Elvis Presley gig ends day of tributes

Members of his original band play at hometown show

A day of celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley‘s death yesterday (August 16) culminated with a live concert featuring footage of the singer.

With many of his former band members on stage, Presley performed hits like ‘Burning Love’ and ’Suspicious Minds’.

He even uttered his trademark phrase: “Thank you. Thank you very much.”

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Earlier, thousands of visitors had filed past the singer’s grave at his Memphis home, Graceland.

Large floral displays sent by fans around the world surrounded a walkway leading to the garden where he is buried.

One visitor, Katie Brown, said: “I can’t describe how I feel about him because I’ve loved him since I was a teenager.

Thousands of British fans flew in for the anniversary. Debbie Quinn-Booth was one of the. She sadi: “I love Elvis. He’s my hero. He’s the love of my life. I can’t explain it, it’s just something about him.”

The singer’s former wife, Priscilla Presley, said Elvis was still a powerful figure, adding: “To see the fans from all over the world, it’s mind-boggling.”

An estimated 75,000 Elvis enthusiasts made the journey to Memphis to attend events celebrating the superstar’s life and music.

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“It’s official – this is the biggest Elvis week and the biggest candlelight vigil ever,” said Tom Morgan, executive director of Elvis Presley Enterprises, as he opened the ceremony on Wednesday (August 15).

Elvis fans who were unable to travel to Memphis held their own vigils around the world.

Israeli fans gathered at The Elvis Inn – a petrol station on the Jerusalem to Tel Aviv highway.

In Japan, mourners gathered at Tokyo‘s ‘Love Me Tender’ fan shop, laying bouquets at the foot of an Elvis statue, reports the BBC.

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