what do fans think of this [Archive]

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fandom

12-10-2007, 02:33 PM

how in the years since his death, a veritable Elvis religion has emerged, replete with prophets (Elvis impersonators), sacred texts (Elvis records), disciples (Elvis fans), relics (the scarves, Cadillacs, and diamond rings that Elvis lavished on fans and friends), pilgrimages (to Tupelo and Graceland), shrines (his Graceland gravesite), churches (such as the 24-Hour Church of Elvis in Portland, Oregon), and all the appearances of a resurrection (with reported Elvis sightings at, among other places, a Burger King in Kalamazoo, Michigan).”

Tony Trout

12-10-2007, 02:52 PM

Princesspixie

12-10-2007, 03:02 PM

I frankly think it's eerie...

Elvis was just a normal human being...he wasn't a God or ever walked on water...it irritates the **** out of me when people refer to Elvis on the same level as Christ....

Elvis himself even said, "There's only one King and that's Jesus Christ".

Referring to this article, I think some people need to get a life....

agree with you 100% tony when anyone called ELvis the king Elvis always pointed up to the sky and said theres only one king...jesus christ

He was a marvolusy talented human being with a God given talent a musical genius but he ain't no God

Diane

12-10-2007, 04:42 PM

I agree, it irritates me too when Elvis is referred to a god etc. His talent was extraordinary for sure but he was otherwise like anyone else.

Diane

ksimms2

12-10-2007, 05:20 PM

Joe Car

12-10-2007, 06:27 PM

I think it would have bothered Elvis to think that people actually thought of him this way.

Tony Trout

12-10-2007, 06:54 PM

agree with you 100% tony when anyone called Elvis the king Elvis always pointed up to the sky and said theres only one king...Jesus Christ

He was a marvolusy talented human being with a God given talent a musical genius but he ain't no God

I agree, it irritates me too when Elvis is referred to a god etc. His talent was extraordinary for sure but he was otherwise like anyone else.

Diane

Agreed....100%

But you have to admit, "we" certainly put him on a pedestal. I don't know why - to me he is the greatest entertainer to ever be put on this earth and I do worship him. I know sounds odd doesn't it? There was just something about him that made him so special to us all.

He may be and is special to us but that's not a reason to put him on a pedestal and worship him. Not to get "preachy" on y'all but the Bible says to reverence no man. There is no one greater than God/Jesus Christ. I almost got to the point of worshipping Elvis, but God got my attention really fast and I stopped in a heartbeat and almost came close to throwing away all of my CDs. I still listen to Elvis but not as much as I used to.

(Ok, the flame war may begin)

I think it would have bothered Elvis to think that people actually thought of him this way.

I firmly agree that it would have bothered Elvis greatly and it absolutely horrifies me how some fans react especially about news articles about Elvis--the man ain't here to see them so why should we be so worried?? I know we want to protect his image but some people need to get a life (not pointing fingers at anyone here---just fans in general).

cprimm

12-10-2007, 07:28 PM

Tony, no flaming here. Agree with your comments, Princesspixie, Diane, KSimms2 and Joe Carr.

rhythmknights

12-10-2007, 08:38 PM

But you have to admit, "we" certainly put him on a pedestal. I don't know why - to me he is the greatest entertainer to ever be put on this earth and I do worship him. I know sounds odd doesn't it? There was just something about him that made him so special to us all.

we do think very highly of him and i know more than a few of us choose to overlook his faults, but, i don't think he's on a pedestal as much as he's not around any more so that he can totally irritate us by not living up to our expectations of him.
I think that he died young enough that we only see the beauty of him. i read about some church that's devoted themselves to Elvis, but i couldn't decide if they were pulling a big joke or were they serious.

Tony Trout

12-10-2007, 08:45 PM

i read about some church that's devoted themselves to Elvis, but i couldn't decide if they were pulling a big joke or were they serious.

Hearing stuff like that just makes me sick to my stomach....as has been said in the thread, Elvis wasn't a God and shouldn't be treated that way...he was simply a human being who bled and put his pants legs on the same way we do. Yes, he had a unique gift of music and voice but that's as far as it went. He didn't walk on water or raise the dead or heal the sick (although some claim he did)...

