20 Years Later - Elvis Presley’s Fans
Mourning Becomes Eclectic
They spill into Memphis from around the world, some for the first time, many more for return visits to the shrine of their rock and roll god, Elvis Presley. They show a devotion and knowledge of Elvis theology that is the envy of conventional churches. They speak with a passion unknown and perhaps a little frightening to many of us.
They are Elvis fans, here to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his death, and they are proud of it. They personify the root of the word fan, which comes from the word “fanatic.”
Yet they do not appear to be freaks, which is unsettling to those of us who don’t understand their passion. To them, Elvis personified many things, some of them contradictory: Rebellion and respect; dangerous music and conventional charity.
They are unself-conscious as they walk the hallowed ground. Festooned with Elvis buttons, ‘TCB’ pins, Elvis jackets, 20th anniversary T-shirts (and T-shirts from previous death anniversaries), Elvis fans create a breeze in the close, hot, humid air. And there is no concept of enough: They are happy to buy more souvenirs.
They talk to old friends and meet new ones. They share their knowledge of Elvis and their memories of previous visits to Graceland. They critique the impersonators.
They’re fans.
On Monday, a photographer and reporter met the fans as they worked their way through Graceland Crossing and into the Hot Rod Diner, just south of official Graceland.
I ve got original Elvis’ record of 1972/1982 “Medley” and 44 more other records.I sell ‘em all for 500000 usd to collecters.