Introduction
Ultimate ETA Ben Thompson with his lovely wife, Rianne, June 15, 2022. Photo Credit: B.T. Facebook.
by SIDEBURNS Magazine Editor, Carolyn MacArthur
“But what is he like off stage?”
Ultimate ETA Ben Thompson gave wonderful, insightful answers in his interview; but since I have not had the pleasure of meeting Ben in person, I was not able answer the fan’s question from personal experience. Fortunately, Ben’s Facebook posts provided enough information for me to conclude certain things about the 2018 Ultimate title winner…
Ben is loving, lovable, and romantic:
To Rianne on your Birthday: There is nobody in this world like you. You give 200% to everything, and you have achieved so much. If that wasn’t enough, you’re loved by not just me, but most people who meet you. You’re funny, kind, lovable, loyal and beautiful—inside and out, and will always be my best friend xx . I hope you have a wonderful birthday and you get spoilt rotten xx . Lots of love, Ben xx
“Some guy who hosts after parties or something. Yeah, working his way up there.” Photo by Jeff Lewis.
Ben has a great sense of humour:
April 26, 2022 (Video from road trip with Ben wearing a bandana…) “No, I am not a pirate! I love my bandana. I have them in different colours.” (Rhyming off a list of people he will see at Summer Fest, including Jeff Lewis…) “Some guy who hosts after parties or something. Yeah, working his way up there.” LOL
April 26, 2022 It’s taken me 4 years to notice that Cote is holding my belt . So funny.
April 28, 2022 Thought I’d dress as an elf today for some unknown reason
Can I be a Peaky Blinder?
“April 26, 2022 It’s taken me 4 years to notice that Cote is holding my belt .” Ben Thompson
Ben is into fitness:
May 27, 2022 At the gym. 5km in 24 mins 39 second
June 11, 2022 Let’s go running. We did it sub 27 min. (With Ultimate ETA Pat Dunn)
Ben is both philosophical and optimistic (edited copy):
January 1, 2022
As much as 2021 was a tough year, I can honestly say it was a year that helped define me. I realised that when things get tough you can be tougher. From Rianne opening a flourishing business and me learning a completely new skill set, from buying our first home and getting married, we managed to do everything we set out to do in a difficult year and I’m proud of us.
Now onto 2022 and this year promises even more. The last piece of the puzzle is getting back on stage full time coming back fitter and more defined, and more passionate than ever. So many people I haven’t seen for so long and I can wait to soak up every second with you all. See you soon. Lots of love, Ben xx
Ben to likes to travel, enjoys movies, plays, and date nights with his wife, Rianne.
Ben loves what he does on stage and has made many friends in the ETA world and the friendships go beyond what we see on stage. In April, 2022, Ben filled in for Ultimate ETA Cody Ray Slaughter who was unable to tour the UK due to illness.
Re: Elvis Tribute World Tour April 29th, 2022: It is with enormous regret that we must announce that due to a serious medical condition, Cody Ray Slaughter is unable to appear on the Spring UK leg of The Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour. Thankfully, we have managed to once again secure the UK's very own Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner - the Fantastic Ben Thompson - who will once again join the tour at short notice appearing alongside Shawn Klush, Dean Z and the rest of the cast on all UK dates.
The Interview
Q. Where were you born, and where do you reside now?
A. I was born in Carshallton Surrey, UK and I still live here now.
Q. Tell us five interesting things about your childhood.
A. I wanted to be a drama teacher. I am a third dan martial artist. I had the fastest time in the 1500 metres running at school. Steve Irwin was my hero as a child. I absolutely love paleontology.
Q. Describe your life as a teenager.
A. I was quite reserved. I was always trying to find who I was and I certainly didn’t mind standing out from the crowd. I was always active, loved sports and any after school clubs. As I got into the later years of my teens, I came out of my shell and started dabbling in the world of Elvis where I discovered my love of entertaining people especially through his music as he had always been an idol of mine. At school, teachers and some of my friends were critical of my career choice, but that didn’t stop me as I knew this was the life meant for me.
Q. What did you do with your time after your high school years ended?
A. I went straight out to work with gigs in local venues and started trying to build a respectable tribute portfolio.
Q. Did your parents encourage your ETA career?
A. Yes, they did.
Q. At their suggestion, what was your “backup plan”?
A. I didn’t have a backup plan, so I knew that I needed to and wanted to make this work, so I gave it my all.
Q. Did you take any lessons related to the performing arts?
A. I did drama and was in a gospel choir for four years.
Q. What music was most often heard in your home?
A. Most often it was Country/Elvis/Rock n Roll.
Q. What made you decide to embark on a professional career as an ETA?
A. The love of Elvis and the love of his music. I knew I wanted to make people happy through performing and help keeping this great man’s legacy alive.
Q. How old were you when you first stepped on stage as Elvis? Describe what you were feeling before, during, and after your first performance.
A. I was 15. I got the opportunity to perform at a local festival. Before hand, I was so nervous, but also so excited. As soon as the music started pure enjoyment took over and I knew I would never look back.
Q. Describe how you felt before, during, and after your first competition. Did you achieve the outcome you desired?
A. At my first comp, I was very excited and optimistic. To be honest everyone was a little standoffish as I was a new face and they didn’t know me, so I felt really nervous; but as soon as I performed during the first round people seemed to accept me and became very complimentary. I didn’t make the final; however, the reaction I got from the crowd spurred me on to continue with future prospects.
Q. How do you prepare for a big competition like the Ultimate?
A. I fully believe in “look smart, think smart”. Fitness, good diet, and making sure you study Elvis and rehearse. I take a lot of pride in having high energy on stage. Staying fit and healthy is crucial to keeping energy up all the way through the show.
