“You don’t have to agree with me, but I would hope that “my truth” is at least respected.” Mark Erwin
Introduction
by Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine
Mark Erwin, “Manager/Agent/Promoter for Steve Michaels”, may ruffle some feathers by some of what he says in his four part series “Confessions from My Desk”.
Originally intended as an introduction to Spotlight ON: ETA Steve Michaels, “Confessions from My Desk” is a great companion read to Steve’s interview. In the series, Mark shares interesting stories of how he reacted when he first saw Steve perform, became his ultimate fan, and in due course, met Steve and became his friend and manager/agent/promoter.
Communication about Mark’s introduction and Steve’s interview began way back in January, 2018. My interview with Steve was posted in June, 2020. The lapse of time between initial contact and the interview* resulted in some of Mark’s ponders and comments becoming outdated; however, to keep the gist and flow of Mark’s writing, I have left his words unchanged and added editor’s notes where updates and explanations are needed. What you will be reading are Mark’s “confessions” as they were first received—long before CoVid 19 took hold of our lives and changed so many things.
As requested by Mark, photos of Steve are used in his articles rather than his own image; and because of Mark’s love of Elvis, and since he is the “Dealer Principal and Partner of an Automotive Dealership”, as well as “President of WIN Sports Management—Sports Promotions/ Manager/Agent/Matchmaker Professional Boxing”, I have added photos of Elvis and Elvis’s cars.
Thank you, Mark, for your well expressed views on the ETA world which at times are very amusing, at other times controversial, and often very touching. One truth that comes shining through in each installment is your love of Elvis Presley and respect for Steve Michaels. C.M.
Confessions from My Desk: PART ONE
Written by Mark Erwin
I belong to EA :) (Figure that one out on your own.)
I am an Elvis junkie…
Perhaps my only vice :)
XM radio glued to channel 19!
If I drive a friend’s vehicle that has XM, I program every station to 19 ELVIS radio just to get a rise out of them. If there was only one artist I was allowed to listen to the rest of my days, it would be EP—can’t get enough! His music will always live on! Perhaps that is why we see a paradigm shift in the age of the audiences that go and see a tribute to Elvis. For me…that is AWESOME!! TCB baby!
Singer Dean Martin, actress Shirley MacLaine, and Elvis Presley.
I was born in the ‘60s, and between Dean Martin and Elvis Presley, this was the only music I recall listening to. I’m sure there were more, but what resonated with me were TWO Christmas Albums (Dean Martin and Elvis Presley)…actually, let me retract that; I think somewhere in the mix was Wayne Newton. But what stands out most for me are Elvis’s Christmas tunes. Between the Christmas hits, traditional and otherwise, and of course his Gospel Albums, they were and still are my ultimate favourite in Elvis’s repertoire.
I have NEVER been to Collingwood! It is NOT my schtick! I am NOT a fan of impersonation because there are many BAD attempts out there and they don’t hold true to what I would consider homage or tribute. On the contrary, I find it a dis-service. I understand why there are many “professionals” in the circuit that do NOT like to be called an “impersonator” because it is NOT what they do. And while there is an estimated 85 plus thousand of these guys and gals out there, perhaps there are less than 20 who are superbly talented and stand head and shoulders above the rest and actually pay tribute--versus fulfilling their ego by being on a stage. These 20 or so actually make a living from this and I am beyond confident it is because they have made the sacrifices it takes to accurately pay tribute/homage to Elvis Presley. I take my hat off to these professional for taking the time (and a lot of it) to ensure that their portrayal of EP is the best it can be…right down to the smallest of nuances that are clearly a TRADEMARK of Elvis.
Thumbs up or thumbs down? Agree or disagree?
My views may be looked upon negatively by some of your readers and some may look upon it as very positive. I am transparent, and a man of integrity, who has no issues speaking my truth! The operative words being “my truth”. You don’t have to agree with me, but I would hope that “my truth” is at least respected. I am confident that if by chance an “elite” ETA (Elvis Tribute Artist) reads this, they will respect what I am saying; and for those who may read this and are mad, they have excluded themselves from being part of the 20 :) Now, allow me to extrapolate a little: I can’t possibly know there are only 20 out there because that would suggest I have seen all 85,000. Believe me, I have seen enough to NOT want to see anymore! However, I can honestly conclude that the differences are vast.
