Elvis tribute artist cheers up neighbourhood with rooftop gig dedicated to The King
A TRIBUTE to the king of rock and roll entertained the Warren Park neighbourhood for hours - with a man taking to his roof singing popular Elvis tracks.
Tribute artist Kevin Wright has been performing as Elvis for a few years, and wanted to do something to bring up the spirits of his neighbours.
Kevin sang a variety of songs from across Elvis’ career as residents stepped out in the street to listen, and a live stream on Facebook saw more than 100 people also enjoying the three-hour show – with more than 2,500 viewers since.
The 66-year-old said: ‘I have been doing a little bit of singing in nursing homes over the last few years, that’s all come to a stop now.
‘I was looking for an excuse to get dressed up and have a gig.
‘I didn’t know I had so many neighbours, there were about 75 people out there.’
Son-in-law Shane Mcnamara took his daily exercise to walk past the gig.
He said: ‘He was going to do it for two hours but carried on for three as the neighbours wouldn’t let him stop.
‘I thought it was a great idea to lift neighbours’ spirits up and take them away from the norm.’
A huge Elvis fan, Kevin has walked in The King’s shoes by visiting Graceland in Memphis, named one of his sons Aaron Elvis after the star and has even passed his passion on to his grandson, Frankie Jeffrey.
The 11-year-old is also an Elvis tribute artist and the pair go to competitions together each year.
Kevin said: ‘He sings in front of 600 people up there, I’m probably more nervous than him when I get up to sing.’
The gig will return next Sunday, when Kevin is going to place a bucket outside in case people would like to donate some funds towards the NHS.
‘If I’m up there anyway I might as well raise some money for a worthy cause,’ Kevin told The News.
‘It doesn’t matter if there’s five people there or 500 there.
‘If those five people are enjoying themselves because of what you’re doing it inspires you to carry on.’