Sporting killer sideburns and the deep lung capacity of a particularly melodious elephant, Tim ‘E’ Hendry embodies Elvis Presley to an uncanny degree – before drugs set in and after the svelte lines of youth wore away. Struck by the spirit of ‘The King’ from a young age, this crooning Canadian quit his part-time work as a computer technician in 2003 and quickly made a name for himself on the circuit. To date, Hendry has performed more than 700 concerts and was crowned ‘2013 King of the World Elvis Tribute Artist’ among 100 contestants at the championship in Memphis, Tennessee. This month, Hendry (and his pelvis) shimmy onto The Pearl stage for Shanghai’s first official Elvis tribute concert, accompanied by a group of local artists. We caught up with this musician-fanatic ahead of his May 29 show to discuss sequined jumpsuits, alter egos and the greatness of rock’n’roll...
Before stepping into the spotlight, how do you get into character?
After putting on the makeup and doing my hair, I like to be alone to mentally prepare to pay tribute to Elvis. Not an easy thing to do to portray such greatness. I will warm up singing some songs... gospel or the hits. I’ll also practice curling my lip... haha, I’m just kidding.
How many white sequenced outfits do you own?
I own a few casual Elvis outfits – specifically the leather ‘68 comeback suit and eight jumpsuits… with two more coming soon.
If you could meet the real Elvis during one year of his life, what year would it be and what would you ask him?
I would love to have met him in 1970 when he was back performing live and killing it in Vegas. I would ask to play drums for him… haha, no. I would ask him so many questions. I would definitely try to help him stay healthy and do everything I could to help him stay that way. I, as well as the rest of the world, miss him very much.
Does it take a lot of energy pretending to be someone else all day?
It does take a lot of energy, but I don’t pretend to be Elvis all day long... only on stage. Off stage, I am Tim, because one thing we always preach is that we tribute artists are just that – tribute artists. We are not Elvis. There will never be another Elvis Presley.
What’s the best and worst part about being Elvis?
There are only good parts... but if I were to pick one bad one, it would be that non fans or misinformed people make fun of you and bug ya because you look like him. I don’t wear a wig, so I always have my side burns and hair. Even when I wear a hat they call me Elvis...
Give us one of your favorite facts about the life of Elvis.
His giving nature is one of my favorites for sure. He helped out so many people in need through his whole life. I also loved how he could take a song and make it his own and in my opinion, always made the song better. He was an incredible musician and performer, had such natural charisma.
How many times have you been to Graceland?
Six so far. I’ll be returning again this August for Elvis Week.
If Elvis were alive today, what would he say to you?
That’s tough. I am not sure what he would say... I hope he would say that I am doing a good job. I know he would say to always pursue your talents and do what you love – which is exactly what I am doing now.
Do you think Elvis has the same appeal in China as he does in much of the rest of the world?
I am not sure, to be honest, but I am gonna do my very best to make sure that Elvis fans in China remember and are excited and happy to see my show. I hope to make them lifelong fans of Elvis Presley. I am very excited to be coming to Shanghai. I promise to give you guys the show of a lifetime!
Can you do the sign-off for us?
Of course: Thank you. Thank you very much.
// May 29-31, doors open at 6.30pm, show starts at 9pm, RMB200/presale, RMB280/door price, RMB500/VIP ticket. The Pearl, 471 Zhapu Lu, by Wujin Lu 乍浦路471号, 近武进路 （138 1759 0613, qcee99@gmail.com）
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