He was just a man....a man that (IMO) couldn't handle the fame and adulation and (due to unfortunate circumstances) that we lost way too soon.

(Sorry, this is just one of my hot button topics)

rhythmknights

12-10-2007, 09:12 PM

oh yeah, Tony, whether serious or blarney, it's just in poor taste! i seriously doubt Elvis would have been amused.

Rover

12-11-2007, 12:36 AM

These are statement like that who make the whole community look like weirdos...

Getlo

12-11-2007, 04:28 AM

But you have to admit, "we" certainly put him on a pedestal.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I certainly don't.

Never have, never will.

Diane

12-11-2007, 07:31 AM

I'm going to backtrack just a little. I guess I do put him on a pedestal too in comparison to other entertainers...to me he's far above anyone who's ever been in the business.:P

Diane

Miss Clawdy

12-11-2007, 08:01 AM

But you have to admit, "we" certainly put him on a pedestal. I don't know why - to me he is the greatest entertainer to ever be put on this earth and I do worship him. I know sounds odd doesn't it? There was just something about him that made him so special to us all.

I don't compare Elvis to God, but I completely understand what you mean,
I just don't know exactly why we have the desire to put
him on a pedestal? There must be something very, very
special about him, and it's not only his talent and looks,
otherwise we would not want to talk about him, watch
him and listen to him day after day. Maybe it's because
he's not here with us anymore, and there's a bit of mystery
and magic surrounding him and his memory? Many who met
him in person said they were speechless, in awe and didn't
know what to say or to do when he finally stood in front of
them, would this happen with any other artist too?

Getlo

12-11-2007, 08:12 AM

Many who met
him in person said they were speechless, in awe and didn't
know what to say or to do when he finally stood in front of
them, would this happen with any other artist too?

Of course it would.

Elvis didn't have the market cornered on charisma.

Any fan of any artist would be rendered speechless upon meeting their idol; it's a phenomenon not just restricted to Elvis.

cameron

12-11-2007, 08:23 AM

Maybe because I became an Elvis fan too late { compared to some}
I never thought of Elvis better or worse than any other human being.
He put on a great show ,had a great voice, etc. but I was never into worshiping any human being. Seems like it would put a lot of pressure on any artist.
When I heard of all the "churches" started up in his name ...:blink:
That turned me off completely. I never thought he would approve of that any more than I did.
It's just a part of the "Elvis World" and I tend to ignore any fanatic in all things. I appreciate his talent, the rest is something some fanatic fans made up. I just shake my head, smile and walk away.
To put anyone on a pedestal is not fair to oneself or the person you admire.
They're bound to "fall off" .That's when admiration turns to disappointment and anger in any "idol". Best to admire and enjoy the talent you see rather than be disappointed and point out all their "mistakes".
At least, that's how I feel about it. ;)

Miss Clawdy

12-11-2007, 08:25 AM

Of course it would.

Elvis didn't have the market cornered on charisma.

Any fan of any artist would be rendered speechless upon meeting their idol; it's a phenomenon not just restricted to Elvis.

Yes it would in a certain manner...but I suggest meeting Elvis would make
every other sensation appear pale :blush:. ;)

Diane

12-11-2007, 08:32 AM

Getlo

12-11-2007, 08:41 AM

Apparently he did have a lot of charisma...he was known to put everyone at ease and make them feel very special upon meeting them....unlike a lot of rude artist we've had since he came on the scene.

Yes, but my point is that there are millions of people around the world who - had they met Elvis - would probably have just said "Nice guy" and nothing more, or even reacted with indifference.

And there are many people around the world don't like Elvis, and if they met him, they'd say "Meh. Big deal".

SleepyJack

12-11-2007, 09:40 AM

I`m not a particularly religious person at the best of times,but I certainly don`t consider Elvis to be my God...that kind of thinking just makes all the fans seem like like weirdos and freaks in the eyes of the public.I am just human..and, special as he was and is, so was Elvis.

elvis himselvis

12-11-2007, 10:27 AM

Awickedreigndrop

12-11-2007, 10:08 PM

The pilgrimages to Graceland or Tupelo I don't mind because I think many people go there to pay their respect to him just like you do with any other person who's deceased. I do think it's creepy that people compare Elvis to God and invented a whole new religion around him. Elvis himself would have probably called it weird.