Q. Looking back at the Ultimate in 2018, what did you feel your chances of winning were going into the competition? Was it a different feeling than the other years you had entered?
A. Absolutely zero, because until I got to Memphis I wasn’t qualified; so my main focus was just getting through the last chance competition. However, after I won last chance I relaxed a little in my head because I didn’t have long to prepare for the ultimate and over analyse everything.
Q. What were you thinking in the seconds just before it was announced, “Your 2018 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist is…Ben Thompson!” What were your thoughts and feelings when you realized you had won?
A. The wait felt like forever. I was looking around thinking anyone of us could walk away with this; but when they called my name, sheer relief washed over me. It was unbelievable! In my head, everything went silent. I took it in and then I came back to focus where everyone was cheering.
Ben Thompson as Elvis Presley in Blade Runner 2049.
Q. What valuable life lessons did you learn from your parents, or mentor, that you still use today?
A. Never give up. My drama teacher at school always encouraged me and said, “You go and do it!” Always turn a negative into a positive.
Q. Describe the highlights of your ETA career.
A. Definitely winning the Ultimate. Starring in Blade Runner 2049. Touring with the Sweet inspirations. Winning the Heart of the King award in Vegas. And of course travelling and touring the world and the meeting the people I have.
Q. What is the best part of being an ETA?
A. The best part of being an ETA is performing on stage and representing my idol and being an ambassador for his music and, of course, all the amazing friends I have made, the people Elvis has worked with, and the fans that help keep Elvis’s music alive. That’s all wonderful.
Q. Who are the important women in your life? Why are these women important to you?
A. My wife. She is a rock and manages to help me on the good days and bad days and I can always depend on her to be there for me.
Q. How are you different on stage compared to off stage?
A. When I’m on stage I’m trying to envision what Elvis would do and what he would say; but when I’m off stage, I’m just a regular Elvis fan like everyone else.
Q. Would you want to judge an ETA competition? What do you think are the challenges of being an ETA competition judge?
A. Yes, I would love to. The challenges would be making sure that your knowledge is 100% reliable enough and you’re in the position to be judgmental of those who put themselves forward and always thinking about if they’re being true to Elvis.
Q. How have the past two years under the shadow of COVID changed your view on life? How has your career been affected?
A. Yes, of course, like everyone my career had a break; however, I’m coming back stronger than ever. I have always been appreciative of my career, but now I know just how much it really does mean to me.
Q. In what international cities have you performed? How are audiences different in different countries?
A. I’m fortunate enough to have performed all over the world, including Europe, America, and Australia. Each audience reacts differently, but the love for Elvis is always there and they all have different Elvis songs which are their favourites.
Q. Is there a country where you really want to perform as an ETA?
A. Japan. Would love to visit and perform there, also Canada.
Q. What are your strengths as a performer?
A. High energy—I like to be authentic to Elvis. I know I’m not him, but I want to just recreate a tiny slither of what he used to do; and if I can make people happy when they come to my show, I always set out to do so.
Q. Describe your typical non-performance day.
A. Wake up, breakfast, do some work, hit the gym, play some golf, do some jobs, dinner with Ri.
Q. What makes you laugh?
A. Ri. Silly humour.
Q. How do you cope with disappointments in life?
A. Pick myself back up, dust myself off, and go again.
Q. If it were possible, what would you like to ask Elvis? What would you say to him?
A. Thank you. Thank you for everything you have given us. Also can I borrow a jumpsuit?
Photo Credit: Louis Young, with much appreciation.
Q. What do you treasure?
A. Memories and keepsakes from where we have travelled and our experiences.
Q. What has surprised you most about being an ETA?
A. The size of the ETA world. I couldn’t imagine how big it is and how close everyone is.
Q. Describe a special moment with a fan or audience member.
A. I gave a sweet girl my yellow jacket when I came second in the 2016 Ultimate contest. It made her day and that’s all I wanted to do.
Q. What sacrifices have you made for your ETA career?
A. We’ve missed many social and personal events especially when travelling. It’s a job that is seven days a week and you don’t leave it at the office; it comes home with you.
Q. What Elvis costume is your favourite? Why?
2018 Ultimate ETA Ben Thompson. Photo Credit: Champion Productions LTD.
A. I LOVE the fringe. It’s amazing how it moves and how simple designs can be effective. Also the fact it was based on a martial arts gee is amazing.
Q. What annoys you?
A. Ignorance and people judging your choice of lifestyle.
Q. What do you fear?
A. ET freaks me out.
Q. Describe a future that is specifically design for you.
A. A long happy successful touring show, a happy and healthy personal life, a great marriage and kids, and then maybe owning an animal sanctuary.
Q. Looking well into the future, how will you know when it is time to retire from being an ETA?
A. When I stop being able to give everything I’ve got and it starts becoming a job rather than a passion.
Q. Who are the people you would like to thank for being there throughout your ETA career?
A. Family and friends and every single person who has ever come to a show.
Q. What question would you ask a fellow ETA?
A. If you could do your career all over again, apart from Elvis, who would you choose to do a tribute to, or would you try to be yourself?
Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
A. I’m quite sensitive. I can also name a LOT of dinosaurs lol
Q. What song do you wish Elvis had recorded so you can sing it on stage during your tribute to Elvis?
A. I Will Always Love You. It would have been amazing.
Q. What question do you wish I had asked, but didn’t?
A. What defining moment changed who you are and how you think?
Q. How would you answer your own question?
A. When Covid happened I saw how fragile life really is and how much you have to put in to get what you want out of it.
Beautiful photo of 2018 Ultimate Ben Thompson taken by Louis Young.