Enrico's 'Elvis Act' for fans only

by Mahes Perera

Elvis Presley fans imitated his style in clothes, they grew sideburns and sported a sleek shiny combed-back hair, they jived and rock 'n rolled the evening away.

Enrico Perera

They were the Elvis Presley fans and the impersonators who till today make their annual visit to Graceland to pay their respects to their singing idol. Here in Sri Lanka too the imitators are many, each trying to make a career in the music scene. One such Sri Lankan who found success in England is Enrico Perera who returned to his roots for a brief gig of four days at the Margarita Blue to climax the Galadari Hotel's promotion 'All in One' signature dishes of in restaurants.

Enrico was happy to be back in Sri Lanka and when he took over from Mirage for his performance, the packed audience gave him an enthusiastic welcome which proved beyond any doubt that the music of Elvis Presley still lives strong despite the advent of rap, disco and hip-hop.

He sang most of the popular songs of Elvis such as Judy, Oh Lonesome Me, Don't Be Cruel, Wooden Heart, It's Now or Never which sent the audience into raptures shouting out their requests. Before his performance we had the opportunity to interview him and find out why he chose to portray Elvis Presley to make a career for himself especially in England where competition was intense.

Question: Here in Sri Lanka we haven't heard you do an Elvis Presley act. When did it all start for you?

Answer: I left Sri Lanka 10 years ago and before I left I used to do spots for Friends in Harmony. Indrani was fond of me and she used to get me to sing with her band. I sang in my young days, I was a past pupil of St. Sebastian's College, Moratuwa. My father was into music. He was an avid listener to music and he had many albums of Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole and Jim Reeves. I became a fan of Elvis Presley from my young days. When I listened to Elvis I found that his singing style was something unusual and so different from the other singers. When I went to England I underwent vocal training. When it comes to training in England it was hard. Because of the new styles and new techniques you have to keep abreast of the changes. The tutors brushed me up on my failings and now, singing is my hobby. I have a small business as well but I enjoy singing at various places in England.

Q: In England there are many Elvis Presley acts, do you find it easy to get work?

A: I sing at clubs, pubs and private functions and I am successful in finding gigs. I was tied up with an agency for my gigs but after I started my business, I slowed down. My repertoire consists of more than 50 songs of Elvis Presley. I haven't chosen songs that were recorded for the film industry, its not my type of songs. I concentrate on the songs Elvis sang for stage shows. I haven't made any discs of my version of Elvis songs. I'm happy I came to Sri Lanka.

I have to thank Benjy of Mirage, who through Dulip Jayatilleke who handles all my bookings got me this opportunity to perform in Sri Lanka. I hope I can come again soon!

Enrico's 'Elvis Act' saw fans on a high with many requests for their favourites. The night continued in a party mood with the band Crossroads keeping the guests entertained with non stop fantastic music.