Baz Lurhmann’s recently released biopic Elvis has already won the hearts of millions of viewers the world over; it’s easy to imagine that it might soon be agreed upon as the greatest film about the music icon ever made.
Italo-Australian entrepreneur, entertainer and producer John St. Peeters has responded to the whopping success of the film, organising a huge concert in Melbourne, ‘ELVIS King of the World – The Final Encore’, with 109 musicians and singers having taken to the stage alongside Australian singer Mark Andrew, who has for a long time been reviving the beloved persona and music of the legendary artist via his skilful impersonation.
As a young boy, St. Peeters received an autographed photo directly from Elvis, who wrote: “To my competition. I hear you’re good.” Since then, he had always promised himself that he would return this treasured gesture; he has done just that this August 14 past, staging the largest Elvis tribute that has ever been realised the world over.
The concert was produced by the celebrated Marty Rhone, promoted by Tony Minniti and boasted the creative direction of St. Peeters. Featured on stage was a gigantic screen on which the story of the musical legend was told through image and song, accompanied by an enormous cast- more than twice as many people as have ever shared the stage with Elvis himself.
A good 2500 spectators gathered at Hamer Hall for the extravagant and much anticipated event, which was also conceived with the intention of commemorating the 45th anniversary of the passing of the singer.
In attendance at this spectacle were representatives of the Australian Book of Records, who have awarded John St. Peeters with an extraordinary recognition: the record for the biggest Elvis tribute ever realised to date.
The award was presented by John and Helen Taylor directly to the creative director on stage at Hamer Hall, in front of an audience of thousands of people.
Excited and surprised to have achieved this feat, St. Peeters has also confirmed that he is working in close contact with an Australian music legend on a new performance, set to go on stage in 2023.
