Suspiciously Elvis: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The show itself was unforgettable – the best ever ‘Elvis’ performance I have seen, easily matching the fabulous Worthing show. I have to say, Ivor did it again, the hairs stood up on the back of my neck as he came on stage
Suspiciously Elvis
It was a cold, wet and windy night in Brighton on Friday 16 August 2019. Concorde 2 was the place folk were heading to. Some arriving on foot – totally soaked, and a steady stream of cars and taxis performing drop offs indicated something was going on. Something suspicious was going on, it was Suspiciously Elvis.
16 August
The date, to any Elvis fans, is a date they will remember. It was exactly 42 years to the day of the passing of the King. Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, he is often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll” or simply “the King”. Tonight Suspiciously Elvis was back in town with a special show on this anniversary tour.
Suspiciously Elvis: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Concorde 2 was a perfect setting tonight, the venue is amazing providing almost an intimate setting at times with top notch sound, stunning lighting ( thankfully the dreaded smoke machine was switched to “low” for this event, providing everyone with a clear and enjoyable view.), and I will give a special mention to the very attentive, professional staff. Thank you guys.
The Band
I recognised a couple of band members from the wonderful gig in Worthing…
Suspiciously Elvis: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The band (Bass, Drums, Keys, Brass, Guitar and 1 Backing Vocalist) took to the stage, an “Elvis” security guard cleared the way and ushered the man himself to the stage, all to the opening sounds of Also Sprach Zarathustra. We were ready!
Suspiciously Elvis: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
I have to say, Ivor did it again, the hairs stood up on the back of my neck as he came on stage…
ELVIS: SET 1
As Suspiciously Elvis took to the stage – the band fired up into the first song of the night CC Rider, and an immediate crowd pleaser full of pelvis shaking and guitar thrusting, next was Burning Love. I Got A Woman was up followed by a kind of montage/medley of Teddy bear / Dont Be Cruel and the sublime Jailhouse Rock – fabulous stuff. This set, as we were told was going to contain more of the slower numbers. I had seen the set list earlier and the order got changed and songs got swapped around at the last minute.
Suspiciously Elvis: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The marvellous band were able to keep up though! Elvis tonight was dressed in a white flared trousers festooned with studs and rhinestones, a gold belt with gold chains, white boots and those classic gradient tint ‘Elvis’ shades. Perfect. And yes, he did sound like the man himself. Ivor / Elvis stood in the classic split-legged Elvis pose while performing the songs with an an impressive number of spins and gyrations!
Suspiciously Elvis: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
I am not going to give the game away dear reader with the full set list, no spoilers! You are going to have to see the show! The first half of the show contained about 15 songs taking up a good hour of stage time to get through which includes some hilarious banter with the crowd. He spotted some Elvis look a likes and some hen night parties. He interacts with everyone and that is part of the charm of this man. The songs laced at times with lyric changes and chatter with the band and the audience.
Elvis: Set 2
Suspiciously Elvis: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
It was all change – it was time for the full on red jump suit! The smoke cleared and as it did the slow burn of I Cant Help Believin’ let everyone know that Elvis was back in the building and he meant rock and roll business. Polk Salad Annie was up next. Ivor was all over the place, he climbed down from the stage and joined me in the pit to interact with his fans. The effect on some folk is quite remarkable, they reach out and touch, pull him over for a kiss or a selfie or two and Ivor is more than happy to oblige.
Suspiciously Elvis: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Way Down was in there, and that was one of my favourite songs by The King and Ivor gave it everything and made this a true showstopping moment. It was not long before the front of Concorde 2 was packed with dancing bodies! Potter had got the audience eating out of the palm of his hand, and he knew it – “come on ya’ll, dance and sing” and the crowd happily obliged! Blue Suede Shoes rocked us all. All Shook Up was great fun and Suspicious Minds saw Elvis again jump into the pit to get members of the packed crowd to sing a verse or two. This was pure unadulterated fun and was lapped up by everyone. Some fine singing from the crowd, and some well not quite so good, but a good effort!
Suspiciously Elvis: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The set powered along, at one point Elvis toppled off the stage step, landing on top of me in the pit “Ladies and gentle, this is Ian, that photographer from Sussex Town, England”. We, well Me and Elvis’ manager/bodyguard got him safely back on the stage. The band in hysterics, as was Ivor. A superb rendition of Johnny B Goode let TJ Walker on guitar and the band rip it up. A blistering rendition. Cant Help Falling in Love signalled the end…
SUSPICIOUSLY ELVIS: A VIDEO
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Turn it up and get all shook up…
Ivor / Elvis returned for an encore – as the set was now heading towards it close and the final two songs we were treated to were Viva Las Vegas and to end the show was A Little Less Conversation. What a way to finish. The crowd went wild for these two songs and clearly they wanted even more, but sadly it wasn’t to be.
This is a genuine masterpiece of pure entertainment and showmanship. Ivor that will leave you cheering for more. Ivor is as witty and self-mocking as only Elvis was on stage. He will be back so do yourself a favour and go dig out the flares, that long forgotten Hawaiian shirt and a pair of mega shades and prepare to treat yourself to an 80’s night in Las Vegas!!
Suspiciously Elvis: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Elvis has left the building”.
Suspiciously Elvis is on the WWW
Suspiciously Elvis on Facebook
Black Rabbit Productions hosted the evening. They work hard promoting live music on the south coast. They are a promotion company with years of experience putting on music shows. Tonight was superb. They have some great gigs lined up, a great time is pretty much guaranteed with these guys. You can find Black Rabbit Productions on the WWW
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All original pictures / video – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2019.
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