SYDNEY (AFP) – Elvis impersonators swaggered through Sydney’s Central Station yesterday, boarding the “Blue Suede Express” on an unlikely annual pilgrimage paying homage to The King.
The train will shake, rattle and roll out of the city and towards the small farming town of Parkes, which hosts around 25,000 die-hard fans at its Elvis Festival every year.
Those with suspicious minds might point out Elvis Presley never sung a note in Australia, let alone Parkes, which lies about 350 kilometres inland from Sydney.
But impersonator Taz “Funky Elvis” Dimtsis said he would latch on to any excuse to dust off his bright red jumpsuit.
“He thought he’d be forgotten, that’s the thing. And look at him, he’s bigger than ever,” he told AFP as a tribute act crooned Elvis hits on a nearby stage.
“It’s fantastic,” he added before showing off his best hip swing.
The excited Elvis lovers primped their pompadours and mopped sweat-soaked fake sideburns as they waited for the train in Sydney’s muggy summer humidity.
Sporting an eye-catching costume adorned with glittering blue sequins, Jenny Dollin said she could barely contain her excitement.
“When you get to Parkes, the whole town is just out there to meet you. Makes me cry,” the 45-year-old told AFP.