Most of the time when people call him "king" I think they're meaning "King of Rock n Roll", his status in the music business not godlike. Though I think there are some out there that does call him "King" in means of God status.

Yes, there was something about him that was special, he had a gift which made him unique but... he was human. Nothing more, nothing less. I love the man and I love his music but I do not idolize him because I know better!

Getlo

12-12-2007, 05:02 AM

I find that the Candlelight Vigil is getting more creepy by the year ... ;)

leah

12-12-2007, 08:22 AM

Jesus Christ is the one worthy of worship. He is God's son. He was a sinless human being. Elvis, while he was amazingly talented, was just like all the rest of us.

Getlo

12-12-2007, 08:26 AM

Jesus Christ is the one worthy of worship.

As is Allah, Buddha and various other deities worshipped around the world for thousands of years, if that's what people wish to do for themselves.

Some fans, IMO, make the grievous error of making Elvis almost their whole life; but he should only be a part of someone's life.

Diane

12-12-2007, 08:37 AM

I'm in total agreement with Awickedreigndrop and Getlo. Elvis was a very special human being but he WAS just another human being. He will always be tops in my book as entertainer, for his looks and his personality but I do live a life apart from him.:)

Diane

Awickedreigndrop

12-13-2007, 01:21 AM

Some fans, IMO, make the grievous error of making Elvis almost their whole life; but he should only be a part of someone's life.

You hit the nail on the head!

EDOEP

12-13-2007, 06:52 AM

fandom,

do you happen to know this report from the 'decatur daily'? might be an interesting read for you.

hugs, ellie

O worship the King?
Is Elvis fanaticism a new religion? Limestone native researches theory

By Melanie B. Smith / DAILY Religion Writer
msmith@decaturdaily.com · 340-2468

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2552/elviselvisreligiondecatxs4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Elvis Presley is depicted on an altar candle in author Gregory Reece's collection of Elvis art. Reece, a native of Limestone County who now lives in Montevallo, says Elvis is a popular religious figure in today's culture.
Courtesy Photo

A crowd marched by candlelight in a city street Tuesday night. It ended up at a grave. Marchers sang and recited prayers.

Was the memorial in Memphis in effect a visit to the tomb of "St. Elvis"?

Did some even view the vigil at Elvis Presley's former home, Graceland, as an act of worship, with Elvis as king, not just of rock 'n' roll but of heaven and Earth?

Not far from that thought is a vision of Elvis in white seated on a throne, exalted, crying "Don't be cruel," backed up by a heavenly host.

Gregory L. Reece, a Limestone County native, explores such ideas and images in his new book, "Elvis Religion, The Cult of the King."

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6826/elviselvisreligiondecatsx8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Gregory Reece autographed copies of his book "Elvis Religion" in Athens on Thursday. It is the religion scholar's first book for the popular market.
Courtesy Photo

In an interview, Reece told of meeting a woman in a hospital in Memphis in 1991. She told Reece she moved her mother and herself to Memphis "just to be with Elvis." She wore jewelry embellished with images of Elvis. She claimed that Elvis gave her inspiration, hope and assurance that she could join him heaven.

The woman had integrated Elvis into her life in a way he couldn't imagine in his own, Reece said.

"From that night on, though I would never be devoted to Elvis, I would be interested in Elvis devotion . . . Elvis, saint and savior, I would discover, is everywhere," he wrote in the introduction to his book.

Elvis in spirit

Reece, who earned a doctor of philosophy degree in religious studies from Clairmont Graduate University in California, said he set out to appraise the religious significance of Elvis Presley for popular culture.

Reece describes the presence of Elvis, who died Aug. 16, 1977, in books, songs, art, movies and the Internet.

In Patty Loveless' 1994 song "I Try to Think About Elvis," the narrator contemplates Elvis to escape a broken relationship and to free her spirit. Reece said it's reminiscent of the hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus."

Singer Paul Simon's 1986 "Graceland" presents Graceland as a holy place. Poor boys and pilgrims, traveling with their "ghosts and demons" won't be turned away.

