Beetcafe.com
rockford illinois entertainment guide
Date: 12/13/2005
The King is Back, and Playing Rockford
by Gary Hill
gary@beetcafe.com
http://www.fatelvisrocks.com

So, you think you know all about Elvis, Presley that is - sequined jump suits and pompadour hairstyles. Well, I bet you also thought that Elvis was dead. So, I'm sure did Eric Myer and Chad Pool of Fat Elvis. That was, if you believe the group's biography, until they met him. The rest of the story is the stuff of legends.

 

According to their official recounting, they met Elvis at a truck stop in March of 2003. Their story says, "Elvis was eating country fried steak and a side of biscuits and gravy. The three chatted about music and Star Trek over chocolate milks. Eric and Chad convinced Elvis to join the band they were forming. Elvis was hesitant at first, but then gave in to the thought of being on stage and in the limelight again. Chad then recruited long time friends Dave Coffey (Guitar) and Jon Guler (Bass) to complete the line-up. They had just got home from their tour with Jessica Simpson, performing as back-up dancers. Once the band was formed, the name came easy. It was obvious Elvis was out of shape from all those greasy spoons. So, they decided to embrace this concept and call the band 'Fat Elvis.'"

 

Listening to the band it's obvious that the King is looking to expand his musical horizons. While you might hear an Elvis standard like "Suspicious Minds," you will also be treated to music as diverse as A Flock of Seagulls, Kiss, The Beastie Boys, Metallica, U2, Ozzy, No Doubt, Joan Jett and many more. Everything is delivered with a sense of humor and strong stage presence, but could you really expect anything else from The King?

 

The band always plays frequent visits to the Forest City, and the next month will give Rockford residents plenty of opportunities to see the band live. They'll be hitting CJ's this coming Saturday December 17th, but if you don't make that show - don't worry. You can go out to Chubby Rain House of Tunes in Poplar Grove the following week and catch up with The King and the 23rd. If spending New Years Eve with Elvis sounds like something you'd enjoy, they'll be the featured entertainment at JD's Bar And Grill at North Towne Mall that evening.  If your schedule seems booked for all of those nights, the 14th of January Fat Elvis will be playing at Take 20.

 

By all means, make it a point to get out and pay your tribute to the King. It will be a show unlike any you've ever seen and if you've ever been to Graceland, you'll know that's something to expect from Elvis. The King is alive and well, and rocking out like never before.

Contact Information
Fat Elvis
http://www.fatelvisrocks.com
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2005 Music Features
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