Introduction

I am pleased to introduce ETA Mike Murchison to SIDEBURNS Magazine followers. Mike, who was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and now lives in Coaldale, Alberta, shares his heartfelt story of how a dormant passion that started many years ago in his youth was rediscovered by chance in 2019. Mike’s enthusiasm, and his recognition that winning friends is as important as winning titles and trophies, is admirable. I invite you all to enjoy Mike’s beautifully written bio that tells a story that will resonate with many other ETAs. Thank you for sharing your story and photos, Mike. Wishing you the best of luck at the Penticton Elvis Festival. Best regards, C.M.

Focus On: ETA Mike Murchison

It all started back in January 1973 when at the age of 12 years I experienced a moment in television history that changed my life. I was witnessing for the first time the broadcast of “ELVIS Aloha from Hawaii “. Up until that moment, I had never heard of Elvis Presley. I may have heard his music on the radio, but I don’t think I paid attention to it.

But to witness that concert and see such a talented man belting out song after song was incredible--the voice, the look, the suit and the sound of his band. It was a new world opening up to me.

From that moment on I spent what little money I had as a teenager in those days on records. I spent many afternoons in my room perfecting the moves, gestures and mannerisms. Remember, this was back before YouTube and the internet. My only source of reference was the occasional after school Elvis movie, or on rare occasions, the re-broadcast of “Elvis On Tour”, which wasn’t often.

I stepped out of my comfort zone in Junior High School and started doing my ETA routine to the cafeteria lunch crowds. It went over well and did wonders to boost my confidence.

When I finished high school, I went out into the big world and began working. My ETA act was put on hold for a very long time. Work, marriage, and family took precedence over my infatuation with the KING.

But life can take a strange turn now and then. I was on the computer one night back in April of 2019 when I came across the webpage for the Penticton Elvis Festival. Hmm! Why not? So I registered without giving it a second thought.

Unfortunately the competition was full. No room.

But somehow the stars lined up and I was informed that there was a cancellation. No! Really? Okay, let’s do this!

I knew little about backing tracks--where to find them, where to get the suits, or the rules and regulation, or who’s who in the ETA world. I just hopped on board and hung on for dear life.

Day in and day out, I sang my tail off rehearsing, loosening stiff muscles and working vocal chords. I lost 15 lbs for that competition. No, I didn’t make the finals; but I made something much better--friends.

What I experienced at the Penticton Elvis Festival was nothing short of a re-defining of a man—a man who worked very hard for many years and had forgotten about a passion that had been tucked away and nearly forgotten about.

People like Dave and Brenda Reisig-Martin, Sylvio Fontaine, John Van Vlack and Dino Marcus, DJ Dodge are all experienced and talented people in the ETA community who made me feel like one of the crew and gave advice and a lot of encouragement.

I found friends in loyal fans who support and spend their hard earned money to attend these festivals and heap kindness and support on the ETAs. I never experienced anything like it in my life, and because of it I have made some great friendships. But moreover, I have found a renewed purpose for an almost long lost passion to celebrate and share the music, spirit, and memories of the greatest singer to bless the planet.

The future looks bright. I’m participating in this year’s 2020 Penticton Elvis Festival, the 2020 Tweed Elvis Festival, and am waiting with fingers crossed to register for the 2020 Flaming Star Festival. I’m working on booking gigs but it’s difficult to do and juggle since I don’t have a booking agent and am currently driving long haul, trucking across Canada. Hopefully if the right doors open and the Good Lord willing I can leave the trucking behind and concentrate on my ETA show full-time.

It’s a long climb but it is doable. I’ve been told my voice is strong and my attitude is good. But the most important thing is this: I watch and learn from my colleagues in the ETA world. People like John Coates from Dublin Ireland, Matt Birse from Adelaide Australia, DJ Dodge, John Van Vlack, Eli Williams and Dino Marcus. These guys have been out there and do a fantastic job in their ETA tribute shows and always do it with respect and dignity keeping the spirit and good will of Mr. Presley’s legacy.

I’m a blessed man to have these opportunities to share what I have with the fans and fellow ETAs. I intend to continue improving my ETA tribute, book more shows, and give the best I can in honouring a man who gave so much to the world.

It’s a good day when you open your eyes and know you have another chance. It’s a great day when you know you got an Elvis tune pumping in your heart.

TCB my friends,

Mike Murchison

Faithtruck2@hotmail.com

(All photos used in this post are credited to, and provided by, Mike Murchison. Edits by Carolyn MacArthur.)