Films like "Finding Graceland" and "Mystery Train" have Elvis as the central character, bearing spiritual messages, Reece noted.

But movies did not present the Elvis religion he expected.

"Elvis stands for violence, uncertainty and loss. Elvis is the apocalyptic messenger. One doesn't seek him out for spiritual advice, but shudders at his presence," Reece wrote.

What would Elvis do?

In the art world, too, Elvis is an inspiration, the author said.

Veronique Vanblaere, owner of Naked Art Studio in Birmingham, had a showing of Elvis art, "What Would Elvis Do?" earlier this year. She said artists use Elvis as a recurring theme because he is such an icon of pop culture.

"He was called The King to start with, and he's often seen as a saint," she said.

Vanblaere said no one she encountered seem seriously religious about Elvis.

Reece said among works he admired at Naked Art was a mosaic, "The Last Supper (Elvis)." It showed Elvis at a table enjoying a turkey leg at a table littered with pill bottles.

Unconvinced

Despite his book's subtitle, Reece is not convinced that a new "cult" is in the works with Elvis as King of Kings, Graceland as a shrine and fans as true believers.

But Reece said the idea of Elvis and religion occurs time and again in today's culture, and for many people, Elvis is extremely important.

Reece said a Portland, Ore., woman opened Twenty-Four Hour Church of Elvis. There, visitors could slip a quarter into a machine, — The Mystery of the Spinning Elvis — to supposedly contact the spirit of Elvis.

Such sites, with their varied mix of irony and sincerity, are more homes for "outsider art" than houses of worship, Reece said.

On the Web , Reece said, irony again gets in the way of devotion. One site invites people to post accounts of their spiritual encounters with Elvis. Another shows a chapel adorned with Elvis images. Then there's the catchy First Presleyterian Church of Elvis the Divine, which Reece said is a joke by college students.

'Elvism' mocked

Other authors and Web creators are more certain about Elvis religion — or claim to be for publicity's sake. John Strausbaugh in "E, Reflections on the Birth of the Elvis Faith" said he felt his hair standing on end at a tribute concert in Memphis.

"It's white-people gospel church, Elvis' holy ghost descending on that ugly Best Western banquet room . . ."

He said "Elvism" is marginalized and mocked, not threatening to outsiders but striking them as "outlandish and pitiful." Still the faith could become mainstream, Strausbaugh wrote.

The writer also published fan accounts of similarities between Elvis and Jesus, such as their births in humble settings, their rise to fame, their appeal to the poor, their tragic deaths and the "sightings" afterward.

Ordinary, otherworldly

Reece doesn't go that far. He doesn't envision Elvis as Messiah as did one author who had an Elvis impersonator saying, "Here is my body, bloated for you."

But to many people, Reece said, Elvis seemed to make the transcendent reachable.

"Somehow his humanity helps people bridge the gap between the ordinariness of our world and the heavenly world that maybe his talent and beauty represent."

Put another way, he's the sort of god the public wants today, Reece wrote. Elvis was overweight, he dressed out of date and he took too many prescription drugs, just like us, said the author.

In an online exchange at elvisnews.com, Reece described his book as a personal quest to understand why Elvis meant to much to so many, including himself. Some viewers took offense at the idea of "Elvis Religion" and claimed Elvis wouldn't like it because he was a God-fearing man. One woman wrote that she felt confused by her obsession with Elvis and hoped Reece's book would help her. Another said it made as much sense to pray to Elvis as to anyone else — "at least we know Elvis was for real."

A reviewer in The London Times praised Reece's book as charming, lucid and honest. But the reviewer also used "Elvis Religion" to blast Southern white culture as weird and stupid. Reece countered the criticism by noting many Elvis fans live in England and said he was glad for the review.

Reece, a graduate of Clements High School, said "Elvis Religion" is going into a second printing. He did signings this week in Memphis and Athens.

I.B. Tauris of London and New York, which handles mostly academic works, is the publisher. It sells in local bookstores and online.

source: decatur daily
http://legacy.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/religion/060819/elvis.shtml

ricardo b. prospero

12-13-2007, 07:41 AM

I may sound anti-Christ but at least Elvis if for real

Getlo

12-13-2007, 07:55 AM

I may sound anti-Christ but at least Elvis is for real

Would you like some wine with that?

