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Published on March 8, 2008

History has it that Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977. But did he? Many Elvis fans failed to accept news of the King of Rock's final demise, and speculation that he's still alive has been fuelled by a number of strange events.

On the day of the funeral, JD Sumner, a former backing singer for Elvis and one of the pallbearers, swore that Elvis' body was not in the coffin. And the headstone inscription on Elvis' grave misspells his middle name.

It is no secret that an eating disorder and prescription-drug addiction had rendered the rock idol grossly overweight. So as theory has it, fed up with his unsightly appearance, Elvis decided to fake his own death and become a recluse.

Since his funeral, thousands of people claim to have seen an Elvis who, if still alive today would be 73.

While some of the early Elvis sightings in airports and supermarkets might have seemed plausible, as they proliferated, exaggeration and absurdity took over. Jackie Gnoffe of Nordonia High School claims that Elvis is currently substituting as her high school German teacher. "Imagine our surprise!" she exclaims.

A few months back, Gerald Fostwill asked Elvis for his autograph at a Holiday Inn reception desk in Bristol, England, and the great man signed himself Rodney. "Guess he's also changed his name," says Gerald.

Over the years, Elvis has been spotted in sandwich bars, dole queues and cake shops, and not long ago the Sun newspaper led with a story that a statue of Elvis had been seen on Mars.

Of course, those who are adamant they have seen Elvis recently may well have set eyes on an Elvis impersonator.

The Twin

People began impersonating Elvis Presley long before he died, and contrary to today's satirical sightings, the act is usually performed in tribute. Perhaps the first famous Elvis impersonator was American comedian Andy Kaufman, who dressed and sounded like the King of Rock.

Some Elvis impersonators try to look like Elvis.People have reported sighting bearded Elvises, child Elvises, black Elvises and even female Elvises. As impersonator impresario Ed Franklin, says, "We've had every type of Elvis there is in the world."

If you're here in Thailand, Jirasak Pinsuwan and Vasu Sangsungaew are the country's leading Elvis impersonators. When touring the North, they will generally call in at the Twin - a medium-sized pub and restaurant - where they can jam with Chiang Mai's very best Elvises, House and Tu, and others.

Almost four years ago, Elvis fans Praveena and Meetee Kuntadej set up the Twin in the eastern suburbs of Chiang Mai. A large stage takes up half of the dining room - the other half is littered with tables and chairs. And pictures of Elvis and local impersonators, along with 1960s memorabilia, are scattered around the walls.

With the windows wide open, diners and drinkers can enjoy the music while sitting outside in the garden by floodlit fountains and lanterns in trees.

Sounds of the '60s

While Elvis is the main feature at the Twin pub and restaurant, its band and singers possess a varied repertoire of sounds from the '60s. At 8pm sharp, Tui leads in on keyboard; Mit, Day and Toon strike up on guitars, while Jud on drums keeps the House Band ticking over as they start the evening with some Shadows numbers. As the beat heats up, the band is joined by Noiy on sax.

Apart from the instrumental work, members of the House Band sing popular pieces solo and also harmonise as vocal backing.

Resident chanteuse Leila hails from the Philippines and has a vocal range that spans soft jazz to rock. An international singing career has taken her from Japan to the Pacific Islands to Thailand, where she is known as Chiang Mai's very own Brenda Lee. It's a label she lived up to when I heard her singing "Dum Dum" and "All Alone Am I".

As the evening wears on, guest singers are invited on stage - a cue for England's Mr John to step up with convincing renditions of Paul Anka, Cliff Richard and Pat Boone numbers. And after receiving favourable applause, an anonymous Thai Elvis wouldn't get down from the stage.

The Twin welcomes everyone, but it mainly attracts a mature over-30 crowd, while some of the band members must be past 50. The atmosphere is lively and very friendly, the food and drink highly recommended. And who knows, after a few stiff whiskeys, you might be lucky enough to spot the real Elvis.

bob kimmins

bob757@hotmail.com