A KILBIRNIE man’s Elvis tribute group bringing people performances in their homes has gone viral.
Shaun Hamilton, 26, set up Elvis United after shows were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
His Facebook group has attracted over 6,000 members in less than a week, with Elvis tribute artists (ETAs) signing up for 45 minute performance slots.
Shaun said: “The idea was to get all these artists into one page to entertain their fans and get over this crisis together.
“This is a worldwide problem and Elvis has a worldwide fanbase.
“His music is inspiring to the world and he sent out a message with his music.”
The group aims to encourage people to stay at home and still enjoy what they love.
Performances are live streamed on to people’s phones, tablets, laptops or televisions for free, and the ETAs are giving it for free.
Tribute acts from all over the world are helping bring an almost constant line-up of entertainment.
ETAs from Australian, Germany, China, America, the Phillipines, the UAE and the UK have all signed up to Shaun’s project.
Performers who are full-time ETAs feature alongside amateurs and award-winning singers such as American champion Ted Torres and European champion Rob Willis.
Andy Ottley, an ETA from Ipswich in Suffolk, said: “Elvis has a massive following and it gets bigger every year.
“It’s a fantastic idea. All my shows are cancelled so it gives us the chance to sing to the public and give something back.”
The page has already been used to entertain the vulnerable residents of a care home.
Broadcast to a TV, those currently in isolation were able to enjoy a live performance of Elvis’ classic and unforgettable tunes.
As well as ETAs, the page will also feature question and answer sessions.
On Saturday, March 28, actress Mindi Miller, a former girlfriend of ‘The King’, answered questions about the man behind the music.
Shaun said Elvis’ music means something and the lyrics of songs such as If I Can Dream represent the motivation behind the page.
He pointed out the line: “There must be peace and understanding sometime.”
Shaun said: “I think we are all facing hard times, and we can all get through together, we have to stand by each other and support each other. Stay at home and be safe.
“I’d like to say thanks to Lee Aaron King, Arron Walker, EU Champion Rob Willis, and John Thomas for his poster designs.”
Join the group here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article