The 'king', or just a devil in disguise?
There's likely to be a surge of Elvis sightings later this month when Australian Stephen Kabakos (pictured) hits town. Described as the 'world's No1 Elvis Tribute Artist', he'll be here on August 21 to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the death of The King on August 15, 1977.
Playing Colonel Parker to his appearance is the Hong Kong chapter of the International Elvis Presley Fan Club. Chapter president Tommy Ooi says Kabakos is a king among kings. 'He won the 2001 Images of the King in Memphis. It's held every year and hundreds of Elvises from all over the world compete.'
Certainly Kabakos looks like a dead ringer. Possibly too real. But Ooi is adamant the Kabakos sneer is not surgically enhanced. 'He is a personal friend of mine and I believe he hasn't done any plastic surgery.'
Okay, so what makes a real Elvis impersonator? 'To me, sounding like Elvis is very difficult but most important is to move like him. The way you move. You really have to gyrate like Elvis.'
Kabakos will be Jailhouse Rockin' the Hyatt Regency Hotel's Chin Chin Bar on August 22-24 and kicking up his Blue Suede Shoes at Blues By The Bay in the New World Centre on August 27 and 28. Call Tommy Ooi at 9090 6200 for information.