Albert

12-13-2007, 08:24 AM

I grand everyone there own opinion and believe, but (selfish as I am) hate this because it reflects badly on all other fans (the non believers of the Elvis religion). Same goes with impersonators. Many of them may do it in paying tribute, but it makes it so easy for the press and non-fans to typecast ALL Elvisfans.

If people believe Elvis is on the level of a Christ or Mohammed, or whoever, it's fine by me. If it gives them hope and joy, even better.

LianaKaralivanou

12-13-2007, 08:34 AM

Funny but I love the creepy Candlelight Vigil. Am I soooo brave??

EDOEP

12-13-2007, 08:35 AM

Oh my God, this crap has gone on long enough.

bsmith,

i never said i have a positive attitude towards any 'elvis religion', only was pointing at some reports dealing with that phenomenon. i second getlo's posting about the 'creepiness' of the vigils.

i also 'know' in forums / groups people who state 'elvis is the most important person / thing in my life' (no joke). i can only shake my head at this.

now THESE are indeed poor victims of 'escapism' (there is another thread on that topic). when having a closer look at these 'disciples' in most cases one finds that many of them are not only members of the 'red rosy specs' group as well. they also have to some extent a more or less pitiful 'real life', be it that their relationships and families are screwed up, be it that they don't succeed in their jobs, be it that their normal social life doesn't work or they are unhappy in general and all those areas i mentioned above are a mess.

like children 'escape' into fairytales these people escape into elvis-adoration. they know the scenario - since he's dead, it doesn't change any more but it is familiar to them. they can go on 'daydreaming' forever.

i can only say ... the most important persons in my life are my sweetheart, the family and some friends. the most important thing in my life is my job. elvis to me is the #1 artist of my lifetime, the most charismatic human being i heard of and the #1 of my hobbies (plus he had the cutest behind a female could possibly think of :blush:).

but he is NOT the center of my life.

if today an evil force demanded from me to choose between saving the life of a loved one and from this minute on never ever again be allowed to listen to elvis, watch his photos or videos and any activities like forums - i wouldn't hesitate a second and give him up.

looking at these above mentioned 'disciples' / members in forums, their relatives / friends can regard themselves lucky such evil forces will never ask the elvis-maniacs in their family .... to be on the safe side, they better write their last will in time anyway :lmfao:.

hugs, ellie

Getlo

12-13-2007, 08:48 AM

EDOEP

12-13-2007, 09:24 AM

If you want proof of how sick and unhealthy the Elvis obsession can become, check out the posts from "Lee" "TCB Girl" and "Becky" over the Topix forum. "Lee" especially is a disturbingly tragic case: Elvis is near to God in her eyes, and his is utterly blameless for how his life turned out; everyone around Elvis was evil, she believes. Anyone who criticises Elvis even slightly is branded by her as almost an anti-Christ and - the old classic - "not a true fan". This case in particular is just really pathetic and so, so sad. I genuinely believe she is mentally ill, and needs serious counselling.

I've seen some fans whose marriages have been ruined etc, and this isn't just restricted to Elvis fans either.

Remember, "fan" comes from "fanatic" and sometimes the fine line between admiration and obsession becomes blurred.

LOL, no need to check since i've 'seen' those especially in german forums, but - curious like all females ... :blush:- would you mind posting the link to this forum so i can have a look anyway? not sure if i ever heard of that board.

speaking of ruined marriages / families and pathetic attitude .... there were mentioned some of these cases in german forums as well. which - BTW - i fully understand!

i can only say one (elderly) lady of the 'disciple'-kind posted photos of her flat ..... even i as die-hard elvisfan would go nuts within 24 hours if i had to live in that environment.

apart from the fact that she and i have very different tastes in furniture and home decoration ... it's ELVIS ELVIS ELVIS ELVIS ELVIS memorabilia in / on every square-inch. regardless what low level of 'kitsch' these artefacts reach.

