Elvis Presley has been inspiring tribute performers for decades, and an Elvis show remains one of the most requested acts for parties, anniversaries and club nights. A good Elvis tribute brings the voice, the moves and the charisma, and the best ones can switch between the young rock 'n' roller and the Las Vegas superstar in a single night.
Here's what to think about when booking an Elvis tribute.
Which Elvis do you want?
Elvis's career covered very different eras, and many tributes perform more than one.
The 1950s rock 'n' roll years
The young Elvis: Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock, Blue Suede Shoes, All Shook Up. Think gold lamé jacket, quiffed hair and energetic moves. Perfect for rock 'n' roll themed parties and 50s nights.
The 1960s films and the '68 Comeback
Ballads and film songs such as Can't Help Falling in Love and Return to Sender, and the black leather of the 1968 Comeback Special.
The 1970s Vegas years
The jumpsuits, the capes and the big ballads: Suspicious Minds, Burning Love, An American Trilogy, My Way. This is the era most people picture when they think of an Elvis tribute.
Many tributes, including our Elvis tribute featuring Dean Craig, cover songs and looks from across the career, often with a costume change between sets.
What events suit an Elvis tribute?
- Anniversaries and milestone birthdays: especially for guests who grew up with Elvis.
- Weddings: Can't Help Falling in Love is a classic first dance, and an Elvis show is a fun evening act.
- Social clubs and pubs: Elvis nights are a club circuit staple.
- Themed parties: 50s, rock 'n' roll and Vegas themes.
- Holiday parks: a reliable show for older audiences.
The show itself
Most Elvis tributes perform to high-quality backing tracks and bring their own PA. A typical show runs as two sets or one longer show. Expect:
- At least one costume change
- Audience interaction, often including the famous scarf moment
- A mix of upbeat rock 'n' roll and big ballads
Ideas to complement an Elvis night
- Pair with other legends. A Tom Jones tribute or a Rat Pack show works brilliantly for a "legends" night.
- Add a 60s band. Retro Jetz or Code-E can keep the retro theme going.
- Doo-wop harmonies. A Four Seasons tribute like Big Men In Town suits the same audience.
Make it a themed night
- Encourage guests to dress in 50s or Vegas style
- Serve American diner food
- Decorate with records, guitars and Vegas lights
How long does an Elvis show last?
Timings vary, but most Elvis tributes work to two sets of around 45 minutes or one longer show. A common structure is a rock 'n' roll first set in a 50s jacket, followed by a Vegas-era second set in the jumpsuit, finishing with the big ballads. If you'd like a particular era, or a particular song, ask when you enquire so the act can plan the show around it.
Elvis at weddings
Elvis has a long association with weddings, thanks to the Las Vegas chapels. Couples sometimes book an Elvis tribute for the evening as a fun surprise for guests, or ask for Can't Help Falling in Love as a first dance. If you're thinking of something more elaborate – such as the act performing as you enter the room – talk it through with us so we can coordinate timings with your venue.
What makes a good Elvis tribute?
There are a lot of Elvis tributes in the UK, and quality varies. When you compare acts, look for:
- The voice. Elvis had a distinctive baritone with a wide range. A good tribute captures the tone, not just the accent.
- The movement. The hips, the karate kicks, the stance at the microphone. Watch a video to see whether the performer moves like Elvis.
- The costumes. Jumpsuits are expensive and detailed. A well-made costume makes a big difference to the illusion.
- Stage presence. The best tributes interact with the audience the way Elvis did, with humour and charm.
Elvis for clubs and pubs
Elvis nights are one of the most dependable ticketed events for social clubs and pubs, particularly with older audiences. They work well as a midweek or Sunday afternoon show as well as a Saturday night. If you run a venue and want to programme regular tribute nights, we can suggest a rotation of acts so your regulars see something different each time.
Elvis for anniversaries
For a golden or ruby wedding anniversary, Elvis is often the soundtrack to the couple's courtship. A tribute dedicating Love Me Tender to the couple can be a touching moment. Give the act the couple's names and a little background so they can make it personal.
Space and set-up
A solo Elvis show is usually self-contained, with the performer bringing their own PA and lighting. Allow a performance area with space to move, power close by, and somewhere private to change between sets – jumpsuits take time to get into.
Quick answers
Are there any hidden booking fees?
No Hidden Booking Fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. No additional agency booking fees or unexpected charges. We usually ask for a deposit to secure the date, and everything is confirmed in writing before your event.
Can I check if an act is free before I enquire?
Yes. Most act profiles have a live date checker, and Check your date shows who is available across our roster. Diaries change quickly in busy periods, so we always confirm availability when you enquire.
Booking tips
- Check videos to see how the tribute moves and sounds
- Ask which era the show focuses on
- Confirm space for costume changes
- Book early for Saturdays and December
View our Elvis tribute or browse our 60s and 70s tribute acts.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
