The Karate Kid: A look-back into the stranger side of Elvis Presley's life.

If you’re looking for middle aged men in Elvis costumes, then you’ve come to the wrong place. This is a star studded look back into the life of a Rock Icon. Despite coming from humble beginnings, Presley’s career was one brimming with turbulent times, diamantes and a preference for diet pills.

Elvis Presley’s Strangest Concert:

Happened over the course of a turbulent 2 days at Jacksonville, Florida, 1956. Elvis had previously played two shows prior to the 6 string series of shows, but there had been an uproar from worried parents and conservative authority members. This time proved to be no different, with lament coming from all angles. The constant complaints saw Presley end up in front of a judge and court marshall, as he was issued a strict set of rules that specifically prohibited any hip thrusting or gyrating. The rule was set in place after his concerts would often send younger female members into fanatical frenzy's amongst the 2000 strong audience. Naturally, this did not bode well with Presley, half of his act was compiled on suggestive dance moves.

Although, as the shows went ahead, Presley’s on stage demeanour was fairly idle, until he saw Judge Gooding, the judge he had stood before earlier in the day arrive amidst the crowd of screaming fans. All hell broke loose, Elvis began thrusting away, making every physical innuendo as prominent as possible. Exciting the entire audience to the point of near riots. However, mid-way through the concert, Elvis caught himself, and proceeded to address the audience, explaining the situation at hand. To much disapproval, Presley stood still, for all of 2-minutes. His quick wit saw him produce his little finger and continue to wiggle it around, making suggestive movements to the crowd. It just goes to show the impact Presley had throughout the 50’s, he could even make a little finger out to be a sultry object.

Why did Elvis wear a Jumpsuit?

Inspiring numerous fashion designers across the world, Presley’s jumpsuit was an odd addition to say the least. Many fellow performers around the 1960’s wore tuxedos as part of their on stage act, as a way of conveying professionalism and class. But, Presley was classless, his stage antics were considered reckless and misleading during a time where social behaviour was regarded as being extremely orthodox, a time in which presentation mattered. Certainly, a large contrast in comparison to today’s shabby hipster trend. So, as the story goes, Presley’s diamond studded suits were merely another way to rebel against authority.

Although, my preferred explanation is that Elvis just so happened to be a big karate fan, despite the cult-film “Karate Kid” not being released until after his death. He first discovered Karate whilst serving as a soldier in the American Armed Forces, but soon became infatuated with the risk factor and discipline often associated with mastering Karate, which only led to him requesting Bill Belew, who was like the Jean Paul Gautier of the 50’s, to design a series of varying jumpsuits for his live shows. Not only did the suits allow for maximum movement, but it was a way to distinguish himself away from the tuxedo clad ballroom singers of the late 60’s. But, even then Karate gear doesn’t come clad in glitter, diamantes and tassels.

The additional extravagance of each suit was added because Elvis was of course a performer, his job was not only to sing, but to also act as an entertainer for millions of people. So, each diamond encrusted, high collared suit was a way to entertain his fans. But, the adorning of each jumpsuit would often ignite anger amongst all teenagers parents, as Elvis became known to be a large influence on many young fans lives.

The conspiracies surrounding Elvis Presley and his career.

Like with most legendary musicians - John Lennon, Bob Dylan etc. Conspiracies tend to attach themselves to the star in question, no matter how crazy or farcical they may seem. It’s almost become a right of passage for many musicians, if you haven’t supposedly died a few times, then are you even a musician?

1. Elvis Presley is actually living in Witness Protection:

Due to the large quantity of fans that Elvis had accumulated over his career, after his death, naturally, many fans refused to believe Elvis had actually died, launching several reports claiming that Presley had abandoned his musical career and was hiding in Witness protection due to dealings with the mafia, over payments which were left unsettled. Forcing him to turn to the authorities for help, even though Presley was renowned for striking many personal vendettas against authoritative figures.

2. Presley is still alive.

Despite recently surpassing what would have been Presley’s 81st birthday, many people believe Elvis is alive and well. Not surprisingly, this happens to be one of the more common conspiracies. Believers have become so obsessed with the idea of Elvis being alive, that there’s even a website dedicated to sighting and tracking "The King" down, similar to Bigfoot. I’ve even had friends who believe Elvis is alive and kicking, one friend mentioned that she thought Presley was living as a homeless man amongst the bustling crowds of London. Personally, I highly doubt Elvis is shuffling about in Harrods shopping centre, living as a homeless man or leading a life of luxury amongst scantily clad women in Vegas.

3. The only true Elvis Impersonator - John Burrows.

This story dates back to the day following Elvis’s “death”, August 17th 1977. At Memphis International Airport, a man called “John Burrows” booked a one way ticket to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Now, this doesn’t sound strange, but, the only name Elvis used when booking hotels and accommodation was “John Burrows”. Apparently, the mystery man even spoke and had an uncanny resemblance to Presley. Spooky..Although, Morrissey happens to look fairly similar to Presley..

A preference for Fried Food.

Alongside the interest in Karate, Presley also reckoned himself to be a bit of culinary genius. He would often combine numerous food items together, in order to create a sandwich reminiscent of an all day breakfast sandwich you get a McDonalds. The sandwich consisted of Fried Bread, Peanut Butter, Bananas, Honey and Bacon, a fitting accompaniment to his morning Ritalin.

So there you have it, a look into the stranger side of Presley’s life, featuring Fried Sandwiches and Conspiracies.