Rock ‘n Roll in Hungary Europe? Yes, it sure exists. I was quite surprised and I had no idea that the music is so alive in the eastern countries of Europe. But we are talking about the one and only Elvis Tribute Band in Europe that takes you back to the early 50’s and 60’s. Lead singer is Ed Philips (watch his initials), a well known Elvis Tribute Artist.
He plays not only with his band The Memphis Patrol songs from the early years of Elvis, but he also performs solo the songs from the last few years of Elvis his life. An all-round artist indeed. I’m very glad that Ed had some time for an interview and if you’re planning a holiday in Hungary next summer, do check his website for the tourdates!
Tell us something about yourself, how did you become an Elvis-performer?
My father is a big fan of Elvis Presley. He used to listen to his records. I was 4 years old when I first heard the song “Jailhouse rock”. I remember I was shocked! J The rhythm of this single and voice of Elvis very impressed me, so I decided to become a singer.
After secondary school I joined several blues, rock and roll and rockabilly bands in Hungary.
In 2009 I qualified myself on “Walk a golden mile in my shoes” Elvis European competition Blackpool, (Eng) where I got to the final 10. It was amazing.
After the European Championship I wanted to do something special that nobody did before in Hungary, so in 2010 I formed Elvis Live! – Ed Philips and the Memphis Patrol (Elvis Tribute Band) with three good friends of mine. The group is an unique, authentic G.I. looking band that does an immersive and fascinating show from the early years of Elvis and several songs from his last years, in 50’s style.
The members of the Memphis Patrol crew are all great musicians:
Long Tall Sonny – guitar (a well known rhythm and blues guitarist all across Europe)
Tom Stormy – drums (founder and former leader/drummer of Mystery Gang Trio and Tom Stormy Trio)
Lizard Firehand – doublebass (session and tour musician of Jack Wheeler (USA) and the St. Jam’s Blues Band (GB).
Do you perform only in Hungary or elsewhere in Europe or maybe the United States (Memphis perhaps)?
I’ve never been to Memphis (Tennessee, USA) but I hope we get there soon.
Nowadays I perform with the Memphis Patrol Band all across Hungary and Europe: Slovakia, Servia, Italy, Switzerland, etc.
You’ve been on national Hungarian television; how did this happened?
We had a great fun there. The Hungarian National TV asked us to perform on the most viewed Hungarian Saturday night show called “Lottery Show”. It was an honour to do an appearance on National Television. We did two songs “Viva Las Vegas” and “Blue Suede Shoes”. You can see the videos on YouTube.
Can you tell us more about the rock ‘n roll-scene in your country; is it alive?
Yes, it’s alive! There are different kinds of rock and roll and rockabilly bars, clubs and diners all over the country where the bands can meet their fans. Approximately 10-12 Rock and Roll or Rockabilly Bands are working in Hungary. Psychobilly is also very popular. There is also an annual rock and roll and US Car weekend which is the biggest rock and roll event in Hungary.
Have you ever released a CD or can we expect one?
I’ve released a solo album in 2010 with the title: “Stop, Look and Listen”. This album is an overview of the last years of Elvis.
In November this year we’re making a studio album with the Memphis Patrol Band. It will be a cover of the 50’s and the 60’s. It’s out in December, hope you will like it!
What do you want to achieve in the future?
Our main goal is keeping the memory of Elvis alive. We want to spread the Elvis mania all over the world.
Where can we see you the next few months?
You can catch us:
15. September 2012. MotoFest Komoca (Slovakia)
17. November 2012. Excalibur Restaurant Belluno (Italy)
18. November 2012. Nasty Boys Saloon Treviso (Italy)
12. January 2013. CQ Bar (Switzerland)
and of course different autumn festivals, bars and clubs in Hungary.
Is there anything else you want to tell us?
Don’t forget. Always Take Care of Elvis (TCE)!
More info:
http://www.edphilips.com
www.facebook.com/elvispatrol
[…] 2012 you may have already read an interview on our site with Ed Philips, the Hungarian Elvis (http://www.karto.nl/?p=8698#more-8698). How nice it is, that now the first CD is released by Ed Philips and the Memphis Patrol, called […]