Toowoomba’s Elvis Presley Tristan James to perform at European Elvis Championships in England

Toowoomba has its very own tribute to the King of Rock n Roll, and he’s getting ready to take on some of the world’s best Elvises in just a few weeks. Here’s where he’ll be performing:

BURNING LOVE: Toowoomba actor and singer Tristan James will participate in the European Elvis Championships in England as an Elvis Presley tribute act in January.

Just six months after deciding to don The King’s famous jumpsuit, Toowoomba’s Tristan James is taking on some of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world next month.

The accomplished singer, actor and DJ will take part in the European Elvis Championships in Birmingham, England, followed by the Australian Elvis Tribute Artist championships in Penrith.

Mr James, who quit his job recently to pursue the performing arts full-time, said he practically stumbled into taking the stage as Elvis earlier this year.

BURNING LOVE: Toowoomba actor and singer Tristan James will participate in the European Elvis Championships in England as an Elvis Presley tribute act in January.

“I’ve been a professional DJ and actor for 20 years and I decided to choose Elvis tribute act when I reopened my business,” he said.

“A couple of months later a lady came to ask me to do Elvis at her mother’s birthday party and I agreed and learned how to do it after agreeing.

“I did it and it just really moved me, so I put a band together, bought some jumpsuits and did 20 gigs since then.”

Mr James grew up listening to Elvis and began re-watching his concerts from the 1970s, the final era of Presley’s life, to better embody some of his mannerisms and moves.

“I grew up listening to Elvis but it’s a layering process — I’ve been working on it the last few months, I’ve been watching a lot of his videos from the 1970s and I’ve spoken to other tribute artists,” he said.

“One said not to try and copy others but create my own Elvis.

“If Elvis came back today, he might not win a tribute contest — it’s the biggest tribute act in the world, it started when he was alive and the process is ongoing.

“My acting background has really helped — the singing I’m just working on as I go.”

Mr James said he chose the 1970s version for a variety of reasons, one of which was the flashy nature of the outfits.

“In the 1970s he started wearing jumpsuits and his voice got a bit lower, which suits my voice,” he said.

“The joke we’ve been telling is I’m doing the 1970s because that’s where I’m currently at — I’m about to turn 37 and he was 42 when he died.”

Mr James said the recent Baz Luhrmann bio-pic about Elvis’ life had renewed interest in the King’s work and personality while he was alive.

“A lot of people saw the movie recently, which opened up to how he was treated,” he said.

“He just seemed like a really genuine person, he just wanted to entertain and please people.”

Mr James will perform as Elvis at Christmas Wonderland on the evenings of December 6, 7 and 12.