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Grahame Patrick Doyle was born in Dublin, Ireland. His father was a musician and Grahame grew up with a passion for music. Like so many others, he also came to appreciate Elvis Presley early in his life.
When Grahame was in his teens, the Doyle family moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and in the early l990's Graham began developing his “Elvis” tribute in various bars and clubs in the Toronto area, eventually becoming a cast member at the well-known “Rock and Roll Heaven” where he was one of the first ETA’s whose act involved costume changes and singing different “eras.” Grahame recalls his Toronto days as “an incredible time” adding that this is where it all started for him, “completely by chance.” He also says he loves Toronto and still considers it “home.” I can tell you, too, that there are many Elvis fans in the Toronto area who still fondly remember Grahame’s dynamic Elvis shows! As Grahame, himself has said, “I wanted to convey this passion, which I’ve always had for his [Elvis’] music, to other people as well, in a realistic, sensitive form, to truly move them. “
After his stint at Rock and Roll Heaven, Grahame moved to Las Vegas, where he was with Legends in Concert for about seven years, performing on a Legends cruise ship and, of course, at the Imperial Palace. One highlight from Grahame’s “Vegas years” also includes being the opening act at a Dionne Warwick concert. While in Las Vegas, Grahame was considered “the” foremost Elvis tribute act and both fans and fellow tribute artists I’ve spoken to have had nothing but praise for Grahame Patrick as a talented Elvis impressionist with a charisma that only a few of the top ETA’s have, and as a warm and generous person whom “everyone adores.”
When I asked Grahame about compliments he’s received that have meant the most to him, he says that he’s often been told that he re-creates the same “electricity” and “vibes” on stage as Elvis and that fans who have seen Elvis perform in person, tell him that he is able to convey the ‘same Elvis” as they remember.
Grahame joined the “Stars in Concert” cast in Germany in 2003, performing at the renowned Estrel Festival Center. In 2004, he became the star of Bernard Kurz’s specialized Elvis tribute show, “An Evening With Elvis” which has traveled throughout Germany and has met with a very positive response from audiences there. Of course, the Germans still have an affinity for Elvis as he spent his army years in their country.
The “Elvis” show has evolved over several years and it now runs about 2 hours and l5 minutes and covers all eras of Elvis – from the early days right up to the concert years. Indeed, it has been referred to as a “musical biography” - complete with full concert band, backup singers, orchestration, authentic costumes and choreography.
Grahame’s “early Elvis” has always been considered one of the best, and both visually and vocally he is equally adept at covering the gamut of Elvis’ musical career - including gospel, blues, and rock and roll! I did ask Grahame if he preferred one “era” over another, and he admitted that although he enjoys it all, he has an affinity for the ‘60's songs.
Grahame reports that life in Germany is “great,” much more laid back than in Vegas, that he’s able to “chill” and he’s enjoying his time there very much. I asked if he noticed a difference between German Elvis fans and the North American fans and he said that although the North American fans might be “louder,” the German fans are definitely “attentive,” “appreciative,” and “friendly”...and after the shows he likes the fact that everyone lines up to meet and thank the performers.
For those who aren’t able to travel to Germany any time soon (!), the good news is that this July, Grahame will be back coming back to Las Vegas, where he’ll be performing his tribute to Elvis at Legends in Concert (Imperial Palace) for several months. After that, he’ll be returning to Germany again and hopes to stay there “indefinitely.” He also has some interesting music projects in the works!
I was most impressed with Grahame’s warmth and graciousness when I spoke to him long distance via phone in Germany, and would like to take this opportunity to thank him for taking the time to talk with me during a somewhat hectic period of time.
If you have a chance to see Grahame Patrick, either at Legends in Concert in Las Vegas this summer, or in the Stars in Concert productions in Germany, be sure to go! You’re guaranteed a great show!
Details:
Stars in Concert: www.stars-in-concert.de
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