Hong Kong legend ‘Melvis’ dead at 68, local branch of International Elvis Presley Fan Club says
- Kwok Lam-sang died of kidney failure on December 29, fan club says
- Melvis won his first local Elvis impersonator competition in 1981 and kept Hong Kong revellers entertained for the next three decades
Kwok Lam-sang, who swivelled his hips for nearly three decades as Hong Kong’s own “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, died of kidney failure on December 29, the local branch of the International Elvis Presley Fan Club said on Tuesday.
The Elvis impersonator, better known as “Melvis” among Hongkongers, was 68.
“Melvis was an ardent Elvis fan, his contribution to the legacy of Elvis Presley will never be forgotten,” said Helen Ma, president of the International Elvis Presley Fan Club (HK).
A popular act with revellers in Lan Kwai Fong and other nightlife hotspots, Melvis would play for tips and belt out tunes by his hero.
“A legend in the streets of Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo, Melvis made his living by playing the King’s greatest hits to adoring night revellers who were always willing to part with some cash to be entertained by Hong Kong’s very own King,” a statement on Lan Kwai Fong Group’s Facebook page said.