anthony Farrely, Ciaran Houlihan, Phil Keogh and Daniel Kirwan to name only a few, Elvis would have been proud.
Following the heath, we were then treated with the opportunity to ask Joe Esposito questions in the Q & A session. I could not help but be the first to raise my hand. My question to Joe was, "Did Elvis ever talk about his Irish fans, or Ireland itself". In reply, Joe said that he did never mention Ireland in particular, but was very aware of his fans around the world and did intend to one day tour.
The questions ranging in complexity to uniqueness, Joe shared his many memories of being with Elvis from their first meeting in the Army in Germany, to the passing of his mother, also sharing his choice of "King Creole" as his favourite Elvis movie as it being the most dramatic. We also got to hear of his experience on first meeting with Priscilla, to the busy touring schedule and his eventual untimely ending on that faithful August afternoon whereby Joe was the first to find Elvis in the bathroom and his instant knowledge, that Elvis was dead on discovery. Joe also shared his memories of Elvis' religious beliefs, to his continued and never ending questioning as to why he was gifted and influential from God to so so many. The Elvis What Happened book also raising comment and how every evening towards the end of Elvis' life, he continually ask, Why?
In conclusion of the session, and in his own words. "..all I can tell you right now, it's an honour to have everyone here. and John brought me over here to see you guys and talk to you and to meet you all cause Elvis is a big part of my life today, he's been dead almost 31 years and I'm meeting new friends all the time cause of Elvis Presley. So I really feel honoured, he was an amazing human being, he has the best fans ever in the history of the world ever.". In the conclusion of Joe's questioning session, how could the day be any better!
Following on from this, we were entertained by Kevin Doyle and another chance to meet and great with Joe Esposito outside for an autograph session and photograph opportunity.
As they say paper cannot refuse ink, or in this case, type, it is very difficult to portray the excitement and memories made and experienced that day. I hope the above, gives just a brief insight of how a memorable day was experienced by all.
Elvis Presley never made it to Ireland, the closest being Scotland on stop over on his army drafting. Through the hard efforts of The Elvis Social Club, and president John Kavanagh, the memories of that day and presence of Joe Esposito, brought the next best thing. The experience of having Elvis present through that of Joe Esposito. This will be another experience and memory of another wonderful event to add to my memoirs of those organised by The Elvis Social Club.
Elvis would be proud!
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