What started as a chance performance as one of the world’s most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, has turned into a fully-fledged career as Perth’s very own impersonator of the King of Rock and Roll.
Luke Carmichael remembers the time he first stepped on stage as Elvis.
“I was doing a show for people with disabilities, as that’s the other work I do when this particular day someone pulled out from performing,” he said.
“They were due to perform for 10 minutes in a variety show and someone needed to go out there to keep the crowd from leaving in that gap.
“I decided to do Elvis as I thought there was nothing to it.
“I put my collar up on my white shirt went out there and wiggled away and tried to contort my voice to his.”
It was this performance that led Mr Carmichael, otherwise known as Elvis Perth, on a pathway like no other.
The Mount Nasura resident has been performing as Elvis for the past 20 years, having moved from a costume featuring white cricket pants and a shirt from an op shop to a standout get-up fit for the king himself.
“I’ve performed hundreds of shows including a television appearance and gigs overseas, including in India,” he said.
“I’ve performed at small parties, retirement villages, hospitals, disability homes to corporate functions at The Hyatt, Crown and big concerts in front of thousands.”
Mr Carmichael said lucky for him the popularity of Elvis hasn’t waned with plenty of people of all ages still in awe of the American singer and actor.
“I remember doing a gig for an elderly group where this older lady was catatonic and hadn’t spoken in three years,” he said.
“When I went up to serenade her with the song Can’t Help Falling in Love this lady started to sing with me.
“Her full time carer broke down and cried as she hadn’t seen any life in her at all for those three years.
“It was a magic moment to say the least.”