ETA Steve Michaels. Photo Credit: Eva Brand, 2017.
So what are the differences? We have the local Legion Elvis, the fat Elvis in Vegas making a mockery out of himself and Elvis, the guy or gal who loves portraying/singing Elvis but can’t sing a lick, the “taking liberties” Elvis where the performance is gratuitous in nature and lacks the respect, and finally the artist/actor who will be grounded, humble, well studied and who sounds and resemble Elvis impeccably well. The latter are the only ones who should be permitted to sell tickets.
There is supposed to be a “brotherhood” among the professional ETAs out there, and unfortunately too often, the ugliness of egos or jealousy comes into play: He is better than him; he is under the knife; he thinks he’s better than everyone else, he isn’t fan friendly. Sadly, this is real commentary. How on earth does putting someone down make you any better? This then spills into the Elvis Tribute Artist fan base…yup, I said it. To see some of the remarks on YouTube videos slamming an artist for another is despicable! Or hearing it directly from another’s mouth is really hard to hear. “IF” you don’t have anything nice to say…don’t say it! Or just don’t use anyone’s name…Lol!
There are some political motives out there as well. How many Elvis festivals can there possibly be until they eventually are so watered down that we don’t recognize whether it is an Elvis on stage or Howdy Doody? That’s a bit tongue in cheek, but if I were the organizer of Collingwood, Images of the King or even the fine folks at Sherry Management, I would be a tad “ticked” off. Collingwood is on the WORLD map and have worked hard! Collingwood is recognized as the World’s Largest Elvis Festival. IOTK has been around for 30 plus years and Sherry Management are involved in a plethora of Elvis functions. It took a lot of time, dedication and money to ensure that these organized festivals were put together with the highest integrity. Now I hear rumors that Collingwood is not only downsizing, but perhaps on the verge of ceasing the annual festivity.** True or not…I don’t know…but 10 years ago, that wouldn’t have EVER been thought of or spoken about!
I’ll be back soon…just in time for “Confession from My Desk: PART TWO” by Mark Erwin.
Sounds like I am on a rant, but I’m actually only coming to the defense of the integrity and memory of Elvis Presley. There is a particular “elite” artist out there who actually interviews in Elvis’s voice. WOW! Really??? While your voice is great, ELVIS, you are NOT! For those who go on stage and go out of their way to let the audience know that they don’t believe they are Elvis, know they aren’t ELVIS and are thankful to Elvis for his music, his memory and the opportunity to perform his music, I applaud you! You know who you are; and being humble is also one of Elvis’s incredible characteristics. Carry on! :) Oddly enough, some of the elite whom I have personally come in contact with have been the most polite individuals you will ever meet or speak to. You can’t help but like them and want them to succeed; they really get it. They are fans first and an artist second! Bravo boys!
Man….Isn’t Elvis’s music the greatest you have ever heard???
To Be Continued…with my introduction into the Elvis world.
Editor’s Notes
*It wasn’t until CoVid 19 interrupted Steve’s very busy schedule that he had time to answer my long list of interview questions. Steve’s interview was posted on June 16th in celebration of his birthday.
**Mark Erwin’s prophetic comments were made long before what are now known as historical facts: “The Collingwood Elvis Festival was financially backed by the town of Collingwood, though the last town-funded festival took place in 2019. The town intended to transfer management of the festival to a private backer for the 2020 edition, but as of July 2019, no transfer had been finalized.” Edited from Wikipedia.
Edits for “Confessions from My Desk: Part One” by Carolyn MacArthur
Photos: Credited to Steve Michaels, Mark Erwin, and Elaine Wren, unless otherwise indicated.
The opinions expressed in the article do not reflect the opinions of the editor and associates of SIDEBURNS Magazine. Comments made are the sole responsibility of the contributing author.