my husband is NOT an elvisfan, but he tolerates my hobby just like i tolerate his hobbies (which i share in general, but not all of them). but never ever would i force elvis upon him by stuffing the living room with memorabilia (i don't have any, BTW). i frequently have elvis as wallpaper on my PC(s), i have like every fan my collection of CDs / DVDs, books .... but that is it.

i would say to some extent that lady is a tragic case as well (can't post her photos here for understandable reasons).

some other cases regarding anybody as 'anti-christ' who does not share their dark-rosy-red-specs view of elvis i met in yahoogroups. no use discussing with them .... like talking to a brick wall.

i confess being an admirer, but certainly i'll never be a fanatic.

hugs, ellie

PS speaking of 'fanatism' ....... some fans are not only obsessed by elvis, but by some more or less peripheral topics dealing with him. got the hint? :lmfao:

Sonny

12-13-2007, 09:29 AM

elvisgal824

12-13-2007, 09:32 AM

I may sound anti-Christ but at least Elvis if for real

I agree with you, Ricardo. I just don't see how someone could knock these people for finding a little hope in something, especially when so many other people find it in even stranger places.

EDOEP

12-13-2007, 09:37 AM

Graceland did become like a modern version of Lourdes, if you ask me.

And to take this a little further, just for fun: how about the stories told in books? Jerry Schilling f.i. about the healing effect of Elvis' hands touching him after he had that cycle accident?

ssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

you must not mention that or EPE will start selling water coming out of elvis' bathroom's water-taps. :'(

now hurry up and get yourself quickly registered the copyright for that idea or you will never see a single $ for this flash of genious.

hugs, ellie

PS the comparison with 'lourdes' is indeed marvellous! whatever jerry schilling may have smoked when making this statement ..... it was too heavy for him, that's sure.

Diane

12-13-2007, 09:43 AM

Listen to Ellie Rene, it's not that unbelievable. Better get that copyright :lol:

Diane

EDOEP

12-13-2007, 09:47 AM

Listen to Ellie Rene, it's not that unbelievable. Better get that copyright :lol:

Diane

diane,

i would bet my annual salary that plenty of fans would even buy it (hinting at these 'tragic cases' discussed below).

hugs, ellie

Getlo

12-13-2007, 10:01 AM

would you mind posting the link to this forum so i can have a look anyway?

http://www.topix.com/forum/who/elvis-presley

Worst. Elvis forum. Ever.

how about the stories told in books? Jerry Schilling f.i. about the healing effect of Elvis' hands touching him after he had that cycle accident?

Stories. Nothing more. Elvis thought he had healing powers and some sort of connection with the netherworld.

He didn't. ;)

EDOEP

12-13-2007, 10:19 AM

http://www.topix.com/forum/who/elvis-presley

Worst. Elvis forum. Ever.

thanks, check it out! worse than 'marty lacker's group' on alt.elvis.king?

http://groups.google.com/group/alt.elvis.king/topics?hl=en

kellyelvis

12-13-2007, 11:35 AM

Elvis was Human-Fact. He was a wonderful, loving, caring and humble Man, however we must remember that he was a man. A SPECIAL MAN. He didnt have all the answers. Elvis made mistakes and learned from em. if he was perfect He wouldnt have died and he would have been happy. He worshiped God Himself. Elvis didnt think He was something to be worshiped. there is a line to be drawn. But we do totally adore him and love his voice and the way he can make us girls go all gooey.

"Lead me oh lord, Wont you lead me"

Merry

12-14-2007, 03:07 PM

I have been listening to Elvis singing, with some really good speakers of late, the purity of Elvis' voice touches me, and envelopes me.

However, if anyone is placed on a pedestal, in my opinion, it is impossible for them to live up to other peoples' mind map, of how they should be. I feel it is an impossible situation.

In my case, there is respect, love, and joy for Elvis, as a very, very, special human being.

Merry

12-17-2007, 08:27 PM

Graceland did become like a modern version of Lourdes, if you ask me.

And to take this a little further, just for fun: how about the stories told in books? Jerry Schilling f.i. about the healing effect of Elvis' hands touching him after he had that cycle accident?

You know the Buddists, lay on their hands, as healing?

Perhaps there is something, in such an old way of life?

Kim

SeeSeeRider777

12-17-2007, 08:39 PM