By David DeRocco

Elvis may not have left the building just yet. But he’s definitely heading for the final exit.

August 16, 1977, Tupelo, Mississippi-born legend Elvis Aaron Presley died suddenly at the age of 42.  Saturday, May 27^th, Welland-born and St. Catharines raised Elvis tribute artist Pat Di Simine performs his final show after 42 years of keeping the King’s memory alive.  It may only be coincidence, but it’s a poignant and fitting end to a career that Si Simine says has brought him a lifetime of memories.

“Some of the shows I’ve done over the years have been really interesting,” said Di Simine, reminiscing about a life spent paying tribute to one of the most lauded American performers ever to come out of the south. “There was a tour with Ian Mitchell of the Bay City Rollers. I got to tour with him and we did about 20 shows in 30 days. Playing the Collingwood (ElvisFest) street dance to many mega-thousands of people was amazing. I also set up three Elvis festivals, including one in Thorold in 2006 and the Days of Elvis festival two years later. So there’s been some great highlights.”

Those festivals also gave Di Simine the rare privilege of working with former Elvis alumni, including long-time Elvis drummer D.J. Fontana and the world famous Stamps Quartet from Nashville, who served as backup vocalists to Elvis from 1971 until his death in ’77.  

“Those were great shows, and there was also the TV appearances, including The Shirley Show and the Dini Petty Show,” said Di Simine, whose final show is set for Club Heidelberg’s Rhine Cellar May 27. “They were awesome to do. But I’ve had a lot of fun doing this.”

 So why after 42 years and a lifetime paying tribute to his favourite singer is Di Simine hanging up his jumpsuit?

“It’s the last show simply because it’s time, time to move on to new things. I just feel it’s time to let the young guys, people like Pete Paquette and Anthony Vaughn, the young guys of the E.T.A. (Elvis Tribute Association) world carry the torch. I’m 55 years old now, and have been doing Elvis since I was six or seven. It’s time.”

Since launching his career with a performance at the old Inn On The Lake in St. Catharines, DiSimine the tribute artist – he is clear to avoid the word “impersonator” – has performed the entire Elvis catalogue too many times to remember. And now, with the end so near for the  man who performed as Elvis Little. DiSimine says he still holds a big love for Elvis.

“Elvis will always be the #1 entertainer in the world. His music still makes me happy, makes me laugh. And the fans are incredible. They’re always there to remind you as well. Without the fans Elvis was nothing and neither were we.  Bringing back memories, singing the songs of Elvis, was a great thing to do. I feel sad about giving it up, but I  have a lot of happy memories, and that’s all I  need.”

 Joining DiSimine at the Stars of the Century show is Doug McKenzie, singing the songs of Roy Orbison, and special guests The Heartstrings. 289-501-7340. Or visit http://www.DaysofElvis.wix.com/DaysOfElvis